For the love of PIZZA! – Beaut Santua

Gustav Cafe – The French way

Gustav Cafe

“Eating and reading are two pleasures combine admirably.” ~C.S. Lewis~

Each time we passed by this restaurant with a miniature Eiffel tower in front, we always thought of French cuisine. And of course that famous Civil Engineer who did that equally famous landmark in France – Gustave Eiffel. He was also involved in the construction of Quezon bridge and San Sebastian church here in our country. It was always our topic.

Until one late afternoon, Jen and I were too tired to proceed inside Festival Mall to feed the hungry wolves in us after exploring the new wing and Landmark Department Store which opened to the public late last year. We ended up taking another wing and and another (it was huge) and we landed just in front of Gustav Cafe following the end portion of River park.

Out of hunger, we entered the cafe without debate and I heard Jen saying: “As long as there’s pizza.” And I said: “Okay, pizza.” (with eyes rolling)

Upon checking their menu, as expected most of them were in French: “Fish ala Vie”, “Prawns Thermidor”, “Pork de Oignion”, “Bearnaise”, “Pizza le poulet”, and more tongue twisting terms. Ahahaha!

Still, we muddle through to pick our favorites:

Spicy Gambasetti for Jen,

Mushroom in cream pasta for me,

Pizza Le France (take away for my son)

Pizza Le-Blanc for Jen again,

Roast beef open sandwich for me…=)

I especially loved the dough of this bun and discovered that it is made by them, however, I craved for more gravy for my roast beef, it is a little bit dry, and asked the attendant if I can request for more but he said that it is portioned. I didn’t insist to talk to the Manager even if I’m sure, the Manager can provide it, anyway, I still have my pasta.

We didn’t try their drinks, they have frappes, smoothies, beers and cocktails. Because we intend to get our coffees from another cafe that we spotted earlier. =)

After getting our take aways, it is evident (because we were soundless! ahaha!) that we were satisfied by this “first try” as most of what we ordered were flavorful (except for the dry roast beef), most expectations met and we were assisted by the staff accordingly.

It is worth another try, they have this wide selection of appetizing line-up. =)

Bon appetit!

You will find Gustav Cafe at Ground Floor, Water Garden, Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa City (just across the parking lot). Other locations are: Kings Borough, San Fernando Interchange, Dolurez, San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga and McArthur Highway, Angeles City

MONALISA RISTORANTE..

Monalisa Ristorante

“You can’t buy happiness but you can buy pizza, and that’s the same thing.” ~unknown~

Holding such admiration to the diversity of cuisines from different countries. There is one particular country that I truly admire. Italy. Not to miss mentioning the beauty of their country gifted by God with such a vast pulchritude, breathtaking landscapes and naturally loving people. A country which I long to see with my own pair of hungry eyes. It has been a dream for years yet unfulfilled.

I also have a special liking and amazement for their food. Though they aren’t a big fan of risotto. And ironically, even if I am a typical Filipina who can not skip rice in my meals, but I can do if it’s pasta and/or pizza.

I must admit, I am a pizza junkie. While I was pregnant, I craved for pizzas the whole time. I go for any brand. Even those stalls that sell cheaper pizzas topping it with just ham and cheese. We even bought ingredients once and did our own. We called it pizzacho. Because we already have a name for the baby in my womb. We named him Echo.

Having Alabang as my rendezvous, I keep on searching for a new and cool Italian restaurant until I came across Monalisa Ristorante. It is tucked in a corner at the second floor of Commerce center. And not the typical artisanal pizzeria, theirs is authentic Italian.

Commerce center is a mall sandwiched by two other malls: Festival mall and Alabang Town Center. There is something very special with Commerce Center. When you can’t breath due to the stream of townies either at Festival mall and Alabang Town center. Check it out and you’ll appreciate the ambiance of the whole place. There is privacy as well though it isn’t as big like the two malls that I’ve mentioned.

I kept falling in love with Alabang every now and then. As a teenager, I grew up there until Festival mall spawned. Alabang Town center did several expansions too, still, there are other options to choose from when you’re in Alabang. There is Civic drive where popular restaurants like Neil’s kitchen, Kanin club, Contis among others are situated. And several hotels for a cozy shop to sip coffee or teas plus your favorite cake or pastry or a spread from their “Eat all you can” menu.

My knowledge of Commerce Center is accidental. Due to traffic, I opted to walk from Festival mall to ATC and in passing, there it is quietly sitted across Acacia hotel. The name: Monalisa Ristorante sounded very interesting. And from afar, you can see that the interior of the place is impressive. The murals in the ceiling is visible and enticing too.

