Venexia Pasta and Bistro
Happy customers during snack time
Venexia Pasta and Bistro just opened last April 2018 and in just a short span of time, it’s been getting good reviews from customers who have been to the place. It is located at the eastern side of Bacolod (Villa Angela East Walk 1, Bgy. Villamonte Bacolod City) where the city’s New Government Center is situated. My good friend, Lisette Lames, introduced me to Ms. Ruth Petierre-Olea whose family owns this cozy restaurant that serves Italian dishes, cool beverages and good coffee. It is also near the office and residential areas as well as some schools so customers can come for lunch, meryenda and dinner or just order take-out food instead of cooking in their homes.
It’s a Family Thing
After her stay in London for seven years, Ruth decided to come back to her hometown where she and her family thought of putting up a café. Ruth said that her family loves to cook and related to us that they grew up indulging in specialties prepared by her mother. At the restaurant it is Chef Edwin Suarez (Ruth’s cousin) who cooks yummy pasta dishes and whips up the Italian meals and other great tasting recipes that are in the menu.
Venexia’s Design and Interior
I have always loved the feel of of wooden interior and furniture – it relaxes me and I find it homey. This is what you’ll experience when you visit Venexia. You’d want to just sit, relax and hang around a little longer. This café sits approximately 60 people including their al fresco dining area. The idea and design are mostly Ruth’s which she conceptualized when she was still living in the UK.
Venexia’s Must Tries
Here are Venexia’s specialties you must try. Some food items are big enough for sharing depending on how big your appetite is.
- Pesto Pasta- firm pasta cooked al dente in pesto sauce (basil leaves, olive oil and garlic) and topped with grilled chicken slices. It has a mild mint taste from the basil and is ideal for those who aren’t into the meat sauce type. (P159)
- Aligue Pasta- I admit I just tasted a little because it’s too sinful but really cooked deliciously. The aligue (crab fat) coated each pasta strand that a small bite can burst into full aligue and crab flavor in your mouth. If you love aligue dishes then Chef Edwin’s version of aligue pasta will not disappoint you. Served with buttered toast. (P129)
- Pasta Carbonara- I’m sure kids will love Venexia’s carbonara. The pasta is firm, not soggy and the sauce tastes just right. Also, the pasta is not too soaked in cream. You may add some seasoning if you want it to be more flavorful. Topped with bacon and cheese and served with buttered toast. (P149)
- Golden Chicken Ham w/ Crisp Crepe- If you like chicken cordon bleu, then you will love this even better! Two cuts of tender chicken fillet with ham and cheese slices, rolled in bread crumbs and flour and deep fried until golden brown. Served with rice. (P149)
- American Baked Spareribs- Tender pork short ribs marinated in Chef Edwin’s secret recipe then fried and baked to perfection. It’s not salty nor too sweet, tastes just right, I didn’t use any seasoning when I tried this. It’s really good! Great for lunch or dinner. Served with rice. ( P229)
- Mudpie- Oh, it’s dessert time! This mud pie is such a nice way to end a heavy meal. Chocolate and vanilla ice cream in a cake mold and drizzled with chocolate syrup. If you have a sweet tooth and you’re in for ice cream cakes, this mud pie is for you. You may share this with a friend. (P99)
Venexia Pasta and Bistro also serves algio olio with anchovies and capers, spaghetti with sun dried tomato pesto, chicken and mushroom pasta. Red sauce pasta dishes like Bolognese (meat sauce), arrabiata (tomatoes and chilli flakes) puttanesca, and penne amatricana are also in the menu.
Their rice meals include southern fried chicken and stir-fried beef w/ mushrooms among others. Of course, they also serve sandwiches and beverages. If you prefer wine to go with your meals they have a selection you can choose from.