Francesco's Kitchen, the homey Italian foodplace in Mabini St. San Juan, has found a new place to serve its rich roster of pastas, pizzas, and other squisito regional dishes!
Francesco's very first venture outside of San Juan has now opened its doors at the first floor of the BGC Corporate Center. Adapting to its new environment, this Francesco's offers a more casual dining experience perfect for BGC folks seeking a decent Italian meal in-between their bustling city life; or for BGC wanderers who are out for a gastronomic adventure in the area.
This has been made possible in partnership with the MFT Group of Companies, who is also known for bringing SaladStop! to Vietnam and Spain; La Lola Churreria to Singapore; and opening the Mimi & Bros. restaurant in BGC.
As founder Chef Francesco Rizzo put it, while the Francesco's in San Juan is a very homey, family-friendly place with a large space and for-sharing food servings, this new BGC joint offers a more intimate ambience where diners can just enjoy a moderate, yet satisfying meal with some friends, colleagues, or even by themselves.
As for the differences in its prices, Chef Francesco explains: "Not really a huge gap, but there's a gap, yes. I wouldn't say here it's cheaper. I would say here it's lower. Because it's all about you diners right? Once you're here, how much do you want to spend? How much do you want to order, and how much can you eat?"
During their media launch last February 12, we got to try some dishes off their well-curated menu, mostly made up of dishes from the south of Italy. Check them out below!
For appetizers, you can start with the sharp-tasting cold cuts of Vitello Tonnato (P580), composed of thinly-sliced poached veal loin, a creamy tuna sauce, and an assortment of fresh greens all laid out beautifully on its plate.
If you're too excited for that distinct tomatoey flavor of Italian cuisine, then go tackle the Le Polpette (P460), comprised of meatballs in a tomato sauce and drizzled with grana padano cheese. If you seek that olive oil taste in your appetizer, the Polipo (P560) is another starter made with grilled octopus dipped in a roasted cauliflower puree and salmoriglio dressing.
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After the lovely starters, it's time to fill ourselves with pasta! Again, if it's the rich and authentic sapor of fresh tomatoes that you seek, then their Spaghetti Puttanesca (P440) is your best pick! Its thick noodles are drenched in a flavorful garlic tomato sauce with anchovies, olives, and capers as mix-ins, and some pecorino cheese for toppings.
For a meaty plate of pasta with a mild hint of spice in the aftertaste, go for Orecchiette (P480)— a plate of ear-shaped pasta in broccoli puree with sausage, sundried tomatoes, and pecorino cheese.
Meanwhile, their Risotto (P540) dish is definitely an attention grabber with a very tender slow cooked beef cheek smacked on top of the mushroom risotto.
Of course, an Italian fare would not fare well without pizzas. Here in Francesco's, the four-cheese pizza gets a truffle-tastic upgrade with their pizza Tartufata (P560), a truffle-flavored white pizza topped with an assortment of cheese.
Meanwhile, if you wish to sink your teeth into juicy cherry tomatoes and freshly crisp arugula, then you should definitely get a slice of their Parma (P530) pizza. It is a mozzarella pizza topped with thin slices of prosciutto di Parma or the Italian cured ham, shaved parmesan, and the combo of arugula and cherry tomatoes.
While all of these seem satisfying enough, we cannot just skip a delightful round of dessert! If your sweet tooth is looking for something light and creamy with the contrast of coffee, then you know you'd love a cup of tiramisu. But here in Francesco's, the traditional Italian dessert gets a special twist with a sweet Italian liquor mixed in their Tiramisu all Amaretto (P360).
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If it's berries you want to go with your creamy dessert, then go for the yogurt-based Pannacotta (P360). Meanwhile, a cream-filled crispy treat comes in the form of their Cannoli (P360). Give it a bite and let the creamy ricotta cheese, pistachio, and chocolate chips leave a sweet note on your tongue.
As for the drinks, Francesco's offers a wide array of spirits to wash down that delightful meal. They also serve sodas, coffee, and different kinds of tea, namely, Peppermint, Lemon and Ginger, Green tea, English Breakfast, and Chamomile. For their homemade Francesco's Iced Tea (P180), the restaurant skips the powder and makes their own refreshing glass of iced tea finished with a pasta straw.
So if you want a delighted grazie from your Italian cuisine cravings, check out this new Francesco's now! It is located at the BGC Corporate Center in 30th St. cor. 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. They serve from 11:30 AM to 11: 30PM everyday. For more information, you can contact them through these numbers: (+63 2) 8281-1285, (+63 919) 007-8581, and (+63 917) 631-2305.
You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
The MFT Group of Companies, a private equity firm that targets family legacy businesses, is proud to be part of Francesco’s expansion into the bustling, world-class and thriving BGC.
