Tuesday, July 3, 2012

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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28 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Hi pinkc00kies, the pizza's great! Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. You definitely got me craving for some Mediterranean eats! :D I'd love to try the El Greco and Braciola. If only BF Homes is not too far from my place >.<

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    1. Hi Sumi, good eats, definitely worth the drive! Thanks for dropping in!

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  3. Those mussels look amazing--I always am envious after I see your restaurant reviews!

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    1. Hi Cucina49, the steamed mussels were amazing, great to hear from you!

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  4. GREAT photos, Gerry. This hits all the spots for me. Mussels. Pizza. MEAT. And liquor based cheesecake is sth I have yet to try but am sure will love. What a great restaurant to be invited to so you can come in to eat through the menu. Love Mediterranean food =)

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    1. Hey Winston, real good food, from start to end, awesome! Thanks for stopping by buddy!

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  5. That Mojito Cheesecake is quite tempting!! As well as the pizza! Some of my comfort food! :)

    -Hazel
    http://foodieshaven.tumblr.com

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    1. Hi Hazel, the Mojito Cheesecake rocks! Great food! Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Great review Gerry, and the food just kept on coming. I envy your lifestyle! A.

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    1. Hi Anthony, thanks! Just lucky to be invited, great to hear from you Anthony!

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  7. The spread looks YUM. I've had mediterranean only a few times...

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    1. Hi iska, it was an awesome spread, thanks for stopping by!

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  8. Replies
    1. Hi FTF, the mussels are awesome! The tart tomatoes and spicy broth really blends well with the mussels, great with a cold limoncello!

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  9. Yummy foods as in all the foods:)

    Visiting for FTF- hope you can stop by..

    http://myrecipecollection.info/2012/07/dairy-queen-ice-cream-cake.html

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    1. Hi cassandra, it was an awesome spread! Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. i love hummus! the mussels look mouth-watering!
    not a good idea to check out food blogs at the this time! LOL

    Grilled Turkey

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    1. Hi Luna, the hummus was excellent, really good! Thanks for dropping in!

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  11. I never really liked Mediterranean cuisine. But this post made me reevaluate. :)

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    1. Hi jerrellt, give it another try! Thanks for stopping by!

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  12. ohhh, I love the al fresco dining with all those sumptuous eats! Another great find! Will definitely be on my bucket list!

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    1. Hi Joy, thanks! The place and the food are great, thanks for dropping in!

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  13. what a feast of foods you have here :-) they all look delish :-) I like the mussels and the corn with meat :-) Dropping by from last weeks Food Trip Friday :-)

    http://www.homecookingwithjessy.com/celebrated-her-advance-6th-birthday-at-jollibee/

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    1. Hi Jessy, real good eats! Thanks for stopping by!

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  14. That's a great looking bowl of mussels! I just want a loaf of fresh bread to mop up all of the spicy broth.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Christine, the mussels were great, and the spicy broth was awesome! Thanks for visiting!

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