Before leaving for Manila, I made sure to at least give this place a try. On a lazy sunday, I drove with my Tita Nena to give this a try. I wanted to eat something different as I always ended up eating seafood and was getting sick of it.
Parking outside is a little tricky--especially for a bad driver like me. But of course this is a subdivision, and you can park anywhere as long as you dont block any of the other gates.
It was a very hot day but when we got inside, the breeze was just perfect for al fresco dining. We were seated right away and handed out the menu.
We started out with one of the specials, Bruschetta with Tomato, Basil and Arugula (PHP 95). The bread was buttered and had a nice crunch to it. I only wish the tomatoes were red though so as to really balance out all tastes and textures. I can imagine the basil, arugula and tomatoes playing around your mouth with a hint of parmesan.
The Pasta Cardinal (PHP 165) was simply delicious. Al dente fettuccine with cream sauce, two kinds mushroom (shitake and button), topped with fish nuggets. They didn't scrimp on the ingredients for these and the serving size is even enough for two females with moderate appetites. The sauce was rich and creamy (and cream was used instead of substituting this with milk) but it didn't leave that heavy feeling after. Again, this dish was well balanched as the crunchiness of the fish nuggets complemented the pasta.
Lastly we had the Pink Salmon with Hollandaise Sauce (PHP 335). The salmon was well seasoned but I think it was borderly leaning towards the dry side. Probably a little less time on the grill would have made it perfect. I loved the hollandaise though and how it balances out the slamon and squeezed with a little bit of lemon. Would have been better if we had mashed potatoes on the side instead of rice.
Chef Anthony Bulilan eventually came out and he asked us if the food was good. I find him to be a bit shy though but he responded well when we said we loved the pasta. He used to be with Circles at Shangrila Makati. I think this was a very good gesture on his part especially that this sort of thing does not really happen in Iloilo. When my Tita Zony was eventually dropped off by my mom and had a plate of cake from the party she has been to. Chef Anthony gave us plates right away and waved off any air of pretentiousness just in case you had doubts.
His staff was really nice and polite. I hope they tell you though if there are options in changing rice instead of potatoes or if it is possible to have something else modified. Just a little tweak and I think they're good to go.
I would come back to this place and I really wish he will not branch out and commercialize his cooking. Places like these are much needed in Iloilo wherein everyone seems to have opted for quantity instead of quality. Prices may be a little high for some but if he can keep his food this was and will have no short cuts, I would gladly pay for it. For a girl living half of her life in Manila, I think this place has good value for money. This is a nice place for dates (especially at night) or for intimate lunches with close friends.
Toninos Ristorante is located at Locsin Subdivision, Brgy Cuartero Jaro Iloilo. Coming from diversion road, turn right at El 98 st. Turn left when you get to the intersection of Jaro-I elementary school (Cuartero st) Turn right at Locsin Subd (1st street on the right after Fajardo). turn right, then left. You can then see the sign for Toninos.
