Studio C

I first heard about Bellini’s from my friend, Susan: “Part!” (that’s how we call each other) “…you should try their sinfully delicious panna cotta!” True enough, it was delicious. But I prefer to use the word “heavenly” to describe the way it melts smoothly in your mouth, with just the right sweetness and lightness.

Bellini’s is an unassuming Italian restaurant located within the Marikina Shoe Expo area in Cubao, Quezon City. Yes, among those shoe stores you WILL find this delightful place to sample, savor and enjoy the flavors of Italy.

The late morning drizzle that day didn’t dampen our spirits. Although our initial plan of “Beach House” lunch fizzled out, we knew we could always try out another eatery that would match our budget and palate requirements. By noontime, we found a good spot in Bellini’s – both of us were able to watch “Eat Bulaga” at their in-house TV. How’s that for Italian ambiance? :-)

Let me talk more about the ambiance. Upon entering, you might wonder if you had stepped into a photo gallery -- photographs of all sizes lavishly decorate the interiors and will truly catch your attention (I learned from an online review that owner Robert Bellini is a bona fide photographer). Wooden tables and chairs gave a rustic feel, and typical Italian décor was spotted here and there. And now I can’t help but talk about the TV set again. I have nothing against Eat Bulaga, but the thought of it in a supposedly Italian dining setting brings a smirk on my face. Table cloth, napkin, fancy cutlery, and Eat Bulaga – simple a “memorable” combination.

While waiting for our order, Tom served us some homemade breadsticks, made extra long and thin, and ending with an elegant curl that added a visual appeal as well. Next came our linguini al tono, served hot and fast. The pasta was perfectly cooked, al dente of course. The flavors of tomato concasse, olive oil, parmesan cheese and tuna blended pleasingly, creating a sincerely tasty dish. Too bad our thin-crust marguerita pizza didn’t arrive as fast as our pasta, and it was served not as hot as it should have been. Flavorwise, it was acceptable. The austere and simple medley of tomato, basil and mozzarella was both classic and charming. Spiced olive oil drizzled on top gave it an extra kick!

At this point our gastronomic delight was not over yet, for Tom served us Bellini’s own sweet red wine creation to cap off our already wonderful meal. Fruity and light, their house wine became an instant favorite that I had to ask if they were selling that special concoction. For P250, you can bring home a bottle to enjoy. And oh, even their water tasted so good that it deserves special mention here.

I appreciated Tom's efforts to make us feel comfortable. He had the right level of friendliness – not too much that he became overbearing, and not too little that he became useless and irritating.

I think I'll go back to Bellini's another time to try out their other dishes.

(Icy, sarap pasta no?)