As we’re about to enter this place, a huge reproduction of Monalisa will greet you with her famous mysterious smile. There are more murals inside. Some of which are paintings from the Renaissance era.

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Like a habit that’s hard to break. I took photos while we’re waiting for our food. Jen is already used to it. I take photos of my own too which is called “selfies” or photos of what we’re getting are “food porns”by the millennials. Sometimes, Jen take my pictures too.

And when there is an available attendant to take our pictures, we normally asked them to capture us together.

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We asked the RM to tell us about the “Create your own pizza”.

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Their best sellers and if they have Stellas per Jen’s request. Well, they don’t have that beer from Belgium. Jen was offered to try the wines. They have a nice cellar just across their kitchen counter.

We opted for that “Create your own pizza” thing. You will choose 4 toppings and these are our choices:

– mushrooms

– pepperonis

– bell peppers

– cheese (a special kind)

For pasta we had Pollo pizimente as recommended.

It’s just good to know that each place we visit has something special to offer. At Monalisa, I like their dough, it is a bit gummy and tasty. And it’s made from wheat bread which made it a healthier treat. Their cheese (s) are awesome as well.

From the ambiance, excellent service of their people, taste and presentation, Monalisa Ristorante is my kind of Italian restaurant. I will visit again one of these days. They have zuppa, seafood pasta, house specialty and calzone!

And they bake their own breads too. Their complimentary bread came with three different dips: butter, pesto and tomato sauce..=)

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Monalisa Ristorante is located at: Building 1 Commerce Center, Commerce Avenue Corner Filinvest Avenue, Alabang, Muntinlupa, 1781 Metro Manila .You can contact them at: 556 – 0708.

November 27, 2016March 1, 2018

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DOMINO’S Pizza – Meant for Pizza lovers!

Domino’s Pizza – Meant for pizza lovers..

“Pizza is the only love triangle that I want.” ~ Anonymous

There’s nothing like pizza. I often go for one after another. When I was still working in this themed park in Sta. Rosa, one of their tenants happen to be Domino’s Pizza and I would remember stopping by it to get a slice or two. Sometimes, we enjoy it better with their apple crumble. It reminds of an all-American apple pie at “Troubles” during college days. But that was so many years ago.

The last time I’ve been to Domino’s Pizza was when my sister-in-law treat us on her birthday. Hmmn, mother and son were very happy of the choice.

that hand — Oh, that’s my hand grabbing that Coke bottle! =p

And then just recently, after having nachos and specialty coffee at Taza Mia, we opted for a walk, the mall rats in us, we found out that the place has a Domino’s pizza already. While still full, we were like on “stress-eating” and instantly our feet led us to their counter. And got ourselves one solo (7 inches/ 4 slices) in 2 different variants in thin and crisp dough.

The famous logo..

I kinda missing the apple crumble, but it no longer comes in small orders. What they offer now is a whole pie which I guess we won’t be able to consume. Besides, we still have our cupcakes from another store.

I also noticed that they are no longer partnered with Pepsi. Looks like Coca-Cola beat them this time. Though, it didn’t matter to me. I still have my iced coffee when we visited their place.

It is cute or amazing to find out that they are now more systematized. The service is faster and you can monitor your order with your name flashing on their screen. However, they misspelled my friend’s name. Ehehe!

I truly admire businesses that went global, Domino’s Pizza have been around for the last 50 years.

kinds — Whoaa, 50 years! Photo courtesy of: http://www.dominospizza.ph

And I think with all the new pizzerias which came and are coming, they’re here to tough the competition out. They didn’t stop innovating anyway. =)

May 21, 2016March 2, 2018

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Let’s go to SBARRO!

Let’s go to Sbarro!

“Extremes are easy. Strive for balance. ” ~Colin Wright~

Even eating pizza can be conveyed with significance.

So seldom our son would request something from me and his dad. And of course we had to give in to his cravings. Besides, young ones nowadays would prefer being with their friends instead of being with their parents. We have to jump at this chance being with him, just him. =)

We gave him several options to have his favorite pizza: I recommended Uncle Cheffy, he was also thinking of Project pie and his dad thought of Yellow cab.

And then he instantly said: Let’s go to Sbarro! Oh well, we forget that he is indeed a Sbarro baby. Mr. Chicago white! =)

Then, off we go to the nearest Sbarro vent. As expected, he got his Chicago white and another slice of four cheese.

