Focaccia
I was in the A. Venue Mall for the past three days because of an event in the Events Hall adjacent to it. So I didn't waste time meeting in the hotel, where we stayed and instead, went to the restaurants that I hadn't been too. First up is Focaccia.
When I heard that Focaccia "copied" my favorite C Italian Panizza, I was immediately attracted to the restaurant that became my first stop. So when I entered, I immediately asked for their panizzas, which they called Pizza Rolls, which is good, because it explained to the mass market how it's to be eaten.
For those who don't know how to eat the panizza, you basically roll the thin crust pizza after putting toppings of arugula and alfalfa sprouts. Then, you dip it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Eat it in one bite and then roll another one. My colleagues tasted it the first time and they had fun rolling.
Now for the critique. Of course, I expected C Italian to be better, and that was what I got. I got the Pancetta (parma ham and sundried tomatoes) and Gorgonzola. What's great about Focaccia's version is that there are smaller sizes (which is actually a serving big for two). Thus, you can order a variety, that's why I ordered two variants. The crust was not as flavorful as the one in C Italian and the toppings were dry, especially for the Gorgonzola. That tasted bland enough for me to question whether it was gorgonzola used. I couldn't smell the cheese as well, so I was having more doubts. Overall, I still enjoyed the mix of arugula and alfalfa sprouts on a thin pizza crust, but it was far away from the quality that C offered.
We also tried the Italian Porkchop, which was spiced up well. The meat was not too tender but manageable. The pasta that came with it was a simple olive oil and garlic one.
My other colleague tried the Beef Steak Medallions Sorrent, which was again an olive oil and garlic pasta with chunks of beef tenderloin. I tired the dish, and it was just ok. At least the beef was tender. The pasta was seasoned better as well in this dish.
It was a quick meeting so no desserts. I had to rush back to the event hall. So, in 30 minutes, we came and left. I really can't say I was satisfied because of the circumstances. I would definitely come back and taste some more.
When I heard that Focaccia "copied" my favorite C Italian Panizza, I was immediately attracted to the restaurant that became my first stop. So when I entered, I immediately asked for their panizzas, which they called Pizza Rolls, which is good, because it explained to the mass market how it's to be eaten.
For those who don't know how to eat the panizza, you basically roll the thin crust pizza after putting toppings of arugula and alfalfa sprouts. Then, you dip it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Eat it in one bite and then roll another one. My colleagues tasted it the first time and they had fun rolling.
Now for the critique. Of course, I expected C Italian to be better, and that was what I got. I got the Pancetta (parma ham and sundried tomatoes) and Gorgonzola. What's great about Focaccia's version is that there are smaller sizes (which is actually a serving big for two). Thus, you can order a variety, that's why I ordered two variants. The crust was not as flavorful as the one in C Italian and the toppings were dry, especially for the Gorgonzola. That tasted bland enough for me to question whether it was gorgonzola used. I couldn't smell the cheese as well, so I was having more doubts. Overall, I still enjoyed the mix of arugula and alfalfa sprouts on a thin pizza crust, but it was far away from the quality that C offered.
We also tried the Italian Porkchop, which was spiced up well. The meat was not too tender but manageable. The pasta that came with it was a simple olive oil and garlic one.
My other colleague tried the Beef Steak Medallions Sorrent, which was again an olive oil and garlic pasta with chunks of beef tenderloin. I tired the dish, and it was just ok. At least the beef was tender. The pasta was seasoned better as well in this dish.
It was a quick meeting so no desserts. I had to rush back to the event hall. So, in 30 minutes, we came and left. I really can't say I was satisfied because of the circumstances. I would definitely come back and taste some more.
I loved the pizza rolls!
ReplyDeletei wish i could also try the original at C Italian dining :)
http://jotan23.blogspot.com/2010/01/focaccia-italian-restaurant-slice-of.html