THE FAME or infamy of a dining place always intrigues us. Thus with three friends, we drove to this place to check out what exactly is good (or bad) in there.

Another day, walking along Salcedo Village in Makati we chanced upon a deli and could not help having lunch there.

Both held surprises.

The Regalade, French Bistro

820 Arnaiz Ave., Makati; tel. 7502104/ 2106).

The signage is rather small and hardly visible. Since it opened, conflicting reports about the place, especially on the cost of dining there, had been circulating.

But we were pleasantly surprised.

Dining area ? Rather dark, for lunch. By the door is a black board of the day?s offerings. Behind the main counter is another list of house specialties. Chairs are comfortable and tables spacious.

Staff ? Neat, attentive and knowledgeable. Menu is handed immediately. Male attendant readily explained their new offering, a four-course lunch at P500 per person.

Service ? Fast and efficient

Suggested menu ? A diner will not go wrong choosing the Packaged Lunch, unless a bigger budget would cover a bill of more than P1,000 per. There are four choices from the P500 meal: A choice between appetizer and soup, salad, main course and dessert. The Simply Raw Tuna Tartare is recommended, so is Steak Tartare as starters. Main courses include Tomato and Shrimp stuffed with carrots, green peas and bits of mango, Duck Burger with a choice of cheese ? Gruyere or Blue, Seafood Moules Mariniere, Pan-fried Fish in hazelnut, rosemary, butter and spinach. Pricier menu are Roast Duck with grapes, Angus Beef with Garlic and shallot in red wine. Desserts are huge, and good. We must say, the plating of every dish is very creative.

Usual charges are imposed. Senior cards are honored.

Rating***

Gonzo?s Grill and Restaurant

LPL Center, 130 LP Leviste, Salcedo Village, Makati, tel. 812-9238- 37).

It looks like a no-frills restaurant, but has an extensive menu and is an ideal place for office workers and women leisurely spending their free time.

Dining area ? Small tables, maximum of 4. Well-lighted and customer-friendly.

Staff ? Our waiter tried very hard to please us.

Service ? Accomodating.

Suggested menu ? Gonzo?s Crispy crab quarters to start with or Chicken Potato Salad, Salpicao Platter, good flavor but unluckily part of the meat we got must have been from the end part of the tenderloin, hence it was tough, Chicken a la King (needing more chicken bits) or Crunchy Clubhouse sandwich. Do not miss the Molten Choco Lava for dessert. This heartening meal will cost you less than P350 per. Rather good.

Usual service charge and taxes are included in the bills. They honor senior cards.

Rating**