For over a decade now, diners in Manila have come to appre­ciate and love fine Italian cuisine at L’Opera, making it a beloved local institu­tion. They followed the restaurant from its early beginnings when it was small Tus­can-style bistro with a brick-façade beside the old Greenbelt 1, to its recent move to a much larger space in the The Fort Enter­tainment Complex.

VIPs cut the ribbon at L’Opera Group’s newest restaurant,
Balducci and Barolo Wine Shop, at Serendra.

Casual yet Chic
Bigger and better, yes, but diners also took comfort in knowing that they could still bask in the warm ambiance of a cozy yet modern restaurant that serves classic Italian cuisine.

Last month, L’Opera Group opened its newest venture, Ristorante Balducci & Baro­lo Wines, at the hip and happening Serendra, just a stone’s throw from L’Opera. While some may wonder why the group behind such restaurants as L’Opera, Caffe Maestro (along Nicanor Street, Makati), The 25th Floor (Ayala Towers, Ayala Ave., Makati) and Trattoria Gourmets (Edsa Shangri-La Plaza) would open another Italian restaurant within such close proximity, L’Opera Group marketing manager Abba Napa explains that this will give patrons an alternative to their fine dining restaurant L’Opera by offering a more casual dining experience at Balducci.

Ermil Napa, Dr. Daniel Vasquez, Kaye Tinga, Mayor Freddie Tinga, Ising Vasquez with Luciano Zanirato and (sitting) Chef Moreno Mattei

Flip-flops & Jeans Welcome
Says Napa, “It’s more relaxed and ca­sual. They (diners) can even come in flip-flops and jeans.”
Make no mistake about it though, Bal­ducci retains the same subtle sophistication and Old World charm as its sister restaurants, from the exposed brick-façade to the warm and inviting interiors supplied by Ermil and Fe Napa’s furniture production team at Century Woods. As for the cuisine, diners can expect simple but authentic Tuscan farmhouse-style cooking at its best.

Louie Ysmael and L’Opera Group’s Abba Napa

Old Classics, New Favorites
Balducci’s menu includes antipasti (salamis and rich cheeses) and pastas (Do try the ricotta cheese-filled raviolis and cannellonis), numerous specialty pizzas, calzones and hearty grilled dishes (Other must-trys: Balducci’s own version of a gourmet hamburger and a gourmet hot dog).

The restaurant also has a small deli where diners can stock up assorted cheeses and cold cuts prepared by maestro de cucina and partner, Moreno Mattei. Other items available for take-home: cookies, biscuits and jams.

Barolo Wines
As an added feature, wine enthusiasts will also appreciate the charming wine shop, done in partnership with L’Opera wine supplier Silver Secrets, and adjacent to the restaurant. Small in size but big in selection, Barolo boasts an extensive list of wines, proseccos and grappas. Browse the shelves or ask always helpful Luciano Zanirato and Sally Son for suggestions. Balducci and Barolo Wines is located in Serendra, 26th Street, The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For inquiries, call: (02) 899-0943 or (02) 899-7322

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Mati Turns 5

Greek-themed restaurant and bar, Mati, recently reached its 5th anniversary and celebrated with a festive bash last December. The party was filled to the brim with old friends, family members and regular patrons from the international and local community who consider Mati’s Mediterranean servings one of the best in town.

Isabel Nieto and Nikos Gitsis

James Aspinall and Ana Cu-unjieng

Alexei Reyes and Dominic Uy

Chukri Prieto and Ines Delgado

The party kicked off around 9:30pm and around 200 guests attended. Free flowing drinks like San Mig Lite, red and white wines as well as special cocktail concoctions were served with delicious bar chow. There were also healthier options such as vegetarian pizza, assorted canapés with greek dips on top and juices. After a raffle of two round trip tickets via SEAIR to Boracay with a two night, three day stay at Zuzini Resort on White Beach Station 1 was given to lucky Mr. Alon David, DJs Benjo Marquez and Marie Garcia of Calypso Events took over. The revelry lasted until 3 am the next day, showing that even after five years, Mati was still a place of high energy, good food and great fun.

Guests enjoying the outdoor ambiance of Mati

Charlie Carmona and Mati’s Geni Psinakis

Jamie and Nikki Lopez

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