Page 4 - Dining Out - Sep 26 2021
P. 4

  Cover Story
  Olive Garden Ala Moana general manager Jasmine Luecke and Olive Garden Kapolei general manager Jasmine Doropan toast
a glass of Roscato Sweet Red ($20 bottle/$7.99 glass), while surrounded by some of the restaurant’s bestsellers.
    Story by
KYLE GALDEIRA
Photos by
ANTHONY CONSILLIO
      For years, local enthusiasts of Italian cuisine would salivate as television commercials showcased the delicious menu options that have made Olive Garden such a popular dining destination across the country.
However, until the restaurant opened its first Hawaii location nearly a year ago in Ala Moana Center, the only way local pa- trons could get their “O.G.” fix was to make a stop at the restaurant as part of a vacation or business trip to the continent. After years of anticipation and waiting patiently (some- times!), Olive Garden continues to serve up its popular entrées, desserts, salads, soups and appetizers within the Hookipa Terrace of the bustling shopping center.
“From the day we first opened our doors last October, the amount of positive feedback hasbeenabsolutelyamazing,”saysJasmine Luecke, general manager of Olive Garden’s
Ala Moana location. “Guests have comment- ed on how long they’ve been waiting for Ol- ive Garden to reach the islands, and now that we’re here, they’re thrilled even more so with the opening of our second location in Kapolei. We have a ton of regular guests that dine with us weekly, which makes us really happy because it shows we’re doing something right.”
Olive Garden’s iconic breadsticks are a ne- cessity when dining at the restaurant, and are usually the first thing guests ask for. Luecke notes that the breadsticks are complemented by adding one of Olive Garden’s housemade dipping sauces ($5.49 regular; $7.49 large): marinara, five-cheese marinara or Alfredo.
Tour of Italy ($24.99) is another Olive Gar- den staple, as Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico and the signature Fettucine Alfredo come together on one plate. The trio is per- fect for anyone who wants a taste of all three.
The aforementioned Chicken Parmigiana ($22.49) is an Olive Garden classic featuring house made mari- nara and a side of spaghetti. Lasagna Classico ($20.99) is constructed with layers of pasta, Parmesan, mozza- rella, Pecorino Romano and Olive Garden’s housemade meat sauce.
Shrimp Scampi ($22.99)
is prepared in a zesty gar-
lic sauce and tossed with
asparagus, tomatoes and
angel hair pasta. Chicken and Shrimp Car- bonara ($24.99) features spaghetti tossed in a creamy sauce with bacon and roasted red peppers.
“‘We’re all family’ is what Olive Garden is really about,” Luecke says. “We treat every
guest like family and put heavy focus on providing the best guest experience pos- sible, especially during times like these. Our atmosphere, piping-hot food and amazing guest service all play a part in making sure our guests are leaving with that ‘wow’ factor
4 / Dining Out / Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2021
1












































































   2   3   4   5   6