PHOENIX COURT
PHOENIX COURT
WhyGO? Phoenix Court is the biggest and finest Chinese restaurant south of Metro Manila. Located in one of Alabang’s premier hotels, its interiors are splendidly decorated in red and gold to signify luck and prosperity. It offers refined versions of Cantonese and Sichuan favouritesthat are modestly priced. Its menu lists familiar dishes, such as Peking duck, Roasted Suckling Pig and Yang Chow Fried Rice; as well as original offerings such as Spinach with Crispy Enoki Mushrooms and Deep-Fried Prawns with Cereal. Among its signature dishes, the Beef Tenderloin with Black Pepper, as well as the Two Varieties of Chicken are to be noted. The Beef Tenderloin is bao-fried with a flavourful black pepper sauce and perfectly cooked vegetables. The Two Variety of Chicken offer an array of flavours and textures that consists of minced prawn stuffed in crispy chicken skin and tender stir-fried chicken pieces in kung pao sauce served in a basket of deep-fried rice noodles. For dessert, Deep-Fried Sesame Balls with lotus paste, locally known as butchi, as well as the Chilled Cream of Mango Sago are quite delectable. The restaurant conveniently offers a number of set menus for groups of six or more.
SPECIALTIES
> Spinach with Crispy Mushroom
> Two Variety of Chicken
> Beef Tenderloin with Black Pepper
A small selection of red and white wines from France is available on request.
2/L TOWER WING, THE BELLEVUE MANILA, NORTH BRIDGEWAY, FILINVEST CORPORATE CITY,
ALABANG MUNTINLUPA CITY
TEL: +632.771.8181 LOCAL 2211/2210
RESERVATIONS: RECOMMENDED
OPENING HOURS: 11:00 AM -10:00 PM
LUNCH HOURS: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
DINNER HOURS: 6:00 PM -10:00 PM
DAYS CLOSED: MONDAYS
SET MENU: YES BUFFETS: NO
CREDIT CARDS: YES
AMENITIES: PRIVATE ROOMS FOR 25,12,10 AND 20 PERSONS, PRIVATE CATERING SERVICE
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2010
PRICE: PHP 1,000-1,499/PERSON
PASEO UNO
WHY GO? Paseo Uno, on the ground floor of the Mandarin Hotel, is the farthest thing from a hotel coffee shop you can think of. The decor is ultra-modern with Oriental accents, lighted on the dark, cosy side and crisscrossed with multiple partitions that provide excellent privacy for diners, The room looks intimate and opulent at the same time. The staff are experienced, quite helpful and up to Mandarin Oriental standards. You can go either of two ways in Paseo Uno. There is a full a la carte menu, starting with a choice of Western, Chinese, Japanese or local breakfast dishes. For later in the day, there is a variety of salads, soups and snacks. The Phad Thai Goong Sad, Malaysian Chicken Curry and Hainanese Chicken Rice are particular favourites. On the other hand, you can go for the buffet, which is an unbelievable array of Western and Asian dishes, and will give you fantastic quality and value for your money. This is the Mandarin after all. Starve yourself for a week before tackling the buffet to ensure you have the space to digest all that yummy food. This is culinary heaven for gourmands.
SPECIALTIES
> Hainanese Chicken Rice
> Roasted Sea Bass with spinach, pine nuts, fondant potatoes and orange cream sauce
> US Prime Rib
In Paseo Uno you have access to the full Mandarin Oriental wine list, one of the finest in the land. Drink up!
