A Northern Marvel : C' Italian Dining

Ready for the other food report? This is C' Italian Dining. the dining area then transports you into what looks like a medieval tavern accented by chic, black wooden tables and framed paintings. The restaurant also offers al fresco dining, best fit for evening dates and those seeking for a delightful garden ambiance. The menu is a haven of Italian comfort food that ranges from homemade gnocchi (potato dumplings), risotto, osso buco, roasted lamb, pastas, and crave-worthy panizzas. Reading through the menu made my mouth water and my tummy grumble even more. I knew what was in store for me is divine feast of unpretentious homestyle Italian cooking :D

Complimentary Bread with Olive Oil, Pesto and Parmesan Dip

The bread was a beautiful starter. the rye is impeccably moist and chewy inside while hot and crusty on the outside. The light sweetness of the bread is perfectly complemented with the dip. It was such a struggle to stop taking another serving!

Fresh Giant Pacific Clams

braised with white wine and butter with lemon and fresh parsley

The name of the dish already says it all! These are indeed GIANT clams that are almost as long as my hand. Each piece is incredibly fresh and succulent. the sweet white wine and butter wonderfully ooze out of the clam upon every bite. The parsley brightens the natural seafood flavor and heightens its freshness. Truly a simple yet comforting taste of the sea.

Penne Roberto

gorgonzola cheese, cream, and assorted herbs, chicken fillet, roasted garlic and sun dried tomatoes

This pasta is a sure crowd-pleaser. It's all the guilty and gooey goodness that you'd want to have in your pasta. The sticky gorgonzola is pungent and sinfully creamy as the taste lingers in the palate. Infused with bold and robust flavors of garlic and cheese, it's heaviness is well-balanced by the light herbs and chicken fillet.

Seafood con Frutti di Mare

a blend of fresh salmon, mahi-mahi, grouper, prawns, and imported green lip mussels

Another potential favorite among those who cannot get enough of their seafood! It's loaded with huge pieces of fresh and chunky salmon, prawns, fish, and mussels. The pomodoro is zesty and seasoned perfectly, accented with just the right amount of saltiness and spice from the olives and herbs.

Panizza Kristina

bacon, ham, caramelized onion, sun dried tomatoes, and mushrooms

The Panizza is a thin and crisp pizza dough smothered and layered with a melange of cheeses and a variety of classic Italian toppings. you can choose from names as sophisticated as the Millionario topped with shrimps and infused with white truffle oil. Or you can choose something adventurous like the Jando that has italian salami, toasted garlic, chili flakes and sun dried tomatoes. Here's a step by step guide on savoring the panizza :

1. Do not take the alfalfa sprouts and arugula for granted. They are not garnish.

2. Make the fine crust even more delicious by topping it with arugula and sprouts for that fresh, bitter bite then roll.

3. Pop into your mouth. And devour :)

Braised Lamb Shank in Rich Red Wine Sauce

I am notorious for ordering at least one lamb dish in a restaurant especially if its meat is as delicate as the shank. Among all the lamb shanks I have tried, I must say this tops them all. the meat from C Italian's braised shank is what I like to classify as 'falls-off-the-bone'. Not a trace of game-y flavor lingered in the mouth. the bold and perfectly seasoned red wine sauce was thick and permeated in the huge shank and polenta. A clever substitute to the cliche mashed potato, the creamy and cheesy polenta brought a rich dimension to the dish.

Slow Roasted Lamb in Aromatic Spice Rub

The lamb boastfully exudes a distinctive roasted flavor, highlighted by thyme and rosemary. I suggest that you eat the lamb with crisp potatoes and the beautiful lentils all together, in one big and delicious bite. a nice mix of tenderness and crunch.

Baked Chilean Sea Bass with Savory Vanilla Butter Sauce

It's a beautifully cooked piece of sea bass that melts in the mouth. the sage, the creamy vanilla butter, and the salt bacon surprisingly works wonderfully together. I couldn't help but close my eyes to capture the taste for as long as I could.

Slow Cooked Smoked Pork Baby Back Ribs

The dish may look effortless but the taste is more complex than it seems. The depth and earthy flavors of the dish comes from the smoked pork.

Tiramisu

The perfect way to cap of a glorious Italian feast is a classic tiramisu. heavenly!

Overall, I must say that dining at C Italian is a genuine and unforgettable Italian experience. Definitely a trip worth taking! :)