GREAT EATS HAWAII: RUSSO'S COAL FIRED ITALIAN KITCHEN

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

RUSSO'S COAL FIRED ITALIAN KITCHEN

91 KEAUNUI DRIVE, #114

EWA BEACH, HI 96706

808-840-0412

HOURS: Monday thru Friday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

http://nypizzeria.com

www.yelp.com/biz/russos-coal-fired-italian-kitchen-ewa-beach

www.facebook.com/RussosItalianKitchen/

I was very happy when some of my golfing buddies asked me to join them at Russo's Coal Fired Italian Kitchen prior to a round of golf in Ewa. When I arrived the place was just opening and the pizza oven was glowing and a cook was tossing pizza dough in the air. Oh how I was thinking how great this would be. If it was good I thought, we could return after the round and I could take a pizza and maybe an Italian Sandwich home to enjoy for dinner. In the back of my mind I wanted to find a new and great Pizza place in Hawaii so I can enjoy real New York Style Pizza and Subs. We started with the Coal Fired Wings ($11.95). I was a bit amazed that they came to the table naked with no sauce. The Hot Sauce was on the side. The flavor of the Coal Fired Oven penetrated the Wings and I liked the flavor but there was no hot sauce on them. I had to pour the sauce over the Wings. Liked the taste but would have rather had the Wings tossed in the sauce before bringing them to the table. It is a bit awkward sharing a plate of Wings and having to pass around the sauce to pour over them. I ordered a Large Slice of Pizza with House Salad which is a lunch special. Did not catch the price though so cannot report how much it was. I ordered my slice with Pepperoni, Onion and Jalapeños.

The waitress mentioned that two toppings are included and there was a cost for the third. The Salad was very fresh and delicious. Liked the Italian Dressing and Olives. The Pizza slice was huge and looked so good. Was my dream of finding a new Pizza place in Hawaii about to come true? I took one bite and did not like it. Something did not taste right to me. The sauce was pretty bland and the pepperoni had no taste. The jalapeños were raw and cut into thick slices. They were hot which I like but way too large. After about three bites I could not eat any more of this pizza. Was very greasy and flavorless. Huge disappointment. My second dream was to find an authentic Italian Sandwich and it did not come true. The Little Italy Sandwich ($12.95) was served on a thin Flatbread and really lacked flavor. I took two small bites and threw in the towel on this one too. Not impressed with the items I tried here but will go back again and give this place another try. Really hope another experience with maybe other dishes can save Russo's for me.