G/F MANDARIN ORIENTAL MANILA, PASEO DE ROXAS COR MAKATI AVENUE, MAKATI CITY
TEL: +632.750.8888 LOCAL 2411 MAP REF: B“54
RESERVATIONS: RECOMMENDED
CREDIT CARDS: YES
OPENING HOURS: ALA CARTE: 5:30 AM -12:00 MN
PARKING: VALET
LUNCH HOURS: BUFFET: 12:00 NN-2:30 PM
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2003
DINNER HOURS: BUFFET: 6:30 PM -10:30 PM
BUFFETS: YES PRICE: PHP 1,500-1,999/PERSON
CORKAGE: PHP 1,000
VEGETARIAN: YES
OLD MANILA
WHY GO? Old Manila is one of the pillars of fine dining that have maintained their elegance and good quality throughout the years. It’s a charming place mixing classic and contemporary fixtures with Filipino flair. Its hushed tones and ambient lighting offer guests an elegant platform fit for special occasions, romantic dates or business meetings.Contrary to the glamour of the place, the menu is straightforward and unassuming. You are greeted with a white and green puree with a hint of truffle, a complementary appetiser along with the fabulous freshly baked bread and crispy bread sticks. The Oyster Rockefeller grilled with spinach Gruyere and bread crumbs is simply excellent. You may also want to try the Seared Sea Scallops served with blue cheese polenta, shitake and Belgian endives with crispy chorizo that is light and pleasing. For the main course, Old Manila takes pride in its grills. The US Angus Tenderloin is of top quality, succulent, juicy and cooked at its best. Old Manila also offers seafood such as the Pan-Fried Barramundi with Marinated Crayfish that is fresh and moist. For dessert, an assortment of velvety, smooth truffle chocolates is offered to cap your evening.
SPECIALTIES
> Lobster Mousseline
> Fines de Claire oysters served naturally with classic mignonette dressing or Rockefeller – grilled with spinach Gruyere and breadcrumbs
G/F THE PENINSULA MANILA, CORNER OF AYALA AND MAKATI AVENUE, MAKATI CITY
AMENITIES: CATERING SERVICE, PRIVATE ROOM FOR 24 PERSONS
TEL: +632.887.2888 EXT 6754 TO 55
PARKING: VALET, PARKING LOT, STREET PARKING
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1976
PRICE: MORE THAN PHP 2,000/ PERSON
RESERVATIONS: RECOMMENDED
LUNCH HOURS: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
DINNER HOURS: 6:30 PM -11:30 PM
SET MENU:YES
BUFFETS: NO
CORKAGE: STARTING AT PHP 1,500
VEGETARIAN: YES
CREDIT CARDS: YES
OPUS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
The chef Carlo Miguel’s gastronomic modern European dishes are a must-try. With Opus’ sophisticated and stylish interiors, it is a place you would feel comfortable in, whether dressed up or dressed down.Opus’ culinary influences are clearly very global, given the diversity of the menu. Do order the Grilled Japanese Eel and Seared Foie Gras with cucumber jelly and pickled radish salad; it packs in such great flavour and portions are generous. Because of the chef’s background in molecular gastronomy, trust that the starters are all cleverly presented. Most of the appetisers and salads could wash down well with a good Bordeaux or Burgundy. For your mains, have the US Beef Short Ribs with horseradish potato puree, roast shallots and marsala jus; they’re soft, tender and tasty. Also try the spice-roasted French Duck Breast with carrot-corriander puree and plum chutney, as they will definitely have you wanting more. Cap off an interesting meal with the Dark Chocolate Fondant with salty caramel and malt foam – it will surely make your meal memorable.
