Restaurant Cicou at the boutique Hotel Celeste in Makati offers contemporary French cuisine at moderate prices. Owned and prepared by Chef Cyril Soenen who has had a distinguished executive chef career at the Intercontinental Hotel, Holiday Inn, and Crowne Plaza with not so humble beginnings at the world renowned Hotel Ritz in Paris (2 Star Michelin Restaurant). The feast for the senses was about to begin!


Snails In its Shell, Herb Butter – PHP 800+ ($US 18.00)

We started with our favorite French appetizer – Escargot! These snails from Burgundy were baked in a butter and herb sauce. Best enjoyed with dunking some hot sliced baguette into the sauce. Compared to Le Souffle and Regalade, this was ultimately more satisfying as a whole tub of butter was gushing out of the shell and the snails were perfectly chewy and not overcooked.

Cheese Platter – PHP 790.00+ ($US 18.00)

An excellent offering to the gods with all the trimmings of pistachios, walnuts, and grapes. How could it get better than this?

Foie Gras – PHP 1,100.00+ (USD 22.00)

A bit pricey, but based on the size of the goose liver, well worth it! Perfectly seared on the outside and melted like butter and served on top a french toast brioche, herb salad, with apple and grape sauce. You could probably have five servings of this and die in obscurity with a wide grin on your face.

Duck (France) - PHP 1600.00+ (USD 35.00)

Not the usual duck confit prepared in other French restaurants. This Duck L’Orange is roasted with a mandarin orange confit and served with mashed sweet potatoes and galette of confit shitake and shallots. This had a very interesting flavor, quite delectable and memorable.

Rib-Eye Angus (USA) (500 grams / 17 oz) - PHP 3150.00+ (USD 75.00)

For the main course, their best seller the Angus Rib-Eye! As Chef Cyril was previously the Head Chef of the Prince Albert Rotisserie, Intercontinental Hotel Manila he is no stranger to steaks. We prefer our rib-eye medium rare and it was very tender and oozing its own lovely jus. The baked garlic and gravy juice was a bonus.

Confit Baby Potatoes (accompanies the Rib-Eye)

These potatoes were crispy and quite enjoyable and complemented the juicyness of the steak.

Sea Bass (Chile) – PHP 1,200.00+ ($US 25.00)

To top it off why not the Chilean Sea Bass pan fried in black olive oil, and confit garlic, puree of aubergine, clams stuffed with escargot butter, escabeche of squid, fricassee of green vegetables, and parsley sauce. This may sound like a mouthful but given the small portions it is just a tidbit of flavor explosions.

Chef Cyril’s Signature Chocolate Fondant - PHP 380.00 ($US 9.00)

The fondant was like an extremely soft brownie and the vanilla ice cream in the macaroon provided a delicate ice cream sandwich texture.

Kouing-Aman - PHP 350.00 ($US 8.25)

This is a caramelized sweet dough topped with caramel ice cream, a fancier version of a doughnut a la mode. Also very yummy.

Baba Au Rim – PHP 380.00 ($US 9.00)

A savarin with whipped cream and fresh mangoes. Similar to a soaked rum cake, potent and a perfect end to a perfect meal!

How was your dining experience at Cicou? What were your favorite dishes?

Restaurant Ciçou
Hotel Céleste, Ground Floor
#2 San Lorenzo Drive, corner Arnaiz Avenue
San Lorenzo Village, Makati City
Tel: +63 889 6728 or +63 889 6733
Website: www.Restaurantcicou.com

On our next post we attend the launch of Yumemiya Japanese Café! This new Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant serves Key Coffee and salmon wasabi pizzas. Please click here!

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

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

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
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

A food trip to Tagaytay is no trip at all without a visit to one of the greatest restaurants in the Philippines – Antonio’s! It was Aksana’s first time to visit this fine dining restaurant serenely situated deep within the rolling hills of Tagaytay.

