From the restaurant’s name itself, you know you’ll be in for a satisfying carb-packed meal once you decide to come in. Its bright, black-and-white interiors with clean lines and subtle geometric patterns (used as accents) reflect the personality that is direct, simple, and unpretentious.
Upon entering, I was greeted with a waft of garlicky flavor with a hint of butter – one I personally consider very appetizing. The aroma envelopes the restaurant in just the right dose that does not leave your clothes and hair smelling like food (a total turn-off by the way).
The food selection is few which I like because it does not overload me with too many choices. Food is a fusion of Italian, Japanese, and a little American so you can expect pasta and pizza which is always a hit with the kids. Japanese selection is limited to sushi, but even this has kid-friendly choices. For meat lovers who do not want to pack on carbs, there are a number of beef and chicken entrees. Their bestseller in this category is the Stone-cooked U.S. Angus Beef Tenderloin which is made up of two pieces beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon, slathered with gravy. This comes with a side of buttered veggies and a choice of garlic parsley rice or risotto. It’s basically cooked but will be served on a stone with flame underneath so you can cook it according to your preferred doneness.
Stone-cooked US Angus Beef Tenderloin, P579.95
We ordered Perfect Catch for appetizer. This sushi roll has raw salmon and cream cheese and is fried with panko crumbs. Appeals to kids’ taste because it doesn’t feel too raw, with teriyaki sauce and aioli cream as dips.
Perfect Catch, P339.95
We also ordered Mighty Cheese pizza and Angus Cheese Meatball Spaghettini because you can’t go wrong with cheese pizza and spaghetti meatballs, right?
Mighty Cheese Pizza, P329.95
Overall, I was happy and satisfied with the experience. For one, the atmosphere was very inviting and comfortable. Bright lights, clean interiors, big enough tables for big groups. And the menu, I could not highlight it enough! Just like the simplicity of their interiors, it imbibed the non-complexity that moms like me appreciate. Choosing from good quality, no-frills menu that does not overload you with too many choices gets my vote! Sometimes after a long, busy day with tired and hungry kids, all you want to do is order ordinary food that tastes extraordinarily so you can satisfy your hangry, most demanding clients — your kids.
Rice & Dough is from the same owner of Torch, Mike Chua.
Rice & Dough
Venice Grand Canal Mall
Upper McKinley Road, Taguig
(02) 776-4660
Mon – Fri 11am to 11pm
Sat – Sun 10am to 11pm
www.facebook.com/riceanddoughph
