Nono’s: From Classic Confections to Comfort Food Classics

CLASSIC CHEESECAKE AND AMERICANO

Nono’s may be located at the far end of UP Town Center, but its brightly-lit interiors (courtesy of its beautiful frontage) and spacious dining area spell out a warm invitation to diners. Its menu features familiar dishes that make you feel at home. It may ride on the reputation of Classic Confections’ famed cakes; however, its savory comfort food offerings deserve their share in the spotlight.

FRENCH ONION SOUP (P225)

My sister’s obsessed with French Onion Soup, so you can expect her to order this starter all the time. Nono’s French Onion Soup went gaga over topping layers of parmesan and mozzarella cheese on it which I absolutely loved! On its own, the soup broth was merely mediocre; but its cheesy goodness more than compensated for that.

FRIED KESONG PUTI WITH CANDIED WALNUTS (P325)

A beautiful ode to cheese is exemplified by the Fried Kesong Puti with Candied Walnuts. A huge gooey brick of kesong puti cheese is drizzled with honey and garnished with basil; makings of a beautiful spread on warm baguette. This is a definite must-try!

PINOY STYLE BEEF STEAK (P395)

Nono’s marketed its Pinoy Style Beef Steak by saying that it serves onions in two ways: fried onion rings and caramelized onions. It seems impossible for me not to order it after seeing that on the menu. The onion rings were sweet tasting and came in a nice crisp golden batter; while its caramelized onions were sauteed to perfection. As for the beef steak, it came in tender yakiniku strips which were wonderfully buttery. A little more seasoning would have made it perfect.

ROASTED BEEF BELLY (P495)

The Roasted Beef Belly tasted amazingly as it came drizzled with a zingy balsamic horseradish cream on top of melt-in-your-mouth fluffy mashed potatoes. The meat could have been more tender; but other than that, this was my favorite dish in our meal.

TOMATO AND BASIL (P275/P475)

A simple name for a simple pasta; lightly tossed in an aglio olio base and served with bright red cherry tomatoes. Simple as it may be; it does not lack in taste. It boasts of a distinct garlic flavor which does not overwhelm. It comes in both solo and sharing sizes.

NONO’S HOMESTYLE FRIED CHICKEN (P325/P565)

Nono’s Homestyle Fried Chicken also comes in two different serving sizes. Served with dinner rolls, fries, and corn; its large size can be enjoyed by a group. The chicken meat comes with dressed in marinade that doesn’t require any further condiments. Unfortunately, this was masked by immensely thick breading.

Nono’s

Level 1, Phase 1B, UP Town Center, Katipunan, Ave., Diliman, QC

Dates of Visit: July 22, 2017 and August 28, 2017 with Lily Chua, Jared Chua, and Jem Chua