Italian Night at Friuli Trattoria

Ok maybe it wasn't completely Italian.  Filipino Italian fusion was more like it, but hey, bottomline is it was pretty darn memorable.

Yuri decided to take me out last night to make up for our supposed Valentine's date.  He was finally feeling well enough to drive.  Granted, we had to narrow down our choices to someplace near (since he's not a 100% yet) and as always *I know I sound like a broken record*, somewhere affordable.  Harhar.  In my defense, it hasn't been two weeks since I paid that nasty hospital bill (ulk), AND I just bought a laptop the other day.

Quick story: At the hospital, I had such a migraine after settling our charges.  I looked so pale after paying.  My aunt (also his doctor) told me I looked worse than Yuri and she had to ask me if I needed to be wheeled out of the hospital. LOL.  Not that I have any regrets about Yuri's hospitalization or anything like that, oh no no no please don't misunderstand.  It was, after all, money well spent.  He was in the best of hands.  I'd do anything to make Yuri well.  I just get a really bad migraine right after shelling out huge amounts of money.  I'm chalking it up to a reflexive physiological reaction.  I've no control over it.   I dunno, I guess I'm just weird that way.  Both my mom and Yuri get such a kick out of it.  Meanies. 

Anywayyy all I'm trying to say is that, at least for the time being, it's absolutely essential that we go to value-for-money restaurants for my health and well-being.

Maginhawa St. at Teacher's Village is just the place for that.  It's a veritable haven for foodies on a budget.  It's really near UP Diliman (my beloved alma mater).  That immediately clues you in on the price points of most of the establishments there.  They've got Mexican, Italian, Persian, American, Filipino, and fusion cuisine options lined up along the stretch of this residential-turned-commercial street.

We were in the mood for Italian so we decided to try Friuli Trattoria.  It's been there for as long as I can remember. I just never stopped to have a look.

Friuli Trattoria

It's a tidy two-floor operation with orange-hued walls and checkered tablecloths.  Despite the lack of decor, it still had a cozy feel to it.  Dining here might be "roughing it" for some people, what with the monoblock chairs, low ceiling, and poorly printed menus, but I liked the whole experience.  I really did.  I think of it as a kitchy Italian cafeteria. 

Now it's time to talk about the food.  Lemme tell you THIS made our night.

Toasted Ravioli Php 125.00

Toasted Ravioli!  It really tasted more like a Mexican dish than an Italian one but that didn't matter because it was DELICIOUS.  I like a dish that has a nice contrast of textures and flavors; both crisp and chewy, tangy and sweet.  It's six pieces of deep fried ravioli filled with chili beef, cheese, veggies, and then generously sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.  It's served with a side of rich tomato sauce.  These raviolis taste great even without the sauce!

Carbonara Php 120.00

The Carbonara was the low point of the evening.  The spaghetti was al dente, the cream sauce was fine (done Pinoy style since real Italian Carbonara has no cream in it), but the honey-cured bacon bits killed it.  It was getting progressively sweeter with each bite.  I heard that their Spaghetti Meatsauce Pasta is pretty good so maybe you guys should just stick to that.

Tre Formaggi Php 169.00

The Tre Formaggi a.k.a. Three Cheese Pizza is also a must try.  It has mozzarella, cheddar, and blue cheese in it along with a healthy spattering of dried Italian herbs.  Given the size and the ingredients used, it's quite incredible for the price.  The blue cheese really stands out with each bite.
 

Mentos candies for dessert.

 Look at those prices!  Boggles the mind.  I don't know of any Italian restaurant or fastfood that can offer the same taste level and quality of food as Fruili Trattoria at this price range.  Plus, their service was really efficient and the food came out in less than 15 minutes.

We were really planning on sampling some of their desserts too, but by the end of the meal, we were just too full to continue on.  We're saving those desserts for next time.

Yep you read right.  We're definitely going back, especially for those Toasted Raviolis.  Mmmmm.  :-)