Little Place, Big Dreams

Indeed some of the best restaurants are actually the small unnoticeable ones located in quiet neighborhoods or in places one wouldn't expect to find something like it. Over the past few months, one place, also located in the quiet Kapitolyo district of Pasig City, that the fennel bulbs come back to from time to time for great eats is Poco Deli along East Capitol Drive. 

This quaint little place is also an epicerie where one can buy different sorts of sausages, cold cuts, and homemade spreads. The place also sells bottles of wine, the selections of which are moderately comprehensive, enough to include Galician cervezas and Portuguese white wine.

Above is a plate of thin-crusted pizza topped with mozarella cheese and bits of Jamon Iberico (Iberian ham), about 350Php. The pizza dough is cooked well, not being too crunchy or burnt on the edges. Iberian ham resembles prosciutto in taste, but the texture is harder and coarser than its Italian counterpart; overall it is more robust.

Since this is a little deli restaurant and not a full-blown speciality restaurant that focuses on one cuisine, the selections of pizza and pasta are quite limited. But this doesn't mean that what's available doesn't live up to standards. Above is a plate of Spaghetti Aglio Olio (Php 190), which is the fennel bulb's favorite spaghetti. Topped with fresh parsley and grated pecorino cheese, it is as good as it can be. 

Besides pasta and pizza, Poco Deli also has a small selection of entrees, their goodness compensating for the restricted menu. The Irish beef stew (~Php 300) is a hearty dish made with softened chunks of beef (most likely shanks), potatoes, and a rich brown sauce redolent with the flavor of beer. The servings are good enough for two on a reduced appetite, and more than enough for a hungry soul. 

Lastly, a bowl of home made strawberry yoghurt (~Php80) to cleanse the palate. It's natural,

moderately sour, and the hint of sweetness about it is just enough. 

Poco Deli is indeed a small, quiet place (poco is Italian for 'small' or 'bit'). However, what draws one to the place is the kind of homeliness it has about it - the lack of pretension in its interiors and its honest selection of great food. Most importantly, one feels the passion whoever owns the place has for good food and their desire to make their customers happy. 

Damp and Smug, London (part 2)

The fennel bulbs' gastronomic adventures in London continue - this time, in the rather opulent and artistically quirky neighborhood of Notting Hill. A famous Turkish restaurant can be found in the area, Fez Mangal, along Ladbroke Grove. 

A huge platter consisting of carved mutton that has been roasted on a vertical rotating spit, similar to the roasts used for making shawarma. This dish is known as doener in Turkish. It's served over rice, and has sidings of red lettuce, arugula, and chips. 

Another good thing about Fez Mangal is that they don't charge corkage if one brings his bottle of wine. Of course, red wine goes best with the doener. Prices at Fez Mangal are very reasonable, with an individual serving costing between £7 - £14. 

After a very substantial meal at Fez Mangal, it would be nice indeed to spend some time lounging whilst enjoying some liquor. Also in the neighborhood is the lovely bar, spirit and wine shop, Negozio Classica, located at the corner of Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road. The place is cozy, with a welcoming fireplace lit for the evening. The wine shop also has an extensive selection of Italian wines and spirits, as well as balsamic vinegar. 

To go with the wine is an opulent tray of cold cuts with slices of cheese, olives, and toasted bread on the side. 

(to be continued...)