2/L NEWPORT MALL, RESORTS WORLD MANILA, NEWPORT MANILA, PASAY
TEL: +632.8040733
SPECIALTIES
> Grilled Japanese Eel and Seared Foie Gras on cucumber jelly
> Sous Vide Aged US Prime Beef Short Rib
> Matisse
RESERVATIONS: RECOMMENDED
DINNER HOURS: 6:00 PM -10:00 PM
DAYS CLOSED: SUNDAYS
CORKAGE: PHP 500 (WINES), PHP 2,000 (CHAMPAGNE), PHP 2,500 (LIQUOR)
VEGETARIAN: YES
CREDIT CARDS: YES
AMENITIES: SEPARATE BAR, PRIVATE ROOM FOR 10 T015 PERSONS
PARKING: PARKING LOT
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2010
KASBAH
WHY GO? Located along the stretch of Station One’s powdery white sand with a perfect view of the crisp blue ocean, Kasbah is an exotic oasis perfect for kicking back and enjoying authentic Moroccan food by the beach. Start off with the Gambas Marocain, shrimps sauteed in garlic chermoula sauce. The gambas are perfectly cooked, soft and buttery, coming alive in an exciting explosion of spices. Moving onto the main dishes, it’s imperative to have the Lamb Tagine (Moroccan stew). Served on the traditional conical shaped lid, the melt-in-your-mouth lamb is swimming in a harmonious combination of prunes, honey and almonds. Whether you’re a fan of exotic cuisine or not, you’ll definitely be swayed by this dish alone. Another speciality is the Chicken Pastilla, a fluffy pastry with hints of cinnamon, stuffed with lightly spiced chicken. It’s an interesting departure from traditional pastries the Filipino palate is used to; it strikes the perfect balance between spicy and sweet, and is quite filling. After giving your taste buds a tour of the exciting North African cuisine, take your pick of the variety of desserts from the couscous pudding to the baklava. Then finish off with some refreshing mint tea.
STATION ONE, WHITE BEACH, BORACAY, MALAY, AKLAN
SPECIALTIES
> Lamb Tagine
> Chicken Pastilla
> Kefta Tagine
PRICE: LESS THAN PHP 1,000/PERSON
RESERVATIONS: RECOMMENDED (DINNER)
OPENING HOURS: 10:00 AM -10:00 PM
SET MENU: LUNCH
BUFFETS: NO
VEGETARIAN: YES
CREDIT CARDS: YES
AMENITIES: SEPARATE BAR, LIVE MUSIC, PRIVATE CATERING SERVICE
Mesa
WHY GO? Whether you’re acquainting someone with Filipino food or want to indulge in the familiar (like a home-cooked meal, with a modern twist), Mesa is the place to go. Its distinctly Filipino accents will make you feel right at home.
Its best known appetiser, the Crispy Hito Flakes (pulled catfish) with mango salad, is thoughtfully presented on a series of spoons. Imaginative as it is delicious, this dish is a must-try. Moving on to heavier portions, order the customised Crispchon (crispy lechoii). You can have it simply crispy, where it will be served with three sauces: lechon, oyster and garlic or is also served two-ways, wrapped in pandan crepe and tossed in chilli garlic. The meat is tender and tasty – the sinful and crunchy skin is worth packing the extra calories for! Another entree to sample is the Boneless Tilapia, served with four sauces that will appeal to your sweet, salty, sour and spicy tastes. For dessert, have the Pandan Macapuno Rumble, a reimagining of your classic buko pandan. A scoop of macapuno ice cream, served with pandan jelly, and a generous sprinkling of crunchy corn flakes add a nice twist to the familiar.
