Black is Back: It's Black Truffle Season at Caruso Ristorante Italiano

Caruso Ristorante Italiano celebrates the much-anticipated arrival of the prized Black Alba Truffle fresh from Italy prepared in lavish dishes for an indulgent and authentic taste of the old country at the heart of Makati. Available for a limited time only, early reservations are highly recommended. Widely regarded as "the diamond of the kitchen," the rare truffle offers a unique flavor experience that you can enjoy at Caruso Ristorante Italiano. That's while supplies last, of course.   

The Black Alba Truffle is part of a long-running tradition at Caruso Ristorante Italiano, starting the year with the Bianchetto Alba Truffle (for more on the previous Bianchetto Alba Truffle offer, see my post It's Truffle Season All-Year Long at Caruso Ristorante Italiano). And it's a culinary tradition that has endeared Caruso Ristorante Italiano to its loyal customer base for years. 

Drawing inspiration from his childhood, Emilio Mina recreates these experiences at Caruso Ristorante Italiano. I first met the charismatic Emilio Mina seven years ago (more on my post from 2015 here at A Symphony of Classic Italian Flavors at Caruso Ristorante Italiano), and it's his personality that gives this enduring dining institution its elegant yet cozy charm and warmth. In this age of celebrity chefs, it's the chef that's often associated with the restaurant. But Emilio Mina is the face, heart and soul of Caruso Ristorante Italiano.

Emilio Mina proudly exclaimed "I want to make Caruso famous for the truffle. When the people say truffle in Manila, they have to think Caruso." That was no boast, but a promise. After the successful run with the Bianchetto Alba Truffle last March, Caruso is back with the Black Alba Truffle. And when Caruso Ristorante Italiano brings out the Barolo, it's truffle season once again in Makati's relatively quiet corner along Nicanor Garcia Street.  

Think of Caruso Ristorante Italiano as your little spot of Italy in Makati. A bottle of Barolo takes you there to the northwest region of Piedmont with just a few soothing sips. It's also the perfect wine pairing for the prized Black Alba Truffle. Rich in tannins with pronounced earthy notes and hints of licorice and coffee ideal for meat dishes, heavy pastas or rich risottos, the Barolo's bold and deep flavor profile tempers the savory richness for that perfectly delicate balance. 

The prized Black Alba Truffles are then presented, take a whiff and the distinct earthy and fragrant aroma triggers the senses. Small wars have been fought over this precious black gold, and its almost mythic place in the culinary world has endured and withstood the test of time. Now it's your turn to experience this rare tuber in a variety of lavish dishes at Caruso Ristorante Italiano.

At Caruso Ristorante Italiano, the chef's recommendation for the Black Alba Truffle include the Veal Beef Carpaccio, Eggs Cooked in Piedmont Style with Asparagus and the Homemade Tagliolini Pasta topped with fresh shaved truffle. Rustic and uncomplicated, the recommended dishes allows the delicately nuanced flavors of the truffle to delicately weave its distinct notes so you can enjoy all its richness with each bite.

For me, the Homemade Tagliolini Pasta is the perfect canvas for the Black Alba Truffle's colorful yet nuanced flavors. Similar to tagliatelli but thinner like capellini, the traditional tagliolini is a specialty from the Piedmont region of Italy. Draped in butter, olive oil and truffle oil, the simplicity of the pasta dish is deceiving. As is, the dish is intensely rich with smooth and unctuous buttery notes. The addition of freshly shaved Black Alba Truffle is the perfect finishing touch to a simple yet lavish pasta dish transforming it with layers of flavors as well as depth.   

Prepared by your tableside, the truffle shaving ceremony becomes part of the dining experience. Generous toppings of thin shards from the precious tuber covers the pasta, lending its fragrant aroma to the dish. That's the way Emilio Mina enjoys his pasta dish with the Black Alba Truffle, and that's the way the Homemade Tagliolini Pasta with the rare truffle is served to you. Emilio Mina just won't have it any other way. 

After a few minutes, your Homemade Tagliolini Pasta with Black Alba Truffle is served...

A good truffle like the Black Alba Truffle has that uncanny characteristic of tasting exactly as they smell. Woody, nutty and earthy with that hint of sweetness for a deep richness to complement the buttery notes of the tagliolini pasta, the Black Alba Truffle simply elevates the flavors without overpowering the palate. It's this delicate subtlety that makes the truffle so unique and special, delivering fresh flavors with a gentle whisper. 

The flavors of the Black Alba Truffle are more pronounced and upfront than the delicate Bianchetto Alba Truffle. That seamless blend of deep nutty and earthy notes from the truffles with the rich and buttery noodles weaves into one of those experiences that's now part of your countless cherished memories at Caruso Ristoarante Italiano...

...and that calls for another glass of Barolo. 

In a challenging new normal, we've seen emerging consumer habits like dining at home, the rise of the food delivery culture and increased online usage define and shape the quarantine experience. But there are a few exceptions where dining in the restaurant becomes integral to the experience. This is one of them.

And you can enjoy your Black Alba Truffle feast with no worries at all at Caruso Ristorante Italiano. Following all the latest health and safety protocols including frequent disinfection and the strict compliance with social distancing, your peace of mind is the top priority at Caruso Ristorante Italiano. And there's really no better way to enjoy the Black Alba Truffle, freshly shaved by your tableside.

While at Caruso Ristorante Italiano, why not enjoy some of their specialty pizza? For me, any visit to Caruso Ristorante Italiano calls for the savory Salsiccia (P 795)... 

...loaded with tomatoes, mushrooms, Italian sausage and creamy Mozzarella on a crisp crust fresh from the wood-fired ovens. The rich flavors of the Italian sausage packs a solid punch, followed by the mushrooms and Mozzarella for a hearty and satisfying combo.

One more slice? That definitely calls for another glass of Barolo. 

The sweeping transformation from the quarantine experience continues to redefine our daily routine, but the dining experience will adapt and evolve remaining an important part of our everyday activities. Face masks, face shields, temperature scans and social distancing are now the new normal, but you can still enjoy some of life's indulgent pleasures like a hearty dish topped with Black Alba Truffle paired with a glass of Barolo at one of Makati's iconic dining establishments. But be sure to reserve early if you're after the Black Alba Truffle...