Thursday, August 22, 2013

C' Italian Ortigas: Pampanga's Famous Panizza Now In Manila

C' Italian Ortigas: Pampanga's Famous Panizza, Now in Manila

C' Italian Ortigas, Angeles City's popular restaurant serving authentic Italian food, finally opens shop in Manila. Manila patrons of the Pampanga branch can now save their gas money whenever they're craving for the famous original Panizza of C. The City Golf Plaza branch aims to recreate the dining experience of Pampanga with Chef Cathie Lozano at the kitchen. The chef, who is part of the opening team in Pampanga, is now in Manila to keep an eye on the quality and consistency of the food being served. Regular customers will be delighted to see more familiar faces in the new branch, as along with Chef Cathie are staff and cooks from C' Pampanga to deliver the same friendly service to them.

C’ Italian Dining aims to showcase authentic Italian cuisine by using only the best and freshest ingredients available in the market, incorporating locally grown produce and quality imported items. Start off your Italian feast with your tastebuds with some of C's best-selling appetizers and salad: Gambero Alio Olio (P475) is a classic shrimp appetizer cooked in olive oil with garlic and red peppers, while the Mozzarella in Carroza (P470) will please cheese lovers with two slabs of baked and breaded mozzarella with pomodoro sauce and sauteed mushrooms. Going easy on the carbs, or prefer a meatless starter? Try the Insalata Caterina (P510), a mix of artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, capers, caramelized onion, sun dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, tossed in with arugula and romaine lettuce. Drizzled with red wine vinaigrette and you're in for a zesty refreshing treat.

Gambero Alio Olio

Mozzarella in Carroza

Insalata Caterina

A C' Italian Dining experience is not complete without an order of their 'super classic freshly baked' Panizza. This is their signature creation that has foodies from Manila drive all the way to the Angeles City restaurant just to satisfy their craving of the popular panini-pizza hybrid; so popular that other restaurants have created their own versions of the panizza. C's original version uses a fine, crisp dough that has enough soft and chewy to easily roll up the pizza strips. Their panizzas are also layered with five different cheeses and herbs to go along with your toppings. Best sellers include Kristina (P810) which is topped with bacon, ham, caramelized onions, sun dried tomatoes and mushrooms; the Angelico (P810), loaded with a trio of meat--chorizo, salami, bacon--and mushrooms; and the premium Rolls Royce (P845), a combination of salami, shrimp, US scallop flakes, and sun dried tomatoes.

Rolls Royce Panizza

Thin crust pizza cut into long strips

Wrap it around the fresh greens and you're in for a treat!

Of course, what is an Italian feast without some pasta? You can choose between the short and ridged penne or the more popular noodle, spaghetti. Penne Roberto (P710) combines gorgonzola and parmesand cheeses to create a creamy sauce, complimenting chicken fillet, roasted garlic, and sun dried tomatoes. Spaghetti with Meatballs (P690), a classic no-fail palate pleaser, is also available---C's version uses ground angus chuck roll for their meatballs, mixed with parmesan, herbs and spices, then braised in tomato sauce. Another classic choice is the creamy Spaghetti Carbonara (P695) with your staple bacon and mushroom combination, topped with fresh herbs.

Penne Roberto

Spaghetti with Meatballs

Spaghetti Carbonara

If risotto is your choice of Italian carbohydrates instead of pasta, then choose among the trio of flavorful rice dishes to share: Risotto Kristina (P865) with salmon, prawns, asparagus, brocolli, mushrooms, and truffle oil; Risotto Con Frutti Di Mare (P875) which combines a tomato and saffron flavored pamesan risotto with assorted seafood; and a personal favorite, Mushroom Risotto (P820), a meatless but delicious blend of button, portobello and porcini mushrooms with truffle oil.

Risotto Con Frutti Di Mare

Mushroom Risotto

And finally, toast to la dolce vita with C's dessert selections with a sweet spectrum of flavors ranging from light and creamy to downright indulgent and chocolatey. Creme Brulee (P195) is vanilla cream topped with fine sugar crust that is a delight to crack with your spoon, the Lemon Cheesecake (P230) has just the right tartness and a little bit of crunch, thanks to the slivers of almonds. Their Chocolate Decadent Cake is made extra sinful with their rich chocolate fudge and ultra-sweet caramel sauce.