Published on Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, December 31, 2015
And My Recommendation is...
As if the 20 extra pounds I’ve put on is not enough proof, 2015 has been a year filled with many excellent eats. The Manila dining scene is at its most exciting time ever, with fresh concepts popping up left and right, old restaurants introducing new menus, and big international names conquering the city.
I’ve done more than my fair share of eating, all in the name of research. This list compiles the answers to the one question I have been asked more than anything else: “Can you recommend…”
A SPECIAL OCCASION DINNER VENUE: MASSETO
Cheese soufflé at Masseto
The ambiance sets the mood; the service warm yet unobtrusive; the food always outstanding. I suggest the cheese soufflé to start, followed by duck confit with lentil ragu, and a sweet ending of chocolate hazelnut tart. Sometimes, all it takes is one perfect meal to give a girl that twinkle in her eyes.
Address: 114 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati
Tel: 810 3565
WHAT TO BRING TO A POTLUCK: COCONUT CURRY CRAB BY LEY’S KITCHEN
I cannot really talk about how good this is. If I try, I might start crying. I promise it will be wildly delicious and you must be prepared for much finger and plate licking. My eyes—they water a bit from pure delirium.
WHAT TO BRING TO A POTLUCK: COCONUT CURRY CRAB BY LEY’S KITCHEN
Coconut curry crab by Ley's Kitchen
I cannot really talk about how good this is. If I try, I might start crying. I promise it will be wildly delicious and you must be prepared for much finger and plate licking. My eyes—they water a bit from pure delirium.
Call +639178486889 to order.
A MEAL WORTH WAKING UP FOR: NOBU BREAKFAST
Wagyu "cheeksilog" at Nobu
Could there possibly be a better way to start the day than with extremely tender wagyu cheek-silog, tasty black cod tinapa, champorado with bonito flakes, Matsuhisa style eggs Benedict, French toast with yuzu cream, and a buffet of Japanese-inspired dishes? None, I tell you.
Address: Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams, Aseana Boulevard, Paranaque
Tel: 691 2882
MALL EATS: THE BEEF AT HOLE IN THE WALL
I wonder if they mixed in some ground unicorn into the patty because the burger at Hole in the Wall is kind of magical. You can’t have that pure beefy glory and not be happy.
MALL EATS: THE BEEF AT HOLE IN THE WALL
Cheeseburger at The Beef
I wonder if they mixed in some ground unicorn into the patty because the burger at Hole in the Wall is kind of magical. You can’t have that pure beefy glory and not be happy.
Address: Hole in the Wall, 4/F Century City Mall, Makati.
Tel: 869 9680
A COMPLETE ONE-DISH MEAL: YOUR LOCAL
A COMPLETE ONE-DISH MEAL: YOUR LOCAL
Salmon donburi at Your Local
The salmon donburi with torched Norwegian salmon, mentaiko, ebiko, and crisp salmon skin on roast corn and shiitake black rice never fails to satisfy. It’s a substantial serving, but I always manage to clean up my bowl.
Address: 106 Esteban Street, Legaspi Village, Makati
Tel: 823-6206
WHERE TO UNLEASH THE CARNIVORE IN YOU: WAGYU JAPANESE BEEF
I am pretty sure all the beef here gets massaged with Crème de la Mer. Different cuts of Omi and Kagoshima wagyu cooked the way you want them—steamed, stone-grilled, or sukiyaki. I say do all three. This is the kind of meal you would risk clogging your arteries for.
WHERE TO UNLEASH THE CARNIVORE IN YOU: WAGYU JAPANESE BEEF
Steamed omi wagyu at Wagyu Japanese Beef
I am pretty sure all the beef here gets massaged with Crème de la Mer. Different cuts of Omi and Kagoshima wagyu cooked the way you want them—steamed, stone-grilled, or sukiyaki. I say do all three. This is the kind of meal you would risk clogging your arteries for.
