Ponti, reminds me of spontaneous college days where we treat Ponti as our go-to hangout place. Wednesdays during summer, fridays or saturdays during school days, that’s where the kids of my generation get a bottle of ice cold beer and a glass of margarita. Stress-free days I call. The only stress was to ace a test and get to retain all the answers in my head.

The table turned around completely with the revamped Il Ponticello. Gone are the days when Ponti looked more like a chill bar than a restaurant. Before the year ends, O and I took ourselves back to Ponti, not to party on a Saturday but to have brunch instead.

Tuscany Brunch, the main theme on Saturdays. Totally the opposite image of how Ponti was back in the days. Ponti’s new set of owners changed it to be an ideal option when you are looking for a tranquil room for meetings, date nights, or family affairs, paired with delightful dishes on the table.

It costs Php1,250 net for a fine dining brunch at Ponti – happens on Saturdays only. A plate of homemade bread and cream cheese dip, 1 choice of main dish from Brunch Specials, unlimited Pancetta Arrotalata carved and cooked depending on your liking, dessert sampler trio and free flowing coffee or tea.  Let me repeat that, emphasizing on this brunch’s unlimited Pancetta a.k.a. bacon! We received a glass of complimentary white wine, which isn’t included on the Tuscany brunch menu. O and I ordered 2 sets of Ponti’s brunch menu and thought of sharing all dishes with each other since I wanted to taste small portions of everything.

You don’t mistreat the bread at Ponti. Homemade focaccia handled with care to achieve the pillow soft texture as you pair with its cream cheese spread.

 How can a game be over with unlimited Pancetta sitting next to you. Free flowing crispy tender bacon, perfected to make you crave some more. I don’t know how you’ll stop and stand up with this kind of promo. One thing’s for sure, bacon enthusiasts would want to live in Ponti for their bacon! Or better yet, bring home the bacon.

I knew it, love at first sight from the menu until Italian Style Eggs Benedict reached my plate. Mushroom ciabatta, poached egg (should be runny enough), mortadella bologna and choron sauce for a charming finish.

Ideally, it’s impossible for me to finish just 1 dish all for myself. I prefer small bites of 5 dishes laid out to me. The rest, I share to whoever I’m eating with. Eating for me is a time to share the moment with people. I can eat alone, I just think it’s better to share with someone, especially with family.

Roman-style 6-hour whole pork belly roasted with fennel and garlic. 2 thick carving slices with crispy skin, served together with a bowl of buttered Pilaf rice. Porchetta Plate side by side with Pancetta, I choose the full flavor of Pancetta.

Inside the rectangle, bite-sizes of Cheesecake Caramel Panna Cotta, Tiramisu, Caramello Di Semolina, Cannoli and Budino Al Cioccolato.

Among the samplers we tried, Cheesecake Caramel Panna Cotta ranked number one. Combining two desserts that strike me, cheesecake and panna cotta, Ponti’s dessert marvelled me.

Literally, food coma (in the most satisfying way) after taking the last piece of dessert. I had my hot tea while O had his coffee to calm ourselves after consecutive munches and swallows of food to slide down our throat.

The renovated Ponti touched up on Italian decors, more fancy furnitures, not far away from how it used to be. The long high wooden table and chairs appeared new to how I recall Ponti back when I used to hangout in this place.

From a party place, Ponti nailed the area of being a dating spot in the metro. A tranquil restaurant where you could spend hours of talking during day time for lunch and night time for dinner. I’m not sure after 10 though. With the well-lighted bar on the corner, it’s for you to find out. 🙂

The bar spilled more elegance with how it is organized. Yellow pin lights increased attention to the bar display.

Have you visited the new Il Ponticello?

 Share with me your thoughts foodie! 🙂

 Pray, Eat and Love.

 Cheers,

 The Food Scout

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Location: 2/F Antel Corporate Center, 121 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Operating Hours: 11:30AM-2:30PM / 6:00PM-12:00AM (Mon-Thurs) / 6:00PM-2:00AM (Fri-Sat)Contact: (+632) 553-9971, (+63 949) 760-8731
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilponticellomakati
Budget: PHP1,250++
Rate:

Food	9/10
Ambiance	9/10
Service	9/10
Cost	8/10
Overall	8.75/10