Ristorante Bigoli's Kitayama Wagyu Steak Festival

After trying out Kitayama's Wagyu Beef at Nomama Artisanal Ramen (see my post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/02/nomama-artisanal-ramen-definitely-not.html) and Malcolm's Deli (check out my post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-cool-weekend-brunch-at-malcolms-deli.html), I was looking forward to the Kitayama Wagyu Beef Festival at Ristorante Bigoli. I was also curious as to how Ristorante Bigoli, an Italian fast casual dining resto would use the premium beef in their menu. And thanks to the cool team at Zomato, I had a chance to sample Bigoli's unique Italian take on Kitayama's Wagyu beef. 

Located at Eastwood Citywalk 1, Ristorante Bigoli is huge, with two floors for dining linked by an elegant staircase, including al fresco areas on both floors. After placing your orders at the counter on the ground floor, your orders are then brought to your table. And here's the cool part. Ristorante Bigoli is the only restaurant I know that still has a bottomless self-serve refilling station for soft drinks and iced tea. Plus, unlimited bread sticks...

Dinner begins with Ristorante Bigoli's signature dishes, starting with Bigoli's Supremo (P 690), a crisp thin crust topped with pepperoni, green peppers, olives and mushrooms. The right mix of protein and veggies makes this a great choice, with the green peppers adding a nice crunch and the olives providing that burst of flavor.

The classic combo of pepperoni and green peppers, plus the olives and mushrooms, combine for a medley of Italian flavors. Great for groups, or one real hungry dude...

Bigoli's Italian Chicken (P 610/10 pcs), crisp and crunchy chicken with a light tomato glaze, and a great side dish with the pizza. Single serves and other options ( served with rice or pasta) are also offered, but the chicken's great as is. It's hard to compare Bigoli's chicken with the now popular Korean style version popping up in the metro, but it's a great addition to Bigoli's current menu, as I go for seconds...

Then, we sampled Bigoli's very own rolled pizza, starting with the Bacon Stromboli (P 130), served with a rich tomato sauce. The sharp bacon flavors just cuts through the baked rolled dough, and the sauce adds a nice balance to the dish. It's a filling, yet flavorful dish, another great side dish to go with your meal at Bigoli.

Ultimate Beef Stromboli (P 140), stuffed with premium beef and served with the same rich sauce. Unlike the Bacon Stromboli, the Ultimate Beef Stromboli has milder yet rich flavors from the premium beef, a cool preview to the Kitayama Wagyu Beef dishes coming up.

Arrosto di Manzo (P 280), tender Kitayama Wagyu beef roast with special red wine gravy served with mashed potatoes and buttered vegetables. The tender beef belly, with just the right blend of meat and fat, gives it an almost melt-in-your-mouth feel rich in beef flavor. One bite and you know this is premium beef. Topped with a red wine based sauce, the overall flavors are mild but there is a richness that just happily plays in your mouth. And for the price, it's a great dish offering premium beef flavors and value for money.

Next, Bistecca Macinata (P 230), perfectly grilled Kitayama Wagyu burger patties topped with a special red wine gravy and mushrooms with Italian rice and buttered vegetables. I'm a fan of Kitayama's Wagyu beef patties, and this one doesn't disappoint. Kitayama's Wagyu patties have that characteristic buttery beef flavor and firmness, and does not crumble when you slice it, a sure sign that no extenders were added. The red wine sauce and mushrooms complements the Wagyu patties very well. A comforting and filling dish, a personal favorite along with the Arrosto di Manzo.

Spaghetti Polpette (P 130 Solo/P 200 Grande), Kitayama Wagyu beef meatballs seasoned with herbs on Bigoli's spaghetti marinara, served with Bigoli's signature breadsticks. This is one pasta with a solid Wagyu punch. The hefty Wagyu meatballs adds a subtle richness to the pasta dish, another winner. Ristorante Bigoli's Kitayama Wagyu Steak Festival is definitely worth trying, with a variety of Wagyu beef dishes with reasonable price points.

But don't leave without trying Ristorante Bigoli's unique gelato on a stick, and it's mouthwatering array of different flavors and variants.

Bigoli's Stickhouse Gelato, a refreshing gelato on a stick, and a great way to cap a meal at Ristorante Bigoli. Go for the Pistachio, a bestseller. Great dishes and great price points, always a winning combo. I enjoyed Ristorante Bigoli's Italian take on Kitayama's Wagyu Beef, and the Kitayama Wagyu Steak Festival at Bigoli is definitely worth checking out. Special thanks to Jerome Mitra, Marketing Manager; and the Zomato team for an awesome dinner.

Ristorante Bigoli is located at the Ground Level, Eastwood Citywalk 1, E, Rodriguez Avenue, Libis, Quezon City or call 421-0416 for inquiries.

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Check out more cool places to dine in the metro at http://www.zomato.com/manila.