Caruso Ristorante Italiano, Revisited ♥ ♥ ♥

 

I have three go-to Italian restaurants here in Manila: Va Bene when I want something quick, La Nuova when I want to enjoy a quiet meal by myself, and Caruso when I want friendly service and white tablecloths.

 

 

When my Ninang Ann Marie and cousin Cherry requested for pasta during their recent
trip to Manila, Caruso was the first place that came to mind. The Italian restaurant has
been there forever. And the secret to its success: Consistency.

 

 

 I noticed through the years that a lot of Caruso's diners are families. In fact, we also invaded the
restaurant for a family celebration few years ago. Read about Felisse's birthday dinner here. 

 

 

But it is also perfect for romantic dates. Request for the nice table by the piano. ;)

 

 

Our dinner at Caruso felt like we were eating at our favorite uncle's home. 
Dario, one of the owners, went around the tables making sure guests were happy.

 

 

He also recommended this lovely bottle to go with our dinner

 

 

What I like about Caruso is the simplicity and freshness of its food. The pastas are homemade, the ingredients of good quality, and the flavors honest.

 

 

Fresh mozzarella in caprese style

 

 

Beef carpaccio with shaved parmesan

 

 

Homemade ravioli with spinach and ricotta cheese in brown butter and sage

 

 

Garganelli with porcini mushroom - so earthy and creamy

 

 

Spaghetti vongole with just the perfect amount of heat. My favorite of all!

 

 

Grilled lapu-lapu fillet with capers and olives

 

 

Lapu-lapu in tomato sauce with capers and olives 

 

 

Beef tenderloin with rosemary

 

 

Even the side of potatoes tasted fantastic!

 

 

After dinner, our server parked the dessert trolley right next to me and asked if I was 
interested in any. Umm… No???

 

 

Unfortunately, the desserts left much to be desired.

 

The Torta Millefoglie was soggy

 

 

Strawberry Pie needed oomph

 

 

Tiramisu was not bad, but not the best

 

 

This one saved the meal. It was the creamiest, most luscious panna cotta in the city.
I normally don't like light-colored desserts, but this is a winner in my books! 

 

 

Perfect with a good cup of Italian coffee

 

 

As always, I enjoyed spending time with family

 

 

Make sure to say hello to Caruso owners Dario Gardini and Emilio Mina and
expect these charming gentlemen to make you feel right at home

 

 

What?! There's a Caruso in Boracay??? Also opening soon in
McKinley Venice Mall!

 

 

 

 

See my previous post on Caruso here.

Caruso Ristorante Italiano: 210 Nicanor Garcia Street (formerly Reposo), Makati City. Tel: +632 859-2451

 

Va Bene, Bonifacio Central Square, Revisited ♥ ♥

 

I was still on a high from my Va Bene lunch with Anita (see post here) that I suggested the newly opened pasta deli for JR, Benjie and Jamie's joint birthday celebration. Their birthdays fall on September 12, 14 and 15, respectively, and we celebrate them jointly every year because we refuse to eat out all three days!

 

 

Fatterside conquered Va Bene

 

 

Complimentary toasts and dip

 

 

Chef Massimo created a family-style menu for our group of 32. 

 

Salumi Formaggi Platter

 

  

Portobello mushroom cream soup, porcini dust, truffle oil. This was just okay.

 

 

My favorite Polipo!
Braised octopus, semi-dried tomatoes, olives, arugula salad, lemon dressing

 

 

Polpette - traditional Italian meatballs, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese crostone. 
I thought the meatballs were quite mushy, but the younger cousins loved them like that. 

 

  

Ricotta Eggplant Tortellini, light arrabiata sauce, basil pesto, pecorino cheese

 

 

Black Ink Tagliolini, mixed seafood, marina sauce, light tomato cream sauce. 
This needed so much more flavor.

 

 

Organic Egg Tagliatelle, portobello mushrooms, white wine cream sauce, truffle oil.
Rich, earthy, creamy. It saved the two mediocre pasta dishes that came before.  

 

 

12-Hour Braised Veal Cheeks and Foie Gras. Another favorite!

 

 

Chicken Milanese for those who do not eat beef

 

 

Crispy Red Snapper Fillet, mashed potato, Italian peperonata, crab ravioli,
saffron mussel sauce. The fish was overcooked and so very dry. :(

 

 

How we feel about Chinese food is how the oldies in our family feel about Italian cuisine. 

They really do not care for pasta, foie gras, truffle oil. They love their rice, superior sauce, and birthday noodles. 

 

 

Look at what they did to the Polipo! LOL!!!!! They didn't touch the octopus, which meant 
there was more for me. Whee!

 

 

And this was the leftover salumi of 14 oldies with huge appetites sharing a plate.
The stuff was too salty for them. They only like patatim. Hahaha!

 

 

The tiramisu was half frozen

 

 

The special mango panna cotta was not so special

 

 

The profiteroles were the best of all three

 

 

 Thank you, Va Bene, for the birthday gift of profiteroles!

 

 

And for two bottles of wine :)

 

 

 Gwama is always the happiest on our birthdays

 

 

 She is afraid of sparklers

 

 

But loves blowing out the candles

 

 

But her favorite part?

 

 Cake-feeding!

 

 

Three celebrants feeding her cake in one night. Must be the best day of her life!

 

 

More! More!!!

 

 

Happy Happy Happy Birthday, Jr, Benjie and Jamie!!!
Thank you for the fresh Japanese milk birthday giveaway - the ultimate nightcap for me.

 

 

Our family with our very own Sailor Moon 
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! 

 

 

Va Bene Pasta Deli: 3/F Cinema Level, Central Square Building, 5th Avenue corner 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Tel: +63917-7225780 +632 5569442, +632 216 9879

Va Bene Pasta Deli Website

Va Bene Pasta Deli Facebook Page

Instagram: @vabenepastadeliph