Happy Holy Trotting

SINCE I didn't have plans for the Holy Week, I devoted most of my time wandering not so very far but a stroll away from home to catch up with interesting subjects I might bump into along the road. I just decided to do what I feel like doing and to find something I'd love about with whatever choice I make in life. I think that works best at times when I don't have the drive at all to do what I have to do. So I challenge myself to find something interesting and productive about the things I'm committed to do to keep me going. 

And the past few days when others chose to stay committed to their faith (while most picked Bora or Galera for their planned rituals), I relished in my commitment-free weekend just doing nothing for something....

Here's something to satisfy my meat-free craving...

On Holy Thursday, I passed by Sto. Domingo Church on my way to Cubao for some errands. When I reached the almost deserted Araneta Center, I ended up indulging a bit in this spinach-stuffed pizza oozing with mozzarella goodness. I know it's Holy Week but it's meat-free so please forgive my veggie pizza craving. And it's a real treat at P499 (12 inches) with two tall glasses of bottomless iced tea or lemonade.

It's thin crust by the way but you're not deprived with every crunch-bite of generous spinach and different Italian cheeses. As they say, it melts in your mouth and the spinach can get stuck between your teeth but who cares?   

More than the superb food, the place has so much to offer with its cozy-artsy interior and quick tour through Italian heritage as richly displayed on its lovely walls...  

So here it is... the place is called VA PENSIERO. In English, it translates to "Fly Thoughts..."- words from a chorus by famous Italian composer Guiseppe Verdi. The song was inspired by Psalm 127 which in essence recollects the story of Jewish exiles from Babylon after the loss of the first temple in Jerusalem. A very patriotic song for Italian people, it has also been recognized as an important Jewish' work of art by Verdi. Yes, all these are  written on the menu's inside back cover.

By the way, they have a very interesting menu not only because of all of the mouthwatering treats to choose from but also because of the fascinating images of Italian heritage competing attention with the dishes. Looking at these beautiful structures, I imagine their food being seasoned with a rich history and culture as well.  

Ending the pizza feast with a sweet finish is a hefty sampling of this not-so-sweet panna cotta with blueberries on top, an enjoyable desert and another "melts in your mouth" delight.   

Now, forget about how good the food is and think about what this little indulging can do to help enrich lives. What's really encouraging about dining at VA PENSIERO is doing their part to support the children of Puso sa Puso Edukasyon, Inc. And you're doing your part too just by indulging a little or big time.