Located on University Avenue next to where Varsity Theater used to stand, Kit N’ Kitchen is a small Italian restaurant with some Chinese influences. The restaurant us usually fairly busy during peak hours, but unfortunately shares the small parking lot with a number of neighboring businesses like Bubbies and Ezogiku.

When we walked in for lunch a few of the tables were already occupied. We chose a table next to the windows and our server brought over the menus. Kit n’ Kitchen’s menu offers a wide variety of different dishes, primarily pastas. A large portion of the menu is comprised of “design your own” selections, allowing the customer to choose what sort of ingredients they’d like in their pasta and match it with their choice of sauce.

We decided to go with one of the special set menu’s, which included a choice of soup, appetizer and entree.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Touted on the menu as a “creamy” mushroom soup, this soup turned out to be just the opposite. There was very little evidence of cream at all. The soup base was not well seasoned, and in the end the whole thing tasted like vegetables boiled in water and oil.

Shrimp Scampi Appetizer

For our appetizer we decided to try the shrimp scampi. After our experience with the soup we weren’t quite sure what to expect. Fortunately for us the scampi was prepared in a much better fashion than the soup. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and served in a bath of garlic oil along with a few pieces of toasted bread. The garlic oil sauce was delicious, and I must admit I dunked each piece of bread into the sauce before eating.

Italian Sausage Pasta

One of the main dishes we had ordered was this Italian sausage pasta. While the sausages themselves were quite flavorful (albeit a little on the sweet side for my tastes), the rest of the dish was just average. The sauce was not as well seasoned as I would have liked, at times tasting like nothing more than tomato sauce.

Pesto Chicken

Our second dish was the Pesto Chicken. The chicken was well prepared, retaining its moisture. The pesto was fairly good, although not quite as powerful as pesto sauces you might find elsewhere. Overall the dish was satisfactory, but nothing I’d go out of my way to order again.

Final thoughts: In my past experiences here I have found that Kit n’ Kitchen’s menu is quite inconsistent. Some menu items are very good, while others are just average or even poor. While service is always fast and friendly, I find myself wishing that the food was a little better prepared for the price you pay. If you do find yourself eating here, I would highly recommend sticking with the garlic oil based dishes and pastas, as they have proved to be the most consistent.

Service:		Average +
Food:		Average
Atmosphere:		Average +
Overall Value:		Average

*Star ratings are based in comparison to similar establishments by food type and price range.

Price:

$10-$20 per person

Kit N’ Kitchen
1010 University Avenue Honolulu, HI 96823
Phone: 808.942.7266

Located on Kamehameha Highway in the heart of Wahiawa is a small Italian restaurant named Cafe Olive. From the outside Cafe Olive doesn’t appear to be much, in fact it seems very ordinary. To be honest I probably would not have tried this restaurant, or known about it, if an acquaintance of mine hadn’t suggested I give it a try. What awaited me inside was a pleasant lunch I did not expect!

Inside Cafe Olive

One step inside of Cafe Olive and you can already tell that this is certainly one book you can’t judge by its cover. On the outside the restaurant is very ordinary, located within just another small building in Wahiawa. Inside you are taken into a lovely little Italian restaurant with warm wooden tones. The walls are decorated with colorful paintings and bottles. The ambiance of Cafe Olive is certainly not what I had envisioned, far exceeding my expectations.

The only logistical problem I could see is the parking lot, which offers maybe a dozen stalls at most. These stalls are also shared with the neighboring businesses in the building, so if the restaurant is busy you may need to search for street parking.

After being seated we browsed the menu and ordered a few dishes. Here is what we sampled:

House Bread w/ Garlic Butter

This house bread is actually complimentary. A little different from your usual bread in that the individual slices are actually crisp throughout, with a great crunch to them. The simple yet delicious garlic butter was a great addition, although these pieces of bread might be saved for making use of your leftover pasta sauce!

Fried Calamari

To start off we ordered a classic Italian appetizer, the deep fried calamari. These calamari pieces were fried to a golden brown color, leaving the kitchen and arriving at our table with a great aroma. The calamari was pretty fresh, absent of any real “fishy” taste. The sauce provided was well prepared, with a good combination of spices.

Shrimp Vodka

For my dish I decided to try a shrimp pasta with a cream sauce that had a kick of vodka in it. The sauce over the pasta was very rich and creamy, with just a hint of alcoholic taste. The shrimp was well seasoned and cooked perfectly. The pasta noodles themselves were cooked well to a nice “al dente.”

Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage

The second dish we ordered was a chianti based tomato sauce served over penne pasta with Italian sausage. This dish was delicious! The tomato sauce was very well prepared, full of flavor and zest. The Italian sausage added a great hint of oiliness to the dish, along with the excellent flavor of the sausage itself. We were really pleased with this pasta.

Final thoughts: Of the Italian restaurants I have visited recently, I must admit that Cafe Olive proved to be one of the more memorable dining experiences. The small yet quaint restaurant setting creates a great atmosphere for enjoying the delicious Italian fare. If you are ever in Wahiawa, or live on the Leeward side, I would definitely recommend stopping by Cafe Olive.

Service:		Average +
Food:		Above Average
Atmosphere:		Above Average
Overall Value:		Above Average

*Star ratings are based in comparison to similar establishments by food type and price range.

Cafe Olive
71 S Kamehameha Hwy Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786
Phone: 808.621.7997

I have been a long time customer of the Verbano location on King Street, but it has been quite some time since I dined at their Waialae Avenue spot. Verbano is a small two-location restaurant franchise that serves good Italian food in an intimate setting.

Inside Verbano on Waialae

Both locations are dimly lit, with most of the light coming from a flickering candle on your tabletop. Once the sun sets that restaurant has a pretty romantic atmosphere, but remains relaxed and casual as well. The restaurant is almost always filled with the faint aroma of Italian cooking.

Verbano’s menu encompasses a wide variety of Italian dishes, but most customers choose to partake in the pasta selections. Unlike many Italian restaurants, Verbano offers two different portion sizes to each dish, affording customers with lighter appetites the chance to order a smaller portion. In addition to the extensive menu, Verbano offers a selection of wines and other cocktails from the bar.

As soon as we walked in we were seated immediately and presented with menus. Having been to Verbano many times before, I was familiar with the menu layout which separates the various forms of pasta by the type of meat used in the dish. Beef, veal, poultry, and seafood are the primary divisions on the menu.

Verbano’s House Bread

With any regular menu item Verbano provides a complimentary loaf of house bread. The bread at Verbano has always been great! Our bread (and subsequent loaves) was fresh and very hot, with a perfectly crunchy exterior. This bread is perfect for dipping in leftover sauces.

Clam Casino

Typically I have not ordered appetizers at Verbano, but tonight I decided to give the Clam Casino a try. These clams are simply cooked in a sauce of garlic, olive oil, butter, and wine. The wonderful flavor of the sauce goes well with the clams (and the house bread).

Caesar Salad

The Caesar Salad was a bit small for the price, but was fairly good in taste. If you are not a fan of Caesar salad dressings that incorporate anchovies, this particular salad is probably not for you, as the taste of anchovies is very prevalent.

Chicken Casino

The Chicken Casino is a mixture of chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and garlic tossed with spaghetti pasta and an olive oil sauce. This was a small portion, which still proved to be quite filling. While the overall taste of the dish was good, I think that a little more sauce could have been added as at times the pasta was a tad dry.

Pollo Alla Puttanesca

The Pollo Alla Puttanesca features island fresh chicken prepared with potatoes and onions. The pasta is topped with a sauce made of butter, olive oil, and capers. The individual pieces of chicken were very delicious, having that great “island fresh” taste about them. The ingredients were seasoned well, and the simple yet tasty sauce over the pasta was a great compliment to the dish overall.

Final thoughts: If you are looking for a venue to enjoy Italian cooking with an more private or casually intimate setting, Verbano might be a good choice for you. Service was excellent, tending to our table with great diligence. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very appropriate for a date or casual dinner with friends. While the food is at times varying in taste, overall I’d say that Verbano does a fair job in preparing their dishes.

Service:		Above Average
Food:		Average +
Atmosphere:		Above Average
Overall Value:		Average +

*Star ratings are based in comparison to similar establishments.

