Discovering Cubao Expo and Bellini’s
This weekend Noreen and I went to the Cubao Expo at the invitation of a friend who owns the Reading Room. I didn’t get to meet my friend, because I didn’t tell her I’d be there. Noreen was planning for it to be a surprise. I guess I was the one getting surprised, hehehe.
What was formerly known as the Marikina Shoe Expo is now known as Cubao Expo. Aptly named, I think. Aside from visiting the Reading Room I also wanted to see some bargains that my officemates often rave about. I hardly go to this part of the Metro, being from Makati, so this Saturday I decided to go and see what the fuss was all about.
Ah Noreen spots a bargain, after being in the place for only 10 minutes! Really good shoes for P100.00 (US$2.40) a pair! So she got two pairs in different colors. Mind you, they don’t look cheap. In an air-conditioned mall, these shoes would probably sell for more than P450.00 (US$10.00).
Walking around some more, I spotted this 1958 VW Beetle, fully restored. I like cars a lot, though I don’t blog about them. The owner, Ron, was nice enough to let me take pictures of his car. When I asked him how much he spent restoring it, he just said that he spent a LOT. Enough said.
Wonderful paint job and incredibly plush interiors.
After all that walking we got hungry and found this quaint Italian restaurant named Bellini’s. Owned by an Italian guy Roberto Bellini, this restaurant is probably one of the best I have dined at, so far. After eating all that Italian fare at the Tasting Room event, I was delightfully surprised that a Cubao Expo restaurant had THE BEST food and THE BEST service, besting even the more famous and expensive Makati restaurants. The prices are so reasonable, considering how Italian food is always expensive, and the service has been the best I have experienced, so far. None of the usual snob appeal. Just ask the waiter in Tagalog and they are on their toes in their best behavior. I’ve seen how some restaurants treat non English-speaking customers like second-class citizens. This restaurant’s crew and staff indeed deserve a standing ovation. Yes, I will come here again and again and again.
The exterior.
The interiors.
That’s Noreen waiting for her pasta dish with bread stick in hand.
The Spaghetti al Cartoccio as it is served. Only P230.00 (US$5.54) per order.
Notice anything? Yes, it’s seafood pasta WITHOUT the cheats! No fish fillet or squid rings here. Just handfuls of fresh mussels and fresh shrimps. The shrimps are fresh, sweet and crunchy, I actually ate the outer shell.
I ordered the Fettuccine Pesto. Only P220.00 (US$5.30) per order. The best pesto I have ever had.
The waiter actually recommended Penne, but the gorilla in me insisted on Fettuccine. What the customer wants, the customer gets. Without argument.
For as little as P120.00 (US$2.89) a slice, I got this big hunk of Tiramisu. So very very good. I’m still thinking about it as I write this.
Another shot.
At the end of our meal, we were treated to small cups of sweet wine. This was a really nice touch!
For only P660.00 (US$15.90) as our total bill, Noreen and I were happy campers!
When you visit Cubao Expo, dine at Bellini’s. You’ll be smiling through the traffic.
Comments
Comment from admin
Time: May 5, 2008, 7:13 am
thanks for visiting my blog!
Comment from Ice9web
Time: May 6, 2008, 2:11 pm
bale Favicon lang po yan you can manipulate that on your XML sa edit HTML ng blogger pero gawa ka muna ng icon .jpg or .ico mas ok kung .jpg nalang 16×16 size tapos upload it on any photoHosting or your own host … then un URL niya load mo naman doon sa XML sa “Head” part via Edit HTML ng blogger… (^_^)
Comment from Karla
Time: May 7, 2008, 5:09 am
I’ve always wanted to go to Bellini’s as far back as before I even had a child (that was sooo long ago), but I never had the chance except when I met up (but never ate) with Ricky there. Sayang. It’s in my list of to-dos, hopefully before the year ends.
Ang ganda ng pics mo! Am so envious. Are you using a new camera? Somehow I still can’t master my Samsung. Oh well, I should stick to writing na lang siguro. ;p
Comment from Hiro
Time: May 7, 2008, 8:01 am
never really like Bellinis, i prefer Trattoria Uno in ali Mall
Comment from cherli
Time: May 7, 2008, 12:02 pm
Hey, that was a nice beetle, err…Volkswagen-sprachen uten! I’ve always had a soft spot for good ol’ Pendong, hehe. Although I really dig vintage Jag.
I’ve heard of Bellini’s before. I think it was featured at a lifestyle show or something, I forgot. The food really looks good, I’d think it’s just your cam’s effect but seeing how you were enjoying it, ei, let me join you next time! (=^-^=)
Comment from Tom
Time: May 7, 2008, 3:19 pm
Hi Arpee! It’s been a long time that I’ve not been to Cubao - for stroll or shop. Just passing by Cubao to avoid the EDSA traffic. It showed that you really enjoyed your food. And your shots of the VW are good.
Comment from jhed
Time: May 7, 2008, 11:16 pm
you really have put on a lot of weight lately…could it be all the food? 
Comment from whiff and a sip
Time: May 12, 2008, 10:35 pm
yup, Bellini’s is really good. Authentic food in unpretentious surroundings. Open up a bottle of wine and I’m good for the whole night.
Comment from Arpee
Time: May 12, 2008, 11:15 pm
glad to know you liked bellini’s too. unpretentious is indeed the word to describe them. thanks again for visiting my site!
Comment from Elaine.KatipunanQC
Time: May 13, 2008, 9:17 pm
hiya arpee… i love bellini’s!!! and i’ve been wanting to go back there and Cubao Expo too. It’s really interesting there specially if they have events/art shows going on.
Comment from Garutay
Time: May 21, 2008, 12:52 pm
Hay naku, nung nasa Bellini’s kami, nagulat si watash dahil very fofular sya di lamang sa mga madlang utaw kundi pati na rin sa mga ka-parian at ka-madrehan! Juice koh day! Fileng-gas ko tuloy nasa Sister Act convention si watash! Pero, Arps, winner ang camera mo! Ganda ng Beetle! Zuper! Sana i-date mo naman ako sa Bellini’s (minus da paris and madres na sana pagpunta natin). Hehe Labs yah!
Pingback from bellini shoes | Hottags
Time: June 7, 2008, 12:42 pm
[...] Discovering Cubao Expo and Bellini’sReally good shoes for P100.00 (US$2.40) a pair! So she got two pairs in different colors. Mind you, they don’t look cheap. In an air-conditioned mall, these shoes would probably sell for more than P450.00 (US$10.00). …Pinoy Life At Large - http://arpeelazaro.com [...]
Comment from Jason Rakowski
Time: May 4, 2008, 6:01 pm
Good Layout and design. I like your blog. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. .
Jason Rakowski