Tag Archives: alabang restaurants

The magical Black Pig

16 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by in Noshes in my Neighborhood, Restaurants, Southern Spots

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Pigs are truly magical animals. From snout to tail — there doesn’t seem to be a part of a pig that we can’t enjoy. Even its blood and balls! One could go practically the whole hog with a pig, so to speak. Such a waste of a glorious animal, if one didn’t.

At The Black Pig Charcuterie, Bar, and Restaurant, Chef Carlos Garcia is the wizard whose dishes have brought out the magic in every part of the pig, especially the black Iberian pig of Spain, from which we derive the wonderful Jamon Iberico, AND of course our very own native pig, which is highly prized for our traditional lechon and comes usually in all-black color or black with a white belly.

The Black Pig serves deliciously innovative dishes which they describe as a “mix of European-inspired recipes using fresh local ingredients”, not necessarily all pork. A few combinations are unusual or even unexpected, such as Char Siu Pork on a bed of our local adlai grain, Extremadura Lamb Caldereta braised in white wine, or Iberico Pork Paté. They also offer a fine and satisfying set lunch menu everyday. Or you could simply while the time away and nibble on their choices of excellent charcuterie and cheeses while enjoying unlimited glasses of cava, wine, or sangria. Or craft beer on tap, if that’s more your preference. You may choose to stay inside the stylish, modern interiors or on the balcony for al fresco wining and dining (enjoy the fresh breezes of the South while it is not yet too congested). They’re open from breakfast to midnight.

From the food to the service and even the beverage choices, everything, in my own personal experience so far, has been excellent. Every dish served seemed to be thoughtfully curated and perfectly prepared. Pork and other meats are rarely well glorified as they are here. If I had a choice, I’d be happy to come enjoy a wonderful lunch and stay on for happy hour and dinner and on till midnight comes.

The Black Pig is located at the 2nd floor, Commerce Center, at Filinvest in Alabang. It’s often best to reserve, especially in the evenings: call 808-1406 or +63 917-8450744. And don’t forget to have your parking ticket validated for free parking.

 

Why the Mona Lisa makes me smile

19 Sunday Aug 2012

Posted by in Restaurants

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Signor Niño’s Amoroma had moved all the way from Alabang to Tagaytay and, sadly, Signor Niño himself had gone on to that Grande Pizzeria in the Sky. Chris Locher’s first ristorante, C’Italian, was far far away in Angeles, Pampanga (although, to date, Chef Chris has opened his Kitchen in Paco, Manila, and will soon be opening a branch in Makati, but both still require some traveling and toll fees). So, grazie a Dio for the Mona Lisa!

When the Mona Lisa Ristorante opened in July 2010 at Filinvest Westgate, the Alabangers rejoiced! In the suburbs where proper dining restaurants which served authentic Italian recipes were few and far between, the Mona Lisa was a most welcome arrival. It is owned by Michael Grandinetti, an Italian-American from Seattle who traces his roots to Calabria, at the southernmost part of the Italian peninsula. Mike is married to his Filipina wife, Belle, who is also the Executive Chef. Chef Belle had stayed awhile in Italy and studied Italian cuisine there. They both also happen to be dedicated triathletes.

The ristorante is located on the 2nd floor of the Commerce Center along Commerce Ave corner Filinvest Drive at the Westgate, Alabang. In fact, if you look up at the building, you may see La Giaconda herself smiling down at you. 😉

The interiors are modern and comfortable, with Michaelangelo-esque frescoes on the ceiling as if to underscore the Italian theme. Some kitschy touches here and there, but hey, this is the ‘burbs. I love to sit by the large windows, with a view of the Westgate traffic below. Most of the time, especially on weekend nights, Mike Grandinetti himself will welcome you to his restaurant in his warm and hearty Italian way. And you can count on very good and hearty Italian food here — perhaps not quite alta cucina, but definitely dependably delicious cucina casalinga, or traditional home cooking. My favorite dish here is the umami-yummy Gnocchi al Funghi e Porcini, washed down with a glass of excellent red wine! And, of course, there’s the Cannoli! Who can resist the sweet and crunchy cannoli filled with creamy ricotta, pistachio nuts, and other good stuff, paired with a scoop of syrup-drizzled gelato? I’ve found myself smiling like the Mona Lisa each time after a meal here. Definitely, my bouche is amused every time.

It’s a popular dining destination in the South, so be sure to reserve a table first. You may call 556-0708 or +63917.8365472 or email monalisa_1623@yahoo.com.