Sartorial Highness: I Was In Italy For Two Hours

I wish! Hahahaha. But nevertheless, I kind of felt like I was transported to Italy in some miraculous way (though literally, I had to ride a bus, a train and walk a couple of blocks to get there).

I've always wanted to go to Italy. It's the number 1 country in Europe that I'd like to visit. I know most of you prefer Paris or London (hello, shopping!) but I'm more interested on the views, historical relevance and culture that Italy has to offer... not to mention the uh-mazing food that they've invented there! Namely, pasta.

Anyway, last Thursday, I went to Cubao to accompany a friend of mine to buy a bus ticket. I don't know why we can't just buy bus tickets online like we do on planes but whatever. From someone who lives in the South of Manila, I traveled a loooooong way to North just to buy a ticket that's not even mine. I'm such a good friend, right? Haha.

It was past 9pm already and the malls were all closing. My friend and I haven't eaten yet so I was starting to get agitated. He then took me to a nearby place called Cubao Expo, a cluster of little buildings that used to house and sell handmade shoes from Marikina. But unfortunately, over the years, business there slowly died. The owner of the buildings had the brilliant idea into having the place rented off to starting off restaurant and other little businesses. Which, in my opinion, is far better than selling shoes.

The place now has several antique and vintage shops, customized furniture and bikes shops, yoga studio, painting gallery, Rags to Riches depot, milk and cookies cafe, and a bunch of restaurant and bar and grills shop. It's such a refreshing change from all the enclosed malls and commercial places that I usually go to. The place is open and so vintage looking.

What I perceived as my little secret Italy there is the restaurant called Bellini's. Everything about it is so... I don't know -- how I imagined Italy will look like. I was in a daze all throughout my dining experience. ♥

(photo-heavy post)

Painting at the ceiling of Bellini's

I spy cakes!

I don't know what these are...but they're yummy. And for free!

Me feeling and looking tired.

Photo covered walls.

There was this blind singer singing Italian and classic Filipino songs. It's so nice of the owner to have hired
this man to perform live for the customers. He's a good singer as well.

I'm not really the kind to demand my boyfriends or suitors to bring me to fancy dinners and stuff. But this unexpected dining experience was so nice that I kind of like it now. Hahaha. I'm not used to the fabric napkins being folded and put on my lap and being served free wine (even if I didn't drink it). Have you ever had a knack for fine dining?

Happy weekend, everyone! ♥