August 5, 2015

Longhi's Ala Moana Celebrates 12 Years with New Menu

Hawaii Mom Blog was fortunate to have been invited to Longhi's Ala Moana yesterday to try out items from their new menu.

The 12-year-old locally owned and operated Ala Moana eatery already boasts a diverse, Italian-influenced menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (as well as an impressive, award-winning wine list), and the 20-plus new items were created to appeal to a variety of tastes.
White Peach Sangria
After being welcomed with refreshing White Peach Sangrias, we started off the dinner with the Grilled Maui Romaine Salad.

Grilled Maui Romaine Salad ($9)
Maui Romaine Lettuce was drizzled with Italian Balsamic Reduction and topped with Gorgonzola and Maple Cured Bacon. The salad had a nice smokiness to it, and the Gorgonzola and Bacon really added a nice texture and saltiness to the salad.
Clam Risotto ($27)
Next up was the Clam Risotto. Petite Manila Clams topped a Risotto made with Italian Carnaroli Rice.  I love Risotto, and this was one of my favorite dishes of the night.  The Risotto, which is slow-cooked in Lobster Stock, Herbs, Shallots, and White Wine, was just bursting with flavor!
Proscuitto Arugula Pizza ($20)
The Proscuitto Arugula Pizza was one of the best pizzas I've eaten in a while.  A perfectly-cooked crust made with Imported Italian Flour was topped with Pomodoro and Mozzarella cheeses, Proscuitto, and Arugula.  Our tablemates kept commenting how the cheese was so "oishii" (delicious).  The pizza will be available on the Happy Hour Menu (3-7pm daily at the bar), as well as for take-out.
Lobster Tail Gnocchi ($36)
The Lobster Tail Gnocchi was my favorite dish of the night.  I love Gnocchi, and these little pillowy bites in a Creamy Lobster Sage Butter Sauce were simply divine!
Sicilian Cauliflower ($8)
I really enjoyed the Sicilian Cauliflower as well. Cauliflower is rolled in Bread Crumbs, Italian Seasonings and Parmesan, then pan-fried, and topped with an enticing mixture of Butter, Browned Garlic, Capers, Chili Peppers, and Italian Parsley.   The breading was perfectly seasoned, and there was a nice saltiness from the capers, as well as a little spiciness from the Chili Peppers.
Filet Mignon Loco Moco ($36)
The Filet Mignon Loco Moco was a twist on the classic Loco Moco.  Grilled and Sliced Filet Mignon topped Mushroom Risotto, which was then topped with Caramelized Onions, Eggs, and a Brandy Peppercorn Demi Glace.  Everyone commented on how tender the meat was, and the Peppercorn sauce gave the dish a nice kick.  I really loved the use of Risotto instead of typical White Rice!

Tiramisu Pancake ($16)
The Tiramisu Pancake is a treat for both breakfast or dessert.  Fluffy Pancakes are layered with a Tiramisu filling comprised of Kahlua Liqueur, Espresso, and Imported Mascarpone Cheese, then topped with Whipped Cream and an Espresso Chocolate Drizzle.  I don't usually care for Tiramisu because it tends to be overly sweet for me, but the Tiramisu Pancakes were delicious.  The pancakes really helped to balance out the sweetness, and the Tiramisu filling was amazing.

Everyone raved about Longhi's new menu items, and I truly enjoyed every single dish!  I can't wait to try the other new menu items!

Owner Charlie Longhi (son of the late Bob Longhi, Founder), continues to carry on his father's passion to offer customers the best dining experience, and this was evident in each dish that was presented.

Despite being in operation for 12 years on Oahu, this was my very first visit to Longhi's. 

With amazing new dishes, great service, a lovely ambience, and free valet parking, a second visit is already in the near future!

Longhi's
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
947-9899 


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