Authentic Italian at Lombardi's

Italian food has always been popular, and I think a big reason for its popularity is a shared affinity with family style meals. Classic comfort food, pasta and pizza, shared with family and friends, will always remain an image I have of Italian cuisine. With the growing number of Italian restaurants, very few can claim to be authentic, and that's where Chef Lombardi comes in...

An Italian native married to a Filipina, Chef Lombardi offers his own favorites from the old country, rustic and traditional Italian dishes at reasonable prices. And at Lombardi's, you'll find an extensive selection of dishes from cold and hot starters, pizza and pasta, main courses, wine and coffee and of course, desserts.

An interior wall at Lombardi's showcases its featured menu items, adding to the rustic and traditional feel of the place. Nice touch.

Located in the new Robinsons Magnolia Mall, which is fast becoming a popular dining destination, Lombardi's brings classic Italian dishes in a cool and homey spot at the al fresco area. 

Inside, one finds rustic touches with recycled wood panels alongside glass and modern steel fixtures for a contemporary feel. The walls feature a cool display of plates and frames, giving one the impression of being in a home instead of an establishment.

I was fortunate to be part of a group of bloggers invited to sample Lombardi's authentic Italian dishes, and as I settled in, Lombardi's efficient kitchen fired away with the first set of courses for the evening...

The dinner begins with the traditional warm bread and olive oil balsamic dip...

...and a taste of Italy begins with an Italian brand of juice drink, Succhi di Frutta's Pera (fresh and pure Pear Juice, P 120), sweet, thick and refreshing, and the evening is off to a good start.

A cold appetizer arrives, the Carpaccio di Tonno (P 390), tuna carpaccio topped with fresh arugula and drizzled with olive oil. The thin slices of tuna almost melt in your mouth, and the olive oil adds a cool nuttiness with every bite. Elegantly plated, a preview of more good things yet to come.

Next, a hot starter, Mozarella in Carrozza (P 230), battered white bread stuffed with rich and creamy mozzarella, comforting and filling, classic comfort food.

A traditional pasta dish arrived next, Taglierini al Brucio (P 320), a tomato and meat based pasta with a full flavor, even better with Lombardi's chili oil for a little kick.

Next, Quattro Stagionni (P 310), a rustic pizza with olives, basil and mozzarella. Unlike most commercial pizzas which tend to be greasy, this one isn't greasy at all, just perfect to enjoy pizza the proper way, fold it and eat it with your hands.

And finally, the Ravioli di Carne (P 480), stuffed pasta with meat. The ravioli is chewy, and the meat filling is flavorful, covered in a rich fresh tomato sauce, another rustic and homey dish that's hearty and comforting. And I enjoyed all the dishes pretty much, from starters to the pasta and pizza. But there's more. Lombardi's desserts come next...

The Pannacotta del Piemonte (P 125), a light, creamy dessert topped with chocolate, and it tastes as good as it looks. 

Then, Lombardi's homemade Gelato Della Casa (P 125/scoop), a perfect ending to cap the evening meal. The dark chocolate is rich with robust flavor, exactly the way I like chocolate, while the vanilla is sweet and creamy, both great choices. Other flavors are available, with new additions prepared every day. Very cool.

The dinner ends with Lombardi's Caffe Latte' (P 110), a rich brew, and a cool Italian finish to a great Italian dinner. 

Definitely a cool new place, and if you're after authentic Italian, check out Lombardi's. Who knows, you might even see and get to chat with Chef Lombardi...special thanks to The Cravings Group's Christine Malapit, Marketing Officer;  Cyrus Cruz, Group Marketing Head; and open Openrice.com for an awesome dinner.

Lombardi's is located at the 2nd Level Al Fresco, Robinsons Magnolia, Aurora Blvd., corner Dona Hemady St., Quezon City or call 961-2795 for inquirires.

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