For the love of PIZZA! – On Purple Wings

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen

“Eat the spaghetti to forgetti your regretti.”

Coming from having a burger style pizza a week ago, Jen and I craved for the usual style of pizza that we know about. Either that New York style or an authentic Italian one. We chose the latter.

And we ended up asking the Grab driver to bring us to Evia where Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen is located. The original one is in Aguirre Street, in BF Paranaque which we saw twice, passed by it after we visited some restaurants from this popular street, it is actually included in our Bucket list and in one of my category “When in Aguirre street”.

Typically, when we are handed the menu, we browsed on it and asked the attendant their best sellers. For the pizza, they suggested the “All meat” and “Mama Lou’s special”. We opted for the former.

We also had the mozzarella sticks called in advance although they served us some complimentary breads with olive oil and balsamic dip while waiting for our orders. We also ordered for their seafood home-made pasta.

Ideally they have it all, when it comes to Italian dishes: Antipasti, Zuppe, Insalate, Pasta (oil or tomato base), Pizza, Risotto, Pollo, Carne, Sea food and Desserts.

I should agree that if you’re craving for Italian food, you won’t regret trying theirs.

I am thinking of coming up with my top 10 mozzarella sticks and I think I’m including Mama Lou’s version.

The pasta tasted delicious, there are shrimps, squid rings that were cooked just right. They surrounded the whole serving with mussels and clams and Jen took charge of them. ehehe!

The pizza includes pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage and bacon, there are no ground beef though. Don’t miss the arugulas. =)

The dining hall is quite large, there are enough tables for big and small groups, they occupy 2 floors in Evia actually and I saw it during peak hours that both floors are jam-packed.

There are touches of vintage stuff probably to coincide with the theme, they used bricks on their wall, some beautiful plates were mounted on one wall, neatly arranged wine bottles in the bar which if emptied they utilized as water bottles too. =)

You might ask that smiling woman is Mama Lou. Yes it is her. =)

There are equally amusing restaurants in the area, though Mama Lou’s stand-out in her own special way.

Jen liked Evia as much as I do so I’m expecting she’s eyeing another visit of these days. I might bring her to Another Story too. =)

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

January 18, 2018April 9, 2018

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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! =)