It has been a long while since I visited Picobello and so when the opportunity came up to be in Gaisano Ilustre with time to spare, I immediately made a beeline to the first somewhat authentic Italian restaurant I have ever been to. Picobello's pizzas have always been great and nowadays Picobello's brick oven-baked pizzas are very popular with pizza lovers because in the afternoon they are on sale, "buy one, take one". But I did not come for pizza.
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| Risotto al Funghi from Picobello |
I ordered their only risotto dish. The one with mushroom. I was amazed at how fast the risotto arrived at my table. I wondered if it was pre-cooked. As you can see from the picture above, they get zero point for presentation. They could use a bit of basil or parsley for some color contrast. Taste-wise however, their risotto was good. It was well seasoned that I did not ask for parmesan cheese anymore. The earthiness of the mushroom was the dominant flavor which was perfect with the creaminess of the risotto. When it comes to risottos, texture is as important as flavor. And although the speed at which this risotto reached my table suggested that it was pre-cooked, the texture made it seemed like it was not. The gradual infusion of the white wine and the constant stirring that loosened the starch from the rice making it creamy was present in this risotto. Their serving size was also perfect, just enough to fill my hungry tummy. This dish made me feel at home. I loved it.
