Don Limone: A Taste of the Mediterranean

Grey skies hovered above, signs of a late afternoon rain. On a long drive south of the metro, I was looking forward to unique Mediterranean flavors, a taste of sunshine on a cloudy afternoon. A couple of days earlier, I was invited to sample Don Limone's Mediterranean cuisine including their signature dishes.   

Just five months old, Don Limone offers a wide range of Italian and Mediterranean dishes prepared by husband and wife chefs Allen and Betty. Allen, a native New Yorker, used to be with the hotel industry, and was posted in several countries where he met Betty. And together they share their passion for Meditteranean flavors and classic Italian dishes daily at Don Limone. And being a native New Yorker, Allen includes a wide selection of cheesecakes as well.

A refreshing Limoncello to start the meal. sweet with a hint of sourness from the lemons, and a touch of vodka, just perfect...hits the spot after a long drive. Made from the zest of imported lemons, the chilled subtle taste cools one down on a humid but cloudy afternoon.

Hummus en Fuego (P 165), roasted garlic hummus topped with hot peppers, extra virgin olive oil, feta cheese, fresh herbs and olives.

The subtle flavors of the Hummus are contrasted with the sharp notes of the hot peppers and olives and the richness of the feta cheese.

A great start, and a sure sign of more good things to come.

Steamed Mussels Puttanesca (P 265), beer braised mussels, in spicy pepperoni tomato chili broth, olives and capers.

The mussels were steamed just right, and the rich Puttanesca based broth really delivers the taste of sunshine associated with Italian-Mediterranean dishes, with the rich tartness of tomatoes, olives and capers combining well with the spicy chilies which gives it a nice kick. In no time, the heat from the chilies brings out a cool sweat, and a cold Limoncello cools you back down.

The herbs, the rich and spicy broth, the soft and juicy mussels all combine to deliver a burst of flavors, just perfect for a cloudy afternoon.

And I just couldn't have enough of the broth, bold flavors in every spoonful.

The El Greco Pizza (P 395), topped with feta cheese, pesto, caramelized onions, fresh herbs, cranberries, mozzarella and drizzled with Don Limone's Hot Honey sauce.

Rustic and traditional, it's a unique pizza and the combination of flavors, the subtle sharpness of the mozzarella and feta cheese,  the sweet cranberries and fresh herbs linger after every bite.

A closer look at The El Greco...awesome.

And there's more...

Braciola (P 395), rolled top round steak stuffed with imported mortadella sausages, parmesan and fresh Italian herbs.with a side of roasted potatoes, fresh salad and rice steamed in chicken broth.

The lightly grilled beef and mortadella goes well with the sides of potatoes, salad and rice, a full meal in itself, and it tastes as good as it looks.

Don Limone's Mojito Cheesecake, with a hint of rum and fresh mint, topped with chocolate with a side of fresh fruit. Awesome.

Don Limone offers a wide range of cheesecakes, including liquor based cheesecakes like Amaretto Disaronno, Bailey's Irish Cream, Kahlua Coffee Liquor, and Limoncello as well as fruit filled cheesecakes like Strawberry Swirl, Mango Melange, Saffron & Dates, Blueberry White Chocolate and Pomegranate Raspberry. In addition, Don Limone offers Tiramisu Cheesecake and Chocolate Supreme, as well as the original New York Cheesecake.

Don Limone offers al fresco dining as well as comfortable, very homey interiors, really a cool place to unwind and have a great meal.

Fresh lemons, which inspired the name of the place, gives it a nice touch. Very cool.

Chef Betty with the friendly staff of Don Limone.

Great place, great food. It's a gem of a find down south of the metro.

For those coming from the north of the metro, it's well worth the drive. And just follow the sign for some great Mediterranean dishes. And awesome cheesecakes.

Don Limone is located at 199 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes Paranaque. You can call 345-1803 or visit their website at  www.donlimone.com for more details.

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