A Taste of Italy at Shaw Boulevard…
My work is located at Shaw Boulevard. For several times, I have dined in this little place called:
Cantina Sicilianita: Coffee Shop · Winery & Vineyard · Italian Restaurant.
And it never occurred to me or did I think of writing about it during the many times I had my lunch there. Sometimes with my boss, during meeting, most of the time, alone. When my soul buddy isn’t around come lunch time, it has always been my choice to have my lunch as it is so quiet there, my privacy is something I really treasure sometimes, the wonder of solitude and their choices of magazines is another thing I really like. Either Cantina or that pizza spot just right the other block. I normally enjoy my solitary moments. Not until I read about Chef Marky Buhain.
This time, my foodie buddy have been itching to visit Cantina. She is Ms. Pasta remember? She drooled each time I tell her how authentic the pastas that Cantina creatively arrange on their huge ceramic plates. Not to forget that she likes the Italian flavor that doesn’t have any hint of sweetness on it. On the other hand, I am so Filipino, siding more the sweetened pasta.
Not to forget mentioning the ricotta cheese, home-made by the Chef. He shared in an article that an old lady, I forgot where exactly in Italy taught her how to make ricotta cheese. And with pride, he willingly brought the recipe back home.
From the outside, I find the facade not that attractive to lure guests to try their offerings. Only their signage, a colorful hand-written circular script logo and yellow texts especially when lighted is just the one that I find amusing. It has been sitting there for years now.
Upon entrance, two murals of Sicily will welcome you. It gives you the feel of the venerable provinces of Italy.
With those mosaic tiles on their tables,
some chalk written menu situated in a wooden easel,
some reading materials on a corner where a shelf is located, the tiled floors. I definitely felt being transported to somewhere else.
They’ve got lots of wine.
The place is conversing.
Or much to my surprise, it makes me wish to be able to also see Italy one day in the flesh, better yet, smell the air and taste their authentic pasta or pizza or gelato ala Liz Gilbert (played by Julia roberts) from the movie Eat, pray and love. The place was inspiring.
One visit I recall, the attendants are wearing flower crowns on their hair,
and I am so amazed because I’ve been wanting to wear something like it! It’s just that i do not know what would be the perfect occasion when to be donning it.
During our last visit, the one that they’re just wearing are the sweet smiles on their faces, canned each time a guest enters this very interesting restaurant.
Consistently, foodie buddy ordered for pasta.
I’ve tried this before, I especially liked the fried egg plants slices, they’re creamy.
And I’ve had my usual pasta with that meat ball! It’s a must try! =)
I can’t help but ask which of the menus includes the home made ricotta cheese. For I’d really love to try it. It is the Cannoli. It looked like a “turon” (sweet banana fritters wrapped in spring roll wrappers). Or a rolled ice cream inside your favorite cone wafer, only that it isn’t ice cream inside but ricotta cheese. This kind of cheese is slightly sweet. There’s pistachios too! Yey!
To my foodie buddy:
Have you seen this? (–,)
Cantina Sicilianita is located at Unit N, Facilities Center Building, 548 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.
Telephone: 570-2905/ 369 3575
Email address: mark.buhain@sicilianita.com
On Purple Wings 