Restaurant Discovery: Black Olive Cerveceria

Funny how when you get older, birthdays seem to be less and less of a special day. But one thing I still want on my special day is a cake and a meal, may it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner, outside. However, I had prior engagement with a company from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (though I have 12 noon to 2 p.m. as my lunch break). Given that I have never been to Capitol Commons, that was our first option for my birthday lunch.

Hello Black Olive Cerveceria!

The place hardly had customers when we arrived. Well, it was a Wednesday and lunch time so it was pretty much expected.

Since I was in a hurry to finish lunch, we ordered right away. What caught my eye was the Porchetta with Rosemary Roast Potato and Caponata (PHP490) while my mom went for the Grilled Italian Sausage with Roast Garlic Mashed Potato and Pepperonata (PHP390). We also ordered a bowl of Bell Pepper and Tomato Soup with Basil Pesto (PHP220) and Vanilla Pannacotta with Balsamic-marinated Strawberries (PHP220).

While waiting, we were served with a complimentary basket of bread with dip. My mom enjoyed the freshly baked bread and ended up finishing it herself.

Next served was the soup which was served on a huge bowl. It was slightly spicy and I find it rather thick as an appetizer. It was very creamy and the tomato taste was pretty strong (which I love). However, I'd rather go with a slightly lighter appetizer.

The sausage arrived next and my mom loved it as it was not overly processed so it had more texture and it was juicy too. 

My porchetta caught the eye of one of the customers and asked me if he could take a picture of it. Wow, my food is a scene stealer. (Sort of.)

I enjoyed it a lot. The pork was well cooked. The meat was tender and the skin was very crispy. There wasn't a time that I had time slicing my food. The sauce added a tangy flavor which was just heavenly. I also loved the mashed potato and mushrooms.

The dessert was served around 5 minutes after we asked for it. 

It was smaller than I imagined and the strawberry pieces were rather squishy then again, perhaps it became so because it was marinated. 

My taste buds were surprised when I had a bite. It was very tangy. I guess the marinade was too strong that it overpowered the pannacotta.

The house blend iced tea was pretty refreshing. We just have to wait for the ice to melt a bit as the brew was a little strong. But overall, I loved it.

My birthday lunch ended with time to spare. I really loved my main course and I can't wait to try Black Olive's signature  Grilled Peri Peri chicken next time. 

Black Olive Cerveceria is located at Unit R3A and B Camino Verde Avenue, Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue corner Shaw Boulevard, Barangay Oranbo, Pasig City.