The Little “Neighborhood” Restaurant
I’ve had antipasto on the brain ever since Marketman’s EB. My craving reached its peak today: I just had to have it, even though it was only 4:30 in the afternoon. The day wasn’t going to end without my having a plate of salty salami, assorted cheeses, and grilled vegetables.
At the suggestion of my ever reliable foodie partner in crime (hi, Kaie!) I buckled up Boo in the car and we hied off to Pasteleria.
Located right across the San Antonio church in Forbes Park, Pasteleria La Nuova is what I consider to be ‘the cozy little neighborhood restaurant,’ never mind if that neighborhood is the richest neighborhood in Manila.
This little place can get really busy during lunchtime. Because of its diminutiveness, there’s a good chance your dining companion won’t be the only one listening to your animated banter. And since this is Forbes Park after all, every meal I’ve ever paid for in this restaurant has been over P500.
But don’t let too-close-for-comfort conversations and pricey prices deter you. Pasteleria has plenty to offer. Their pastas are comforting, stuff you can really dig into. On the menu, they’re (very helpfully) listed under “cream based,” “oil-based,” and “tomato-based.” People go for the soups and various risottos, while others sneak out mid-afternoon to energize with an espresso and a slice of cake.
Since it was just Boo and me, I ordered the Gran Misto di Antipasti (P550). It isn’t on the menu, but just tell the waiter if you want it. My eyes, sadly, are always larger than my stomach. I would’ve liked to order the seafood pasta, but Boo wanted a tomato-based one. Interestingly enough, the noodle dish I ended up ordering for her was exactly like the one I had at the EB – penne with roasted eggplant, feta cheese, and pine nuts – Penne Alla Calabrese (P341).
It takes a while for the Antipasti to arrive since they really make an effort to present it prettily. While waiting, Boo and I scarfed down the Italian flatbread served with tomatoes in olive oil and basil, and a small portion of paté. When Boo saw that the flatbread was triangularly shaped, she delightfully cried out, “Pizza!”
As you can see, the Antipasti really is worth waiting for. Good enough for two men, a small horse, or one ravenous chick like myself, it’s got three different kinds of cold cuts, cheeses, and a tiny heap of mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, and olives in the middle. Ah, mine, mine, all mine!
Craving quelled.
Pasteleria La Nuova
San Antonio Plaza, Forbes Park
Makati
817-8568 / 867-2370
11 Comments
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Backyard BBQ Cook Off
I love eating out with my family (we’re 9 when complete) precisely so we can each order something different and I get to taste a little bit of everything.
I’ve been to Pasteleria La Nuova a few times and yes while yummy the prices can be a deterrent of sorts … but I never knew they had a “not on the menu” antipasti plate! Must try!
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I haven’t been to Pasteleria since I was a kid to have their chocolate cupcakes…but I think it’s changed quite a bit since then…definitely should check out one of these days…thanks Lori!
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I love Pasteleria! They have this great veggie yin-yang plate consisting of greens with balsamic vinaigrette and then wilted spinach leaves with butter and garlic! Yum to wipe the plate and sop off all the dressing with warm baguette. I can live on that. I also love their strawberry shortcake! Not always available but truly yummy.
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I love their canonigo. Will have to make a trip out there for the antipasti, thanks for the tip Lori!
Also, bought Dulcelin’s pecan pie last week for Thanksgiving and it was scarfed down by all and sundry. Saving up for the Callebaut chocolate cake next!
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I think we all must have been craving Galileo-type antipasti since the EB; I’ve been planning a return trip soon, specifically for the cold cuts and cheeses. So thanks for the tip on Pasteleria, that’s much more accessible to me (albeit more expensive).
Have you tried Pasteleria’s Concorde Cake? They’re famous for it, I believe because theirs is the original; at least, it was the first Concorde I ever tried, over 10 years ago. Until recently, it was also the best I’ve had. It has since been supplanted by Patty Loanzon’s. (If you haven’t heard of her, do e-mail me and I’ll give details. She’s wonderful!)
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How do you take such spectacular photographs? may i know what camera you use? Thanks
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Oh wow, those photos are gorgeous! My mouth watered just staring at them, this is true food porn!
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Katrina, maybe a few of us in the Makati area should go for a post-EB antipasti session at Pasteleria, just to get our fix, heeheehee.
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Mila, I’m all for it! I nearly never turn down an invitation to eat well. I was just telling Lori yesterday that most of my money goes to food!
Yes, gluttony is my deadly sin.
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Ooh goodie, let’s do it. Lunch, next week (13th?)! Email me at [email protected]
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i’d like to create a link to this page if i may … pls advice.
thanks,
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