Pastamania & Gelatofix: enjoy scenic Riverside with good food and gelato

Hi All,

another edition of V's delights

Seriously guys, Pastamania wants us to “Join the Italian Revolution.” It’s even on their cover photo. Italian isn’t something NEW; Italian food has been a staple to my diet like rice is to any Asian. I shouldn’t use the word diet, because bread, pasta, cheese, meat, and dairy compounded x200 isn’t helping my “diet.” Plus, writing this blog post just makes me hungrier even though I should be on the weight-loss, healthy-eating diet plan.

Secondly, when I think of the Italian Revolution, I think of the Italian Revolution of 1848 or the Italian Unification. I don’t think that’s what Pastamania wanted me to think about but I start to digress when I think longer about it.

Anyway, they probably assumed it’s a FOOD revolution because it’s supposedly new in Cambodia. Sorry, but not sorry, Italian cuisine is popular in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Most are small, cozy, romantic dining experiences but Pastamania is more casual. It’s everything Italian that my American blood thinks of: very cliché caro mio [translation: my dear].

Mmm don't judge me while i eat

got a good look?

But I love being a tourist! This place for Cambodians is like Disneyland Italy. [If you know how sugar-coated Disney is, then I think you get my gist]

Now, connected with Pastamania is Gelatofix. The building is H shaped. I totally love the architecture and interior designing! Favoloso [translation: fabulous]!

Gelatofix’s says:

An Italian Artisanal Gelato Café.

Dream like an Italian.
Dress like an Italian.
Dine like an Italian.

The Italian Break!

I totally love.that.motto.

DO I want to dream like an Italian? Yes, I do - with a hunky Italian man whispering in his Italian accent, oye mi dolce vita!

DO I want to dress like an Italian? Yes, I do - their designer handbags and haute couture or their simple chic and effortless summer outfits.

DO I want to dine like an Italian? Yes, I do - enjoying my food slowly with good company and good wine.

When Gelatofix puts it that way, Italian life sounds so irresistible! Especially with GELATO, your life can’t be any worse.

front

It’s a Singaporean based franchise that’s located in a few countries (like Dubai, Vietnam, Malaysia, etc.).

Ambiance: New, crisp and clean cliché Italiano restaurant. Bright lights, balcony seating with view of the Mekong River, or sit inside in aircon (2 floors worth).

inside Gelatofix

Service: I LlooooooVvvVVEeeeEee their cute outfits that mashes well with the atmosphere.

amirite? his outfit is on fleek

Taste: Acceptable because it’s franchised. It’s tested and proved already.

Parking: I always have a problem with parking in Phnom Penh =( I think there’s car parking somewhere, but having a moto or taxi is better.

jelly flats are best for rainy days!

Added bonus: Going to the night market afterwards. I rarely buy anything but I like to mingle with the pushy people going stall to stall and listening to ordinary singers looking for their 5 minutes in the limelight.

Tip: I like to sit on the veranda outside to enjoy the sights and sounds from the riverside.

yes, that's the one i want!

I actually meant to come in for gelato but ended my snack with a main entrée.

What I enjoyed:

• ·         Strawberry Rosso sorbetto and Milan Mokacchino gelato

yum yum yum

Yes, I had a double scoop on a cone. No, it’s not the only time I’ve ate a double scoop. It’s almost always. Stop grilling me mother.

It was $3.50 for a double scoop. Similarly priced to other places.

To die for Milan Mokacchino gelato! I highly recommend this flavour! It was a rich chocolate that melts in my mouth. Maybe the Italian man would melt the same way in my mouth?!? I’m a hot girl, so it’s possible. GUYS, it’s 40 degrees in Cambodia, anything will melt. ;)

The Strawberry Rosso sorbetto reminded me of my daily morning strawberry smoothie so I wasn’t too impressed. Strawberry + ice = sorbetto. Maybe I should have opted for something else. But I wanted something fruity to go with my chocolate.

• Spicy sausage penne with broccoli in creamy sauce

try it!

The spiciness came from the Cambodian chili. Very speziato (translation: spicy) – but not too much that you would hate it.

The penne was cooked al dente covered in a creamy tomato sauce (but I think it was arrabbiata or red pepper sauce with cream). Few pieces of broccoli and sausages. Overall I thought it was delicious. I would order it again.

where am i?

The menus are expansive. They’re a bit different from each other so make sure to check out both Pastamania and Gelatofix menus. They have salads, soups, pizzas, pastas, gelatos, waffles, cakes, etc. Reasonably priced, good for sharing to try more items. Since it just opened two weeks ago, there’s still some specials going on.

Pastamania specials

Gelatofix specials

My take: enjoyable time with friends and good food. Definitely stay for dessert.

