Botanico Waikiki

Burrata and Tomato

I was so impressed by Botanico Waikiki when I attended their media event, that I returned with my friend who was visiting Hawaii. My friend has a gluten allergy and fortunately Botanico offers gluten free spaghetti.

We started with the Burrata and Tomato appetizer and I had the House Bolognese which was one of my favorites from the media event. Dinner was delicious! 

House Bolognese

Botanico offers Kama'aina 10% off dinner and 20% off lunch for food only and excludes happy hour. Seems like you need to ask for this discount as it was not offered to me when I dined. The restaurant is open daily from 11:30am and provides 3 hours validated parking at Waikiki Shopping Plaza with a minimum purchase of $30 in the restaurant. 

Botanico
Waikiki Shopping Plaza 1F
2250 Kalakaua Ave #101
Honolulu, HI 96815

Read More

Botanico Now Open - Waikiki's Urban Italian Retreat

Spaghetti Pescatore

Botanico, the 12th Hawai’i restaurant and newest concept from the Zetton Group has opened and is now serving lunch and dinner. Located in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, the Italian eatery is meant to be warm and inviting; a sort of hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. 

On the menu are pasta, fresh seafood, and a curated menu of Mediterranean favorites by Executive Chef Yuta Tamano. My favorites from the media preview dinner were the House Bolognese, Braised Beef Cheek, and the Moussaka with Pinsa Bread. Gluten-free spaghetti is also available on the menu. 

Charcuterie

Moussaka with Pinsa bread - Greek style eggplant gratin, beef ragu, bechamel sauce, potatoes

Beet & Cauliflower Hummus

Burrata & Tomato

Pan Seared Ahi & Mediterranean Vegetables

Vongole E Bottarga Conchiglie - clams, bottarga, garlic white wine sauce

Carbonara with Housemade Pancetta

House Bolognese

Braised Beef Cheek

Pork Milanese

Gorgeous dining area

Outside seating

Botanico is open daily from 11:30am to 11pm and provides 3 hours validated parking at Waikiki Shopping Plaza. Reservations are available via OpenTable and walk-ins are also welcome.

Botanico

Waikiki Shopping Plaza 1F

2250 Kalakaua Ave #101

Honolulu, HI 96815

Read More

Da Spot

At Da Spot in Moiliili, you'll find a menu of flavorful entrees, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, side dishes, and desserts. Not only is everything delicious, but everything is affordable! Main dishes start at $6.00 for a mini plate, which includes two scoops of saffron or brown rice and tossed salad.

Another great deal on the menu is the $6 acai bowl.  Yes, you read right ... $6! And it's a hefty serving of acai too!

Don't forget to save room for the baklava!

DA SPOT

2569 South King Street

(808) 941-1313

Read More

Lunch at The Street, A Michael Mina Social House

My hubby and I had dined at The Street, a Michael Mina Social House when it first opened, and we were not impressed. But I'm all for second chances, so when Gem and I were deciding on a place for our next lunch date, I suggested The Street, since Gem had never dined there before, and I wanted to give it another try.  

The Street is a conglomeration of dining concepts, each featuring a menu from different chefs.  Gem and I decided to try a few dishes from Little Lafa, which is Michael Mina's own concept. 

We decided to dine family style so that we could try a few dishes on the menu.  Best decision ever!

The Falafel Tots were unfamiliar to the both of us but we tried it anyways.  

It was ok, but the highlight of our experience was definitely the Yemenite Short Rib Lafa! Full of tender short rib beef and colorful veggies, it was heaven on a plate. And since it came with two lafas, it was perfect for sharing.  

We just had to try the za'atar fries since we both love fries.  We requested it with the sauce on the side, although I'm sure they are best when the sauce is drizzled all over. 

One of the main reasons for selecting The Street is so that we could try Michelle Carr's shave ice at Aloha Ice.  

I used to have this preconceived notion that no shave ice is worth $9.99, but Aloha Ice proved me wrong. Their Strawberry Hibiscus shave ice is amazing. 

Things to know before you go:

1) Show your local ID for a Kama'aina discount

2) Members of the military with CAC cards get 50% off

2) Purchase $10 or more for validated parking (first hour is free!)

3) Aloha Ice opens at 12 pm

The Street, A Michael Mina Social House

2330 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 330

(808) 377-4402

Read More

Ruscello Revisited

My aunty and I decided to meet for lunch today at Ruscello, located on the third floor of Nordstrom in Ala Moana Center. It was the first time for my aunt, who rarely ventures past Kaimuki these days.

She elected to sit at a table in the open-air lanai, which was actually a nice place to enjoy our mid-day lunch, despite the noise from the construction going on at Park Lane

It's been about a year since I last dined here with Gem, when the restaurant was in its infancy (read about her experiences at Ruscello here).  I recall the food was outstanding, but the service was just so-so.  

This time around, both the food and service were outstanding. We shared the ginger panko crusted chicken salad, kalua pork sandwich, and sorbet & gelato.  It was the perfect amount of food for the two of us.  

Ginger Panko Crusted Chicken Salad

Kalua pork sandwich

Lilikoi sorbet, raspberry sorbet, and coffee gelato

Our server was very attentive, coming around periodically to re-fill our drinks and water glasses and to see if we needed anything. He encouraged us to take our time even though the restaurant was busy, making this a very comfortable and relaxing dining experience.

Reservations are recommended, and you can make them on OpenTable! 

Ruscello @ Nordstrom Ala Moana

1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Ewa Wing 

Monday - Saturday: 9:30 am - 9:00 pm

Sunday: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Read More