Tatty had supreme, the one with capsicums, mushrooms and pepperonis.

I had my pasta. Lasagna in white and tomato sauce. It came with a pepperoni stick.

With all the creamy and gooey and saucy and tasty kick, I certainly must have this. My regular dose of blueberries in a sweeter form. =)

The only thing better than pizza and blueberry cheesecake is pizza and blueberry cheesecake with the people close to your heart – your family.

The attendants in Sbarro are very courteous, generous in their “help yourself” condiments specifically the freshly ground pepper and Parmesan cheese, they are great in up-selling too, on the other hand, theirs are good suggestions. They have desserts, the kind of which I favor, and greens too.

As I was placing my order, the guy behind the attendant was stretching a dough. And before I finished enumerating what we’re getting, the small dough is as big and probably that guy saw me as amazed, tossed the dough into air and I was like in front of a favorite movie, with my eyes glued on what he’s doing! Hmmn. And that’s what you call – Eatertainment! We all know that theirs are hand-made pizza, which made it very authentic.

I must not forget, their iced tea is one of the best I’ve tried. =) I could gulped a full glass of it. My son even asked for another one.

As they say, when you have those that you love to eat, it really invigorates you. After raving for pizza, we bought dimsum to be brought home.

It was an inspiring fam meal. Like my doctor said, “No guilt please, unless you eat pizza or burger for breakfast, lunch and dinner on a daily basis. I will then be the one to call your attention! Life is more of giving into your wishes, and only you can make your wishes come true. But always, in moderation alright.” Thank you Doc, see you soon!

There’s no guilt Doc! Even the pope loves pizza! =)

February 7, 2016February 26, 2018

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Hunting for a new pizza at PIZZA HUT!

Hunting for new pizzas at Pizza hut

“Happiness is pizzas with lots of cheese!”

During my teenage years. Pizza hut among other pizza parlors in the country holds a strong footing in its’ category.

And through the years, Pizza hut was a regular companion when it comes to gratifying our cravings for these specially-made doughs from Italy.

new interiors — Cove lightings created drama. I think they renovated for a couple times already..

Last night, after doing regular routines to get our supplies from a nearby supermarket, our empty stomachs lead us to Pizza hut.

True enough, they have evolved. Since another pizza parlor (which happens to be their loftiest rival) offers thin crust pizza, they now have it too. Or probably been years since we don’t normally visit their place, we just call and request for home-deliveries. So I wouldn’t know.

They also have “Hut Patatas“, the famous mojo potatoes which is always trending in big ways and one of the reasons why the other pizza parlor is famous for and a lot of new items we discovered in their menu.

Mojos potatoes or potato wedges being a type of “hors d’oeuvre” originated from some regions of the United States.

Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato_wedges

While in the Canary Islands, it is a kind of sauce.

Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mojo_(sauce)

So we tried all those new items except for the green salads in shrimps and mangoes.

Take a look:

We had 2 different pizzas both in new variants. We got or should I say I personally choose this one with sausages on it assuming it is more like of pepperonis.

And the one displayed on their table as a Christmas offering. The “Holiday cheesy bites”.

It is stacked with several toppings like bell peppers, chunks of pineapples, some meats plus mozzarella filled bite-sized rolls on the side. We didn’t want the mayo like flavor. It is actually a garlic dip according to the attendant. Though, honestly, it didn’t fit in all the rest of the flavors. It is mismatched. And this is just our opinion. Some might like it. It’s different tastes for different folks right?

We also had their “Spicy Asian”. The hand-tossed wings in Hickory BBQ sauce.

A favorite of father and son alongside Buffalo wings. It should be spicy for these two men.

And I had the cheezy thins too. It’s their own version of the recently loved “Four cheeses”. The most-liked options by far. By all four of us. =)

Specializing in so much more than pizzas itself, just continuing the tradition with a massive selection is now at hand only that not everything is available. My hubby and son favored the “Crab salad roll” however it is not available.

Photo courtesy of:

Tweets by pizzahutphils

I also ordered for an ala carte of their paella for my mom, but then, it’s not available too.

For the drinks, my adoptive daughter took their blue pinacolada and the rest of us had their bottomless Pepsi. I missed this drink, it is often Coca-cola in most restaurants. =)

Despite of what’s missing in their menus, it was still worth visiting Pizza hut. It has always been a gastronomic treat having pizzas. And the best part of it is having them with people close to your heart – your family. =)

November 14, 2015February 26, 2018

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