Finding Italian on the Island: Spageddies

Aside from our own local cuisine, a typical Filipino has only a handful of favorites: Chinese, Japanese, American, and yes, Italian.  Strange that the aforementioned are historically our colonizers, except for the latter.  Truth be told, the common pinoy finds comfort over a slice of soggy, reheated Hawaiian flavored pizza, or the "Filipinized" sweetened spaghetti bolognese from our most lovable big red bee.  Not authentically Italian, but still conceptually so.

As if imprinted in my genes, I found myself craving for pizza or pasta in this sunny island-nation.  I wanted a little more than the hawker Western stall cheap imitation, but my finances shied away from hotel-grade Italian restaurants.  Then I stumbled upon Spageddies, marketing itself as "unmistakably" Italian.

Stereotypically Italian?

A casual dining spot that originated from the US, Spageddies appeared authentic, albeit stereotypical.  The choice of red and green motifs decorating the interiors almost painted the Italian national flag.  Were they trying too hard?  Or was this the real thing?

Nevertheless, despite their nearly inconspicuous location in Orchard Central, the restaurant had quite a cozy corner.  Tall glass panels illuminated the interiors with natural light while providing a stunning view of the boulevard below.  A good spot for a late lunch, definitely.

The menu was straightforward.  None of the fancy fusion inventions nor any local adaptations.  Definitely a plus point for a shop striving to be authentic.  All the appetizers looked appealing, so we got the ball rolling by ordering their triple sampler, the Primo Combo.

Primo Combo, SGD 14.50 (approx. PHP 500, +7% GST and 10% service charge)

Composed of a trio of deep fried goodies, the Primo Combo was an ample way to whet the appetite.  The mozzarella sticks were crisp on the outside.  The cheese itself was tad too firm, as I would have preferred it to be gooey and stringy. Still, it tasted real and true, and not your refrigerated ready-to-cook sticks you can easily buy from the local grocer.

The other components were a little hit-and-miss.  The calamari was correctly fried, retaining the sweetness and tenderness of the squid rings.  However, the batter seemed a little salty and over-seasoned.  The soft-shell crab was a welcome member to the trio, but was similarly over-seasoned and a tad too briny.  Still, the tangy tartar sauce and neapolitan dip saved the day, blanching the saltiness in their own distinct flavors.  

Pirate Andy Pasta, SGD 18.90 (approx. PHP 650, +7% GST and 10% service charge)

I was truly hoping the pasta dishes would not disappoint. At first glance, the Pirate Andy Pasta seemed up to the task.  With a catchy name and boasting of the bounty of the sea, this relatively new item on the menu boasted the triple threat of squid, prawns, and clams.

Bountiful harvest of the sea.

Drizzled in the healthy goodness of olive oil, the noodles were perfectly executed, al dente, as they usually quip.  The seafood was in abundance, nearly smothering the noodles itself.  The squid was firm but not chewy, while the shrimps were small yet sweet and juicy.  I had hoped there were more clams, offering a briny taste in contrast to the herbal mix of flavors of the olive oil and cherry tomatoes.  We requested for a more red peppers to spice up the dish, but we still needed to season it with dried chili flakes to take it up another notch.

Like a tenacious buccaneer, the Pirate Andy Pasta captured our hearts and did not disappoint.  I was eagerly anticipating my next pasta dish, the more traditional Lasagna.

Lasagna, SGD 14.50 (approx. PHP 500, +7 GST and 10% service charge)

Draped in messy melted cheese, the lasagna brought memories of childhood when Mom used to bake her own.  I hoped it had the same homey goodness, although the size was far smaller than what mother prepared long time ago.

Nonetheless, this layered pasta dish burst with flavor with each bite.  The lasagna was pregnant with ricotta cheese within, while the meat sauce was cloying with the light zest of fresh tomatoes.  Still, I would have preferred more ground meat inside to add more body and toughness to this dish.  Also, the sauce seemed to run out when I was down to my last few morsels.

Unmistakably good enough.

Despite coming off as stereotypical at first impression, Spageddies does not fail to deliver.  Even if it does not impress in a mind-blowing manner, neither does it disappoint.  For a casual diner, Spageddies manages to step up a notch.  Serving pasta in immaculate white plates, prompt and quick attentive service, all the little things to make their restaurant feel like a fine dining experience.

Prices are also quite reasonable, although the appetizer seemed too few for the price tag.  Overall, Spageddies Italian Kitchen is a reasonable mid-level option for those who don't want to shell out too much for good, true-tasting Italian pasta.  A charming Italian find on the island.

Jones

Spageddies Italian Kitchen

181 Orchard Road

#04-01, Orchard Central

Singapore

https://www.facebook.com/spageddies

www.spageddies.com.sg

 

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The Thai Chic: Mango Tree Bistro

Along with Japanese and Chinese cuisines, Thai food remains as one of the longstanding foreign flavors that our country has learned to embrace in the past few decades.  I vaguely remember Oody's and Dusit Thani in Glorietta years ago, already blazing the trails for Thai cuisine.  Both remain in existence.  The typical Thai restaurant used to be a dimly lit shop adorned with statues of Buddha in his quiet repose.  Yet the new brand of Thai seeks to break the boring and traditional, to cater to a wider and hungrier crowd.

