WE wish you a very fulfilling holiday season. When all the frenzy is over, you might want to enjoy a meal in any of the three outlets we visited previously. One is in Serendra, offering modern Filipino cuisine; the second is also an innovator; and the third has gained good reputation for years and has kept its faithful clientele.

Portico 1771

On the ground floor of Serendra, 11th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; tel. no. 8560581. This customer-friendly restaurant has gone much more casual. For a spillover crowd, tables and chairs are set al fresco. This is another outlet by the younger generation of the Reyes Culinary conglomerate.

Dining area. Bright, friendly. Interiors are done in cool white and yellow. Air-conditioning system is working well. Minimal décor.

Staff. One meets guests at the entrance. The rest are quick to offer the menu and personal attention is felt.

Service. Orders are taken the moment one settles down. Food comes fast and hot is hot, cold (as in the soup and drinks) is cold.

Suggested meal. Start with Spring Tofu (P320), omelet of tofu with spring onion tempura and honey ginger sauce. Styling is very nouveau. Then go for Lentil Soup (P170) with carrots, onions and celery. You may pass on salad, but they have good selection. If you prefer fish, order Gindara with Crispy Pata Bits (super!), poached black cod with the unusual element of pork bits and aromatic veggies (P450). Ask for their dessert plate?a seeming degustation of chockies, etc.

Operating with usual charges and Senior Citizen discount.

Rating ***

Kanin Club

Cluster 1 Building, West Gate, Alabang; tel. no. 7711400. This is a spin-off from the original eatery in Laguna. Chefs are very innovative.

Dining area. Very small and you are likely to wait awhile. Not much elbow room as chairs are maximized. Tables could hardly accommodate orders of more than three dishes. There is a second floor. Simply laid out.

Staff. Regular. Hurried.

Service. For a newcomer in the trade, service is comparatively efficient.

Suggested meal. Of course, the now-famous Crispy Dinuguan, which has bits of lechon kawali or bagnet as the meat element (P270). Very good. Binukadkad na Tilapia, butterflied crispy fried fish (P250) and Gulay of Sigarillas. Coffee costs P80 and tea, P70.

Service charge is added to the bill. Senior cards, honored.

Rating **

Schwarzwalder German Restaurant

Ground floor, The Atrium, Makati Avenue, Makati City; tel. no. 8935179. This has a loyal following because food and service have not deteriorated.

Dining area. Cool and welcoming. Tables and chairs are spaced well to allow movement.

Staff. The girls no longer wear the familiar German-inspired uniforms. They now don the usual blouse-and-skirt set. They are efficient and knowledgeable.

Service. How can an outfit managed by a German gentleman not be clockwork efficient?

Suggested meal. Whet your thirst first with the signature Apple Juice (P125). While their sausages are really good, we prefer the Farmer?s Chicken, grilled and garnished with crispy bacon, onions and fried egg on top (P535). Delicious! That would be satiating and you may not be up for any dessert. Breakfast is also served with choices from a variety of German sausages with Sauerkraut in the menu (P470).

Usual 10 percent is charged. Seniors get the 20-percent off.

Rating ***