"La Dolce Vita": Ravioli, Gelato and some Superheroes

This is probably just my second time eating ravioli. The first time did not deliver much, so one should understand my hesitation.

Thankfully, this one is years removed from those I tasted before. This, the Italian Sausage Ravioli in Romesco Sauce, by the Ravioli Bistro, is one for the books. Although I find it a little bit pricey compared to other pastas offered around (P199), it still merits a sampling. In fact, contrary to what I have just said, some say that the bistro's ravioli are the cheapest in the market today. I read somewhere that the main thrust of the Ravioli Bistro is to have the ravioli introduced to the masses. And so, to cut costs, they create their pastas the same day they are cooked, which makes for total freshness. Now, kudos to that!

Most Filipinos are not familiar with ravioli as it is perceived as food for the upper class. But it has lately been gaining popularity. Ravioli is a pillow-shaped pasta where meat and vegetables are encased inside and are cooked together. This particular one on my table has, as the name suggests, Italian sausage inside and romesco sauce poured over it. Romesco sauce is "typically made from almonds, pine nuts, and/or hazelnuts, roasted garlic, olive oil and nyora peppers, a smaller, sweet, dried variety of red bell pepper. Other common ingredients include roasted tomatoes, red wine vinegar and onion. Leaves of fennel or mint may be added..." - wikipedia. There's grated parmesan and some melted cheese of some sort, maybe goat, feta or cream cheese, on top. Unfortunately, I don't have the makings of a gourmand to be able to identify ingredients accurately. Whatever it is however, it sure is oozing with cheesy goodness. And if it's cheese we're talking about, it sure is heaven for me. 

As if heaven goodness isn't enough, I was treated with the opportunity to rub elbows with, what some would consider, modern-day gods. One of them was even (or based from) a mythical Norse god himself. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Superman, Spider-man, Thor and Captain America - in their life-size figures, that is.

Plants vs Zombies

There's a cosplay show going on in the activity center and these figures are a common sight as well as the costume-clad participants and models (?) donning all sorts from Japanese anime to even Jigsaw (from the Saw series) and Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs). It's toys, toys, toys everywhere! And I'm having so much fun. Oh, look! There's even Plants vs. Zombies. Yipee!

chocolate & strawberry gelato

The next day, it was Italian desserts tiramisu affogato and chocolate and strawberry gelato, to beat the summer heat. Affogato looks very much like a frappe at the outset - tiramisu gelato topped with strong espresso, whipped cream and some tiramisu powder. Gelato, together with sorbet, is a predecessor of the modern-day ice cream, and as such has the same basic ingredients as the latter, only it has a lower butterfat content.

Nothing could be better than a nice, cold dessert drink on a hot summer day. This definitely is, as the Italians would say it, "la dolce vita" - the good life.