Patty and I got a chance to try out the new outlet of Amici on Tomas Morato early this month.
Formerly called Amici di Don Bosco, the Italian eatery was recently acquired by the Moran family, founders and until recently owners of Red Ribbon Bakeshop which they in turn had sold to food conglomerate Jollibee Food Corporation.
I was an occasional diner in the original Amici when I was still based in Makati in the mid 90s. It was not a cozy place. It looked and felt more like a school cafeteria. In fact it probably started out as just that since it was located in the Don Bosco Makati compound and was run by Salesians who probably doubled up as teachers or school administrators.
But the food was great! The pizza, the pasta, the pannini ... yummy!
Legend has it that it was an Italian Salesian who started the restaurant. And that he insisted on using fresh ingredients, importing most of them from Italy.
And then of course, there was the gelati. The "ice cream from heaven," as many fondly referred to it. Ice cream that even a diabetic like me would label as to "die for."
And so when I heard that the new Amici had opened a branch on Tomas Morato, off I went to reconnect with and old friend. Yes, I was apprehensive. Would the food be as good? Would the ice cream be as creamy? Would the charm of a hole in a wall Italian eatery be replaced by the artificial air and trappings of a fast food joint?
4 comments:
hi. Amici is already sold to a private owner? I feel sad about that. What about the original one in Don Bosco itself? One charm about it was that it seemed like a small family restaurant. Cafeteria style, no pretensions.
It's sad.
Amici! we saw the new location while driving last week. it's super packed on a thursday night.
do they sell cakes and pastries there, too? we order their Tiramisu for parties from their makati branch. they use real mascarpone and price is good. P550 for medium. it's always a hit.
we also love their Ensaymada. one of the best in the city. super cheap. i think P70 for box of 6. we cant leave without buying a few packs.
Yup, the Salesian brothers sold all their rights to Amici to a private group, including the original resto in Don Bosco.
The new owners try their best to retain the small family restaurant feel. But being so much bigger than the original, you can't help but notice the typical fastfood feel to the new Amici.
But hey, the food is still great!
And they still sell cakes and pastries. Am just not sure if they've maintained the pricing. Probably not.
thanks, robbi - robbie bonoan
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