Verbano Ristorante Italiano
3571 Waialae Ave # 101 Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: 808.735.1777

Monday-Saturday: 11AM-230PM for lunch, 5PM-10PM for dinner
Sunday: Dinner only 5PM-10PM

Tags: Hawaii Food, Hawaii Food Review, Verbano, Verbano review, Italian food hawaii

If you’re from Leeward Oahu or have ever shopped at Pearlridge, you’ve probably seen or even dined at Bravo. It’s conveniently located on the corner of Kaonohi Street and Kamehameha Highway, under Anna Miller’s, and has free parking. Bravo is best known for their consistently delicious Italian food, friendly atmosphere, and reasonable prices. It was the 2004 ‘Ilima Award Winner in the Italian category, in addition to being voted Best Leeward Restaurant. (more…)

LA Pizza Rina is probably one of my favorite places to get pizza.

A 13″ medium pizza with two toppings cost $13.00. Not bad. But what is bad is the skimpy ass portion. Today we decided to get a medium pizza, with with three toppings instead of two. Each additional topping is only .60 cents. I had three quarters in my pocket I was planning on saving for drying my laundry when I got back home, but sometimes enjoying your meal is worth went panties. I remember the sausage was phenomenal last time so I ordered sausage, with extra sausage and pepperoni, 3 toppings right? As you can see, my wet laundry wasn’t worth it. There’s barely three pieces of sausage per slice. What a shitty deal.

Oh well, so I got sausage fucked, doesn’t change my love for them. Check out the stringy cheese on these babies. In my last post on them I mentioned the stringiness of their cheese. Here’s the proof. Love it.

We also shared the La Pizza Rina Super Sub, 12″-$.6.95. This is a better deal than Quiznos.

As you can see all three of us were able to get a generous portion. I’m not really a sandwich whore but today the sandwich surprisingly hit the spot. I think I enjoyed it more than the pizza.

Ham, salami, capicola, pepperoni and cheese with tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and La Pizza Rina’s Special Sauce. If you love pizza and sandwiches you should definitely make this you next outing.

Here’s my last review on La Pizza Rina. 

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La Pizza Rina
1425 S King St
Honolulu, HI96814

Get Directions(808) 941-6634

Cruising down Waikiki can be a bit overwhelming. Big name brand shops here, restaurant there, little Asians passing out fliers over there, and more tourist shops here. It’s so much to take in, even for the natives, which is probably why they don’t come to this part of the island, that and they have this idea that we’re taking all their land. I’ve been living in Waikiki for a year now and I’m still uncovering hidden treasures tucked down lonely streets and buried between sky high buildings. There’s a ton of them just waiting to be explored so keep an open eye. I spotted Arancino while strolling through the chaotic streets of Waikiki. I made a turn down a quite road trying to get away from all the commotion and I came upon Arancinos.

Arancino’s is a quaint little eatery. What you see here is all there is, just two small rows of tables. We came here for lunch and as you can see they weren’t very busy.

We started off with a modest loaf of bread. The rosemary on top gives off the illusion of a fresh loaf of bread filled with herbs. It’s an illusion, rosemary was just sprinkled on top, I didn’t taste any herbs here. Ray and I have this one basket rule when it comes to bread but this time I broke it because as you can see, one basket isn’t very much. Ray hated the bread, said it was as boring as bread can be. I didn’t mind it so much with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Glancing over the menu I realized that this was one of those places that look small, cute and inviting, but is actually small, cute, inviting and not so cheap. Well that sucks because I really wanted to like this place and wanted to come back. But I guess I should of known, after-all, it’s still Waikiki right? Oh bother, let’s see what to order to fill us up without raping a hole in my wallet. Ah, here we go, The Margherita Pizza, which is just a fancy way of saying margarita pizza. The menu said it was fresh mozzarella, basil, and homemade tomato sauce, $14.25. I have tasted many margarita pizzas in my time to know that this is a sorry embarrassing example of a margarita pizza. I mean, I know the menu said, mozzarella, basil and tomato sauce, but what about the tomato slice on each piece of pizza, and look at the skimpy amount of tomato sauce, and cheese, and basil. You know those pathetic mini frozen pizzas you get at the grocery store for around $1.79 on sale, those were a million times more exciting than the one you see here. Actually those are fucking amazing when you’re a little buzzed and you’re at home watching a game and drinking beer, I know some of you can relate. Anyhow, Ray and I got to talking and it wouldn’t have taken much to make this pizza a little bit more pleasing. This is what I suggest. Cut up slices of tomato and put one slice on each piece of pizza, add a bit more tomato sauce and cheese, chop up some basil so you get to taste the fresh herb with every other bite and also leave the whole ones for garnish in the center. There you have it, a thousand times better than that sorry piece of shit you guys call a margarita pizza.

