In the heart of busy Bonifacio Global City, this cozy osteria beckons you to eat, drink, live life fully!
A month into the New Year, and you may find yourself grappling with resolutions made in December of last year: Get fit, give up (*insert whatever bad habit, here*), take on a new hobby – the list goes on. If, however, you have resolved to live life more fully, stick to your guns and don’t let anything stand in your way. That is as worthwhile as resolutions go!
One way to do this is by trying new things – treating yourself on occasion to an epicurean feast, for instance. If that is on your agenda (and it should be!), Osteria Daniele would be thrilled to oblige. This quaint restaurant by the Bistronomia Group, smack in the heart of dynamic Bonifacio Global City, serves up Italian classic dishes and fine wines that are truly a nod to la dolce vita, in true “osteria” fashion.
All about Ambiance
Decked in charming Art Deco-meets-Art Noveau style, Osteria Daniele is the perfect spot for an intimate dinner. Whether it’s self-pampering me-time, a romantic interlude with your significant other, or a happy gathering of family and friends, the ambiance is warm and welcoming. A Demilune bar counter, a throwback to the chic opulence and aesthetic of the 18-th century, is the focal point of the room. Flanked by an equally vintage-inspired metal kitchen door, vibrant stained glass accents, a coffered-type ceiling, and large arched-framed windows, the bar and dining area exude a quirky, eye-catching elegance. This is definitely not your traditional, predictable Italian bistro, in terms of atmosphere, but it works! And works very well, might I add.
Everything else about the restaurant, however, holds fast to the concept of the osteria: a place that serves straightforward, uncomplicated Italian meals, and places an emphasis on wines.
The Vibe Meets the Vine
Of course, a great vibe calls for an equally commendable wining and dining experience. Osteria Daniele is home to an extensive selection of wines and spirits; if you’re lucky, you’ll even get to chat with the winemakers themselves. On the night we dined there, we enjoyed the company of Giorgio Pelissero, winemaker and owner of Pelissero Wines. Straight from the family vineyard – Azienda Agricola Pelissero in the Treiso district, smack in the middle of the Barbaresco region – Giorgio regaled us with stories of his small village and of the grape varietals for which it is renowned. The engaging accounts flowed as freely as the wine; Giorgio found a captive audience at our table, as we relished glass after glass of fine Pelissero vintages, the finest of which was the small-batch Pelissero Barbaresco DOCG Vanotu 2010. This critically-acclaimed, smooth yet savory blend from the Nebbiolo grape is produced in limited batches every year, only 15,000 bottles, globally. “And now, there are only 14,999 bottles left in the whole world!” Giorgio joked as we demolished one bottle.
Mangiamo! We Eat!
As we sipped on our vino, Chef Alfredo Rodriguez’ culinary creations sated our palates, heightening the evening’s pleasure. We started with the Burrata Salad, a sensory delight in all aspects. From its dramatic presentation alone, we knew we were in for a real treat. Soon as the glass dome was lifted off the plate, smoke wafted upward, tickling our nostrils and whetting our appetites. The salty slivers of prosciutto and anchovies were a nice contrast to the rich, smoky flavor of the semisoft white Italian cheese. A helping of Vitello Tonnato followed, ever-so-thinly sliced slivers of roast beef with tuna mayo and capers, which proved a savory and interesting combination of tastes. Carpaccio de Manzo, a classic delicacy, came next; while all at the table raved about it, I opted for the light and refreshing tuna carpaccio, instead.
With appetizers just settling in our stomachs, a heart serving of Papparadelle – flat pasta, duck ragu, and red cabbage – sent my palate in a frenzy. The freshly-made noodles, cooked to al-dente perfection, provided the perfect base for the rich ragu, which wasn’t cloying at all, thanks to the cabbage. The Orecchiette was a seamless follow through to the first pasta offering. The dish of fresh, handmade bowl-shaped noodles smothered in creamy nduja sauce and Italian sausage was utterly fulfilling. Then came Osteria Daniele’s bestselling Porchetta. This dish crackled and popped as the server skillfully sliced the crunchy, expertly seasoned roasted pork belly roll before us. To cap the degustacion in a sweet and fresh way, a slice of mouthwatering Torta de Limone was just what we needed. This lemon and cheese cake topped with coffee foam melted in the mouth while cleansing the palate.
This year, make all the changes you need to make for a better, more fulfilling life. Begin by seizing the day, and treating yourself to the finer things, on occasion. You deserve it.
Words and Photos by Angie Duarte
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Osteria Daniele is at the Ground Level, Tower 1, High Street Corporate Plaza, 9th avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
