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Friday, March 29, 2024

Italy meets Spain in McKinley Hill

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It is said that, “when in Rome, do what the Romans do.” And according to Italian-Filipino business owner Giulius Ceazar Iapino, when it comes to eating pasta, we should take a leaf from the Italians: They use the fork, get noodles from the side of the plate and twist them onto the fork.

Bistecca Alla Toni & Sergio is made of grilled porterhouse or rib eye with golden risotto and creamed greens

And when it comes to partaking of pizza, another Italian food favorite, it’s actually unusual for one to use utensils. “Basically, pizza is a finger food, hence you should eat it with your hands,” Iapino told The Standard Life.

But this newly opened Italian-Spanish Resto Pub at Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill doesn’t care how you consume your meal. In fact, all it wants you to do is to take your time, having good food shared with good friends, like how Italians do. 

Pizza Vegetariana is brick oven pizza with tomato, mozzarella, onion, eggplant, bell pepper and artichokes

Owned by Rigatoni Corp., the same company that operates Parmigiano Ristorante Pizzeria at Newport City in Pasay, Toni & Sergio is an Italian gastropub with a Spanish twist in a casual setting. Iapino is the president of Rigatoni Corp. “We are targeting to expand our market,” he reveals. 

“In Parmigiano, we serve business executives and families from the upscale homes. Here, we aim to please the middle class and young professionals who want to unwind and relax while enjoying good food and drinks.”

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Pizza Gamberetti Con Rocula

Iapino says Toni & Sergio is dedicated to his Italian father who also happens to be a restaurateur – Antonio “Toni” Carmine – and his uncle, Sergio Candido. “My dad, Toni, has a few restaurants and pubs in Italy while Sergio, the younger brother of my dad, is a well-known TV director in Italy, Spain and Argentina,” shares Iapino. 

Rigatoni Corp. partners thought that since Toni has been in the Italian restaurant business for over 50 years and since Sergio (whose filmography includes The Voice Italy, Caramba Che Fortuna and Ola Rafaella) is considered an adopted son of Spain, it was only apt to build a restaurant offering both Italian and Spanish cuisines. 

Paella Nero Con Frito Misto

And since Toni & Sergio is inspired by the food-loving Iapino brothers, the younger Iapino says every dish that comes out of their kitchen is authentic and of high quality. “My dad is very particular with food that’s why although we are serving affordable dishes we make sure we’re not sacrificing the quality in order to achieve authenticity,” explains Iapino. 

Bolognese

Speaking of authenticity, the owners share that they import some of the ingredients, such as the noodles used in pasta dishes, to capture the true taste of the European cuisines. “We want our customers to experience how the Europeans eat and enjoy their food,” says operations manager Arnel Due. 

T&S Chicken wings served with spicy aioli bleu cheese and marinara

Toni & Sergio has 70 Italian and Spanish dishes on its menu. Italian dishes include pizza, pasta and steak, among others, while croquettas, paella and chicken dishes represent Spain.

Rigatoni Corp. partners officially open Toni & Sergio Gastro Italiano at Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill Photo by Teddy Pelaez

First time customers are recommended to try the gastropub’s brick oven pizza made with hand tossed dough. Bar chows like nachos and chicken wings are also available for those who prefer lighter meals. All food menu can be paired with Toni & Sergio’s wide selection of Italian wines, liquors, local and imported beers and signature cocktails. One must not miss, however, the Italian soda on offer that comes in apple, blueberry, strawberry and other flavors. 

Toni & Sergio’s hand tossed brick oven pizza is one of the must-try dishes in the Italian-Spanish restaurant Photo by Teddy Pelaez

But while the restaurant offers both Italian and Spanish food, Iapino clarifies that there is no one dish that combines the two European cuisines.  “We don’t put them together because we are worried that we might just end up ruining both cuisines,” he says.

He adds that they just want to bring diners to Italy – through the food and the ambiance – and inject a Spanish twist while they’re at it.

Toni & Sergio Gastro Italiano is located at G/F Venice Grand Canal Mall, Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. 

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