Restaurante Pia Y Damaso at Greenbelt 5, Subversive Filipino Cuisine

It was one of those days when rain wouldn’t let up despite ardent prayers. I could have chosen to stay at home and enjoy the comfort of my soft bed with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. But instead, I find myself braving the rain on my way to Restaurante Pia Y Damaso at Greenbelt 5. That day, I chose to know more about what this interesting restaurant with quirky name is all about. 

Inspired by the novel Noli Me Tangere which is penned by the Philippines’ National Hero Jose Rizal, Restaurante Pia Y Damaso may convey controversial ring to its name.  For those who are not familiar with the characters, Padre Damaso is a Spanish friar in the novel who impregnated a woman named Pia Alba.  Interesting, I know.  I wouldn’t go into sheer details of the novel, instead, let me share with you how I find the dishes at Pia Y Damaso as interesting as the novel itself.

Grab a Copy of Gala Magazine's September Issue

Hi friends,

Please grab a copy of the September Issue of Gala Magazine.  I am one of their contributors for this month.

My article about food and arts at Balaw-Balaw Specialty Restaurant and Folk Art Museum is on page 92, the food section of the magazine. 

Located at the art capital of the Philippines, Balaw-Balaw is known for serving delectable Filipino cuisine with exotic dishes to boot.  It showcases work of arts created by the patriarch who established the restaurant in the eighties, the late Perdigon Vocalan alongside the works of other local artists in town.  In my article, I talked a little about the history, arts, and some of the dishes which the restaurant is known for.

Eat, Drink, and Be Italian again with Italianni's Improved Menu at its Newly Renovated Gateway Branch

I have mentioned in my previous post about Italianni’s Restaurant that way before I fell in love with Bellin’s and Amoroma or other impressive Italian Restaurants for that matter, there is always Italianni’s that serves as my default choice whenever I am craving for good Italian cuisine.

Late last year, I had a chance to try one of their holiday offerings, Tre Combinazioni with some friends which got us raving about how still good Italianni’s food quality after all these years.  I can say that it is one of the reasons why Italianni’s has always been one of the best Italian restaurants in Manila for me.  I love the fact that consistency is one of their strong points in terms of good quality food, great ambiance, and superb service.

When I was invited recently to the re-opening of their newly renovated Gateway branch, I was already equipped with great expectations from the get go. After all, Italianni’s has always been tried and tested in my book. Truth be told, my expectations were not just met, Italianni’s delightfully exceeded it.