Umbria mia at Italianni's!

Dough shall not resist the aroma of freshly baked bread — still warm from the oven — when dining at Italianni’s. Because once seated, a server would plop down a plate of bread on the table even before handing diners the menu. The good news is, it’s free!

There are two kinds of bread on the basket: foccacia, which is dotted with rosemary and coarse salt, and Tuscan, a peasant bread with a hard crust, which I always have a second serving of.

There’s a certain ritual bread munchers at Italianni’s adhere to. And nope, it doesn’t involve real butter, homemade strawberry jam, or slices of cheese. Instead, they would dip the thick slice of bread into a small plate filled with equal amounts of herb-infused olive oil and balsamic vinegar and enjoy the meal with gusto! 

The fruitiness of the olive oil nicely offsets the astringency of the vinegar. And to make the dip extra-flavorful, I would sprinkle grated Parmesan, which is easily absorbed by the bread. 

“This total sensory experience is what our guests look for every time they dine with friends and families at Italianni’s. Our olive oil is infused with seven herbs and spices — basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, sage and garlic — while the balsamic vinegar is aged for 19 years,” enthuses Paul Manuud, VP for Operations. 

Well, it’s hard to say no to crusty bread pulled hot from the oven. Go ahead; enjoy it. But be sure to save space for Italianni’s other delectable treats.

Give Me Five

Italianni’s recently launched “Cinco Magnifico: Flavors from the Region,” five new dishes that transport you to the five popular regions of Italy — Umbria, Marche, Lombardy, Basilicata, and Veneto.

Fresh, filling and delizioso best describe the new dishes that await the food-obsessed at Italianni’s. In Cinco Magnifico, each dish highlights the freshness and natural flavors that abound in each region.

Holier than dough: The Tuscan bread pulled hot from the oven.

For the Umbria plate, chef Jonathan “Boom” Jota puts his knowledge of meat and poultry products to good use.

“Umbria is the only landlocked region in Italy, so it’s known for its delectable meat dishes, which are either grilled over fire or cooked on a spit with plentiful herbs and spices. The food industry in Umbria revolves around processed meat items, poultry, confectionery, pasta, and the traditional products of Valnerina in preserved form — truffles, lentils, and cheeses,” explains chef Boom, who admits that the inspiration in whipping up the Umbria dish came from these elements.

“I used cheese, poultry and pasta for this three-in-one dish. It’s a complete meal in itself because it has carbohydrates, protein, and veggies,” adds the amiable chef.

Served on a huge, white plate, Umbria consists of grilled chicken fillet stuffed with asparagus; shiitake mushrooms topped with mozzarella-covered spinach; pasta in marinara sauce; and spring salad on the side. The chicken skewer has tiny grill marks with specks of fresh ground pepper, which makes it truly appetizing.

“In literature, Umbria is often referred to as ‘il cuor verde d’Italia’ or the ‘green heart of Italy.’ Umbrian cuisine is very rustic, relying on seasonal ingredients grown or found in its rich soil and forests,” notes chef Boom. 

The Umbria plate is good for sharing. So if you’re dining with friends, it’s best to order other items on the Cinco Magnifico menu and let your taste buds explore the culinary wonders of Italy.

Eat’s On Us

Do you have a magnificent Italianni’s story to share?

To thank its loyal diners, Italianni’s treats a lucky customer to a free dinner for five.

E-mail your magnificent “Italianni’s Celebrazione” story via a photo with caption at myitaliannis@bistro.com.ph or post it to Italianni’s Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/italiannisph. Who knows? Your story might be the lucky winning entry to be featured at Italianni’s Guest Corner at the Philippine STAR’s Food & Leisure section.

“Good food is best enjoyed with the company of friends and loved ones. Tell us why you love Italianni’s and enjoy a grand celebrazione with us,” enthuses Lisa Ronquillo, AVP for marketing, Bistro Group.

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Italianni’s has branches at Alabang Town Center, Gateway Mall, Glorietta, Greenbelt, Greenhills, Eastwood, Tomas Morato, SM Mall of Asia, Bonifacio High Street, TriNoma, Robinsons Midtown, Nuvali, Marquee Mall in Pampanga, and Abreeza Mall in Davao City.

To enjoy exclusive promotional offers and updates, “like” Italianni’s on Facebook or visit www.mybistro.com.ph.