MEGAMALL/ AYALA CENTRE, CEBU / TOMAS MORATO STATION ONE, WHITE BEACH, BORACAY, MALAY, AKLAN TEL: +6336.288.4790SIGNATURE DISHES
SPECIALTIES
> Crispchon
> Boneless Tilapia with four
G/F GREENBELT 5, MAKATI CITY TEL: +632.7280886
RESERVATIONS: NECESSARY OPENING HOURS: 11:00 AM -11:00 PM CORKAGE: PHP 300 VEGETARIAN: YES CREDIT CARDS: YES
AMENITIES: PRIVATE ROOM FOR 12 PERSONS PARKING: VALET, PARKING LOT YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2008
EMAIL: FRDFOODNSPICES@YAHOO. COM
PRICE: PHP 1,000-1,499/PERSON OTHER BRANCHES: SM
MASSETO
WHY GO? Masseto is like a serene oasis of fine food and exceptional wines in the middle of the bustling central business district. The intimate space manages to convey a sense of refinement and luxury. Formerly a bank office, the vault space is now cleverly used to store rare vintages of highly prized Masseto wines. Don’t miss the bar menu for delightful little nibbles to have with your aperetif -particularly the Chorizo Puff and Parmesan Chips with goat cheese mousse. Star off with a salad of crisp mixed greens with a tasty, creamy Pecorino flan drizzled with a Balsamic vinaigrette. An excellent pasta choice is the Tagliolini with Bottarga, very fine noodles with the intense flavour of Italian fish roe in olive oil nicely balanced off with fresh herbs. You will never be disappointed with the Duck Confit, arguably the best in town. Cooked to perfection, its skin so crisp, yet the meat, soft and moist inside. A lighter option is the Sole Meuniere with a very fine crispy outside, drizzled with a rich lemon butter sauce and nicely complemented with sauteed haricots verts and baby carrots. Ending the meal on a high note, the Warm Bread Pudding with bits of orange rind is nothing short of heaven.
A wine lover’s haven, Masseto has such respect for wine that it dedicates an entire wall to wines from over 20 regions, including every grand cm imaginable. The only place in town with a virtual wine menu presented on an l-pad, one click of the search button brings up over 250 wine offerings listed by name, vintage, region or grape varietal.
G/F114 VALERO STREET, SALCEDO VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY TEL: +632.810.3565/ +632.338.0929
RESERVATIONS: RECOMMENDED
LUNCH HOURS: 12:00 PM – 2
DINNER HOURS: 5:30 PM -1( DAYS CLOSED: SUNDAYS BUFFETS: NO
CORKAGE: PHP 750
VEGETARIAN: YES
CREDIT CARDS: YES
AMENITIES: SEPARATE BAR, PRIVATE ROOM FOR 16 PERSONS
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2009
PRICE: MORE THAN PHP 2,000/ PERSON
MABUHAY PALACE
WHY GO? The stunningly opulent, yet tasteful, chinoiserie decor makes Mabuhay Palace the perfect setting for a feast. It is easily one of the best Chinese restaurants around. The servers are exceptionally polite and attentive; and their recommendations are always spot-on. The portions arejust right.
Begin with the best-selling appetiser, Radish Cake with XO sauce, an amalgam of complementing tastes and textures. Don’t miss the ubiquitous Cold Cuts Combination. New on the menu and poised to be a big hit is the Hainanese Chicken Rice, juicy and delicately flavoured. Another best-seller is the Homemade Bean Curd with Bailing Mushrooms and Conch Meat in brown sauce, crispy on the outside and runny on the inside, with an interesting touch of spinach. Don’t leave without trying the signature dish: Mabuhay Palace Long Life Prawns, a visual and gastronomic treat. The Homemade Salted Egg Ice Cream is a dessert revelation. This peculiarly delectable delicacy, actually not included in the dessert menu, is specially recommended by the staff. Also awesome is the Chocolate Buchi. Finish off the meal with the wonderfully fragrant Mango Manila Tea.
