New Mexican Cuisine at Verde

The Green Chile Sopaipilla Burger is served only once a year, during the restaurant’s anniversary on March 12. It’s made with Makaweli Beef, smothered with American cheese, green chiles and pickled onions, all inside a homemade sopaipilla bun. Server Yuki says its ‘burger heaven.’ Get ready to get your hands covered in chilies!

We know that it is easier to get a taco in Kapa‘a than it is to find one in Ensenada. So what is it that sets Verde Restaurant apart from others?

The menu, said staff member Kai, is based on New Mexico cuisine, which has its own twist. But Verde goes a step farther, adding an island fusion flare, a modern twist on traditional New Mexican food “served with a side of aloha.” After three years of working at Verde, Kai still hasn’t gotten over the food.

Server Yuki says it’s the food’s consistency. Everything is made fresh daily. The chilies are shipped from New Mexico. And she nicknamed the signature chipotle sauce “the everything enhancer.”

Chef Carlo, who trained as an original staff, said the biggest lesson he learned is that every time you cook, you cook for a special person. This is something he passes on to every new chef.

The Ahi Tacos are their most popular item. They are Southwestern style tacos of a substantial size, with slices of seared ahi, cabbage and guacamole, topped with chipotle sauce and crispies for texture. The sauce and the seasoning on the ahi add a pleasant spice.

It’s not just the food that makes Verde special; the staff recognizes repeat customers and knows what they want.

People love working there, and they have built a family style restaurant.

As a celebration and appreciation for her staff, Verde owner Maris Manzano will serve the Green Chile Sopaipilla Burger on the restaurant’s seventh anniversary March 12. The staff built this signature cheeseburger, and as a bonus, all monies made from this menu item on this day will flow right to the workers.

Verde Restaurant is at 4-1101 Kuhio Hwy in Kapa‘an, next to Big Save. They’re open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving lunch and dinner, and can be reached at 821-1400.

• Anni Caporuscio is a food lover and can be found daily at her Kapa‘a business, Small Town Coffee.