Through the Grapevine

There’s no shortage of unanswered questions this season (like where you’ll end up when the clock strikes 12). So take comfort that two lingering 2007 riddles have been deciphered: The Superferry is once again charging the waves, and on January 2 the new Formaggio Grill finally opens in Kailua.

After nearly a year delay, owners Wes Zane and former Hy’s Executive Chef Almar Arcano bring a feast of inspired improvements to the new wine bar location, most obviously a full-service kitchen to better display Arcano’s flair for steak, chops and seafood entrees.

The family-style menu means you can convince a friend to share their lobster and pancetta bowtie pasta at lunch, or trade bites of paella for a slice of Steak Neptune and a clove of roasted elephant garlic at dinner. And at weekend brunch, you can indulge in a sweet strawberry crepe after a savory duck benedict, all while sipping ultra-hip flowering tea.

Don’t worry—you’ll still be able to sit at the bar and sample a gluttonous selection of wines by the glass, listen to live jazz guitar and nibble on casual gourmet favorites like the Kobe Burger Panini. And unheard of in this early-to-rise community, you can do so until midnight during the week and 2 a.m. on weekends.

Not a bad way to ponder 2008’s enigmas into the wee hours of the night.

Formaggio Grill, 305 Hahani St., Kailua; 808. 263.2633. No reservations needed.