Address: Forbestown Road, Bonifacio Global City
Tel: +639162438221
WHAT DESSERT TO BRING TO A PARTY: MAJA BLANCA SURPRISE BY HEAVEN IN MY MOUTH
Our humble Filipino dessert made creamier, richer, more irresistible. Topped with candied cashews for some crunch, every bite is a marriage of flavors and textures that keep you wanting more.
WHAT DESSERT TO BRING TO A PARTY: MAJA BLANCA SURPRISE BY HEAVEN IN MY MOUTH
Maja Blanca Surprise by Heaven in My Mouth
Our humble Filipino dessert made creamier, richer, more irresistible. Topped with candied cashews for some crunch, every bite is a marriage of flavors and textures that keep you wanting more.
Call +63 917 8771277 to order.
A PLACE TO EAT EVERY DAY: WILDFLOUR
I thought the steak and kimchi rice was my one true love, but I find myself cheating on it with sweet corn agnolotti, Mediterranean salad, octopus a la plancha, French brie, and dates tarte flambée, homemade cavatelli, and corn waffle. I can go to Wildflour every single day and not run out of things I want to eat.
A PLACE TO EAT EVERY DAY: WILDFLOUR
Homemade cavatelli with guanciale, fried egg, bacon at Wildflour
I thought the steak and kimchi rice was my one true love, but I find myself cheating on it with sweet corn agnolotti, Mediterranean salad, octopus a la plancha, French brie, and dates tarte flambée, homemade cavatelli, and corn waffle. I can go to Wildflour every single day and not run out of things I want to eat.
Legaspi branch: 02 833 9799, Salcedo branch: 02 808 7072, BGC branch: 02 856 7600
A HOLE IN THE WALL: MAO JIA HUNAN CUISINE
A HOLE IN THE WALL: MAO JIA HUNAN CUISINE
Frog legs hotpot at Mao Jia
Addicting crispy chicken, boiled beef in chili, spicy frog hotpot, egg with kuchay, and double that serving of rice, please! Aaahhh… the pleasure of tucking into something so luscious yet so ridiculously cheap. I almost felt like going to confession after the meal.
Address: Bagtikan Street, San Antonio Village, Makati
A PERFECT CUP OF JOE: TOBY’S ESTATE
This Australian coffee chain brews a mean Café Mocha and Gibraltar, two magical concoctions that possess the power to warm the coldest of hearts.
AFTERNOON SNACK: MAMON BY SEGOVIA’S CAKES & PASTRIES
Segovia’s mamon is gold standard. You have my word on that. I’ve eaten many a Filipino sponge cake, but this one is so pillowy soft, I wanted to make a bed out of it. Warning: can be a low-carb dieter’s nightmare. 28 Gen. Lim Street, Little Baguio, San Juan; 02 477 2229
FIRST CASUAL DATE: 12/10
Order my favorites: mushroom salad, spicy tuna, mackerel, katsu sando, Angus beef, and tuna foie gras onigiri. If your date turns out to be boring, at least you can be assured that the food and cocktails are exciting.
A PERFECT CUP OF JOE: TOBY’S ESTATE
Cafe Mocha at Toby's Estate
This Australian coffee chain brews a mean Café Mocha and Gibraltar, two magical concoctions that possess the power to warm the coldest of hearts.
AFTERNOON SNACK: MAMON BY SEGOVIA’S CAKES & PASTRIES
Mamon at Segovia
Segovia’s mamon is gold standard. You have my word on that. I’ve eaten many a Filipino sponge cake, but this one is so pillowy soft, I wanted to make a bed out of it. Warning: can be a low-carb dieter’s nightmare. 28 Gen. Lim Street, Little Baguio, San Juan; 02 477 2229
FIRST CASUAL DATE: 12/10
Katsu sando at 12/10
Order my favorites: mushroom salad, spicy tuna, mackerel, katsu sando, Angus beef, and tuna foie gras onigiri. If your date turns out to be boring, at least you can be assured that the food and cocktails are exciting.
Address: 7635 Guijo Street, Makati
Tel: +639156632823