If your in Waikiki and you want pizza don’t come here. Take your money to California Pizza Kitchen about 3 blocks away. I usually don’t support corporate places but at least they know what the fuck is going on. But if you do want Italian, just not pizza and you have the cash to burn stay at Arancino and check it out. The place is adorable, the menu looked mouthwatering and service was done with a smile. Happy eating to you.

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Arancino Pizza and Pasta
255 Beach Walk
Honolulu, HI96815

Get Directions(808) 923-5557

So my friends and I got to talking about those places to eat that have ridiculous service. Not ridiculously good but ridiculously outright in your face sassy service. We exchanged horror stories. I brought up a place called Green Door in China Town. I haven’t written about it because at the time I didn’t have a food blog but this lady was so crazy. She was definitely in a world where customer service didn’t exist. She got to us when she felt like it, straight up ignored us when we asked for something and even suggested we go else where. And then when we ordered she told us that that wasn’t what we wanted and she totally picked us out something without even confirming it with us. Crazy right? It’s straight comedy and I love it. Now, not every place could pull off service like this but those who can and still do well must have something impressive to put out on the table. My friend was like we have to go to this place called eight and a half. She said that this guy is like a soup nazi. He’ll serve food by throwing it at you, has no problem kicking people out and has a very extreme mannerism about himself. Anyhow, is wife is suppose to be super sweet and his kid is supposely some musical protege. After our conversation I had to experience soup nazi service for myself.

Once inside you could tell the owners had a love and passion for music. The place was a mix of earthy meets jazzy, a very nice mix.

We started off with some bread, free of course. I think it was the owners wife that served us. She seemed very pleasant, sweet and obedient. The owner was conversing with the table next to us. Is it crazy that I was disappointed that I didn’t get the brusque service I was so looking forward to. Ah, oh well, let’s eat.

This was my friends order, Ratiatore Verde, kiawe grilled steak on zucchini pesto pasta, $13.00. She gets this dish every time she comes. I got a chance to try it and I could see why. Very tasty.

This was my pick, Stufato Di Manzo, Italian Beef Stew with rice or mashed potatoes, $12.00. It kinda looks like cow diarrhea doesn’t it. Well despite it’s looks it was very tasty. I didn’t pick mash potatoes it just came with it. I actually was hoping for rice instead. The dish had great flavor but was very fatty. I know some fat is necessary for flavor but this was slightly overboard. Since I have no class I didn’t mind spitting out the fat on to a napkin. My ba-dunk-ka-dunk butt has enough junk in the trunk, no need for more.

My other girlfriend got the Pollo In Potacchio, chicken in wine, tomato sauce and herbs with rice or mash potatoes, $12.00. She was very happy with her dish and said it reminded her of some hearty southern food with mash potatoes. Of course I got to try it and it was exactly as she has described it, hearty souther Italian.

This was the extent of the abrupt service I was looking forward to. I’m gonna have to agree with it. It doesn’t surprise me that the owner is a San Francisco native. Anyhow, come on down to this place. I can’t guarantee that you’ll get spectacular bad service, but you will get delightfully simple Italian cuisine at a not very bad price.

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Cafe VIII 1/2
1067 Alakea St
Honolulu, HI96813

Get Directions(808) 524-4064

Lights, Camera, Action!

Here’s another chain that doesn’t get enough credit. The first Buca opened up only 14 years ago in an apartment basement in Minneapolis. Today there are 93 Bucas nationwide. That’s pretty fucking impressive. Luckily, Hawaii is home to 1 of the 93. Buca di Beppo of Hawaii is located in the Ward Entertainment Center right below Dave and Busters and Edward Cinema. I try to avoid this area in the evenings of Thursday, Friday and Saturday because the area is festering with annoying pubescent teens.

I forgot to take a picture of the inside for this blog. I’ve been to quite a few Bucas before and all of them have the same nostalgic Italian decor. Walls are cluttered with pictures and random flare. Table tops are covered with the traditional red and white table covers. Along with the dim lighting everything seems to flow nicely.

One reason why I love it here so much is because you have the option to order your dish as a small individual dish or a large family style dish. In the spirit of Italian culture everyone should order family style when dining here. It’s just so much fun to be able to eat what everyone else is eating and talk about it. Here we ordered a large linguine frutti di mare, aka, seafood linguine, $21.99. The large is $31.99. It was my favorite pasta noodle, linguine mixed with shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari. Yum!

