Caruso Ristorante Italiano Serves Exquisite Truffles All Year Round
I only used to see the magnificent and highly-prized Truffle on travel shows and documentaries. Known as the most expensive food in the world, the very rare and aromatic white truffle can cost up to $4000 per kilo, and that’s if you get them from Italy where they are usually harvested. I do love eating truffle-infused dishes here in Manila, but those are usually just mixed with truffle oil which is not exactly the real thing. So it was such a memorable occasion last week when I finally got a taste of real White Alba Truffles during our lunch at Caruso Ristorante Italiano, the only place in the city that serves truffles all year round.
Caruso Ristorante Italiano opened ints doors in 2002 and serves some of the most authentic Italian cuisine you can find in the country. The restaurant is located at 210 Nicanor Garcia Street in Bel-Air Village, just a few steps away from the bustling Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City. Voted by The Philippine Tatler as one of the Best Restaurants for 2016, Caruso is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:30am to 2:30pm and from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.
Upon entering the restaurant, I was already very impressed with the photos and artwork that decorated its interiors. Managed by its Italian owner, Mr. Emilio Mina, Caruso draws from his extensive culinary heritage and is inspired by the flavors of his hometown in Milan, Italy.
The main dining hall exudes a classic, romantic and elegant setting. I felt like I was transported to one of those small family-run restaurants in Italy that I often watch in movies. Caruso Ristorante Italiano offers an authentic Italian dining experience without having to travel abroad. With the covid pandemic still looming, guests can dine safely and worry-free as they are compliant with all the necessary health standards and protocols. Tables are evenly spaced and the staff are held to the highest standards of cleanliness.
Caruso is a place that hosted some of the most exclusive gatherings and social events the past two decades. Their highly-valued guest list and clientele includes VIPs, dignitaries, celebrities, politicians, and some of the most affluent names in the country. Concerts and musical events were also held here before the pandemic, with Jose Mari Chan being a frequent visitor. Andrea Bocelli even had lunch here!
I really love all the paintings that adorn the restaurant. Emilio has a fine appreciation of art and music, so you can see how it all blends perfectly together along with his in expertise in classic Italian cuisine.
Caruso also has a private VIP dining room and this is where our small group was seated during our lovely lunch. This is also a great venue for small celebrations and family gatherings.
Emilio himself hosted our lunch event and it was really a pleasure talking with him and hearing all the stories about his life in Italy and his adventures here in the Philippines. It was love that brought him to the country all those years ago as he also shared stories about himself and his Filipina wife.
Like a true Italian, Emilio is really passionate about everything, especially his restaurant. Caruso is probably the only establishment in the Philippines that serves truffles the entire year, and this is what he wants it to be known for. From April to October, they offer Black Truffles on the menu. Then from October to January, it’s harvest time for White Truffles. But the best and most expensive truffle is available only from January to April, the Bianchetto Alba Truffle, and we were so lucky that a fresh supply of these had just arrived from Italy, courtesy of Manila's own Truffle King.
But before we dive into this exquisite delicacy, let’s try some of the other featured dishes as Caruso. The restaurant prides itself with using the finest and freshest ingredients imported directly from Italy, together with an extensive variety of Italian wines and liqueurs to pair with every course.
For our Antipasto or appetizer course, we had the Misto di Affettati Italiani e Verdure Marinate (P1890) or typical Italian cold cuts. This big platter comes with an assortment of hams including Italian salami, marinated artichokes, olives, and other cured meats.
Next we tried one of their pizza creations, the Salsiccia (P795) which comes with tomato, mozzarella, mushroom and Italian sausage. Caruso offers several other pizza flavors with generous premium toppings, mozzarella cheese, and a crunchy crust that is unlike your typical restaurant pizza. This is how they really make pizzas in Italy.
