Last Thursday, hubby and I decided to have a special dinner, in celebration of my successful recently concluded test run of CYRANO: Isang Sarswela. He decided to treat me so that all my hardships are well- worth everything.
We were planning to eat in Mr. Jones', but the place was kinda' jam packed. Since we were planning to try Restaurante Pia Damaso for almost a year now (but we never get to eat in this place), we finally decided to continue the plan.
Subversive is quite the term for the range of meals offered in this restaurant. Filipino classics were given a twist. The meals have a Creole appeal in terms of the taste: buttery yet light, well- defined and flavorful.
Though portions might be small, you still get to tell yourself that you've had a good meal. Each offering is somewhat gourmet already. The flavors are very rich, that you can't afford to overwhelm yourself too much.
Prices may be a bit steep, but surprisingly affordable when compared to its neighboring restaurants. Here are the price ranges for each meal:
Soups, Salads, Abreganas (appetizers)- 150- 500php
Main course- 300- 700php
Deserts- 100- 300php
Scroll down to check out the interior and the foods that we've ordered.
The interior boasts of an old world designed comedor (dining room) with a contemporary touch.
One of their best- selleing Abreganas. Pork Asado in Filo Pastry. It's so good!
My order: Rib eye cooked in olive oil. The marinade of the meat has a Pinoy flavor to it: garlicky, smoked, and the spices are dominant.
Ostrich steak in guava butter- Hubby's order. I was kinda' hesitant to taste his order because I can't imagine myself eating ostrich. But it's good. Tastes like meat, but has a zing- y after taste though.
Hubby and I ordered three kinds of deserts: Ube Macapuno cake, Tsokolate eh and Ensaimada quezo de bola, and Canonigo. I managed to take a snapshot of the Canonigo, but I realized that I haven't taken shots of the two other desserts when we were already halfway through both.
Salvi's Canonigo
And if you fill up their survey form, you get a free postcard and a sample of their Tocino Del Cielo- a flan made out of cassava, and lightly drizzled with dayap syrup. Tastes very light and satisfying.
As for our refreshments, Hubby and I just had soda. The waiter suggested that we try Tubig ni Maria Clara. It's a cold concoction of orange slices, ginger, and cucumber. It didn't sound so appealing to us so we settled for what we know. When the waiter described the taste as ala- Salabat (Ginger Tea), we decided to try it some other time. But apparently, it's one of their best- sellers.
Revolutionary cuisine at its finest. Hubby and I enjoyed our meal, and we are definitely coming back because of their impressive dessert offerings. No wonder why it became one of Luxe Asia's 'BEST RESTAURANTS'. Every meal is a great re- interpretation of our classic favorites. I love the fact that Restaurante Pia Y Damaso has reintroduced the Filipino cuisine in the junk food generation. It has elevated the Filipino cuisine to a whole new level of appreciation.
Moving forward. We always have to have coffee after each meal. And since the Starbucks 'restaurant' has finally opened, Hubby and I drove all the way from Greenbelt to The Fort for coffee.
One of the firsts in the world, if I'm not mistaken. Two floors of coffee, cakes and pastry. Somewhere at the side of the road leading to Buendia and Edsa stands a coffee edifice. It's a haven for coffee lovers and coffee shop dwellers alike.
And to still keep you amazed, let me show you why this building is one of the firsts in the world. It has a frikkin' drive thru. Coffee has evolved to fast food!
Here are shots from the second floor just to show you how massive this Starbucks building is.
The second floor served as a haven for coffee dwellers and coffee scholars like me. (I call those who prefer studying in coffee shops as such).
And if you are reading critically, one of the questions that could arise from this post is: In a country where Patriotism is a struggle, how can you promote your own goods if the market keeps on feeding the Filipino's colonial mentality?
Sheesh.
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