HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Restaurants are gearing up for the busy Mother’s Day weekend and graduation season, including Bernini, an award-winning upscale restaurant in Kakaako, near the Ala Moana Center.
Henry Liang and Chef Preston Tolentino joined HNN’s Sunrise to talk about using Hawaiian ingredients and a Japanese touch in their French-Italian fusion cuisine. Dishes focus on seasonal flavors, blending authentic techniques with creative presentation.
Tolentino showcased the restaurant’s signature Washugyu lasagna, made with a rich Bolognese sauce featuring Washu beef, simmered with vegetables and red wine. He layers five sheets of homemade pasta with bechamel, Bolognese, tomato sauce, two types of mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. It’s finished with a red wine reduction for a rich, hearty flavor.
“Our menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, from appetizers, handmade pastas and Roman pizzas to steaks,” said Tolentino, who was born and raised in Hawaii, and has been training at Bernini for the past few years with its experienced team of Japanese chefs.
Liang highlighted their popular prosciutto pizza and a special dessert created for Mother’s Day and available only on May 10-11. The special non-alcoholic strawberry sangria-style dessert features layers of sangria-soaked sponge cake, fresh strawberries, Calpico and strawberry mousse, and a cinnamon crumble.
Bernini has been serving the community for 14 years and offers a warm, memorable dining experience. There are seasonal specials and a curated wine list to complement the cuisine.
Bernini is located at 1218 Waimanu St., and is open Tue-Sun 4:30-10:30 p.m.
For more information, visit berninihonolulu.com or follow on Instagram at @berninihonolulu.
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