Been craving for those delicious cold cuts and cheese while sipping red wine? Put in some good music, wonderful company, and a cozy setting and it’s the ultimate Italian dream. This is what exactly came down at The Aperitivo last January 18 at The Apartment in Poblacion, Makati.
Manila locals and foreign visitors alike got a taste of Italy as The Aperitivo opened to the public their second installment of this traditional Italian social gathering over good food and drinks. The brainchild of Fabio Urbisaglia and Donatello Montrone, both pure Italians who have found a home here in the Philippines, The Aperitivo is their way of slowly but tastefully sharing the Italian culture to the country.
They started with and are still currently importing wine from small, quality wineries in Italy through the Vinoom Selection. They want to uphold the fine selection as the wines are only available in select hotels, restaurants, and catering services and cannot be found in supermarkets. As they gain a footing in Manila and have created a network of friends, they’re now starting to introduce the concept of Aperitivo. And by the looks of how everything went that night, it’s only the beginning.
Nothing could have been more perfect than The Apartment as the venue of the gathering — this new (open secret) bar in Poblacion is cozy and intimate.
Visitors enjoyed a whole selection of fine wine including Elfo Rosso Negroamaro, Elfo Bianco Chardonnay, Elfo Rosato, Laicale Chardonnay, Terragnolo Negroamaro. The good guys also served Spritz, made with Aperol and prosecco with a hint of Schweppes.
Accompanying this was a table full of authentic Italian antipasti prepared by Donatello himself: bruschetta and canape, porchetta, cold cuts and cheese. They also whipped up different kinds of pasta: pasta crudaiola (fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella), pasta with mushrooms and truffle, and one with cream of bell pepper and pancetta. Order a glass of wine and the food is free — and with how delicious everything was, it was indeed a great deal.
The night was low-key yet pleasing and enjoyable — a night when we all finally satisfied our craving for good Italian wine and food. Fabio and Donatello are planning to hold The Aperitivo every month and eventually open up an apertivo and wine bar. Don’t keep us waiting. Alla prossima!