Two Fridays ago, I got an invite to a mystery dinner that was quite intriguing.  The invite only had few details to go on: a masked person, an address, a meeting time and these significant “words,” Perfect Italiano, Pinoy Eats World and Mystery Dinner.  I had to tweet/plurk and ask around what’s Pinoy Eats World and a lot of friends were able to provide info.  My good friend Jayvee said that he attended a “Pinoy Eats World” dinner and it was in one word, “amazing.”  Another good friend, Spanky, confirmed that they have very good food and good tours.

Pinoy Eats World is dedicated to culinary tours in and out of MMLA owned by the scions of Everybody’s Cafe, Poch and Namee, JJ Yulo a chef who writes for Rogue magazine, and Spanky’s cousin, Marfee. 

I wondered if I would end up dining with a Perfect “Italian” that Friday evening.  But some say, there is no such thing as the word “perfect” and man, whatever the nationality, in one sentence.  Har-har.  We shall see.  Read further to see how that evening unfolded.

Arriving on time, we scoured San Antonio Plaza Arcade for a “masked man” who supposedly would take us to where the dinner venue is.  After a small crowd already gathered, a lady in a Venice-inspired mask suddenly appeared and off we went to the destination.  We were led to an undisclosed house inside Forbes Park.  Upon entering the unmarked door, we gaped at the beautiful kitchen on the right and the elaborately-styled Venice-inspired table setting.

Photo Courtesy: Rowena of www.animetric.info

Jeff, Between Bites, Rowena, Bea and Richard

Pinoy Eats World team, who organizes food tours and thematic guerilla dinners, fronted by Chef JJ Yulo that night welcomed us warmly and introduced that evening’s dinner host, Perfect Italiano.  Although I have never met a perfect Italian *snicker*, I have been quite acquainted with the brand Perfect Italiano.  I’ve started using Perfect Italiano as far back as 2 years ago for cooking.  I particularly liked Pizza Plus which I use specifically for my “Pizza Chip” recipe.

Photo Credit: Richard of www.talesfromthetummy.com

In a nutshell, pour over tomato garlic dip/salsa on Tostitos Tortilla Chips with Hint of Lime, sprinkle generously with Pizza Plus and chopped fresh basil then heat in microwave or oven.  Viola!  Perfect PIZZA CHIPS for snacking!  It’s a favorite at home (and previously at the condo) during DVD nights.

What I love about Pizza Plus is the fact that it’s a convenient blend of Mozzarella, Cheddar and Parmesan all in one mixed bag of cheeses.  There’s a combination of light, medium sharp flavors in Pizza Plus PLUS the desired stretch of Mozzarella on your pizza or hot snacks.  No need to buy the cheeses separately.

Perfect Italiano’s roster of cheeses was used in all the 8 courses we had that night.  We started off with hors d’oeuvres of little Italian toasts and toppings of Romano and Parmesan cheese dip partnered with honey and grapes.

On the Table:

Strawberry Fields

First plate brought out had mixed greens with slices of fresh strawberries and cubes of Romano cheese.  I like how the name of the dish is already stimulating and same can be said regarding the presentation and taste.  The Romano cheese opens a sharp flavor and counters the sweetness and acidity of the strawberry slices while the greens referee between the two.

Sweetart

The flaky pastry was served warm with a speckle of ham, bacon, sweet caramelized onions and cheese on its outer layer and ended with a garnish of alfalfa sprouts and arugula.  It reminded me of a delicious Panizza flavored with meat and tomato sauce but in a puff pastry that’s pillowy soft and flaky. 

It was so good I wanted a second serving so badly.  After finishing my “Sweet-art,” I held my right hand under the table to keep it from snatching Jeff’s piece on his plate.  *I try hard to look the other way*

Chiz Soup

Slightly heavy in taste, I appreciate the hearty potato and cheese soup that was a relaxing break in between bites.

Please Rise

I think I was the only one on our table who figured this one out.  The dish was named Please Rise because it looked like the flag of Italy with cheese-stuffed red bell pepper and spring onion garnish evocative of Italian flag colors of red, white and green.  I also enjoyed this tasty dish since I love bell peppers and the cheese offset the slight bitterness of bell peppers leaving it with just the sweetness.

Clam Up

Manila clams in light cream sauce peppered with minced Vigan longganisa and cheese.  The sauce on its own was on the salty side, intensified more by the Vigan longganisa.  The clams were cooked just right, still retaining its tenderness.

Pasta M

Pesto pasta with Mozzarella cheese named after Chef JJ’s grandmother

Baa Baa Baa

Oven roasted lamb meat served with artichokes and marble potatoes.  I was excited about this dish since I like well-cooked lamb and this definitely exceeded expectations.  The thin slices of meat were drizzled with a red wine sauce that tasted like it was blended with shrimp paste or garlic (I couldn’t determine) but it was scrumptious.  And the starch that accompanied it was just perfect. 

Going Bananas

A Nutella pudding served with caramelized bananas and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.  The Parmesan brought out the Nutella flavor more and it was a dreamy balance of sweet and salty coupled with taste of banana.  It was a delightful dessert to end the 8-course dinner.

The line-up of dishes that Chef JJ and Chef Namee came up with was simply extraordinary with the cheeses highlighting the strengths of each plate. 

Although I didn’t get to have a dinner date with an actual Italian, my palate was gently stroked by Perfect Italiano and it was a pleasing melange of cheesy taste.  I also appreciate Chef JJ’s affable persona that lighted the room during the whole experience.

If you want to be part of another mystery dinner, CHECK OUT Perfect Italiano’s Facebook page, “My Perfect Recipes.”  You might also catch a good recipe or two there! 😉

Pinoy Eats World

Pinoy Eats World Facebook Page

Perfect Italiano

My Perfect Recipes Facebook Page

Pinoy Eats World Perfect Italiano Album

Photo Credit:

Richard of www.talesfromthetummy.com

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