Through! by Sale Pepe makes a speciality of New-York fashion pizza by the slice. Photograph by Spencer Starnes.
Does a New Yorker ever cease craving New York-style pizza? For Brooklyn-born Qiana di Bari — co-owner of Lāhainā’s Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina — the reply isn’t any.
On July 29, husband-and-wife workforce Michele and Qiana di Bari opened Through! by Sale Pepe, a fast-casual spin-off of their higher-end restaurant, Sale Pepe. Positioned in Whalers Village’s meals courtroom in Kā‘anapali, Through! takes the specific prepare to the pleasure and decadence of Italian delicacies with out crushing your pocketbook.
“This idea has been within the works for a very long time,” Qiana di Bari stated. “It’s impressed by Michele’s Italian roots and my New York upbringing. Easy meals with nice taste, served with aloha and a bit New York swagger.”
The menu options basic New York-style slices, Romana-style pizza, and 9 totally different pasta combos — all underneath $20. Dishes are crafted with a mixture of imported Italian items and domestically sourced substances, together with Maui Cattle Co. beef and Lopes Farms produce. With every folded slice and curled up pepperoni cup, Qiana di Bari can transport again to Brooklyn, as if the JMZ prepare had been nonetheless rattling above her — and her friends get to share in that journey.
Through! by Sale Pepe is positioned contained in the meals courtroom at Whalers Village – an out of doors shopping center in Lāhainā, Maui. Photograph by Spencer Starnes.
Did Sale Pepe Reopen?
The unique Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina, which first opened in Might of 2014, burned down within the 2023 Lāhainā wildfires. The di Baris now carry the bittersweet distinction of being the primary restaurant misplaced within the hearth to reopen. Sale Pepe returned in March, now positioned in Lāhainā’s Emerald Plaza.
This new location provides three totally different experiences inside the two-story house: an al fresco lānai, first-floor eating room flanked with bar seating and their second-floor eating room. They’ve introduced the identical allure as their first location simply off Entrance Avenue, with chalkboards highlighting every day specials and wood-backed chairs with crimson cushions, however this new iteration has a contemporary svelteness that amplifies the standard of the delicacies.
Regardless of being in an industrial outpost behind grocery shops and strip malls, Sale Pepe 2.zero has discovered its footing with locals and guests alike flocking to the brand new spot. Ever conscious, the di Baris posted a plaque on the brand new location that honors the resiliency of Lāhainā and its residents that reads “As we speak, we’re proud to reopen our doorways, embarking on a brand new chapter rooted within the values of aloha, hope, and renewal.”
What Ought to I Order at Through! by Sale Pepe?
Through! provides a extra informal eating expertise, one which’s approachable for anybody.
“I needed to speak to a unique buyer, and never everybody desires to exit and have a glass of Barolo with truffles,” Qiana di Bari stated.
At her suggestion, I attempted the New York-style pepperoni slice. It arrived piping scorching, with a wonderfully pliable crust — due to finely tuned kneading, Italian flour and simply the correct quantity of intentional grease that no serviette ought to ever blot. The cheese-to-sauce ratio was almost good and the pepperoni was charred to crispy-edged perfection.
But it surely’s not solely concerning the pies. Feeling like a lighter lunch after a morning spent splashing within the waves? Through! has a delightfully basic Caprese Salad, with thick cuts of mozzarella, native cherry tomatoes, and, in fact, the yin-yang of balsamic oil and vinegar. Although hailing from the streets of Tijuana and never Roma, in addition they boast a Caesar salad that chef Michele eats each day (how’s that for a vote of confidence?), with romaine and house-baked croutons.
It’s choose-your-own-adventure with the pasta. Made in-house, they provide fusilli (corkscrew-shaped), rigatoni (medium-sized tubes) and spaghetti (the epitome of a noodle). The sauces supplied are basil pesto, marinara and parmesan cream. The di Baris hold it uncomplicated and basic. It doesn’t matter what permutation you select, each chew is sort of a Sunday supper with Nonna.
There are 9 totally different house-made pasta combos to select from, together with rigatoni with marinara. Photograph by Spencer Starnes
How are the di Baris holding up after the Lāhainā hearth?
The di Baris have develop into a beacon of hope for Maui’s hospitality trade. They see their neighborhood and workers nonetheless navigating deep ache, whereas additionally discovering pleasure and that means in small moments.
Holding two issues directly appears to be a specialty of the di Baris — Italy and New York, grief and progress, reverence and reinvention.
Whether or not serving locals or vacationers who come upon their epicurean gems, the di Baris are merely doing what they love.
“Whether or not we’re at residence or whether or not we now have a restaurant, that is how we dwell,” Qiana di Bari stated.
Through! By Sale Pepe is at 2435 Ka’anapali Pkwy Suite H-9, Lahaina, HI 96761, positioned within the meals courtroom. Open every day from 11:00 a.m. to eight:30 p.m.
