Old Manila (The Peninsula Manila, Corner of Ayala and Makati Avenue)

Date visited: July 2013

What we ordered:

Pan-seared Foie Gras – Tuna, Angus Beef Tenderloin with Aglio e Olio Trofie Pasta and Australian Lamb Tender loin and Spiced Shoulder

 

Taste = 4.5/5

–          We wanted to go somewhere special for our first anniversary. This restaurant had good reviews and it was not too popular, which I liked. Their Foie Gras was perfection on a plate. The sear on the Foie Gras added a really nice contrast in texture and the tuna and watermelon went really good with the Foie Gras. Imagine the most delicious scrambled egg that has a paper thin salty crispy exterior with a very custard-like goodness inside. I could go on and on about how delicious that dish was. We asked the server what the good dishes were and he said the Angus and lamb. The Angus beef tenderloin was thick, juicy, cooked to our preference and was just executed beautifully. The roasted veggies had the right amount of caramelization and I love roasted veggies. The Lamb Tenderloin was great with the consistency like that of a firm marshmallow – very tender. The seasoning was right and the taste was superb. What I didn’t particularly like was the Spiced Shoulder. Somehow the combination of tastes was too complicated for my taste buds. Lyn also didn’t like the Trofie Pasta. It tasted a little funny and had a slight kerosene taste to it.

 

Service = 5/5

–          Of course the servers provided excellent service. I would be surprised if they didn’t. I think the server had little knowledge on their own wines since he was unsure of what went well with our dishes.

 

Ambience = 5/5

–          The place felt very romantic. The dining area had elevated areas that were dimmer than the other areas and had better table spacing which made them perfect for intimate engagements. The night just felt very magical and we were very fortunate we ended up in this restaurant that day.

 

Value for money = 4.5/5

–          Of course the prices would be expensive for a hotel-based restaurant. But the quality and taste of most of the dishes plus the great service and romantic ambience made our whole experience very special.

Click here for their website.

New Kamameshi House (Zobel Roxas Ave Palanan, Makati)

Date visited: July 2013

What we ordered:

Teka Maki (Tuna Rolls), Ika Fry (Fried Squid) and Kani Kamameshi (Crab Kettle Rice)

 

Taste = 4/5

–          The restaurant was nice enough to serve unique complimentary appetizers: sweet anchovy and bean sprouts. They were surprisingly nice. The bean sprouts were watery and a little bland while the anchovy were very sweet and crunchy. The tuna rolls tasted fresh while the sushi rice was nice and sticky. One of the good tuna rolls we have tasted. The Ika Fry tasted like good calamares and was accompanied by a sweet brown sauce. The squid was the cooked right and was neither tough nor spongy. The serving was generous as well. We were a little letdown by the Kani Kamameshi. It was too bland. I think they should have added more soy sauce or something. The flavour of the crab meat was not enhanced and became just a background to the rice.

 

Service =5/5

–          We felt that the servers had been doing their jobs for a long time. They had tidy uniforms, were quick on their feet and were very attentive to the customers.

 

Ambience = 3.5/5

–          The dining area was clean and neat but an old house smell greeted us when we walked in. Also, the way they painted over everything didn’t look too good.

 

Value for money = 4/5

–          Considering the good food and great service that we received, their prices were fair enough. It would be nice if they could improve their interiors.