It was a long long looong day Tuesday starting with a lunch meeting at Kaya, a Nat Geo presentation and Fox Crime meeting afterwards.  By 7pm, I still haven’t had the time to check all of my emails at work but I had to be off to Abbondanza for a much-anticipated dinner with fellow foodies and bloggers.

It was a woman pow-wow as Bubba was the thorn among the roses.  We first arrived at the venue followed by Didi.  Didi, Bubba and I hit it off with a URCC conversation and how much we are all excited to catch URCC XII Supremacy.  It was fun to see another female as hyped up as I am about watching these Mixed Martial Arts athletes toughen it out on the mats.  Soon after, Fran and Sabs almost arrived at the same time. 

My mind was really flying most of the time but good food saved most of my conversational skills.  Chomping is my perennial escape for not having to open my mouth to talk.  Even if I had left the office at 7, my mind was still at the office sitting on my desk thinking.  I’m glad this night Bubba took over the chat aspect of dinner for both of us and I was happy to take the role of an audience.

Abbondanza can easily be compared to Amici as the owner’s cooking roots can be traced back to the latter.  I like the atmosphere in Abbondanza better because it has a more cozy and warm vibe.  The staff has a cheerful aura too, readily assisted us when we needed someone to take a group photo.  I find the prices here more affordable too.

(Photo grabbed from Fran)

On the Table:

Napoli Pizza PHP 285

Didi chose the flavor for pizza.  Napoli is also one of the flavors on my list whenever at a Pizzeria.  Tomato based pizza with oregano, capers and anchovies.  Like Didi, I’m a fan of capers.  I also liked the thinness of the pizza and how it remained crispy throughout the dinner.  I drizzled spiced olive oil over the pizza to complete the taste.  I had to fight the urge to get a third slice.

Pasta ala Pescatora PHP 195

This happened to be Sab’s choice, which is pasta spaghetti generously charged with shelled shrimp, mussels and clams in white cream sauce.  Aside from the pizza, this was the next popular dish on the table.

 Cannelloni Agli Spinaci

I didn’t get to touch this at all.  When it was cut open, the spinach inside looked a bit dry.  Check Fran’s site (http://frannywanny.blogspot.com/) for her take on the Cannelloni.

Risotto al Funghi Porcini

It is basically a mushroom risotto.  The risotto was a bit overcooked as the rice grain looked bigger than usual and it dried out fast.  Taste wise, it was flavorful and mushroom is really highlighted in this dish.

Tri Color Pasta Cream Al Tonno

Read BIAS.  Since all the girls were busy with the Abbondanza dishes, Bubba and I enjoyed the familiar taste of my pasta dish.  Abbondanza was sweet enough to heat the food I brought for the group.

Dinner was finished around 10pm.  Fran, Sabs and Didi had a night capper at Starbucks.  Too bad we weren’t able to join anymore since I had to run off to Chelsea at the Fort for another meeting. 

I learned from Sophia Lee of Abbondanza that she is also a foodie and that their entire family lives for food, which prompted them to put up their very own restaurant.  Their love for food is now known as Abbondanza, which is turning one this coming Monday, July 7, 2008.  Blog about your Abbondanza experience and get a free dessert!

Abbondanza Ristorante is located at G/F Crescent Condominium, Amethyst Drive, Ortigas.  Reservation is not a must but you can call 6336336 for inquiries.

Link: http://abbondanzarestaurant.multiply.com/

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/496/08_0701-_Abbondanza