Imported Duck Leg Confit – PHP 1,350.00+ ($US 32.00) We highly recommend this!!!

What is the closest one can get to a Michelin Star Restaurant in Manila? Well, there is no restaurant in Manila that is even rated by the Michelin Guide, but there is one restaurant that is partially owned by a two star Michelin Chef that bears the same name as his Vancouver restaurant, La Régalade. Chef Alain Rayé is known for his country style cooking and humble beginnings from Chez Uginet in Albertville, south eastern France, to Alain Rayé along the Champs Elysees in Paris to name a few and then to Vancouver where he now calls home since moving from France in 1999.

La Régalade opened in Manila in August 2008 thanks to the efforts of Mr. Perfecto “Bubot” Quicho who contacted and convinced Chef Alain Rayé to setup a French bistro here in Manila and train local chefs. We were recently introduced to Bubot by our friends Louie Ysmael and Noel Onate and it was no surprise that he used to be the General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Manila for a few decades.

With such ebullient personalities and distinguished backgrounds, high expectations for the resulting establishment would be an understatement. There have been mixed reviews thus far, but this is our humble experience. Upon entering we were captured by the warm dark wood interiors and inviting circular ambient lighting radiating amber hues. The menu was easily digestible – three pages of recognizable french bistro style comfort food. We knew exactly what we wanted to order.

Escargot en Crouton - PHP 470.00+ ($US 11.00)

As an appetizer, we shared the escargot en crouton which are snails baked with butter, garlic, prosciutto, and parsley topped off with a sourdough crouton and are known to be a delicacy even in France as snails are difficult to prepare. This dish was simply exquisite, for those who have never tried snails the texture is similar to a mushroom as it is a little bit chewy and mild. The flavor is primarily derived from the butter and garlic.

Still undecided? It may be interesting to know that the French eat more than forty thousand tons of snails each year. So much that they have to import snails as there is not enough supply in France!

Bouillabaise – PHP 1,175.00+ ($US 28.00)

This saffron infused classic seafood broth holds a special place in our stomach and taste buds. The prawns, mussels, squid, and crab claws provided a rich bouquet of flavors.

Manila Clams – PHP 805.00+ ($US 19.00)

While the title of this dish was appealing and patriotic enough, and the clams fresh, there was no WOW factor or flavor in the white wine and pepper cream sauce. Maybe the tomato based sauce would have been a better option?

Boeuf Bourguignon - PHP 970.00+ ($US 24.00)

This slow cooked imported beef in red wine sauce with mushrooms, bacon and shallots was extremely tender and the sauce was very rich and worth mopping up with some bread.

Angus Rib-Eye 8 Oz. – 1,920.00+ ($US 46.00)

The pan seared rib-eye with garlic and shallot confit in red wine sauce was perfectly cooked medium rare to our taste with a bit of blood, and the fries were an excellent companion. It’s a classic steak frites with an Angus twist!

Imported Duck Leg Confit - PHP 1,350.00+ ($US 32.00)

The duck confit was the highlight of the evening, that is why it deserves its second shot of glory. We adore duck confit as it is one our favorite traditional french dishes of all time. While its picture may leave its presence unassuming, once you have a bite you will understand its seared and baked crispy perfection. Great care has been taken to cure this duck leg by salting and garlicking up to 30 hours beforehand in the refrigerator before baking it in its own fat. To truly make it comfort food, it is served with potato Lyonnaise which are pan fried sliced potatoes and onions in a butter parsley sauce. Writhing this is making us salivate again! What are your experiences at La Régalade?

Dessert seemed so close yet so far as we were already satiated. We would have to take a rain check, c’est la vie.

Did you know that back in 1987, a meal for two including wine at Chef Alain Rayé’s Paris restaurant that bears his name would cost USD 130.00? That would translate to approximately $ US 250.00 at today’s prices.

Tonight is La Régalade’s second year anniversary party that we have been lucky enough to be invited to, so stay posted for our coverage and updates!

Oh we almost forgot to mention, they have VALET service, so come rain or shine, you will not have to worry!

La Régalade
825 Arnaiz Ave.
Close to Makati Cinema Square and Don Bosco Church
Makati City

Tel: 750-2104/05
Website: www.laregalademanila.com

For events please contact:
Alexie Silverio
Account Executive

Mana-ish Arabic Pizza

On our next post we try for the first time the Arabic Pizza at Mana-ish and More located along Jupiter Street, Makati. They offer authentic Syrian-Lebanese food from lentil soup, tabbouleh, moussaka, fatteh and so much more! Please click here.

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
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