Saying hello to Nordstrom again

The countdown has begun, Nordstrom's flagship Hawaii store is prepping to open its doors to the public on Friday. With a mix of events leading up to the grand opening day, I was invited to the media preview and tour of the brand new store located in the new Ewa wing of Ala Moana center. 

As you already know Nordstrom got its start at a shoe store, and while the focus remains on providing the best quality and hottest styles of footwear they also are focused on showcasing local products, designers, beauty, home and design along with much more. This new store literally moved across the street from the former location which was more mauka from Ala Moana Boulevard, the use of natural light and open spaces makes it a bit more welcoming and inviting. The opening gala, benefiting Aloha United Way is tonight (sold out) and on Friday 3/11 they open with a Beauty Bash at 8am and store blessing followed by doors opening from 9:15am-9:30am. 

Now you may have figured out by now that I am not much a shopper but I am an eater and lover of fine food. I also got a sneak peek at the new restaurant upstairs and its delicious cuisine! 

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Nordstrom Cafe is no more, but has been replaced with a reinvented eatery named Ruscello (Mediterranean, Italian, Tapas style cuisine). Chef Ala, formerly of Le Guignol, is at the helm and the menu looks amazing!

This dining room includes table service, utilizes the natural light, offers open air outdoor dining and has an open bar, meaning the bar is open in the restaurant and not located behind a wall, not that the bar is open and you can order whatever you like LOL

New outdoor dining at Nordstrom, a nice view of Piikoi and Ala Moana Beach Park. You can definitely catch that ocean view!

Here you can see some of the sample dishes they sent out for us to taste. Please click the image below for a short description and price point.

Ruscello will be open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast menu looks pretty simple with eggs, breakfast sandwiches and etc. But for me lunch is where it's at, I can't wait to try the amazing salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizzas and more. Some of the highlights of the menu (to me) are the Warm Asian Glazed Chicken salad, Ginger Panko Crusted Chicken salad, Citrus Turkey sandwich, Chicken Club with Maple Glazed Bacon sandwich, Spicy Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta, Seafood di Mare, seriously I think I could eat here everyday for a month! I can't wait to try EVERYTHING! 

Happy eating and shopping everyone!
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