Wednesdays at Amici di Don Bosco

Yesterday was the third consecutive Wednesday night that I was in Amici and I know that I'm starting to look familiar to the cashier, the cleaners and even to the Salesian priest who compulsively push the unoccupied chairs under the tables. You can't blame me - food is good and relatively cheap. I have obtained for myself on my first visit a copy of their menu, which though already filled from front to back, is not complete as it doesn't have their desserts, breads, coffee and other viands. Their menu is still with me which I have filled up, checking the food which I have sampled and indicating the date when I ate them.

The first time I went to Amici was on March 7, 2007. Then I had Canneloni al Spinaci all to myself as well as Chocolate with Nuts Gelato. I also go to taste the Pistacchio Gelato. My presence the following weeks just shows how I have been addicted to Amici food. Canneloni al Spinaci is baked canneloni stuffed with spinach and cheese topped with bechamel and parmesan cheese. It was delicious and I immensely enjoyed the cheesy herby flavor. The gelato on the other hand is not too sweet and my Chocolate with Nuts has plenty of almonds. The following week, I was alone and just went to buy an italian pizza to go. I picked Four Seasons from among 26 choices. Four Seasons has tomato, mozzarella, ham, mushrooms, artichokes, olives, oregano and olive oil. I ate a slice as soon as I got inside the car - the thin, wood baked semi crunchy crust still spilling with hot and elastic mozzarella. And to think that while waiting for my order, I had a cup of Strawberry Gelato which became my all time favorite strawberry ice cream as soon as I had my first spoon. Oh it is heavenly - light, not too sweet with real strawberry bits.

So, last night, I brought to Amici two of my friends in the office. We three came all the way from Ortigas and endured the Makati traffic just to treat outselves to authentic Italian food. Fitting to the name of the place "Amici", I saw friends and acquaintances on my previous two visits to Amici. Last night was not an exception as we were joined by another friend who happens to visit Amici quite often. And so, amidst good conversation and laughter, we enjoyed generous servings of pasta, pizza and ice cream. My friend also ordered Brazo de Mercedes which is much unlike the airy variety sold in commercial bakeshops. I took pictures of the food we ordered though I must say that the roast chicken was photographed after half of it has been eaten so you can imagine the servings are really generous. We had Spaghetti Vongoli e Gamberetti - spaghetti with clasm, shrimps 9really big ones), anchovies, tomatoes, red wine and cream (P180). The other one is Linguine al Nero di Seppa - black squid noodles with seafood sauce (P180). The pizza we had was Gorgonzola - tomato, mozzarella, blue chees (yum!) oregano and olive oil (P250). A cup of Classico Gelato (in cheese, corn, langka, macapuno, salad, ube, buko lychee sherbet, chocolate marble and strawberry marble) costs P40 while a cup of Bravissimo Gelato (in varieties of chocolate, coffee, crocantino, mint with choco chips, stracciatella, vanilla with nuts, blueberry, strawberry, pistaccio, nocciola/hazelnut, toblerone, chocolate with nuts and sorbetto al limone) is P45. Enjoy the pics and if you happen to crave for some authentic Italian food and you'de like some company, just let me know - I'll be glad to join you.

Amici di Don Bosco is located at the Don Bosco Makati compound. The entrance is along Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road). There is limited parking inside, the entrance to which is a narrow driveway also along Arnaiz. You can also park inside Walter Mart and just walk across the street. If you are from the south, take South Superhighway and make a right turn to Arnaiz. Amici is just after the Chino Roces intersection. If you are coming from EDSA Makati, just make a right to Chino Roces and go straight till you see Walter Mart. You have to make a right at the intersection to get to Amici.

Let's eat!

After eight months on South Beach Diet (which was modesty aside, successful), I have been unable to keep myself from thinking about food lately and I am starting to eat *normal* again. Fresh from a trip to Pasto at El Pueblo, I really shouldn't be thinking of food, having immensely enjoyed their crostini in creamy spinach dip and proscuitto pasta. Just the same, I have been thinking of going on a food trip to these places:

Swagat Indian Cuisine

I read in several blogs and also read it in food magazine that this place serves nearly authentic Indian food. I have been here once when I was still working in Makati and it reminds me so much of my favorite eating hang out near the University Pool in UP Diliman, Khas. I didn't get the chance to sample their other cuisines so I definitely be paying them a visit soon.

Amici de Don Bosco

The food is not actually very cheap for a canteen but would give Sbarro a run for its money in terms of food quality and serving size. If you don't mind the canteen atmosphere - the place is actually cool, this place is worth the trip. I haven't had my fill so I will visit this place again soon.

Click here to read the Our Awesome Planet blog about it.

Dong Bei Dimsum House

The other day, I was craving for dimsum and I thought of this place. I haven't been here but I read about in the comments to Senor Enrique's blog "Wish You Were Here". I will include this place in my next trip to Binondo.