Social media got us intrigue to try new dishes at Chez Nouz by Chippens. We heard about their Italian guest chef Alfredo Rizzo who was trained by a 2 Michelin star chef in Italy. Just like any foodie by heart, we drag our feet and appetite to try their dishes.
For those who live in a cave and haven’t heard about Chez Nouz, it is an intimate café at Gomez Street, in between Jacinto Street and Roxas Avenue ran by the chef restauranteur Chino San Jose whose family owns Chippens (thus the branding). Growing up with in the family business, Chef Chino acquired his love for food and the business. He had his formal culinary training in Canada and eventually went home to establish his own name in the food industry. I think it is in his mantra to ‘think global, eat local’ that he came up with to bring international flavors to Davao.
Fast forward to the present, we had our appetite ready to try the dishes that Chef Chino and Chef Alfredo prepared for the Davaoenos. Luckily, I was also able to drag with us my favorite Executive Chef Alex to join us and give his insights (but sorry, I can’t share his opinion here though).
What we had during the dinner:
- Ravioli with Smoked Salmon (special menu, P295)
- Seafood Risotto (special menu, P320)
- Salted Egg Everything (regular menu, P250)
- Torta de Rice (special menu, P195)
The verdict?
Taste is very good. The flavors are very well-balanced and brings that kind of warm feeling in you when eating. Ingredients are most likely sourced locally due to the quality (the mussels and shrimps in the risotto where a little small). Texture is also good except for the slightly thick ravioli (disproportionate pasta-filling ratio).
The best portion in the dinner was the super affordable price. You don’t get to eat a good dinner as such in a super affordable rate. Since the place is also very homey, you don’t get intimidated to dine and enjoy a good evening with family and friends. The variety of their menu will also allow you to share meals as the portions are adequate for sharing.
I was not a big fan of their Salted Egg Everything (the oil used was affecting the taste of the dish) and the dessert in the special menu wasn’t the best item in the evening but they have more choices in the menu (another reason to return).
Overall, the experience was very rewarding and worth the price I paid. You should at least once in a while get to enjoy dinners like this. Thanks, Chez Nous.
So, Italian dinner, anyone?