MY TRIPS to Makati to spend time with my children Stephanie and Jason are highlighted by interesting culinary experiences. This means having lunch or dinner in restaurants they discovered to be a must-try. And every time my son Jason drives me from the airport to Salcedo Village in Makati where Stephanie lives with her daughter Sophie, he never fails to point out Amici di Don Bosco (Amici is Italian for friends) along Pasay Road, the school cafeteria run by the Italian Salesian priests of Don Bosco (SDB). Jason raves about the pizza, pasta and the gelato of Amici.
The story behind Amici di Don Bosco is quite fascinating. In his desire to provide descent meals to the printing press workers of Don Bosco Printing Press, Fr. Gianluigi Colombo, SDB, sought permission and opened a canteen in June 1994. Italian coffee, gelato, wood-fired oven baked pizza and homemade pastas were served “turo-turo” style. The employees run the self-service canteen that eventually catered to Don Bosco students, too. The great Italian cuisine served by priests, printing press workers without any formal training, caught fire and became a popular hole-in-the-wall joint in Makati patronized by people from all walks of life, including celebrities and socialites. In June 2001, the business was legalized due to a growing market. The perfect combination of authentic Italian food by the Salesian priests and warm service spelled magic.
The overcast skies last Sunday did not prevent us from walking to Ayala Triangle Gardens in the heart of Makati Central Business District. Exciting restaurants with diverse cuisines are a major attraction in the spacious green area frequented by passers-by and the running/jogging community. My granddaughter Sophie’s dad, Graham Maitland Smith, was visiting and Amici di Don Bosco was a perfect choice for lunch after an overload of Japanese lunch and dinner the day before. Sophie and half-brother Charles naturally had their favorite wood-fired oven baked pizzas: Margherita–Italian classic with mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and Tutta Carne–an all-time Amici favorite with Italian sausage, ham and pepperoni. A light eater, Graham settled for a healthy “Insalata Di Rucola Con Pere E Formaggio Blu” or Arugula and mixed greens with blue cheese and pear served with honey-vinaigrette dressing. My daughter, Stephanie’s choice was “Ravioli Di Spinaci” or fresh and hand-made ravioli filled with spinach and mushrooms and served in creamy truffle oil sauce. While enjoying my “Spaghetti Al Tesori Del Mare” – a mildly spicy feast of spaghetti tossed in fresh tomatoes, scallops, clams, mussels and chili oil, Stephanie informed us that Amici has been bought by Messrs. Danny Moran and Iboy Pinga from the Salesian priests. Amici has now 7 branches all over Metro Manila. It is heartwarming to note that Amici continues to support the Tuloy Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization, which was founded by Fr. Ricky Evangelista, SDB and serving the street children since 1993.
The Gelato, Gelato Cakes, as well as scrumptious baked cakes and pastries are prominently displayed in counters that greet guests who enter Amici to dine. The Gelato has so many delicious flavors, making a choice is such an ordeal. Sophie and Charles had the Oreo Cookies while Stephanie and I dipped our teaspoons into cups of Tiramisu and Pistachio Gelato. Amici, indeed cast a magical spell on our palates.