But the item I have been waiting for is finally here, a simple but very elegant pasta dish called Tagliolini with Fresh Truffle. This is not made with the commercial truffle oil that is usually used even at five-star hotels and restaurant. This comes with the real deal white alba truffle and Caruso is one of the few places in Manila where you can get them.
The Bianchetto Alba Truffle comes fresh from Italy and is only available at Caruso for a limited time while supplies last. They say that truffles are an aphrodisiac, and judging by the strong aromas I can smell from this small truffle, I can probably say yes.
So why are truffles so expensive anyway? These subterranean fungi are a delicious form of mushroom with a pungent aroma and distinctly earthy taste. They are extremely rare and difficult to find and lose their sexy aroma within a week. Though multiple species are found worldwide, the most prestigious truffles come from specific areas. Black truffles from France and white truffles from Italy are the two most highly-valued.
Being such an expensive item, each paper-thin truffle shaving that falls on Caruso’s homemade Tagliolini is simply an indulgent delicacy to remember. The distinct aroma that is released with every slice adds to the overall dining experience. The truffle itself only has a mild earthy flavor, but the aromas will linger with your senses the rest of the afternoon.
The homemade taglioni adds to the overall beauty of this dish. It’s creamy and buttery texture gives us a simple but authentic taste of Italy. I would gladly order this pasta again as an everyday dish even without the truffle.
Truffles only have a short shelf life, so it is highly recommended that you head over to Caruso whenever they get a new shipment. The Bianchetto Alba Truffle is available at Caruso starting March 12 but supplies may not even last that long.
To get the best truffle experience, it is best paired with Barbera d' Alba red wine from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. This is the famous wine that Caruso Ristorante Italiano sends to the beloved Pope Francis every year. We were honored to be drinking the same wine that the Pope does!
Since 2017, Emilio Mina has been sending Pope Francis cases of this special Barbera Wine. He even showed us the letter from the Pope’s office thanking him for the special gift. You can find unique and special wine bottles all around the restaurant, like this hand-painted bottle from the Amalfi coast in Italy.
Caruso also has several other pasta dishes on the menu like the Spaghetti Scoglio al Pomodoro (P730). This spaghetti is prepared with a spicy tomato sauce and comes with fresh shrimps and seafood. It also comes with some toasted bread that you can dip in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Just when we thought we already had our highlight for the day, out comes this huge and gorgeous Bistecca ala Fiorentina (P6900-1kg). This meaty steak platter is perfect for sharing with the entire table.
The very tender beef is sliced and served with rosemary and lemon. The steak is cooked medium just as I like it, with its pinkish inner portions giving it a more flavorful taste. It also comes with its own gravy along with a platter of roasted vegetables. This has been such a decadent meal. Truffles and steak, what more can you ask for?
To cap off our luxurious lunch, we had two of Caruso’s signature desserts. The Tiramisu (P430) is a classic Italian dessert made with ladyfingers, coffee, cocoa powder, mascarpone cream. I have tried a lot of other tiramisu cakes and desserts elsewhere but this was arguably the best one I have ever had. The different layers gave it such sophistication and now I know how a tiramisu should really be.
Another classic and delightful dessert option is the Panna Cotta (P430). This sweetened cream is not overly sweet but has just the right balance and texture. It’s perfect way to finish our Italian culinary adventure.
Guests dining at Caruso Ristorante Italiano from February 18 to June 16, 2021 also have the chance to win a Business Class Ticket to Europe from Etihad Airways. You get one raffle ticket for every P2,000 spent on dine-in or takeout. The prizes will be valid for one year from the date of the raffle draw. So that’s truffle, steak, and a chance to win a trip to Europe after the pandemic. What else are you waiting for? Book your tables now at Caruso and experience an authentic and delicious taste of Italy.
Caruso Ristorante Italiano
Ground Floor LRI Design Plaza, 210 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bel Air, Makati City
8895-2451 / (0915) 679-4829
www.carusoristoranteitaliano.com
www.facebook.com/CarusoRistoranteItaliano
