Chef Francesco's life story in a kitchen

Take a fun talk with Chef Francesco Rizzo over sumptuous entrees and amazing cocktails with a few friends at his young restaurant Francesco's Kitchen in San Juan City. The comfortable Italian restaurant gives that cozy and ambient feeling where you can unwind and forget the busy life and time while tasting great food that you will surely come back for more.

Chef Francesco Rizzo (Owner)

Enjoy a spacious but inviting welcome at Francesco's Kitchen and be delighted to the remarkable interiors, including a brick foyer that looks like a stylish fireplace that is also gives a great display of equipment and the kitchen for your eye's feast.

It is a perfect place to take your friends and family and enjoy the great tasting authentic Italian food, wine or cocktails. Large group or small, Chef Francesco along with Francesco's Kitchen's staff will give you a time that you will never forget.

Try his Le polpette di mamma which is so special to Chef Francesco Rizzo because the recipe has been transferred from two generations of his family and very much different from the usual meatball sauce that we are used to taste.

Le polpette di mamma

But my favorite is Filleto di cernia that is tastes so fresh and tasty, and perfect with wine. The flavorful grouper with its umami sauce and seafood on the side makes it a perfect dinner.

Filleto di cernia

Chef Francesco has fallen in love with the Philippines since 1998 and would love everyone to try his creations in his humble restaurant. Come to Francesco's Kitchen and taste more than what's just featured here like salads, pizza and pasta.

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Food finds for the whole family at UP Town Center

Bring the whole family up to the extended family in these places in UP Town Center.

Casa Verde
Casa Verde is one of the first restaurants I tried in UP Town Center. I've never seen this restaurant empty and expect a queue every time you go. The serve a variety of food but match this with the fun interiors that include vintage memorabilia with a cozy urban feel. The servings are so big that it can be shared by 4 or more. And the prices are very reasonable so it satisfies your stomach and wallet.

Instagram: @CasaVerdePH

Gringo

Their tender, juicy, and perfectly roasted chicken is best with rice. I would like to have it home to extend the delicious meal. But you can also enjoy it in its own with booze or Gringo's signature rainbow Mojitos.

Instagram: @gringochickenribs

Sarsa
Take yourself to authentic Ilonggo-style Chicken Inasal of Sarsa Kitchen.

It is so good to be Filipino with our local delicacies that each in the family will enjoy. Isaw, liempo, pansit and more are available here. 

They also have a very interesting dessert that looks like buchi. But it's actually healthier because it's made of pumpkin but it is so yummy because chocolate oozes out of it. You have to try it.

Instagram: @sarsakitchen

So where are you taking the folks tonight?

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Beeffalo by Hot Rocks

My first time at a new dining place which is surprisingly near to our house. Just located within 1km from my place and it's so easy to locate. The place is called Beeffalo -- the backyard grill by Hot Rocks. Owned by foodies, Louie Abad and wife, the idea and experience of putting up a business in Marikina is a surprise. They are not from Marikina and the risk of placing the business there is a blessing. Funny thing is that even the residents themselves don't know such place exist.

Unnoticeable at first, the cozy ambiance of Beeffalo is often mistaken as a humble bungalow with a nightly party and barbecue setup on weekends. Just like the old times, you can relax in the al fresco or enjoy the cool air-conditioned interiors. Go vintage with record labels and the Vespa motorcycle and have that Grease feel. The best of it, the place is guaranteed clean.

Beeffalo interiors

Beeffalo Barbecue Backyard

Serving originally American cuisine, the business expanded by adding Italian dishes like pasta and pizza. What's more amazing is that they added isaw to the list. Don't see it as a posh diner because the price list is so affordable. Click here for the menu: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.537101966392548.1073741844.107743755995040&type=1

Their best-selling Baby Back Ribs and Steak are really to dine for! The marinade is very tasty and it sinks in the meat. Side dishes are served fresh and soups are not too hot to slurp in. Enjoy it with their Java rice or bread and you'll be very satisfied. Louie also told us that one guest frequents the place and orders a huge slob of ribs for himself. I envy that guy.

Beeffalo is truly one great discovery in Marikina. Take Marikina Sports Park, along Sumulong Highway, as your starting point. Go straight and turn the first left to Gil Fernando Avenue. Move along until passing Marikina Engineering Dept, and find Beeffalo at your left. From Marcos Highway, take Gil Fernando Avenue. Go straight passing Blue Wave Mall (Marquinton) and Marikina Engineering Department.

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