There's always something extra at Italianni's

Dining at Italianni's is always fun!

Starting from the complimentary slices of warm, soft foccaccia bread and a plate of olive oil and vinegar that is sure to solve all possible bingeing, we then move on to my family's all time favorite grilled pork chop that is already good for four and a huge platter of pasta. I love the huge servings making it a fun dining place for families celebrating special occassions or just in the mood to satisfy their Italian craving.

Just recently, I have received an invitation that I just could not resist. Imagine, a chance to dine at Italianni's and learn more about their newest campaign called "Extra Surprises"? WOW! I sent in my confirmation right away to reserve myself a slot. Funny coz at the bottom of the invite it says "Please make sure you bring your EXTRA...whatever. :)" Very very intriguing...

Arriving at Italianni's at Bonifacio High Street, I was greeted by the friendly servers as they ushered me to my seat. In a couple of minutes, I was given a sheet of paper with a list of dishes where I have to choose my Appetizer, Salad and Main Course. Good thing I asked if the servings will be given in full sizes and when I got the affirmation of the server, I knew I won't be able to finish it all up. Thankfully, my tablemates and fellow bloggers agreed to just order everything on the list and we'll just share it amongst ourselves. YaY!

First came the Appetizers, we were given a platter of Spinach and Artichoke Formaggio which is so rich and creamy and is totally bad for anyone who's on a diet, the Fried Calamari which is one of my favorite, and the Creamy Mushroom Crostinis. As we were enjoying the appetizers, our very attentive and helpful server came back this time with a platter of crostinis but with a different set of toppings. Too bad I was seated at one end of the long table that I can hardly hear him explain what the dish was all about.

From what I was able to pick up it's Bruschetta with Salmon Cream sauce topped with juicy diced tomatoes. One seemingly surprised and confused blogger asked how come this is not part of the list and he happily announced that this is one of the extra dishes that they are giving us.

Extra, extra!

With the help of the marketing team of Italianni's, we learned that every table in every branch of Italianni's will be receiving something extra as a treat from Italianni's. This could be anything from salads, pasta, alchoholic beverages, desserts, appetizers and a lot more! For instance, when dining with friends you might order a plate of salad, a pizza to share and perhaps one of the house specialties. To ensure that you have a complete truly-satisfying meal, Italianni's may surprise you with a slice of Tiramisu absolutely for free! Note though that the extra surprise differs as this is up to the restaurant team to decide.

Italianni's sweet surprise

The server was not kidding when he said that there were more surprises to come. Right after the Salmon Bruchetta, we were served with a platter of Mussels Lombardi which is also one of their extra surprise dish. The fresh mussels are simmered in white wine, olive oil, garlic oregano and parsley. Although I still prefer my mussels baked and topped with cheese and garlic, this is pretty good and a way healthier alternative.

I knew my stomach was half-filled by the time the salads were served. I skipped the Caesar Salad and concentrated on the colorful Sicilian Chicken Salad in front of me. I love my salad with loads of fruits, a bit of meat and tossed in light dressing and this is a yummy discovery! I think I enjoyed it too much that the platter was parked a bit too long in front of me that I was eating more than my share... woops!... guess everyone was busy eating to notice anyway. :P

After the salad, the main course was served. Sadly, we didn't had any pasta or fish dishes served on our side of the table but we surely feasted on the Grilled Pork Chops Au Poivre! This is one of the house specialties and I like how tender the pepper-crusted pork chops are but what I love most about this dish are the cripy fried spinach served on the side. It was a veggie-loving lunch for me!

I had to run back to the office soon that I was actually planning to make a quick exit right after the main course. However, the PR team of Italianni's asked me to stay for a couple of minutes because another surprise is coming our way. I thought it was just dessert (thinking along the lines of "what missing in our meal + extra surprise campaign") which I had to skip and perhaps enjoy some other time.

It wasn't until a big white platter with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or shall i say, gelato) with a lighted candle and chocolate greeting that says "Happy B-Day France" was placed in front of me. Awww... and I thought my birthday celebration was over.

The very talented Rich sang a wonderful Happy Birthday song in Italian followed by a short song and dance number from the rest of the crew.

Not only can Italianni's give a little extra serving to your meal but they can surely make your day EXTRA special with this warm, pleasant surprises.

Now, this is what I call GOING THE EXTRA MILE!
Grazie Italianni's and Yehey.com!

There are 12 Italianni's branches all over Metro Manila: Greenbelt 2, Glorietta 4, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Greenhills Carpark, Tomas Morato, Eastwood City, Gateway Mall, ATC, Bonifacio High Street, Trinoma and Robinson's Midtown.

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