Marla and Naone were in town for a little while last month so we made time to get together before the craziness of the amazing wedding weekend in Waikoloa. We parked near Moon and Turtle and walked to Temple where we enjoyed a delicious pre-dinner martini. I love that there are options in walking distance in downtown Hilo. After hanging out at Temple and even seeing friends on their way to dinner at Jackie Rey’s, we made our way back to Moon and Turtle for Naone’s first time to enjoy one of my favorite restaurants.

I was so happy to see my favorites on the menu. This is what we decided to eat: Garlic Butter Belly–local pan-fried ahi belly with garlic butter ponzu, sweet onion, tomato, and sesame seeds; Smokey Sashimi–Local ahi, kiawe-smoked shoyu, Hawaiian chili pepper water, EVOO; Smoked Ahi Salad–House-smoked local tuna, Dam Fine Farms mixed lettuce, semi-dried cherry tomatoes, and hapa cucumbers, red radish, golden goddess dressing; Mushroom Risotto–Hamakua Alii and Shiitake mushrooms, Koshihikari rice, white wine, Parmesan, truffle oil; Takeo’s Tataki–Seared Big Island grass-fed filet mignon, grated radish, yuzu ponzu, shaved garlic, scallion, sriracha, Koshihikari sushi rice; Market Fish–crispy skin ehu, Polish-style taro dumplings, sauteed Fuji apples and house sauerkraut, Kauai shrimp/ehu reduction; Beef Shank Campanelle–Kai(n) fresh semolina pasta, braised Big Island grass-fed beef, market vegetables, tomato sofrito, toasted bread crumbs, Parmesan. Plus, we somehow got an order of my favorite Brussels Sprouts even though it wasn’t on the menu that evening. Oh–we also had dessert. Pot de creme and affogato. The perfect end to a wonderful evening. Call ahead to make your reservation so you can be assured of getting a seat. It is worth the effort. Living Hilo Style.