MAN LA HOTEL, 1 RIZAL PARK MANILA TEL: +632.527.0011 LOC1345
SPECIALTIES
>Old Beijing Nobleman Sharksfin Soup with puffed pastry
> Long Life Prawns
> Boneless Honeyed Pork Belly simmered in Shao Shing Wine
RESERVATIONS: RECOMMENDED
LUNCH HOURS: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
DINNER HOURS: 6:30 PM -11:00 PM
SET MENU: YES BUFFETS: NO
CORKAGE: PHP 1,500 (750 ML), PHP 1,800 (1,000 ML) VEGETARIAN: YES
CREDIT CARDS: YES
AMENITIES: PRIVATE ROOM FOR 12
AND 17 PERSONS
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2008
WEBSITE: WW W.MANILA-HOTEL. COM.PH
PRICE: PHP 1,500-1,999/PERSOn
RESERVATIONS: RECOMMENDED
2:00 PM 10:30 PM
LILI
Lili offers a wide range of all-time Chinese favourites. The interiors are elegant and spacious, combining contemporary and classic Chinese touches. Service is very efficient, attentive and unobtrusive. The staff in their elegant black Cheongsam tunics are well trained to make menu suggestions. One of the chef’s best recommendations is the Imperial Peking Duck served 2 or 3 ways. The Pan-fried Egg bean with scallop and shrimp is cooked to just the right consistency. Excellent soup selections include Shark’s Fin with Crabmeat and Sweet Corn with Asparagus. Seafood lovers should go for the Crispy-fried Prawns in crispy garlic, black beans and chilli, crunchy outside and succulent inside, finely balancing flavours and textures. The fresh steamed Pink Garoupa in supreme soya sauce is also excellent. For dessert don’t miss the mouth-watering Glutinous Dumpling stuffed with white chocolate and dusted with peanuts. After a hearty meal, their impressive Chinese tea bar offers a refreshing selection of white, red, black and Oolong teas. Highly recommended is the Dong Ting premium green tea which is good for digestion.
5/F HYATT HOTEL AND CASINO MANILA, 1588 PEDRO GIL COR MH DEL PILAR STREETS, MALATE, MANILA
TEL:+632.245.1234 LOC 7251
SPECIALTIES
Imperial Peking duck, live seafood
Roasted Pumpkin and Seafood Soup
Mango Pudding
MAP REF: H-08
RESERVATIONS: RECOMMENDED
OPENING HOURS: 11:30 AM (SUN) 12:00 PM (MON-SAT) -
10:00 PM
SET MENU: YES
BUFFETS: YES
CORKAGE: PHP 450
VEGETARIAN: YES
CREDIT CARDS: YES
AMENITIES: SEPARATE BAR, PRIVATE ROOM FOR 24 PERSONS
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2005
PRICE: PHP 1,500-1,999/PERSON
LOTUS COURT
After a six-month renovation, Lotus Court reopened its doors to deliver a premier Cantonese dining experience. Lotus Court’s new home has striking interiors that contain a luxurious vibe. This upmarket aura is discernible as well in the rich additions to its menu, courtesy of Chef Wong Hoi Ming of Marco Polo Hong Kong.Go for Chef Wong’s palate-pleasers the Green Garoupa flambeed in spicy bean curd sauce, fresh seafood hot pot simmering in a special curry mix, and rolls of fish and prawn that come with a lovely cream sauce. Also try the sizzling Cantonese fillet steak, the Mandarin Emperor’s chicken, and the succulent beef tenderloin stir-fried in an intriguingly sweet XO sauce. A definite must try are the Long Life Prawns, the Tri Colored Fungi, along with the Suckling Pig with Buns. The comprehensive dim sum menu features flavorful rolls, buns, dumplings, and puffs that are steamed, fried, or barbecued with great care. Still in the repertoire are the familiar flavours of classic Cantonese fare and other healthy dishes perfect for vegetarians — all prepared with seasonal and the freshest ingredients.
3/L MARCO POLO DAVAO, CM RECTO ST, DAVAO CITY
TEL: +6382.2210888 LOCAL 7233
SPECIALTIES
> Yin Yang Garoupa
> Stir-fried Crab with ginger and onion
> Roast Peking Duck
RESERVATIONS: RECOMMENDED
LUNCH HOURS: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
DINNER HOURS: 6:00 PM -10:00 PM
SET MENU: YES
BUFFETS: WEEKENDS ONLY
CORKAGE: PHP 750
VEGETARIAN: YES
CREDIT CARDS: YES
AMENITIES: LIVE MUSIC, PRIVATE ROOM FOR 200 PERSONS, PRIVATE CATERING SERVICE
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1999