Sarento's Top of the "I"

On the heels of the Hawaii Five-0 premiere, I had an opportunity to dine at Sarento's Top of the "I" restaurant ... located, where else, but at the top of the Ilikai Hotel & Suites ... of the original Hawaii Five-0 fame.

The restaurant has its own elevator and the ride up gives you a wonderful view of the yacht harbor, Waikiki and west Oahu.

 
We had a breath-taking view from our table that was very similar to this.

Here's what the website says about the restaurant:  With breathtaking views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach and Honolulu's famous skyline, Sarento's brings a bit of Italy to Hawaii with style.  Old country warmth, hospitality and live piano music are part of the atmosphere that makes this fine dining establishment one of Hawaii's most celebrated.  The casual elegance yet superior service coupled with the outstanding culinary offerings has earned Sarento's numerous accolades from the community.  Beautiful private dining rooms are available for groups up to 36. 

The appetizers we had were delicious and included:

1) Bocconcini - Mouthfuls of Bufala Mozzarella wrapped in speck and grilled.  Served with grilled Kamuela Roma tomatoes. Finished with a baby arugula salad tossed in a lemon-truffle vinaigrette.

2) Sarento's Smoked Salmon - Bermuda onion creme fraiche wrapped with smoked salmon and layered with crispy russett potato chips, Avruga caviar, and Maui onion shavings.

3) Carpaccio del Giorno - Blackened Ahi sashimi served over a basil citronette.  Accompanied by an avocado/Maryland blue lump crab tower.

For dinner, we shared the Sweet Tiger Shrimp Entree.  Grilled Tiger Shrimp served scampi style with a sautee of white wine, lemon, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, sun-dried & fresh tomatoes.

As you can see, I almost forgot to take a photo of this fabulous meal.

And, for dessert, Sarento's General Manager Adam Miller prepared Strawberries Panzini - local strawberries flambeed with Grand Marnier, Blue Curacao and 151. Drizzled in caramel and chocolate and served with the accompaniment of Devonshire cream, dark chocolate, and Maui brown sugar.

Adam did it at the table and this single photo does not do it justice because the picture I took of the flambe did not turn out.



Valet Service is available at the front entrance Porte Cochere of the Ilikai Hotel.  Self-parking is also available in the hotel parking lot and in the Marina Parking on Hobron Lane.  With Validation, the cost is:  Valet: $2.00 per hour, Self Parking: $2.00 per hour

Dinner:     Nightly 5:15 pm to 10pm
Lounge:     Nightly 5pm to 12am
Happy Hour:     Nightly 5pm to 7pm ... Half off well drinks and special priced appetizers.

For more information about Sarento's Top of the "I", visit http://www.tristarrestaurants.com/sarentos_top_of_i/