My son Vernon and I discovered Bellini’s almost 25 years ago when they first opened behind Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
It was on a small street beside the Marikina shoe fair and some other shops like an ethnic furniture store. I still have a trunk I bought there in my living room.
The Bellinis with their staff: Among them are some who have been with them for 25 years!
We went there so often during that time that Roberto treated us like family.
However, as the years went by and we got busier with Vernon and Happee’s concert productions, plus the growing number of restaurants — including one of their own, Seoul Train at Sgt. Esguerra, QC, near GMA 7 — we haven’t been going to Bellini’s as much.
Happee and Vernon Go with Mr. Bellini
It is a quaint restaurant with paintings of Italy all over the walls. In fact, I once invited the president of Cemex there and he found it most unique and amusing.
He hasn’t forgotten it, though he is now back in one of the nicest places in Europe, Andorra, the Alps in between Spain and France.
Roberto called me the other day, telling me he is quite sick and would certainly appreciate seeing my feature regarding his restaurant turning 25 years in my column.
So, I’m making sure you all get to read about it today.
Bellini’s grandkids: Niccolo, Uno and Vita Bellini
It is an experience if you’ve never been there. You will enjoy not just the food but the paparazzi photos hanging on the restaurant wall. It’s like taking a tour to a hidden village restaurant in Italy!
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