Tao Yuan: A Genuine Taste of Cantonese-Singaporean Favorites

     Every time someone asks me my top three favorite cuisines, I'd ecstatically say, 1. Mediterranean (primarily for the moussaka, the baba ganoush, lamb kebabs, gyro, and the garlic yogurt), 2. Thai (for the pad thai, green curries, and fried pomfret), 3. Italian (who doesn't love Italian cooking? hehe). Yet, just last year, I've developed a certain fascination for Singaporean cuisine. Blame it on AFC (Asian Food Channel) and their overenthusiastic food hosts who are on a constant hunt for hawker stalls that serve the best Fishball Soup, Roti, Chili Crab, or Claypot Chicken Rice. My favorites being, Yummy King, Star Choice, and Coffee Talk and Hawker Woks. Watching these shows is my ultimate guilty pleasure. I wake up at 6 am, shower as fast as I can, and dry my hair while watching a bunch giddy Singaporean hosts, cornering and relentlessly interviewing hawker diners.

A Northern Marvel: C' Italian Dining

       One would typically assume that the finest and most exquisite restaurants in the country can be found in Manila. Internationally-trained chefs flock to the nation's capital to please the urban palate. Yet, I was surprised to find out  that tucked away in Clark, Pampanga is a restaurant that serves one of best and most authentic Italian fares.  An approximate two-hour drive from the city will lead you to this treasured Northern destination of food lovers, C Italian Dining. 

     Upon stepping into the restaurant, you are welcomed by the genius behind the Italian food masterpieces such as the infamous 'Panizza', Chef Chris Locher. Plates noted by famous personalities such as Martin Nievera, Gloria Arroyo, Dingdong Dantes, Gabby Concepcion, and Predsident Noynoy, hang on cobblestone walls. These are true testaments to the amazing dishes you can expect. 

      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.