First I want to apologize for the shitty picture. You see, one of the troubles of going to a place with really nice lighting is taking a really nice picture. You see, I don’t have the expensive extras to go along with my fancy camera, so I have to decide, do I use the flash or do I not? Here I used the flash, it looks really bright and I apologize. When I can afford to buy a fancy flash and lens for the camera I will. Anyway, this is the Small Spicy Sausage and Mushroom Pizza, $14.99. It was yummy as always.

Now I know this place isn’t exactly cheap, but if you come here with a big or small group and order a few dishes it could be. There was 3 of us and we ordered two small dishes and there was left overs to be had. I don’t suggest coming here if you plan on being stingy and not sharing, unless you can afford to. Happy eating to you.

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Bucca Di Beppo
1030 Auahi Street #1
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 591-0800

My friend Sara is leaving me. She and Justin, her boyfriend, are moving to New York. I don’t know why the hell I bothered investing so much time into our relationship when I knew she was going to leave me anyway. For her going away dinner I was like, “yeah, I’m totally there, but if you can try to keep it affordable.” I should of known better. The Garlic Restaurant is their favorite restaurant in all of Oahu. After my first visit, I now know why.

This place looks like it was once a nice size house turned into a restaurant. There’s seating out front, on what looks like what once was a spacious patio (picture above) and seating inside.

The ambiance is a fusion between Asian and outdoor patio. Somehow they made it work. I think it was the nice mood lighting that made the place seem so charming and pleasantly attractive.

I’m not going to lie to you guys. This place is expensive. It’s very important that everybody knows this and now that you do, lets carry on. Also, it’s important to mention that every dish here contains garlic so if your a garlic whore, you will fill right at home here.
We started off with Garlic Toast, $8.00. The garlic toast here is done differently than I’ve ever seen. It arrives at the table nice and hot with two rolls standing straight up. The server, uses his tools to shove this garlic mix into the roll and once it was stuffed to his liking he cuts it up and places it ever so gently on top of eachother. Very interesting and entertaining I must say.

And there you have it, the end result. How did it taste? Can anyone say salty. Now for the record, I’m extremely sensitive to salt and I’m not one to take advice from when it comes to garlic bread. In my opinion, garlic bread in general is too salty. Now if your a garlic bread whore, don’t deny it, this would blow your fucking mind

Ninniku-Ya Seafood Crab Cakes, $10.00. One word, Orgasmic. If you’ve never had these balls, then you haven’t lived. I don’t care how old you are. As soon as I took a bite, that was it, the first day of my life started. Wow, is this what if feels like to be a born again Christian? This feels good, real good. These crab balls had real actual chunks of crab in it, not just mixed in batter like most crab cakes. Ray, he wont be happy if I tell you this but I’m going to anyway. He dropped a piece of it on the table and picked it up and still ate it. He didn’t think I saw him but I did. Sorry honey, I saw you, that’s disgusting.

We also ordered Fresh Carpaccio, $16.00. This dish was mouth water. It was tender, flavorful, and just simply delectable.

You know I couldn’t wait till dessert to have my dessert. For the last of our pupus I ordered a creme brulee. This was the reject dish and it sucks that it had to be dessert. Does this look like creme brulee to anyone? Creme brulee is suppose to have a hard sugar coating. One of the best parts of this dessert is cracking into it with a spoon. There was no crack because there was not a proper layer of crispy sugar on top. Not only was there not a proper layer of sugar, but it was pretorched and left in the refrigerator until it was ordered. How horrible is that? So what little sugar was there was chewy and stuck like tar on the ends of everyone’s tooth. And the creme brulee itself was lumpy, like it had coagulated from being in the fridge for too long. They really should of saved their good name and reputation and told me they were out. Lie to me, I understand. This was by far the worst creme brulee I have ever encountered.

Time to get down to the nitty gritty, or main course. Everything looked so good that I suggested that we all share, everyone agreed. This is the Garlic Pasta, $16.00, tossed in a garlic butter wine sauce with bacon and chili pepper. This dish was a bit dry, but still really good. If your crazy about bacon you love this because not only does it have lots bacon, but its the real big thick pieces of bacon, not the skinny thin ones.

