MANILA, Philippines?Apologies are in order for some typo errors last week. What should be ?caps? came out as ?cups,? ?trail? as ?rail? and ?falls off the bones? as ?falls on the bones.?
Also, Pen?s Spices should have been rated with 3 Spoons. Mea culpa.
Anyway, our culinary trek brought us to a paluto Pinoy resto in Ortigas, to a popular chain that started with cakes and a place with the valued legacy of a much respected name in the industry.
Chateau 1771
G/L, Greenbelt 5, Makat. Tel. 7299760/61.
The younger Reyes generation has taken over, sort of, from their forebears with great success. This resto was one of the first to open in the new culinary playground in Makati, the Greenbelt complex. To our mind, it is one of the best places to have a meal?food-wise and pocket-wise. There?s a very welcoming ambience brought about by lively interiors, done in colors of spring and summer.
Dining area. It?s L-shaped, extending from one end on the left as one enters to the other, the latter giving a feel of the kitchen and a view of passersby via the clear glass walls. It is brightly lit , diner-friendly.
The staff. There?s the charming and welcoming lady restaurant manager backed by an efficient staff, all ready with the menu. If asked, they are all knowledgeable about the dishes they serve.
The service. Fast and efficient. Water is poured and drinks are offered. Never were our orders mixed?a credit to the system, really.
Suggested meal. Some diners have complained about small portions, but our own experience proved there are dishes two people can share, the better to sample a variety. The Swiss Cheese Raclette (P330) is easily the perfect starter. A salad can follow, but if ordering Osso Bucco as the main dish, forget the greens, as this is a hefty serving (P590) of veal shanks, exquisitely braised in beer and chunks of fresh tomatoes.
Write finis to a lovely meal by getting any of their sweets (cakes), also for sharing at P180-P220. Good coffee, too.
Usual charges are collected.
Rating:***
Sis
A paluto restaurant on Julia Vargas avenue, Ortigas, by the Home Depot, back of Metro Walk. Tel. 6315966.
Make time for traffic in the area; be sure you drive to the right corner of Julia Vargas. This is among the joints where the barkers are very active and enthusiastic. But get into Sis and be satisfied.
The dining area. Usually crowded, so take a table and send one of your groupmates to the seafood market area a few steps away to choose your paluto fare.
The staff. Very unsophisticated and almost patronizing. They are insistent that you get into their resto and not in any other.
The service. Rather quick, as long as you have decided how your main elements are to be cooked. No frills, food is placed on the table, and it becomes a ?free-for-all.?
Suggested meal. Over and above the cost of seafood (from P300-P500 plus a kilo), they charge paluto fee of from P180 for calamares to P280 for tempura. Cooks are versatile and can execute any type of viand.
Start with a hearty Seafood sinigang, follow up with Crabs in Oyster Sauce and Tempura Prawns. Rice is P120 for five diners and Coke Litro costs P90, good for five as well.
No service charge, so prepare a good tip if satisfied.
Rating: *
Conti?s Pastry Shop and Restaurant
1C-17 Serendra, Bonifacio Global city. Tel. 8562352/53.
What started as basic cake shop in BF Homes in Parańaque has grown to four outlets, the latest one at The Fort. The cakes so far are almost unequalled in quality and price; Conti?s is also a popular catering service aside from being a restaurant.
The dining area (at Serendra). Done in theme colors of yellow and green, it has a homey atmosphere; a fountain by the cashier?s corner gives the place a cooling effect. There are tables for one and long tables for big groups. The cakes and frozen items (ready for heating and eating any time) are on one side of the restaurant.
The staff. Mostly male and friendly.
The service. Efficient.
Suggested meal. Because most diners come for a good meal, they often get into the main course immediately. The chain is known for its original Baked Salmon with Paella Rice (P295). Ŕ la carte menu is extensive and, unless one is a frequent visitor, confusion may ensue with regard to ordering because of the wide choices.
The signature pasta starts at P140 and sandwiches at P70. Do not pass up the cakes for dessert. On your way out, bring home some pies (chicken, ham, embutido), which are always freshly baked.
The resto charges 12-percent VAT. Large orders consumed for dine-in come with a 20-percent service charge, which also holds true for cakes consumed in the restaurant.
Rating:***
