BLACKBIRD.
It is the hottest table in Manila right now.
The restaurant occupies the Nielson Tower, which was once the control station of the old
airport, then a police headquarter, then an office, then an exclusive lounge, then a library,
before it was converted into one of the most gorgeous dining rooms in the city.
More than the beautiful space, it is really Colin Mackay's food I am excited about.
I have been a fan since his Malate days. Did you know that People's Palace and Sala
started out in Malate?
We were a huge group so I was able to try quite a few dishes. My cousins know the rules
by now: Jin gets the first dibs on each and every dish everyone orders, but first she has to
takes photos of them from all possible angles. They indulge me like that. I love my family. ♥
Antipasti Platter: Italian salumi, bruschetta, frito misto, mushroom, arancini,
seafood and white bean salad
Buffalo mozzarella, pepperonata, basil, rocket
Tiger prawn, pomelo, palm heart, lemongrass, nuoc cham
Grilled octopus, cucumber pickle, sesame, soy
Beef carpaccio, artichoke, horseradish, rocket, parmesan
Crispy soft shell crab, cauliflower puree, mint, apricot chutney
Seafood bisque, fennel, prawn - too peppery!
Mushrooms, guanciale, fontina, thyme, truffle oil pizza
Blackbird fish pie, salmon, smoked trout, sweet shrimps, creamy leeks, potato crust
Seafood Platter: Slipper lobster, tiger prawns, cuttlefish, mackerel brochettes, nuoc cham
Branzino fillet, roast fennel, tomato, potato, lemon, rocket
Australian chilled grass fed tenderloin, horseradish potato gratin, spinach and confited garlic jus
My order of dry rubbed wagyu hanger steak, mustard butter and fries arrived the very last.
The server said the kitchen had to redo my steak because the chef wasn't happy with the
quality of the first. Still, this was just okay. The fries were good though. My neighbors kept
stealing from my plate.
Henri Bourlon Chateau Guibeau 2010
If I did not try ALL the food above and ate just the next four dishes, Blackbird would have been a four-heart experience for me.
And I know this is why many of you read my blog. To watch me eat the whole menu and get fat while you save all the calories by ordering only my favorites. HMP!!!
But because I love you, here you go...
Happy eating to you all, and good luck to me! Lol! :P
Prawn scotch eggs, betel leaves, coconut chili sambal
Twice cooked beef short rib, sweet fish sauce, hot and sour salad
Medium rare US Prime Ribeye with fries and mushroom peppercorn sauce
If you must have starch, this is it. Portobello mushroom, asparagus, fontina, truffle oil lasagna.
I also recommend you check out the outdoor dining area
How special is this view
Look who else were having dinner at Blackbird that night! Thank you, Leo and Marielle,
for my 100% pure coconut water Vita Coco stash!
Desserts were lovely. I enjoyed the sticky date pudding a la mode the most.
Baked Alaska
Cheesecake, macadamia praline, banana brûlée, dulce de leche
Lemon meringue tart, pink peppercorn crust, lavender praline ice cream
Sticky date pudding, caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream
Burnt butter and vanilla seed ice cream, chocolate brownie, candied popcorn, salted caramel
We brought our own dessert, too!
SURPRISE, AHIA EMIL!!!!!!!!!!
The servers at Blackbird were a bit shy about singing. Luckily, guests from the other table
came to the rescue.
Thank you, Tita Virgie Ramos, Susan Joven and Mia Borromeo for providing
live birthday music! :)
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AHIA EMIL!!!!!!
We hope you enjoyed your cake, because we enjoyed your birthday treat! Hehehe! :)
Blackbird: Nielson Tower, Ayala Triangle, Makati City
Tel: +632 828 4888