MANILA, Philippines ? Quiet diner spent the last fortnight in what could be called the conservative restaurants, where the economics of eating out would not actually dent the purse?so much. Not quite ?masa? but dining in these places gives as much satisfaction in terms of food taste and service.
Zong Chinese restaurant (816-2572)
An original in the strip at the Fort Point building, Fort Square Plaza, Fort Bonifacio, Global City, where the bigwigs of some giant conglomerates were seen queuing up for tables. It?s also at the Alabang Town Center and Trinoma.
Dining area -- A departure from the usual red-and-black interiors of traditional Chinese restaurants, designed by young professionals influenced by modern architecture. Colors are subdued: off-white and yellow. Benches are used instead of chairs, and tables are not the usual round with lazy Susan on top. It is airy and bright.
Staff -- Attentive, in spite of what is always a full house. Reservations are checked carefully. They are neat. They can suggest a whole menu.
Service -- Fast and efficient
Suggested menu -- A faxed menu is readily available for those who call. It would be practical to come in groups of at least four or six. Zong does not use MSG. Start with Combination Roast Platter, assorted dim sum and siomai plus spring rolls. Soup, to us, was not quite necessary but for those who want it, there is a good selection.
Conservatively, three main courses would be enough?Braised Fish Fillet with Mushrooms and Tofu, General Tso?s Chicken (a bit sweet) and Fried Duck in Ginger and Garlic. Needless to say, include with the E Fu Noodles (actually a birthday dish) and/or Yang Chow Fried Noodles. Give the meal a healthy element and get Stewed Broccoli with Garlic. Choose either Mango Sago Cream or Banana Fritters with Honey Glaze. Your tab will not be more than P500 per.
Usual service and government charges are imposed. Senior cards are honored.
Rating - ***
Bangus - BF Homes, Parañaque
This is a franchisee of the main establishment, located inside the Pergola Mall, in the center of the subdivision.
Dining area -- At night, it is illuminated in an orangey hue, specially the ceiling, which has the likeness of a giant bangus or milkfish done in shells. Tables and chairs are comfortable. Acoustic is comparatively good.
Staff -- Customers are greeted at the entrance, seated quickly and given the menu immediately. They show an apparent willingness to please the diner.
Service -- Quick and efficient. Ask (for whatever, like calamansi) and it will be given.
Suggested menu -- The bangus selection is huge but the Fried Special with Sampaloc (tamarind) candy sauce with Crispy Kangkong got our vote. For those on dates, a Lambingan sa Bangka set meal at P880 is offered. This includes Calamares, Inihaw na Baboy, Kare-kareng Bangus with Dessert of Reyna Blanca. Kainang Yaman is a family meal at P1120++.
Seniors are given discounts, charges are the usual.
Rating - **
Suzhou Dimsum -G/F, Food Court, Promenade, Greenhills Commercial Complex, San Juan (744-3846).
Because this is located along the ?Circle,? diners can cross-order, moving from dim sum to steaks, nachos, buffalo wings and cheesecake.
Dining area -- Common to all the eateries around. But come early so you get the table near the restaurants. Tables are the usual sets found in mass-market dining places.
Staff -- You make an order at the counter, pay and wait at your tables. Staff who bring the orders are courteous.
Service -- Fast-food type
Suggested menu -- You can get a combination basket of dim sum and siopao. The pan-fried Xiao Long Pao is quite good. Pork and Vegetable Fried rice is delicious, plus Noodles in Garlic with Spare Ribs. Try Stir-fried Beef with Oyster Sauce. That would be a very filling meal and the tab will be very reasonable.
Senior cards are honored. Usual government charges are imposed.
Rating - **
