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Restaurant Review - Baci Bistro By:
Kevin McQuarrie I
recently had a taste for Italian food and to solve my food craving I made
a dinner reservation at Baci Bistro located just off the main drag in
Kailua. When my dining companion and I arrived at Baci we were transported
into a European style bistro. The twinkling white lights wrapped around
the vines surrounding the atrium indoor dining area and the white linen
tablecloths give the feeling of an old-world atmosphere reminiscent of
Rome or Florence. Baci
Bistro is well-known for its use of fresh homemade pastas and fresh baked
breads. Chef Reza Azeri, who has been at Baci Bistro since the restaurant
opened over 6 years ago, always impresses me with his unique culinary
talents. On
this evening, we were both very hungry and were ready to begin our Italian
feast. Our first course consisted of the Calamari all Griglia ($7.95). It
is a deliciously different grilled calamari steak served with spicy tomato
sauce – instead of the traditional battered fried ring style that most
restaurants serve. I always enjoy the Insalata Caprese ($6.95), which
consists of sliced vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and
onion, but decided I would pass this time because I wanted to save room
for dessert. For
my main entree I chose an Italian rice dish, the Risotto con Frutti di
Mare with mixed seafood ($17.95). It’s a flavorful meal loaded with a
huge selection of seafood and then paired with the rice-style pasta. From
the fresh homemade pasta selections I have always enjoyed the Gnocchi con
Gorgonzola ($13.95) which consists of potato dumplings with gorgonzola,
garlic and fresh tomatoes. This dish is always satisfying, and it would
even please the most discerning vegetarian. My
dinner partner ordered his favorite entrée, Saltimbocca di Vitello
($19.95) which has layers of veal, fresh mozzarella and prosciutto ham,
sautéed in a wine and demi-glace. He gets the same dish every time,
“I’ve found a great meal; why change?” I guess you can’t argue
with him. The
staff at Baci are all very knowledgeable about the menu, daily specials
and they will be more than happy to help you select the proper wine to
accompany your meal – the selection of Italian and California wines
might just be one of the best on the island.
The food is served at a leisurely pace, so you have time to fully
enjoy each course. I would not recommend trying to fit in a movie on the
same night you dine at Baci. The food is too good to be rushed and frankly
you would be too stuffed to feel comfortable sitting for two hour in a
theater. Which
brings me to the dessert selections, and of course yet again I am so
satisfyingly full from my meal (with the leftovers boxed up to take home for lunch the next day),
stuffing in some sweets seemed like it would have put me over the edge. My
companion ordered an after dinner coffee, which was European-style, very
strong and flavorful. What a fantastic way to fill our evening and be
transported to a quaint European getaway: a corner restaurant in Kailua.
Baci will never disappoint the palate or the senses – I’m already
looking forward to my next visit. |