Just follow the Antonio’s road markers from the main road and after 2 kilometers and a few turns, you will arrive at a large black gate on your left.

Antonio’s has grown over the past ten years from a seating capacity of forty people to one hundred forty. Aside from consistently fantastic food, understated classic elegance that is so atmospheric you feel like you have been brought back in time to an Argentinian hacienda during the golden age of the 1920’s. Just basking in the chic black and white interiors took Aksana’s breath away.  Owner and Chef Tony Boy Escalante must wake up every morning in a good mood as his establishment also serves as the primary home for his family.

Our favorite outdoor table by the pond, watching carp is just so relaxing.

To start off I had the bananarama smoothie with freshly blended strawberries, banana, apple juice, and strawberry yoghurt. Have no doubt, it tasted even better than it sounded.

Bananarama Smoothie - PHP 220.00++ ($US 5.00)

Aside from the anti-oxidants and countless vitamins and minerals it cleansed the palette for the entrees to come. On the other hand Aksana loves brewed coffee so it was gratifying that the coffee was unexpectedly refillable.

Garden Crepes – PHP 220.00++ ($US 5.00)

The texture of the wrap of the garden crepe was light and gentle yet surprisingly crispy. What really shines is the freshness of their ingredients – the filling of white button mushrooms, bell pepper, tomatoes, onion and cheddar was a savory combination. Definitely worth ordering again.

Corned Beef & Eggs - PHP 435.00++ ($US 10.00)

Who has not eaten corned beef in the Philippines? This corned beef however is not canned but made fresh by submerging the brisket in a special brine over a few days then boiling it. The meat was so tender and flavorful and served with horseradish and mustard. If you are a fan of corned beef for breakfast, make sure to try this version without preservatives. The scrambled egg was a treat in itself, it was so fluffy and delicate and must have been whisked to perfection.

Panna Cotta - PHP 210.00++ ($US 5.00)

For dessert we tried the panna cotta, a classic Italian desert that originated from Piemonte in northern Italy. Simply made from heavy cream, milk, sugar and gelatin it was not that sweet but the poppy seeds and rich flavors of vanilla and caramel made it shine.

We left at around 11:00 AM back to the Summit Ridge Hotel to check out at 12:00PM and head back to Manila for the drive home.

The Breakfast at Antonio’s menu has so many dishes to consider and drool over! Did you know that Antonio’s has been the highest ranked Philippine restaurant in the Miele Guide for the past few years? Please find below their full size menu.

P.S. It may soon be a good occasion to take a trip to Antonio’s as their new Breakfast venue will be setup on the same property by end of June 2010.

Frida

Breakfast at Antonio’s

Brgy. Neogan, Tagaytay City

Tuesday to Sunday 7AM – 4PM

Tel: +(63)-46-682-0218

Mobile: +(63)-918-899-2866

On our next post we would like invite you for launch of Kalinka Home Coked Delicacies From Russia With Love at the Legazpi Sunday Market on June 6, 2010. Please click here.

Related Tagaytay Posts:

Tagaytay Itinerary (2 Days | 1 Night) Romance in the Sky
Tagaytay Day 1 – Ryuma Ramen | Summit Ridge Hotel (Part 1 of 4)
Tagaytay Day 1 – Summit Ridge Hotel |Taaleña | (Part 2 of 4)
Tagaytay Day 1 – Buon Giorno | Fling Yoghurt (Part 3 of 4)
Tagaytay Day 2 – Breakfast at Antonio’s (Part 4 of 4)
Ryuma Restaurant Saturday Lunch Specials
Chateau Hestia Wine and Deli Shop
Amoroma Ristorante Italiano, Tagaytay
Bulalo at Josephine Restaurant, Tagaytay
Antonio’s Breakfast Revisited
Green ATS Bulalohan and Restaurant, Tagaytay
Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana

HOURPHILIPPINES.COM

FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE

All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.