Michelin-starred chef makes Milan food affordable for Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino foodies can now savor the signature dishes of Davide Oldani, the renowned chef behind some of the world’s famed restaurants, as he recently opened his first concept diner outside Milan here in Manila.

From Milan, Michelin-recognized Oldani decided to expand his culinary empire overseas and chose Manila as one of the two places to open his concept store internationally. The other one, which also recently opened, was in Singapore.

Oldani’s signature dishes can be devoured by Filipino foodies at his newly opened FO’OD, located at Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, that could house at least 50 people. His menu still includes his distinct “Cucina Pop” style, which was his innovative approach to traditional Italian cuisine.

“Pop cuisine means flavorful food, that [is], food for everyone with a high quality,” Oldani told the press, assuring that the Cucina Pop style makes his food more accessible to the public.

“The aesthetics of FOO’D by DavideOldani is minimal, but it’s enveloped by the warmth of Italy. I chose the Philippines to become the home of my first restaurant outside of Milan, because it’s a country with great economic development. I was lucky to have met talented entrepreneurs like Eric and Rodolfo e Nicolò and to bring my vision to life. Here at FOO’D by DavideOldani, we combine the highest quality [of ingredients] with an affordable price for the Manila market,” the world-famous chef said.

Entrepreneur Eric Dee of Foodee Global Concepts, the same company which brought Todd English, Pound by Todd English, Hook by Todd English, Tim Ho Wan, MESA Filipino Moderne, and Sunnies Café, shared that he tapped Oldani after trying out his dishes in Italy. He said, bringing the restaurant to the country was a year in the making.

Dee noted that he was captured by Oldani’s gastronomic quality food and shared the same philosophy of offering value food to consumers. “The next day we met…we got along, we’re on the same page and now we’re here today,” Dee said, narrating how FO’OD was brought to Manila.

In his first visit to the country, Oldani showcased his cooking skills and held open kitchen demonstrations to the members of the press and his costumers at FO’OD last January 18, 22 and 23. Joined by his Italian sous chefs, Oldani showed the public how his version of risotto Milanse is being cooked.

Oldani’s Milanese was recognized as “Dish of the Year” by the Espresso guide.

Chef Davide Oldani during his open kitchen demo FOO'D/Released

Chef Davide Oldani during his open kitchen demo Philstar.com/Rosette Adel

Italian sous chefs during the open kitchen demo Philstar.com/Rosette Adel

Saffron Fregola with the following ingredients Fregola from Sardinia, to be well creamed/ "ben mantecato" with 24 months old Grana, Butter and White Wine Vinegar, swirled with Saffron(from lombardy) Sauce FOO'D/Released