MANILA, Philippines—This week, we decided to splurge a bit and go to three comparatively expensive dining places. The first is Chinese; second, Japanese; and third, Continental bistro. Nothing major disappointed us, except, perhaps, that they all cost us comparatively big money.
China Palace of Tagaytay Highlands, 2/L, SM Mall of Asia, J. W. Diokno Boulevard, with good view of the sea (tel. no. 5560291)
Dining area—We’ve not been to China, but this must be typical of their elegant dining rooms. An attendant in blue leads diners through a short curving bridge leading to the main dining area. The interiors are of elegant mahogany, chairs are rosewood and tablecloths in yellow embossed with Chinese characters. One plate, however, had a tiny chip on one side.
Staff—We like the idea of one-server-per-table system; makes service more efficient. Our particular waiter explained the dishes on the menu which led us to discover Chinese food that were new to us.
Service—We did not hear any distracting conversation among the staff. Food came in fast, but again one main dish came ahead of the starters.
Suggested meal—For nearly P2,000, a party of three can get Taro Puff (P70), Ham Sui Kale, an empanada-type pastry filled with meat (P120), their own Fried Rice served as mound of moist grains surrounded with meat in brown sauce (P350), Fookien Fried Noodles, which were actually more braised because it was not oily at all (P350), the very tender Sauteed Beef with Mushrooms (P350) and Stir-Fried Vegetables (P280). Don’t leave dessert out. There’s Hot Taro with Sago and other choices.
Usual service and government taxes are collected.
Rating - ***
Tanabe, Japanese restaurant, Unit 229-231, Entertainment Area, SM Mall of Asia (tel. 5560360), also facing the sea
Dining area—Done in black. There’s a small private room, left of the entrance door.
Staff—Courteous and efficient, mostly ladies
Service—Gracious
Suggested meal—Shared by two or three diners. Kami Suki Nake is a unique soup, cooked on the table. A washi paper, containing the ingredients (seafood, chicken, vegetables), is placed in a wire basket over slow fire (P375). Follow up with a small Sushi Boat, combo of five kinds of sushi and sashimi (P1,180). Unless there’s big money in your pocket, order the native Beef Teriyaki (P420) against the Wagyu (P2,100). Coffee Jelly (P80) or
Banana Flambé (P100) are among the desserts.
Usual charges are collected.
Rating -***
Sala Bistro, G/L, Greenbelt 3 (tel. 7298888), facing the church. Bistro actually means casual dining.
Dining area—The interiors are in dramatic black and white. High ceiling has crystal chandeliers. Black chairs, white tablecloths. Avoid going to the ladies’ room unless you want to risk bumping your head on the dark black walls. It’s that small.
Staff—One server to a table. They all wear black uniforms and are ready to take orders. Attentive. Apologetic.
Service—Unfortunately, that day, at 12:25 p.m., they have run out of the particular lamb cut for one specific dish and Quiche. It took a while to be served.
Suggested meal—We settled for Green Salad, Italian Seafood Stew, with big, succulent scallops, among others, (P780) and Lamb Confit (yes, they still have the shoulder cuts—two pieces) laid out one on top of the other, on a slab of roasted pumpkin and crushed garlic and sweet peas (P620). Profiteroles and Cream Roulade were great desserts, shared as well.
Usual service charge and government taxes are collected.
Rating - ***
