Sunday, March 9, 2014

New Resto on the Block: Via Antonella

Mike and I had another food adventure last week, this time, we headed to Via Antonella located along Maginhawa Street!

Maginhawa has become a popular destination among teens and even adults who seek something new. "It's a street full of hole-in-the-wall restaurants," I remember telling Mike - a fact that remains true, especially with the rise of this new building filled with yummy eats (and more). 
Via Antonella



But before we get into the delicious details, how about a virtual tour (with some trivia on the side) first?
Via Antonella
Trivia #1: Did you know that this restaurant is owned by the same person behind ilaw atbp.? Edwin Pimentel is an expert when it comes to lighting, so there's no surprise why these drop pendant lights were the first thing I noticed upon entering Via Antonella!
Via Antonella
They obviously put a lot of attention to detail, just look at the window frame mirrors hanging on the left wall - I mean, it's not like anyone's going to look at their reflection from that high, but it certainly gives the place a more classy vibe.
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They also use the same frames for the kitchen, which is located on the second floor, so you can get a peek of the chef in action from where you're seated.
Via Antonella
Trivia #2: They have Acoustic Nights every Friday and Saturday. You can listen to live music while having wine or your favorite local beers (below zero) for only P45. :) On other days, you can still enjoy some entertainment with your meal by watching sports games and more on their tv.
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Trivia #3 & #4: Via Antonella is named after Sir Edwin's wife and daughter (Antonia and Mikaela). Also, they actually started out as Cafe Antonella along Congressional Avenue, but I'm so glad they moved, because after trying their finest dishes, they're now my favorite place in Maginhawa! Don't worry, I took lots of photos so you can drool enjoy the experience with us!

First on the list is their Chili-Tuyo Spaghetti. Via Antonella offers us fusions with Filipino food at affordable prices! For example, you can get this dish for only P185. The serving might look small, but I assure you, it's only an illusion from the deep plates that they use. :P
Via Antonella
Though I'm a sucker for creamy pasta, this definitely got my attention! The spiciness and the dried salted fish go well together - just make sure to mix it before eating in case the oil had settled on the bottom of the plate! :)
Via Antonella
If you're not a fan of chili, you can tell the waiter to tone it down for you so you don't end up sweating in front of your date. :P

Next, we have the Cream of Shitake and Leeks (P105).
Via Antonella
Honestly, this was the one I was most excited about out of all the dishes. I looooove soup and anything with mushrooms in it is a big plus in my book! Shitake mushroom purée and onion leeks sautéed in butter and olive oil, simmered in chicken stock then thickened with bechamel sauce - I'm drooling as I type this! Mike and I absolutely enjoyed this creamy and flavorful dish, and will probably order this again on our next visit.
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If you're planning to dine here with friends, I would recommend you try the Cheesy Sisig Lumpia (P165). A twist on your regular sisig, this one comes in a crispy fried lumpia with mozzarella cheese - something you and your friends will surely enjoy!
Via Antonella
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Another one of my favorites would be the Hanger Steak.
Via Antonella
For only P395, you get their signature steak, roasted garlic kamote mash, black pepper gravy, buttered vegetables and salad.
Via Antonella
Out of all the steaks I've tried my entire life, this ranks #1. Via Antonella uses a method of cooking called sous vide wherein they keep the meat in vacuum sealed plastic pouches at precisely controlled temperatures. It is through this method that the meat comes out tender, evenly cooked and juicy. Yum!!
Via Antonella
To give us a little break from all the food we've consumed so far, Mike ordered a tall glass of their House Blend Iced Tea (P68), which is made with real tea leaves! Great if you're looking to cleanse the palate, and it's not overly sweet, too! You can still taste the tea, unlike in other iced teas where there's mostly sugar.

I went with the Rootbeer Expresso Float (P138), which is also a palate cleanser because of the ice cream. It's more coffee than soda though, so if you like extra expresso shots in your drink, this is for you!
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Another bestseller and Sir Edwin's personal favorite is the Lamb Caldereta (P195) that comes with soft potato wedges. I commend Via Antonella for not skimping out on the sides. The kamote mash from the steak, their buttered vegetables, and potato wedges are all freshly cooked and not to mention, very tasty. They don't just focus on the main dishes, but also on the sides. So thank you for that! ;)
Via Antonella
If you feel like eating chicken though, why not try Mikay's Chicken Barbecue (P175)?
Via Antonella
Where most chicken barbecues are dry, this one isn't! And they don't just give you Mang Tomas for dipping, they created their own sauce so you can enjoy your meal a lot more.

Finally, we had dessert to cap off the night!
Via Antonella
Waffle ala Mode with bananas and mangoes, anyone? <3
Via Antonella
Cozy ambiance, classy interiors, unique food options and affordable prices - that's what Via Antonella is all about!
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Credits to Mike for the last photos :)

Thank you again to Sir Edwin Pimentel of Via Antonella for having us!
Visit them at #189 Maginhawa cor. Makadios Street, Sikatuna Village, QC
Don't forget to like their Facebook page for updates!