Cycle 5 – Item 49
23 (Sun) February 2014
Grilled Pepper Fish Fillet with Spaghetti
4.0
at Italianni’s
(Robinsons Place)
-Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines-
solo
Try Every Restaurant in Robinsons Place (20) (see also TERRP)
Italianni’s is an Italian restaurant chain. 16 locations throughout the country, mostly in malls. Great corporate slogan: “Amore di Merrier.” While the website describes the food as “American-Italian,” the menu looks to be Italian straight up, if rather mainstream – no meatball subs, no pineapples on the pizza, and what would be called “Spaghetti Marinara” in the States is appropriately referred to here as “Spaghetti al Pomodoro.” Prices are relatively high, single portion pastas starting at over 300 pesos, some over 500, mains ranging from 500 to 800.
The Grilled Pepper Fish Fillet was phenomenal, every aspect of the dish. The fish was cream dory, grilled with a nice touch of char. Further enhanced by the kick of black pepper. Much creamier and tastier here than in prior encounters, making me wonder if perhaps it had been finished off in butter – exquisite as is. Even better, paired with a luxurious tomato cream sauce. Plus sautéed vegetables, including red bell peppers and shallots, and fresh minced scallions, all providing nice contrast. And spaghetti to round things off (mashed potatoes available alternatively). One of the best Italian dishes that I’ve ever had in my life. Totally worth 605 pesos.
I was impelled to buy into The Bistro Group Premiere membership. For 2,400 pesos: (i) 20% off the bill every visit; (ii) 25% off the bill on my birthday; (iii) 30% off the bill every Monday; (iv) 1 voucher for 40% off the bill, up to 3,000 pesos; (v) 6 vouchers for free appetizers, up to 400 each; and (vi) free coffee or tea every visit, even without ordering anything else–good for 1 year. Usable immediately, I saved 600 pesos on this meal. Applicable at 11 restaurant chains around the country: Bulgogi Brothers, Fish & Co., Flapjacks, Italianni’s, Krazy Garlic, Modern Shanghai, Siklab, TGI Friday’s, Tonkatsu, Village Tavern, and Watami. Italianni’s and TGI Friday’s are the only ones in Robinsons Place. But I’m sure that I’ll recoup the investment soon enough, one way or another.
(See also GLOBAL FOOD GLOSSARY)
(See also RESTAURANTS IN PHILIPPINES)