Tag Archives: italian cuisine

Daniele’s Casa Mia — A “Secret” Gem on Sucat

17 Wednesday Aug 2016

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Carbs and cheese — nobody combines those two ingredients better than the Italians! In the few times I got to go to Cubao Ex (where the old Marikina Shoe Expo used to be), I made it a point to eat at Bellini’s — for great authentic, hearty, and rustic Italian food. To this day, I don’t know why but I cannot forget the complimentary breadsticks I munch on while deciding which delicious pasta dish to eat. It was a delicious precursor to the flavorful food to come. But what with the impossible commuting situation these days — whether by car or by MRT — it’s been more than a couple of years since I’ve been.

When old man Bellini’s son Daniele settled in south of the metro 6 or 7 years ago, he brought along his passion for cooking as well as the skills and recipes he learned from his father to open his own Italian restaurant — Daniele’s Casa Mia. The restaurant is as folksy, friendly, and very vivace as Bellini’s in Cubao and the food is just as crazy-good. A little bit hard to find, though. Daniele’s is very discreetly located, almost hidden, along the westbound Sucat Road (now known as Dr. A. Santos Avenue). It is in a small apartment building, beside a shop that makes lapidas (or tombstones — perhaps as if to imply that the food is to die for?), between Manila Memorial Park and the entrance to BF’s President’s Avenue. Let me warn you, parking is tough — you’ll have to cajole the shops nearby if you can park in their front if you go during work hours. But let me also tell you — if you love honest-to-goodness Italian food, in a warm and homey setting, then the dining experience here will definitely be worth it.

The pizzas are fresh-made and baked in a real wood-burning brick oven. The pastas are made fresh as well. And they are pretty generous with the truffles … or truffle oil. If you have a special request … an Italian dish you’ve been craving, maybe something you tasted in your last trip to Tuscany… don’t be shy to say so. Chef Daniele and his crew will be more than willing to make it for you.

Prices are very reasonable. And they carry some pretty good wines to choose from, too.

You may call 826-5163 or 501-0998 for reservations. The restaurant is open everyday, EXCEPT Mondays, from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Check their facebook for more details.
Just click on this link — Daniele’s Casa Mia Italian Restaurant

Why the Mona Lisa makes me smile

19 Sunday Aug 2012

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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.