We have been living away from Elbi for 12 years but we never fail to go to Bonito's every time we come home. We have always been a big fan of this place from when it started as a small, no airconditioning but nevertheless cozy place at the corner of Lopez Ave and Demarses. Pretty much where it is now but entrance was facing Lopez Ave. It's a very small place then but everything from the menu, food presentation, plates and cutleries were high-end by Elbi standards. In the far end of the resto, there was an enclosed area with glass panels where you will see fresh, handmade pasta hanging out to dry. Needless to say, the food was excellent! So it was no surprise when Bonito's started to expand to how it is today. Although the plates and cutleries have been replaced by regular resto style eating utensils, the furnitures and the interiors definitely improved. And yes, there is airconditioning, which I guess is an absolute must these days. They have wifi, too! The menu have also expanded and it's great that they kept some of our all time favorites like the Tomato Surprise, Calamari Salad with strawberry vinegrette and Rosemary Chicken. This year's visit was a bit disappointing though. I ordered the Tomato Surprise and Calamari Salad (as always) and the former looked haphazardly prepared. It was more greasy than how I remembered it and the greens, which should be fresh, looked like it was cooked (probably assembled it while the base was still hot from frying?). It was the same thing with the salad where some of the greens were somewhat translucent giving the impression that it's no longer fresh or have been soaked in the dressing too long before serving. Despite my issues with greens and visual presentation, the flavor of the food is still commendable. My kids ordered pasta (alfredo and bolognese) and devoured it in no time 😄 Masarap daw! So I guess we will be visiting again, hoping to see better greens next year. I miss that handmade fresh pasta corner...