A flight from Hawaii to New York is at least nine hours long. But then you have to find a way into the city, settle in, yada-yada, badabing badaboom, by the time you're enjoying a hot slice of pizza you're mad tired. Fahgettaboutit!  On Saturday, I found a route that takes just 30 minutes from downtown Honolulu. Mad Bene, which is East Coast slang for "really good," just opened at Kapolei Commons serving up a hearty taste of East Coast Italian fare with attitude and cred.

Step inside the former Eating House 1849 and you'll notice a completely different vibe that skews more Chelsea and less Hanapepe. Cobalt blue tufted banquettes, soft white lighting and little details like the grandma swag Corelle dinner plates meet each glance. An ethereal chandelier designed by Rhode Island-based local boy Miles Endo hangs as the focal point of the private dining room.