FAMILY and tradition are very much a part of the Italian food culture. Known for long Sunday lunches that often last until dinnertime, the extended family bonds together over courses starting from antipasto to dessert to coffee. Lively conversations, bantering, and hearty laughter characterize these Sunday lunches in truly Italian fashion.
Italians prefer their food locally sourced because these are rooted in history and tradition. The dishes served during family gatherings are time-tested and are thus, considered excellent.
Here in Cebu, indulge in authentic and home-cooked Italian cuisine at the Trattoria da Gianni, a family restaurant that opened in late March in Crossroads, Banilad. It sports a casual, relaxed atmosphere to exude a warm welcome.
Fresh Pasta with Ragu
Named after the family patriarch Gianni Guidicelli, Trattoria da Gianni means “a small restaurant by Gianni.”
As a way of honoring his memory, father and daughter tandem Gianluca and Giorgia Guidicelli, Gianni’s son and granddaughter respectively, opened Trattoria. Giorgia graduated with a degree in nutrition two years ago. In case you didn’t know, young movie actor Matteo Guidicelli is Gianni’s grandson and he’s very much a part of the family’s undertaking.
Gianni, who passed away last year, had long desired to put up a restaurant because of his love of food especially home-cooked Italian food, according to Gianluca. Born in northern Italy, he did business in the Philippines and eventually settled in the country in the late ‘70s, Gianluca added.
While Gianni patronized Italian restaurants, he always preferred home-cooked Italian meals that even his helpers, who have served them for more than two decades here in Cebu, have learned how to cook Italian dishes.
When he passed away, helpers Antonia and Jean had no one to attend to anymore. But since Gianni really wanted to put up a restaurant, the Guidicelli family proceeded with the plan of giving the two helpers something to take care of.
Beef Tenderloin
“It is our way of thanking them. In fact, we consider them as our partners in the business,” said Gianluca.
Antonia Borbon and Jean Hipuna man the kitchen and prepare the dishes. During the media launch in late March, the menu served was practically what the Guidicellis normally eat at home.
Bruschetta, an antipasto,took the top billing in the menu since it’s the restaurant’s specialty. Trattoria offers a variety of this starter dish.
Penne alla Marinara
In fact we tried three kinds of bruschetta during the launch—the mozzarella and garden basil, the parma ham and the sautéed shrimps. (Although pizza is a highly popular Italian food, Gianluca said they are not serving pizza because there are already a lot of restaurants serving pizza.)
Also served was the fresh burrata mozzarella, a fresh Italian cheese with a creamy filling inside. The other delectable dishes were the lasagna alla Bolognese, fresh ravioli with tomato sauce, fresh pasta with ragu, penne alla Marinara, US beef tenderloin and for dessert, there were panna cotta and tiramisu.
The full range of the menu offered by Trattoria showcases different fresh salads, pasta with homemade sauces, appetizing mozzarellas, premium Italian cheeses, soups, traditional Italian cold cuts and cured meats and mouth-watering desserts.
Gianni’s favorite dishes are also served in the restaurant. These include minestrone, spaghetti with pesto, Genovese, ragu della Nonna (spaghetti with tomato meat sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano) and tiramisu.
Trattoria da Gianni offers day-to-day specials—meat on Mondays and Tuesdays, fish on Wednesdays and Thursdays, gnocchi on Fridays and fresh pasta on weekends.
Since these specials change every week, Giorgia advises dinners to ask what’s on special. Also, if there is fresh pasta, because the pasta dishes can be made using fresh pasta if it is available.
Burrata
Gianluca, meanwhile, said they use original Italian products and local produce for the dishes they serve. He also disclosed plans of introducing specialty dishes in the future as well as live music that is gentle to the ears. He did not discount the possibility of his son Matteo playing the guitar and singing there.
For now, the experience of eating homemade and authentic Italian food in a relaxed atmosphere simply heightens the pleasure of dining.
* Trattoria da Gianni is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.