Pastamania: https://www.facebook.com/PastaManiaCambodia/

Gelatofix: https://www.facebook.com/GelatofixCambodia/?fref=ts

Address: #661, Preah Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh, Cambodia (right across the Riverside Night Market, near Titanic Restaurant, and all the bus companies)

Specs: open for lunch and dinner until late

Let me know your thoughts. Shout it out in the comments below.

Thanks for reading.

life is dolce [sweet]

XoXo V

* Sunny Up with V *

If you would like me to visit your place, let me know! I’m more than happy to check out and eat your delicious food =)

strawberry cheesecake

pistachio and havelnut

KAIFUN: cool hangout spot

Hi All,

I’m back from my hiatus! Please look forward to more reviews - no matter how sporadic they’ll may be. I have soooo much to update like places to go, where to sleep and things to eat in Hong Kong and Korea bbbuuuuuuuuttttttttt I’ve honestly been a bum. #sloth #deadlysin

Overthinking as to how much should I really eat???

I tried out newly minted KAIFUN in Phnom Penh. It’s located in BKK1 near Burger King. KAIFUN calls themselves “a casual eatery of small plates ranging from tacos, pizza, burgers, curry rices, kimchi to BBQ beef.” I agree with their statement. They had small plates of food where it’s kinda wanna-be tapas but they’re not Spanish so they can’t be called tapas sort of place.

A/C cottage that seats about 20 

Street parking is limited. Spaces for motos are plenty. Wide open courtyard in the front reminisce American’s summer days where you relax to a BBQ. A bbq cart, antique VW minivan for cooking, and a fire pit for pizza. Back lot is the small shop for probably 20 people. Really felt like I was at a friend’s countryhouse.

VW minibus serving up $1.50 delicacies.

The owner didn’t interact with me as he attempt to make his first paella. From the oohs and ahhs of the big party, you’d think it was spectacular. However, I’ve been to Barcelona, Spain and that’s not a paella. No, no, no.

Loved the atmosphere. It’s a cozy warmth feeling where you can chitchat with your friends and enjoy the night. Light snacks with one or two cocktails = PLEASANT evening. I went on a weekday so don’t know the weekend crowd. Presumably the same unpretentious vibe.  

peekaboo boo

What’s enticing is the big signs and simple menu that states practically EVERYTHING is $1.50. But when you start ordering a lot, those $1.50 plates add up. Especially if you add drinks. 

Let’s countdown to my favorite from KAIFUN:

#5 Coconut Salad: it sounds more exotic than the actual taste. It’s package cutely. A handful of sald is placed in a hard-shell cracker. I’m not sure where the coconut was, maybe it was suppose to be toasted coconut topping. The coconut was underwhelmed by the strong dressing.

beautiful but not lasting

#4 Clams: from an accountant’s point of view, 100g of these white claims for $1,50 is overpriced what’s selling at the local market. However, because it’s in a resturant, it’s a great deal. I think it’s cheaper than Lobster Bay prices. I also realised that these imported clams are becoming popular in Cambodia.

satisfying clams

#3 Mini Burger: it’s a mini burger and tastes what a burger is suppose to taste like. I actually assumed it was a beef burger - because most burgers are beef UNLESS specified otherwise. Think again my friends. Middle of the line, safe bet.

mini chicken burger

#2 Cuban Sandwich: I was probably expecting too much because I was thinking of Portos (SoCal love) and the cuban resturant where I use to live. I was disappointed because this was not the Cubana I was eagerly waiting for. Maybe I was wrong to judge. It said Cuban not Cubana. But still, where are my plaintain bananas? I do love the cheese in this sandwich but would love it more if it had more meat.

Cuban or Cubana: is there a difference?

#1 Hawaiian Pizza: My favorite for the night. It was just so small and CUTE. I may be bias because of my penchant for pizza though. Carbs (dough), Diary (cheese), little bit of Meat (ham) and a touch of Fruit (pineapple). Almost a homerun if they added some sort of veggie on it. But seriously, why would you want to add veggies to my hawaiian pizza? 4 out of 5 ain’t bad my friend. 

pizza!

Bonus Drink: Passionfruit tea. This was probably the best I’ve ever had. If they added liquor in, it would be the best passionfruit mojito in the world. Lots of passionfruit pulp and mint. [I forgot to take a picture because it was PHAT good]

Maybe KAIFUN does have something going on. It’s cheap so you can share and enjoy a variety of items from the menu. It’s bite-size so you get just a taste. Everything’s better when you’ve only had a little. Enjoy the weekends~

My take: try it once or twice to feel like you’re not in Phnom Penh; not on my list to be my fave hangout spot.

https://www.facebook.com/KaifunCambodia/?fref=ts

Address: Street 334, No.25, BKK I, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 12302

Specs: delivery available, open until 9pm for lunch and dinner, cash only

Let me know your thoughts. Shout it out in the comments below.

Thanks for reading.

XoXo V

* Sunny Up with V *

If you would like me to visit your place, let me know! I’m more than happy to check out and eat your delicious food =)

See you next time!