Seafood Risotto, $28.00, a mixture of tiger shrimp, mussels, scallops, calamari, and salmon with a choice of saffron or gorgonzola risotto. This was a winner in everyone’s eyes. This dish had a creamy classy style that stayed hot to the very last bite.

First off I want to apologize for the horrible picture. There was a lot of movement going on, and a lot of pressure weighed on me to take a picture before the waiter finish slicing up the rack of lamb. It came on a piping hot sizzling platter. The lamb chops were accompanied with a scoop of mash potato and three slices of squash with half a cherry tomato on top. The waiter sliced up the chops right before my eyes and then placed the mash potato and squash on a separate plate. Again, very entertaining.

Did I mention the massive load of whole garlic pieces that came along with the rack of lamb? Hope you love garlic because it made up for the sorry amount of lamb we got. Sara and Justin said that they ordered this dish before and it was always bigger. So I guess this time was just a fluke. However, the the four pieces of lamb we did get was delicious. If your in the mood for meat order the rib eye steak or New York Steak, both 16 oz each, and looked massive as we all stared in awe at the table next to us that ordered the dish.

Here’s the mashed potato and squash after the sizzle. The mash potatoes had a crispy bottom that slightly cracked with each bite. I wasn’t expecting it, but it was pleasantly welcomed.

A trio of spices came with the lamb for some added flavor and variety.

Overall I have to say, despite the creme brule I was thrilled with this place. Services was professional, ambiance was elegant, food was amazing, and prices were, lets say challenging.

You guys ready for a quick story? So after dinner we walk out front to take pictures of the front of the place for this food blog. As were walking to the back where our car is parked I peeked my camera over the fence between some plants to take a picture of the front dinning patio. Well, I guess some customers there thought that I was being rude taking pictures of them so while we were driving out of the parking lot we were stopped by some young little Asian female that stood right in the middle of our path. Never underestimate the powder of little Asian females. She calls out, “there they are!” And who comes to her rescue, an old Caucasian man who looks just like a pedophile I seen on Dateline with Chris Hansen. He gives us a wave and sarcasticly goes, “hey, how you guys doing? Having a nice night?” as he flashes pictures of us with his camera. We wave back, smile for the camera and run them over, at least that’s what I want and encourage Ray to do, because I’m a little Asian female too. “Run them over honey, thats an easy 20 points!” But instead, we smile, drive off as we laugh our asses off and think, “what the fuck?” No one ever said food blogging was an easy job. Here’s the shitty picture I got for all that trouble.

Does anyone see the little gecko in the bottom left hand corner?

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Garlic Restaurant Ninniku-Ya

3196 Waialae Ave,
Honolulu, HI

(808) 735-0784

Spaghettini is a fun pasta/pizza joint located right on the main strip of Haleiwa.

All seating is outside, under a shaded rooftop.

Pizza is on display behind a glass window and run about $3.50 per slice. The pasta menu is in picture so you can see what it looks like before you eat it. There’s a mini size about $8.00 and regular size for about $10.00. You also have the option to turn your pasta into a combo meal by adding a small salad and drink for $3.25.

My friend Ona got a slice of Cheese Pizza, $2.85.

Ray ordered a Pepperoni Sausage & Ham, $3.45. If you ask me the pizza here taste the way they look, pretty basic. But in all honesty, I’m not the one to comment on pizza because I am not a pizza whore. I know there’s a lot of pizza whores out there so feel free to leave a suggestion on the best pizza joint on this island. Pizza is bread, cheese and meat. Anyway you put that together is gonna be good. But if I had to have it more than twice a week I’ll slice my fucking throat.

This is my order. I told you I’m no whore when it comes to pizza. I know a lot of people will hate me for saying this, but I’m entitled to my opinion. Pizza is overrated. There I said it, get over it. I saw pasta on the menu. Pictures can be very tantalizing and I weighed my options. Pizza? Pasta? Pizza? Pasta? Pasta it is. I ordered Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine a regular order for $10.65. There was a few things about this plate that I liked and didn’t like. I liked that it came with bread, I liked the added mushrooms, I loved the pine nuts sprinkled and parsley flakes on top. I didn’t like the amount of onions put into this dish. Don’t get me wrong, I love white onions, and they do add a hint of sweetness when cooked but it was a little over the top. I wish I would of taken a picture because towards the end of my meal was a few noodles and a whole lot of onion bathing in alfredo sauce. Overall, this dish didn’t do it for me. It’s not because of the onions. You know that feeling when you crave something and when you finally eat it, it wasn’t everything you hoped it would be, but your over it and don’t really crave it anymore. That is what this dish was for me. But, it’s a great place to hang out and get fast decent pasta and pizza.

