VIDEO: Four-Course Dining At Foo’d by Davide Oldani (Manila)

Foo’d isn’t read as “food” – it’s “foo-doo”

Award-winning chef Davide Oldani brings to Manila pop cuisine that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. I’m not going to lie – fine dining is way at the bottom of my list of things to try, so this “affordable luxury” business appeals to me. Here’s what Cali and I ordered.

Watch: Four-course dining at Foo’d by Davide Oldani

Photos

Starters for sharing (5/5)

Cali’s Antipasto: Cipolla Caramellata (5/5)

This edgy appetizer was made by melting caramel over an onion, cooled and served with gelato and cream on top. The contrasting sweet and salty taste makes it stand out.

My Antipasto: Jerusalem Artichoke (4/5)

Poached egg with a bits of Jerusalem artichokes. Because of its curious presentation, I find this appetizer the most intriguing out of all the food we ordered.

Cali’s Primi: Truffle Caccio E Pepe (4/5)

It was good but I had mixed feelings about it. This is the most reserved truffle pasta I’ve tasted. I waited for the truffle taste to kick in but it just never did. I’m not sure why I always expect a truffle recipe to impress me.

My Primi: Saffron Fregola (3/5)

Hardly finished my plate. The texture was mushy – like microwaved milk in oatmeal. I saw a good amount of serving but the saffron didn’t really shine through.

Cali’s Secondi: Pork Two Ways

Recommended to Cali by our server. I could see why this is a favorite. “Two ways” means it’s an entrée of the same meat done differently. The presentation makes it easy to like.

My Secondi: Chicken and Prawn (4/5)

The Secondi choices were more beef & pork, and since I don’t eat both, I went with the chicken and prawn. You won’t miss out if you don’t order it.

Cali’s Dolci: Dark Chocolate Mousse (5/5)

Chocolate cake sprinkled with cacao powder and topped with dark chocolate gelato

My Dolci: Soufflé (5/5)

More photos from the restaurant:

Recap

The good? Dolci (dessert)
The bad?  Secondi (mains) have room for improvement
Would I do it again? No
Would I recommend it? For the price point, yes. Four course meal at Php 1900 + tax
Need to reserve? Maybe not on a weeknight. Yes on weekends.
Dress code? They don’t care. I came in my Chucks.