MANILA, Philippines--Seafood is not only healthy and light, it?s also loaded with good cholesterol and, when prepared properly, can be very delicious. As a student in the States, I used to wake up late on Saturday mornings, then drive to a fast-food chain to order two burgers and fried clams, with tartare sauce on the side.
Moisture
I also used to frequent a seafood joint that served crispy breaded scallops with fries and tartare. I didn?t realize then that all the moisture had been sucked out from overfrying.
In London, the crispy fried fish and chips are done just right. Served with malt vinegar and wrapped in newspaper, the fish is crispy outside and nice and moist inside. The seafood dishes of most American restaurant chains are served dry and overcooked.
Based on my experience, many restaurants display pictures of food that looks better than its actual taste.
Fish and Company isn?t one of them. On one occasion, I ordered the nice and thick New England clam chowder?a rich cream soup with chopped clams, diced potatoes and minced bacon, which I prefer with cracked black pepper.
Something new
I also loved the crab and tomato bisque, another thick soup with shreds of crab in tomato base. This was not only something new for my palate, it was also delicious. So were the crab-cake burger and fried calamari.
I wasn?t too crazy about the fish burger, however. McDo still offers the best fish fillet sandwich. The place claims to have the best fish and chips in town and, aside from the ones found at Malou Fores? Mamou restaurant at Serendra, I agree with them. A must!
The appetizers I tried?mussels with garlic and lemon butter and baked mussels with garlic crust?
were also delicious. All the seafood dishes were cooked just right?
crispy with a lot of moisture in the inside. The seafood fondue also looked inviting.
So, if you?re walking around Greenbelt and get a hunger attack, check this place out. Fish and Company is on the third floor of Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City. Happy eating!
E-mail sandydaza@shaw.ca
