They say a good restaurant is defined by its cuisine. And rightly so. But there are some restaurants that have been associated with the creative vision of the man behind it driving its cuisine. Like Emilio Mina of Caruso Ristorante Italiano...
Celebrating twenty years of fine Italian cuisine, Caruso Ristorante Italiano reaches a milestone in its storied history. It's also a testament to the man behind the iconic Italian restaurant along Nicanor Garcia Street in Makati. The story of Caruso Ristorante Italiano is the story of Emilio Mina, from the dishes of his childhood to the elegant Italian flair of the classic Italian restaurant.
Since 2002, Caruso Ristorante Italiano has been one of Makati's secret culinary gems serving authentic and sumptuous Italian dishes. And just like fine wine, Caruso Ristorante Italiano belongs to a select group of dining destinations that seems to just get better with age (for more on Caruso Ristorante Italiano, see my posts, A Symphony of Classic Italian Flavors at Caruso Ristorante Italiano from way back in 2014, It's Truffle Season All-Year Long at Caruso Ristorante Italiano from early last year, Black is Back: It's Black Truffle Season at Caruso Ristorante Italiano on their seasonal offerings and Good Food, Wine, Music and Company with Escoffier Philippines at Segreto!@Caruso from an Escoffier dinner late last year). The tradition continues at Caruso Ristorante Italiano as it celebrates twenty flavorful years...
That day at Caruso Ristorante Italiano, the always dapper Emilio Mina celebrates the restaurant's milestone with a golden vibe...
...in a cool golden coat. The recurring gold theme defines the anniversary celebration reflecting the flamboyant style of Emilio Mina adding a festive mood to a sumptuous lunch prepared by the kitchen of Caruso Ristorante Italiano.
A chat with Emilio Mina always leaves you in awe with his stories of the past like it was just yesterday. There never is a dull moment with the man with the golden touch. As more guests arrived, wine was served from Emilio Mina's personal selection...
Since 2017, Emilio Mina has been sending Pope Francis cases of his favorite wine, the Barbera d' Alba from the Piedmont region of northern Italy. That day, guests enjoyed Emilio Mina's personal pick, delivering deep, tangy notes with a subtle hint of cherry with every soothing sip.
Caruso Ristorante Italiano served its Gold Menu, starting with the Pizzette topped with gold leaf and paired with Gold Prosecco. The special Gold Menu is available for special celebrations, simply call Caruso Ristorante Italiano.
The Antipasti Terra was then served, featuring Vitello Tonnato with fork-tender sliced veal draped in tuna sauce. The dish is topped with gold leaf as well. Emilio Mina just won't have it any other way.
For the third course, the Ravioloni Emilliani Ripiani Al Burro e Salvia was served. The homemade ravioloni generously stuffed with spinach and Ricotta cheese drizzled with rich butter and sage delivers fresh, bold and comforting flavors to the palate. Of course, the pasta dish is topped with gold leaf as well.
Wrapped in gold leaf, a quick glance near the kitchen reveals the main course...
...presented in dramatic fashion by the staff of Caruso Ristorante Italiano. The Tomahawk Bistecca becomes even more impressive with its gold wrap...
...as it's carved and served to diners with roasted potatoes. Emilio Mina knows a thing or two about making an impression. And Caruso Ristorante Italiano goes all out with the main course.
The impressive slab of beef tempts the eyes with its juicy pink center. And the glistening gold leaf adds that perfect finishing touch.
Like butter, each slice and bite just melts in your mouth releasing a savory richness. With beef this good, you don't need any sauce at all. If you're thinking of celebrating a gold-themed affair, give Caruso Ristorante Italiano a call.
Dessert is up next, naturally with the same gold leaf treatment consistent with the anniversary theme. Silky smooth with a decadent richness, the indulgent Chocolate Pudding is a fitting finale to an enduring institution's anniversary celebration. And to one man's vision and love affair with good food, fine wine and good times.
Emilio Mina's many passions include music, and guests were treated to live performances by some of the country's best classical artists...
...like Jonathan Badon...
...and Anya, a young up and coming artist which I'm sure you'll soon hear more of in the future. Good food, fine wine, music and great company. It just doesn't get better than that.
A toast caps twenty memorable years at Caruso Ristorante Italiano. But Emilio Mina is just getting started. And you'll soon hear more from Caruso Ristorante Italiano and Emilio Mina again on the blog...
Caruso Ristorante Italiano is located at LRI Design Plaza, 210 Nicanor Garcia Street (formerly Reposo Street), Bel-Air Village, Makati City or call 8895 2451 for inquiries and reservations. You can also visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/CarusoRistoranteItaliano and their website at http://www.carusoristoranteitaliano.com/ for more information and details.
Dude for Food is now on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, check out these social media accounts for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and "Follow" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB and IG widgets on the right sidebar.