AVI, There's No Place Like Another Home

If you're a foodie who's thinking about the next resto to visit even before you finish your food, then you shouldn't miss out on what Kapitolyo (in Pasig) has to offer. Various food hubs located in the area offer the finest Asian cuisine and Western dishes which will leave you both satisfied and craving for more. One of these is Avi, a new restaurant which I may say, does a great job in preparing and serving Western favorites-meet-Philippine-flavors.

What sets Avi apart from the others is its very relaxed ambience which is only common among coffee shops. From their song playlist to their light fixtures and wall decors, Avi stays true to its promise of being a home away from home.

If there's one thing that captivates me most, I'd have to say that it's an artistic side. The owners of this place must be creative geniuses for being able to come up with a concept of having rustic interiors (which by the way I adore) and for giving their menu a one-of-a-kind homey attack. Brother Ben's Baked Meatball Pasta, Tita Terry's Tasty Tuna Tartare, Papa Rico's Paborito Chicken Pesto, etc. Whoever they are or if they even exist at all, I really have no idea. But they're undeniably entertaining so thumbs up for that!

Anyway, here's what we ordered for lunch:

Amigo Crisanto's Chili con Carne | P155

We had tortilla chips and chili con carne as an appetizer. Since this is in the Stew part of the menu and not in the Appetizer part, it was really a lot, as in A LOT. The beef has a strong Cumin taste which may or may not be a good thing depending on a person's taste buds, of course.

Lola Soledad's Buttered Shrimp Agoile | P190

For the most part, I think anything cooked in garlic olive oil would already taste like perfection. So if you still add buttered shrimps to what is already a wonderful creation, and serve it with sesame garlic bread, then... hello heaven!

Seaside Samba Diablo Pasta | P265

Basically this is linguine pasta with rich spicy marinara sauce, generously topped with clams, mussels, squids and shrimps. Need I say more? Definitely a must-try.

Sous Vide Hanging Tender Steak | P310

Bestsellers are bestsellers for a reason. That's all I have to say on this matter.

House Blended Iced Tea | P75
Grandma's Good Ol' Chocolate Chip Ala Mode | P150

And to complete every meal, drinks and dessert are an ultimate must! Their house blended iced tea has a fruity sour bitter sweet but mostly sweet kind of taste which I really liked. And the huge chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream? To die for. The cookie was served warm and tasted like magic just got out of the oven. Just imagine that.

Also, let's not overlook one of the most significant thing in any dining experience: service. Come on, to enjoy good food, there must be good service. Kudos to the Ate who attended to our needs and requests from beginning to end. We owe much to you for having such a delightful time here at Avi!

(c) Photos by Christine Magpayo and Lovely Alteria