A mix of modern class and traditional virtues.

On the outside, Mango Tree Bistro looks more like a hip late-night bar.  On the inside, dimly-lit surroundings with walls highlighted by purple and white hues accentuate the modern vibe.  The fixtures are all in minimalist black, including the chairs and tables.  Low-set sofas and wooden-paneled tables are arranged neatly outside for al fresco dining.  True to its name, the bistro feel was pervasive.  Clearly, it was far from traditional.  Yet don't be surprised if you find a gem of a dish here instead of a cool drink.

It may appear intimidating at first for people who don't frequent bistros, bars, and the like (like me).  However, Mango Tree Bistro serves your traditional Thai food favorites with a more trendy take.  It was our first time to eat Thai food together, so Mango Tree Bistro was an interesting choice.

Taking it up a notch, Mango Tree Bistro was one of the first restaurants to upload its full menu on the Ipad.  A novel concept, and a brilliant one at that.  Not only do you get to peruse the delectable choices in full HD, it offers a different level of interaction.  With dishes that had tongue-twisting names longer than your own, it was helpful to provide crystal clear images of what you were to expect on your dining table.  With a few flips of the finger, we ordered our Thai favorites.

Popia Phad Thai, P180 (+10% service charge)

It's always appropriate to start off any Thai experience with spring rolls, fried or otherwise.  The Popia Phad Thai were deep-fried vegetable rolls, akin to our local lumpiang gulay.  But the comparisons end there.  These rolls had bolder flavor and more filling, consisting of rice noodles, mongo sprouts and bamboo shoots, with a hint of cilantro.  The sweet chili dipping sauce is the perfect partner for this starter.  In fact, I could eat this with rice rather than as an appetizer.

Gai Satay, P250 (+10% service charge)

Another all-time favorite is the chicken skewers, the Gai Satay.  These tender fillets of chicken are grilled and coated with a peanut sauce that adds nutty and sweet overtones to that distinct grilled flavor.  This was perfectly executed, with the meat remaining juicy and tender, and the flavor seeping through.  The side dip of additional peanut sauce adds further flavor, in case your palate yearns for more.  Although not wildly spectacular, their version hits all the right notes.

Talay Prik Thai Dum, P350

For the main dishes, we picked a mixed seafood specialty.  The Talay Prik Thai Dum consisted of strips of squid meat, fish fillet, and shrimps, stir-fried in a signature black pepper sauce, and then garnished with crispy bell peppers and onions to add a little zest.  The squid was tender and easy to chew, although the fish fillet was a little bland.  The shrimps were too few to number, and I would have preferred more shrimps than squid.  Nevertheless, the black pepper added enough zing to the mixture, lending a bold and unique taste. 

Panang Gai, P350 (+10% service charge)

Rounding up the main course was the ubiquitous curry dish, the Panang Gai.  This red curry infused stew consisted of tender slices of chunky chicken meat with the usual garnishing of bell peppers and mixed vegetables.  We had requested for a spicier version, and they even served us a separate bowl of chili powder.  Nevertheless, the sting level was enough on its own.  It was not overpowering, yet sufficiently cloying to keep me busy scooping up the wonderful curry sauce onto my eager jasmine rice.  Hands down, this was our favorite for the night.

Thai Iced Tea, P80 and Calamansi Juice, P100 (+10% service charge)

To dissipate the fiery flavors of the curry and the others, the Thai Iced Tea is the perfect compliment.  Unlike your corner milk tea cafe, this version is sleek and stronger in flavor.  The distinct taste of the tea leaves stands out, while the milk infuses a creamier texture.  The Calamansi Juice was not on the menu but a special request, and the wait staff willingly obliged to concoct an impromptu mix.  That was a definite plus for me, as they were flexible enough for any of the customer's requests.

Classy and chic, Mango Tree Bistro is pioneering a new age of Thai in the foodie scene.  No more of that shabby looking joints with Buddha as the centerpiece.  In here, the food takes the spotlight.  A bit on the pricey edge, yet the plating and presentation offers you a fine dining feel.  It can be argued that there are quite a number of Thai restaurants that serve way better-tasting dishes with knock-me-over flavors at a cheaper price.  But for a different ambiance and impeccable service, coughing up a few more bucks for Mango Tree Bistro appears worth it.  The aura of the restaurant is relaxing, yet at the same time lively and hip.  

A testament to their trail-blazing success is another branch in Greenbelt, and then a higher-end and more refined experience with Mango Tree in BHS Central.  Maybe on an ordinary day, for a quick Thai fix, I might pick the cheaper Thai hole-in-the-wall joints (like Dek-A, soon).  However, on a special night, when you want to impress without going overboard, Mango Tree Bistro is the unmistakable choice.

Jones

Mango Tree Bistro

Third Level, Trinoma Mall

EDSA corner North Avenue

Quezon City

http://mangotree.com.ph

https://www.facebook.com/MangoTreeBistroManila

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