Monday, June 1, 2009

Pop! Goes the Pasta, Italiannies' Lunch Deal

I'd been reluctant to return to Italiannies for a number of years. Over and above appearing too Disneyfied Italian, I was traumatized by an undercooked fish dish once at the outlet at the Curve, of which I'd taken a huge bite (and swallow) before realizing it. Recently though, I chanced upon a not entirely horrible dining experience at the Gardens outlet bidding a departing colleague farewell. Granted, all I had was the Shrimp & Mango salad and a sangria, but it was enough to prompt me towards the hugely popular lunch deal the very next day.

Freshly baked bread, perfect to stave off those dizzy hunger pangs while waiting for your food or rudely gaping at your neighbours' very inviting pizza

Choice of Soup: Marsala Mushroom or Minestrone. Both of us go for Mushroom because we wanted heavy! We wanted cream! The soup was fine, with chunks of fresh mushrooms and I'd order this again in a heartbeat.


The choice of mains range from RM13.90 (advertised, but applies only to the Margherita Pizza) up to above RM30. I went for the Chicken & Mushroom Spaghetti (RM19.90). This was bland from the start but upon the third forkful, started to offer a really bizarre, manufactured aftertaste. I don't know if my tastebuds were acting up (for they do at a great frequency) but it felt like I was eating stale tea leaves??! Do shiitake mushrooms have that effect on people? Why didn't I just order the damn pizza?
Mel's Penne Bolognese (RM19.90) - she was hardly impressed. Definitely not the stuff to be soundtracked with gravely passionate operatic tenor. It's the type of meal that should be stomached with music that's a bit more non-commital, like one of the American Idol alums.

One thing must be said though - the portions are huge and if you finish it, you WILL be full and sluggish at your desk for the rest of the afternoon. I won't be coming back anytime soon for the pasta, but the pizza at the neighbouring table... now that's a different story!

18 comments:

boo_licious said...

Must admit, Italiannies is also never my choice when I want Italian food. I reckon I've eaten there only once.

Bangsar-bAbE said...

I love their freshly bakes bread...and can't resist asking for another helping! The pastas aren't that great, but I heard they do a mean smoked salmon pizza!

Unknown said...

wow... it's been quite sometime that I have not had Italian foods. After looking at your posts, make me feel like having some Italian foods soon. ^-^

Nahri said...

You should check out D'Italian Kitchen at Jaya 33 for its Pizza's!

Or the scampi pasta at Tony Roma's....thought this one was the bomb plus the portion was hugenormous!

thenomadGourmand said...

heard good thing abt D'Italian Kitchen at Jaya 33..wanna go try..

Kenny Mah said...

Agreed lah but they are good for big parties (HUGE portions ma).

As for D'Italian Kitchen - yup, they're decent! :)

Sean said...

hey, why are you dissing idol?!?

Sugar Bean said...

We actually like Italiannies quite a lot, especially their pizza. I remember having their New York cheesecake, which was really huge and delicious!

UnkaLeong said...

There's an Italian place down the road from Murni in SS2. Been there for as long as I can remember ;) Great Pizza's and pastas!

J2Kfm said...

Italiannies' great for a party with many, as the portions not meant for one.

it's even in their tagline. the quality of the food notwithstanding though. but the pepperoni pizza;s kinda good.

HairyBerry said...

i actually think that the FOC bread is good. well, the one at the Gardens, at least. served warm and fluffy, it's really disneyfied Italiano at its best. but yeah, the pasta's so-so. check out the smoked salmon pizza. pretty good.

minchow said...

Boo, yes one time is about a fair go! Only when absolutely stuck for choice, or when the rest of the troop rallies for it!

Bangsar Babe, smoked salmon pizza? OK, I KNEW I should've gone for the pizza!

Food Paradise, yes head to Peppino or Mario's! Very decent Italian joints in Penang.

Nahri, hello hello! Tis so strange to be responding to your comment. I think I shall stop now :3D

Nomad Gourmand, me too!! Quick, head there first and give me a preview so I know what to order! :-P

minchow said...

LFB, but this lunch deal is already a scaled down version wor... I think they THINK it's supposed to feed one!

Sean, oops had no idea non-commital was offensive to Idol fans. Sorry kind sir, it won't happen again! :-P

Sugar Bean, desserts! Totally missed out on desserts! OK OK, I suppose one more visit is warranted, just for dessert then!

Unka, are you referring to Buono Sera? I've been hearing some rave reviews about that too!

J2Kfm, but that's exactly it! The lunch deal is a deviation from the party platters serving 2 pax and above... or wait, maybe the deal IS meant for two?? Hmmmm!!!

Nic, wow, two solid recommendations thus far for smoked salmon pizza. How can I say no??!

Little Inbox said...

Pasta is definitely not my choice when dine in. I'll choose rather pizza or chicken set. :)

UnkaLeong said...

I think it's called Pizzeria Bella Italia;)

"Joe" who is constantly craving said...

totally agree hahah..simple things like a salad, who can do it wrong!

Babe_KL said...

seriously i only been here 3 times, the first was ok, second was good, third which was quite recently was worst!

the second time we tried the risotto which was surprisingly good, creamy and all but the third... it was horrible, doesn't taste like risotto!

choi yen said...

I like my mushroom soup in such texture too, creamy & rich~~