Anna L.
Yelp
Wow, wow, wow! An Italian-Filipino match made in heaven (just like me and my husband lol). I'm so happy I was finally able to try the chef's counter tasting menu at Danilo's Pasta Bar. Being an Italian gal myself, pasta is certainly my love language, but that combined with the Filipino flare by Chef Dj Tangalin and his team makes this concept true perfection! They are located upstairs at East End Market inside The Neighbors.
If you're looking for a fancy date night out that won't break the bank, this is IT. At $75 pp for about 8 courses, the tasting menu is an absolute steal and you get to try so many different dishes. Reservations are highly recommended for the chef's counter (I was able to make them the day of) and I'm glad we did this option for our first visit. I also plan to return to enjoy the a la carte menu which you can order from throughout The Neighbors bar/lounge areas without a reservation.
The menu changes frequently, but here is everything we had the opportunity to experience (photos attached). We also added the truffle pasta supplement (cacio e pepe with burgundy black truffles & casarecce pasta).
Amuse
Balsamic pickled red potato, danish blue cheese fondue, house cured 28 day duck prosciutto
Baked herb polenta, candied red onion, basil pistou
"Crudo"
Tomato tartare - heirloom cherry tomatoes, strawberry, chives, torched mozzarella, balsamic gel, herb breadcrumbs, strawberry paper
Antipasti
Chaudfroid of squash (translates to hot/cold) roasted kabocha squash, apple salad, shaved zucchini, apple cider dressing, pomegranates
Con pane
Baked ciabatta, butternut squash and carrot purée, spiced apple mostardo, parm, parsley, evoo
Secondi
Local Florida Squid - chorizo marinade, potato, Arrabbiata sauce (spicy tomato sauce) pickled red onion, castelvetrano olives, fermented black garlic
Pasta corta
"Shrimp Scampi" - campanelle pasta, haricot vert and kabocha squash, coconut and turmeric "ginataan" sauce
Pasta lunga (**Favorite dish of the night**)
Surf & Turf Pancit, squid ink tagliatelle, Chinese sausage, bay scallops, chicken, carrots, cabbage, oyster soy broth
Dolce (3 desserts!)
Coconut rice cake (bibingka), sesame, honey butter, Palm leaf cream cheese
Ms. Jazel's flan, bergamot, mixed berry syrup, brûlée figs, macadamia
Ube tiramisu
Everything was sooo good! You can also order cocktails/wine from The Neighbors. I highly recommend the MCO coffee cocktail, the Ocoee with a sage foam, and an espresso martini that can't be beat!