A taste of Italy in Bacolod City

Saturday, January 14, 2012

A SERIES of fortunate events enabled me to attend the opening of Chef Carmine Cucina, an Italian restaurant located along Ramos corner Lacson Street, Bacolod City last January 8, 2012.

My opportunity to dine in the said restaurant was made possible by Sun.Star Bacolod’s Account Executive Mary Grace Buot who urged me to come early, as the guest of honor, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo G. Maranon Jr., was known for his punctuality during important occasions.
True enough, the good Governor came ahead of the other guests and it was quite some time before the ribbon cutting ceremony started. This gave us the rare opportunity to engage the Governor in a quiet conversation regarding his hometown Sagay and his childhood memories of the war.

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Around eleven in the morning, we all proceeded to the main entrance where a red, white and green ribbon garland fashioned after the colors of the Italian flag was securely fastened.

Fr. Filemon Duaban officiated the opening rites. In attendance were Pearl Manor Hotel owner Mr. Alex Tupas and his daughter Ms. Jhoanna Tupas Sian. Among the invited guests were Italian national Brigante Francesco and his family.

The most awaited moment came when lunch was finally served buffet style. Very noticeable in one corner of the dining area was a carrot cake adorned with Italian flaglets. Antipasti or appetizer was Bruschetta, Zuppa of the day was squash cream soup, Primi Piatti or pasta was Spaghetti Pomodoro e’ basilico, Secondi Piatti Carne or Main Course dishes were Involtini della nonna and Agnello alla Griglia or grilled lamb shoulder. Hot and spicy Italian sausages were also served. The one of a kind meal ended with a piece of the carrot cake as dessert.

Making it all possible was Chef Carmine Pece who has been in the food industry since 1973. His stint with the Caffe Puccini in Manila was featured in the October 2008 issue of the Entrepreneur magazine Philippine edition. His Italian restaurant here in Bacolod City has been in business since March 2011. Thankfully, it is thriving because of the availability of the imported food ingredients in the grocery stores in the area.

Chef Carmine attests to the authenticity of his Italian dishes, as well as their nutritious value. The extra virgin olive oil that is used to cook some of the dishes is quite expensive but amazingly the costs of the servings are quite affordable and easy on the budget.

If you are feeling adventurous and would like to go on a food tasting spree, then check out the culinary delights that Chef Carmine Cucina has to offer. Experience the distinctive aftertaste of genuine Italian dishes amidst an ambiance created by those murals on the walls depicting the Amalfi Coast, Pulcinella E Napoli and Paestum Romano Empire, familiar sights of the Italian landscape. There’s a picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, too.