Twist it at Bistro Filipino

March 27, 2008 by Janey

The crisp white color scheme is enhanced with graceful drapery billowing from the ceiling, while rattan floor-length divides the reception from the dining area. Comfortable seating makes you eased snugly into the chairs.

Executive Chef and Owner, Chef Laudico has created a diverse menu and brings his own cooking mastery to a selection that infuses the local fares that we have come to love through tradition.

Begin your Bistro Filipino experience with:

Ubod Spring Roll PHP 250

Crispy lumpia cone filled with chorizo, prawns and heart of palm topped with spicy sinamak sorbet

However, for New Year’s Eve dinner with the Wongs, we had the following as starters.

Fish “Ball”

Served the same way as the Ubod Spring Roll, each fish ball was placed inside a shooter glass with the sauce inside. When you bite into “ball”, you automatically hear a crunch followed by oozing cheese and filling.

3 Kinds of Mangoes and Fresh White Cheese PHP 300

Meslun Salad tossed in Dijon Bagoong Vinaigrette topped with dried green and ripe mangoes, tomatoes and kasuy crusted kesong puti.

Entrée

We all got one dish each that sums up to 6 different entrées on the wooden table. I’m forgetting now some of the dishes but the following are what I remember.

Paella Stuffed Squid PHP 450

Traditional wood fire cooked seafood paella stuffed in grilled squid topped with clam and mussel fritters in roasted capsicum sauce

I have to say that this dish was a bit disappointing. The squid was tough while the paella lacked flavor. The mussels that garnished the entrée were overcooked.

Foie Gras with Adobo Overload PHP 750

Seared Foie Gras on steamed pork adobo sticky rice in banana leaf topped with chicken adobo crisps and adobong kangkong

Claypot Chicken PHP 450

Claypot roasted chicken with tamarind and fragrant herbs served with roasted vegetables and sweet potato gratin

Pacific Gindara PHP 450

Grilled local gindara fillet in banana leaf served on grilled vegetables and crab roe sauce with lemon zest

I think Aunt ordered a salmon dish if I’m not mistaken, which I tried and liked. I actually cooked a feast back at home for New Year’s dinner with my family. I had my second round of eating when we met with Chris’ family at the fort around 9pm for a late dinner. I’m glad that even if I booked late, Bistro Filipino was able to accommodate my reservations that evening.

Although I was disappointed with my chosen dish, I have to say that the rest of what I tried were good and they have such an interesting bend on Filipino-loved dishes which are original and genius.