AN ITALIAN FEAST AT MAMMA MIA, UPTOWN PLACE MALL

           I really enjoy Italian food, so I'm always excited to try new Italian restaurants. Being hyper-acidic, I give plus points to establishments that can come up with dishes that doesn't use tomatoes. I don't know what it was about Mamma Mia, but they seemed to know my plight, so we were served some of their best sellers that didn't use tomatoes, and every thing he had were EXCELLENT! 

MAMA LOU'S: THE LOVE SPREADS TO AYALA MALLS AT THE 30TH!

            One of my favorite success stories, is that of Mama Lou's. From a humble eatery running out of a family household, to one of the most popular Italian restaurant chains in the country today. I was quite relieved that they opened a branch at UP Town Center, since I'm rarely down South. But my friends at Mama Lou's ended up doing me one better. Just a couple of months ago, Mama Lou's opened yet another branch, this time just a few minutes away from my office, at the recently opened Ayala Malls at the 30th in Pasig! 

THE TENTH BITE: SALVATORE CUOMO AND BAR, NOW IN MANILA!

       Even though I've been a food blogger for more than 6 years now, It's still not every day I get  to meete a celebrity chef in the international scene. I was ecstatic when I found out that THE Chef Salvatore Cuomo, the man behind Salvatore Cuomo and Bar was visiting the country to oversee the opening of the latest branch of his Italian restaurant empire that has taken Japan by storm.

    The Pickiest Eater in The World and Muvo Media presents, The Tenth Bite: Salvatore Cuomo and Bar, Now in Manila! 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: PAPARAZZI AT EDSA SHANGRI-LA HOTEL

           My appreciation for Italian cuisine has grown over the course of my being a blogger. Being hyper acidic, I would normally associate tomato, my number one enemy, with Italian Food. Think about it. The most recognized dishes from Italy - Pizza, Spaghetti. Lasagna - the basic ingredient when traditionally done is tomato. 

       However, I discovered that as I continued my relentless exploration of Italian Dishes, their cuisine is incredibly versatile. There are so many other entrees that aren't heavy handed with the tomato sauce, and they taste remarkable. 

      Rina and I were invited to dine at Paparazzi one evening for a romantic dinner, and I was surprised to find that in our entire five course meal, there was only one dish that utilized tomato in it.

    With Italian Chef Marco Ghezzi at the helm, it's no wonder that Paparazzi is perhaps the closest to Italy as you can get here in the Philippines. 

FEELING THE LOVE AT MAMA LOU'S!

        One restaurant that is very close to my heart, is Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen. I was a couple of years into food blogging when I discovered Mama Lou's at Soderno in Molito. I can't tell you what else I ate there on that fateful night without reading my post again, but all I can say is that Mama Lou's Panzarotti's is something I will never forget. 

   On the strength of those deliciously cheesy hot pockets, Rina and I made a rare trip to BF homes in Paranaque for a taste of what other dishes Mama Lou's had to offer. 

    After that we were hooked. Since then, I've had the pleasure of watching this humble little Italian bistro emerge into a Filipino-run restaurant chain to watch. 

     Although the excellent quality of their food is undeniable, the Mama Lou's experience is so much more than that. Past the delicious pasta, mouthwatering risotto and scrumptious pizzas, you will discover that the most precious dish from Mama Lou's kitchen, is Love.