121 – On Celebrating With Mama’s Cooking: Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen, UP Town Center

CJ and I have a tradition of treating our younger siblings out; last time we did so, it was at Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza at the Podium. We opted for something nearer this time, however. Given that all four of us wanted some Italian fare, Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen over at UP Town Center was the first thing that came into our minds. Originally from the southern part of Metro Manila, Mama Lou’s branch at Katipunan’s newest commercial and retail hub is their first foray up north.

Here’s a short introduction on how Mama Lou’s came to be. French-Canadian owner Richard Tremblay and his Filipina wife Marilou established an Italian restaurant at their old home in BF Homes Paranaque. Richard and Malou were hands-on with the operations, and their quaint house at Aguirre Avenue slowly gained popularity. from locals and diners from far-off places alike. She unfortunately passed away some years ago, unable to see her restaurant grow and expand. Thankfully, Mama Lou’s legacy remains alive—through her loved ones who continue to manage the restaurant, and the large number of satisfied customers raving through word of mouth.

Incidentally, we dined here before bringing our younger siblings – a decision that proved to be a right one. If Mama Lou was alive today and she happened to be at the restaurant, I would tell her: grazie, Mama.

Alright, enough of the short description. Here are some pictures during our trip to Mama Lou’s. Do check out their Facebook page to stay connected. Until the next review, bon appetit.

Complimentary bread slices with tomato and pesto sauce.

Mozzarella Sticks (P180): Breaded cheese fingers served with marinara sauce.

You get the most value for your money with these sticks.

A good way to enjoy the best of both: get a portion of the cheese stick, flatten it on the bread…

…pour the tomato and pesto sauces, and top with grated Parmesan.

Buttered Risotto (P295): As simple as it looks, this is a rich and heavy risotto.

Chicken Parmigiana (P390): Chicken roulades with ham and cheese, breaded and fried with tomato sauce and parmesan cheese on top.

One roll is more than enough for the vegetables and garlic rice accompanying it.

Spaghetti Seafood Olio (P315): Spaghetti pasta, garlic, clams, mussels, squid, and shrimp tossed in an olive oil base.

Believe me when I tell you this dish is best shared!

Proscuitto Funghi Pizza (P325 / 12″): Stone-baked pizza topped with mozzarella cheese, prosciutto slices, and sliced button mushrooms.

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen presents their take on the pizza in the simplest manner.

Hot Tea (P90): Perfect to wash down all that savory fare; they have a good selection of Twinings hot teas.

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen
G/F UP Town Center,
Katipunan Avenue, Brgy. UP Campus,
Diliman, Quezon City 1108