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Spaghettini
66-200 Kamehameha Hwy
Haleiwa, HI 96712
(808) 637-0104

Our friends are Auntie Pasto’s whores. It seems like they’re there almost every other week. Last week Sara’s sister came over from the big island and where did they go for dinner? Auntie Pasto’s of course. After my first visit here I can see why. A group of us made it out here one night and we all agree, Auntie Pasto’s is the shit.

I was a little surprised at how nice the place was. The candles and dim lights gave this place a charm and glow that makes you feel very welcomed.

Now if you do plan on getting an appetizer you must get the Mozzarella Marinara, $7.00. It’s mozzarella cheese wrapped in fresh crepes and tomato sauce. Basically a little bit of cheesy heaven in your mouth. I’m not even a fan of cheese, if you ask me, when it comes to cheese, less is more, or in most cases I’d rather do without. But this Mozzarella Marinara thing, oh, it’s different, a league of her own, I kid you not. Justin and Sara were like, “try it, it’s good.” As soon as I cut into it, hot melted cheese oozes out like hot lava. I secretly wanted to take the dish all to myself and run and eat while I ran so when I was caught I would turn around with an empty plate in hand and a mouth full of cheese, but instead I decided to be mature about this and took another, rather large bite.

This is the Madeline Salad, $6.25. This salad was sensational. It has a light sweetness that does summer saults on your tongue. My complaint is that it was so small and that within minutes of us finally finding each other I felt alone, abandon and scared wondering what just happen. Are you really gone? How can you be gone already when we just met?
Really, the salad wasn’t much bigger than this, I took one large bite and then realized I had to take a picture. It’s a good salad to start with, but what about those people who don’t start with salad but have it as an entree? There’s no way this could fill anyone up. I guess it’s a good thing this wasn’t my entree.

Sara got a Hail Caesar, $5.50. Again it wasn’t that big, and we took a bite before we realized we had to take a picture.

I was so happy to see a nice array of choices to choose from on the dessert menu. I was torn, tiramisu or creme brulee? It’s been a while since I had really good creme brulee, so creme brulee it was and of course I had to have it as my appetizer, why torture myself and wait till after dinner? Sometimes patience is just stupid. It was everything I had hoped for and so much more. The creme brulee cost $5.00 and even though it was worth every penny it was so not enough. Even Ray was in love with it and he’s not a fan of custard at all. Everyone agreed, it wasn’t enough, more, we need more.

Here’s my main course Creamy Pesto, $9.75. It’s extra green because I added some spinach to it for no extra charge. The waiter waiter goes,”you could have it any way you want.” Yum. It was good, but I would have traded it for the creme brulee in a heart beat.

Shane and Justin got this plate, Gnocchi (nee-okkee) $11.00. It really looked a lot better than the picture looks. Potato dumplings served with meat, mushrooms or a creamy pesto sauce. I think this is with the meat sauce, but no guarantees. Shane had Justin order for him and I don’t live with Justin so I can’t ask him.

This was Sara’s dish and I liked this one better than mine so I kept secretly taking bites of hers. She never notice because she’s a lush and loves red wine. Fried Eggplant & Gorgonzola $9.50.

It’s hard for Ray to pass up good pizza. This is the Margarite, Neapolitan-style, 10.95. I love that they sprinkled basil all over this thing. It was good, but I don’t think it was Oh My God, good.

So time for dessert. If it were up to me I would have picked the tiramisu but it’s not always about me. This was a group decision and we decided upon the Cannoli, $4.00. Here I am modeling the cannoli. I know this picture makes it look like a pile of white shit, but I swear it didn’t look like that in person. Along with the cannoli we orderd another creme brulee.

I gotta say, with all the places I still have yet to visit, I will definitely make it back here. Our friends had friend who worked here so when we got our tab, all five crafts of wine, all the dessert and a few other dishes were left off so it made our dining experience even more satisfying. I don’t know how anyone can’t love this place.

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Auntie Pasto’s Restaurant
1099 S. Beretania St.
Honolulu, HI 96814