Casa Italia: Handcrafted Gelato, Coffee Otto and Italian Vibe

Summer is beginning to make itself felt. Pretty soon, people would be reaching for something cool and comforting to beat the summer heat. If one is passing by Burgos Circle in BGC and recently at SM’s the Block, check out Casa Italia. Don’t be intimidated by the fancy interiors of this Singaporean-based Italian coffee and gelato cafe chain. A warm greeting of “Ciao!” from the friendly staff once you step on the checkered floor tiles is enough to make you smile. Then, the array of colors from the numerous gelato in display will awaken your dessert indulgence.

Benassi Alimento E Caffe | Ravioli and other Italian Goodies

An unassuming establishment at the ground floor of Exchange Regency Residence Hotel in Ortigas. Benassi Alimento E Caffe is easy to miss once you make a turn to the inner Jade road from Exchange Road in Ortigas. However, those who spot this humble dining space is in for a treat. Benassi is a family-run restaurant. Filipino-Italian owner Katia Benassi was born and raised in Italy and brought their beloved home-cooked Italian favorites in Manila.

Angeles City Foodtripping: Panizza and gelato stop at C’

C'Italian Panniza We came to C’ Italian Dining towards the tailend of our Angeles City foodtrip assignment for a magazine.  It was just early evening but we were already full after a day of glorious eating.  But who’s to resist a serving of Italian fare?  Not us, especially when it comes with a promise of ice cream at the end of the course.  Finding the restaurant was a cinch as it is located just along Clarkview, literally within view of the entry gate to the Clark Ecozone.  The first thing we noticed while waiting to be seated was the wall-lined with plates upon autographed plates, kind of like badges of good taste.  As if we needed any as the place, the originator of the Panizza, the medley of Panini and Pizza now becoming popular in other joints, came highly recommended by our friends from the tourism office.

Wine dining at Nectar Restaurant — Wine not?

Nectar La Mancha Burger The last time Happyfoodies attended a lunchtime wine tasting event, we left the venue slightly inebriated. As we boarded the lift with some editors, we seem to share a collective feeling of being primed for taking an afternoon nap and foregoing the tasks reserved for the afternoon. When we set our appointment with Nectar Restaurant in Makati for some lunchtime wine and food tasting, we thought history might repeat itself. Happily, with a bit more restraint, it did not. Oh, we’re not big wine drinkers, certainly no connoisseurs, but the concept of promoting a more democratic wine dining tradition sounded very interesting and too good to pass up.

Un amore at Buon Giorno

Buon Giorno Rack of Lamb Minetrone and bruschetta so good, they inspired and conspired to make people fall in love. Veteran photographer Mark Floro tells of a food tale both incredible and romantic — of how Linda so enamored him with her renditions of Minestrone and Bruschetta that he promptly married her.

The story piqued the curiosity of your Happyfoodies so much so that when we got the opportunity to visit Buon Giorno, Mark and Linda’s Italian restaurant in Ortigas, we knew we had to order what has smitten Mark.

It’s still Buon Appetito at L’Incontro

L'Incontro Veal Chop I remember passing by Reposo many years ago on the way to Saint Andrew’s Church along Kalayaan and the Makati municipio farther down the road, driving past a row of restaurants and establishments that include the familiar white structure that is Budji Layug’s shop. Fastforward to the present: the street is now called Nicanor Garcia, Budji now shares billing with Royal Pineda and there are newer shops and offices along the row but a lot of the restaurants have either moved or are now gone. One of the holdovers has a familiar name but the façade looks new to my eyes.

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