Yesterday, I tagged along a willing human to a quick dinner to a Sicilian restaurant. A good friend of her resigned from work and I can imagine how difficult it must be to adjust to the same work environment without someone very dear to you. Food always makes people feel good so I tagged her along.
We went to Cantina Sicilianita in Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong. This hole-in-the-wall has been around since mid of 2012 but has not been given much attention due to its unlikely location - buried in the busy Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong City. Its signage used to be overshadowed by Rex Bookstore's, which could be the reason it was not easily noticed. But it has had its share of TV appearances and food bloggers' review.
The trip started with the following plates:
Black Truffle Pasta (P240)
Delicious and succulent mushrooms marinated in black truffle infused virgin olive oil.
Gamberetti Fra Diavolo: Spicy Shrimp Linguine (P210)
Fresh spicy shrimps marinated with the Godfather's secret recipe. Tossed in linguine pasta with red wine.
After all the pasta, it will be nice to treat yourself with a desert, a glass of wine, or coffee or juice.
Cannoli 1pc with Caffe Americano Combo (P140)
Sicilian delicacy is meant to be enjoyed with freshly roasted coffee.
We were also honored to have our food prepared by the owner and chef himself, Marky Buhain, who brought his love for Sicily to Manila for us to experience it in a much less expensive way.
The interior design, the mood, the music, and the overall feeling of the restaurant give you that complete Italian experience that makes you want to play with a few Italian words you know while dining.
Let me share with you an Italian food proverb.
Mangiare per vivere e non vivere per mangiare (Eat to live and not live to eat.)
My Humble Review
Disclaimer: I am not a cook, a food expert, or a professional food reviewer. I am merely a customer who sees food not just as something my body needs to survive but a travel experience and a reflection of a culture. I am not, in any way, associated with this restaurant or its owner.
5 - Excellent
4 - Above Average
3 - Average
2 - Below Average
1 - Poor
Price: 5
Very affordable, which is unusual for an Italian restaurant. Serving is good for one.
Taste & Quality of Food: 4
We were only able to taste two dishes. Smell alone was already an appetizer.
Parking: 3.5
Ample parking space from Facilities Building. Not sure if there's a parking fee. Little space in front of the restaurant.
Location: 3.5
Location is not very visible right away. Signage was improved compared to how it looked before.
Customer Service: 4
Fast, Friendly and Accommodating
Atmosphere & Appearance: 4
Clean, Smells Good, Good lighting, temperature and music. Clean utensils. There were about 6-7 tables. For peak hours, you may need to call in for reservation.
Overall: 4
Restaurant Details
Cantina Sicilianita
548 Shaw Boulevard, Facilities Center Building, 1550 Mandaluyong, Philippines
Contact Number: (02) 570 2905
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