One of Bubba’s high school friends, Charles Lu, is leaving for New York to study photography. Eric asked Bubba to ask me if I had any suggestions where to celebrate Charles despedida dinner. They wanted to meet somewhere around Fort and since I meant to give Mamou’s steak another go, I suggested to bring the party of 15 there.
“Mamou mia, here I go again, My my, how can I resist you?” Other than the steak blip on my first visit with my high school friends, everything else satisfied my appetite. My biggest appetite that night though was for their famous steak, which was overdone, thus the letdown. Jorge Fores, the husband of Malou, said that it is the restaurant’s policy to replace any dish that does not satisfy the guest. It was really classy of him to offer a steak replacement on my next visit.
July 30, 2008. As customary, I sent an SMS confirmation to Annie on the number of party in the morning. The group’s reservation was the 2nd dining time at 830pm. Manager and host, Annie will have you feeling welcomed and comfortable with her accommodating attitude. She greets a warm hello to each patron that walks through the doors. Service from the staff is professional and gracious. Notably, Rome and Jov attended to our table pleasingly.
Their menu is a list of tempting dishes like the roast pork and chicken, citrus rubbed pork and chicken served with helpings of buttered onions, red or white rice, cinnamon plantains, and black beans. Made, Eric’s pretty girlfriend, who was seated next to me, checked what I could recommend. I pointed to the roast pork and chicken.
The cozy dining room is very simple, decorated with warm tones of beige and rich brown wood. Framed magazine features of Mamou adorn the subdued colored wall. The restaurant is not stuffy and pretentious. It was warm and welcoming reminiscent of a family friend’s dining room.
On the Table(Bubba and mine only) :
Various breads and butter (Free)
While munching on the buttered wheat bread, I deliberated on what to order. I decided to get the steak again and an appetizer. I asked Bubba what his order was and he said the Beer Battered fish with a tone of finality. He knew I’d suggest something new to try, like the lamb venison (Woo’s order), but with the look he had on his face, I knew that the BBF (Beer Battered Fish) is his newfound BFF (Best Friend Forever). Finally, we settled on our orders of Melba Chips, 17lb Angus Steak, Beer Battered Fish, and Frozen Mojito.
Fran suggested that I get this when I told her last Tuesday during the Healthy Shabu Shabu event about a Mamou revisit. I promised to try it. It is a starter plate of crunchy but soft Melba chips paired with a mushroom dip drizzled with truffle oil. Like no other, the smell of truffle can delight the senses.
Angus Prime Steak PHP 1680 ++
US Angus Prime rib-eye served with your choice of siding. Since the two sidings we previously ordered hit a home run, we ordered in a single breath the same sidings of corn pudding and red steak rice. It was served earlier than the 20-minute mark and what good timing because I could not contain my excitement to sink my teeth in the red meat. Rome came to the table and announced that it was complimentary. Cheers!!! The steak Bubba and I ordered this evening was the replacement of the steak we previously ordered.
A great charred outer layer forms crust of the meat. Steak cooked in medium this time had a pinkish red middle part while the outer portion was pinkish brown. The Angus steak is moist and flavorful. For sheer indulgence, I drizzled the fat oil on top of the cut steak. One bite and I was in steak heaven, this time chewing delicately. I was liberated from the disappointing memory of the initial steak we paid for. I definitely now know where to point to when craving for steak.
My primal urge to grab the meat with my bare hands had to be contained. Oh don’t you just wish to be back in the Paleolithic era where fork and knife were unreal? The steak was so good that Charles loutishly grabbed more than a few pieces of steak (more than what I had) from the plate. I wanted to defend the plate with my fork and say, “Hey be decent and order your own. This is my only food!”
Beer Battered Fish and Potato Wedge PHP 255
Satisfied Bubba’s palate as much as it did last time. It was served with malt vinegar.
Frozen Mojito PHP 145
The greenest mojito drink I have ever laid eyes on with purplish brown salt on the glass. It was a big drink and as much as I’d like to finish the whole drink, I couldn’t.
Woo gave us the story behind the name of Mamou, who is Malou Torres in paper, sister-in-law (thanks Noel for the correction) to the very successful restauranteur and caterer, Gaita Fores. Her nephew/niece had a hard time saying the name Malou, which sounded to them as Mamou and the name stuck.
Fresh Maine Lobsters are available sometimes and must be pre-ordered. Mamou also offers a selection of French and Chilean wines at PHP 550 per half glass. Mamou offers casual but fine dining, serving fresh, high quality food in large portions. Show of humility to call this restaurant only as a home kitchen while the dishes illustrate the taste of elegance and the after taste of comfortable home-cooked dishes
The family behind Mamou takes great pride in operating this delightful and splendid restaurant that constantly strive for perfection. Mamou combines the sophistication of modern day cuisine and a home kitchen. The results are sublime.
Mamou Home Kitchen
Unit 1C-15 G/F Serendra
Fort Bonifacio Global City
Please make your reservations at 8563569/09178162668.
Mamou 2 Album:
am salivating while looking at the pictures…….
Couples! Couples! Couples!
Might dine here this weekend. Might have to order 2 servings of the Fish and Chips! Hahaha..
Hope you’re feeling better!! 🙂
Satisfied Bubba’s palette as much as it did last time.
I believe you mean “palate”. A mistake that I see a lot of food bloggers make.
Woo gave us the story behind the name of Mamou, who is Malou Torres in paper, sister to the very successful restauranteur and caterer, Gaita Fores.
Malou Fores is Gaita’s sister-in-law actually. Jorge (a.k.a., “Oye”) is Gaita’s brother.
Nice review; good photos. I like Mamou’s steaks. I, personally, think theirs are the best in Manila.
Hi Noel,
Thanks for dropping by. I appreciate the correction of palate and Gaita being Mamou’s sister-in-law. I’ve made the necessary corrections.
Will now have to check the rest of the blog to reflect palate instead of palette.
Much appreciated!
Corrected,
Jane
Now, I have work cut out for me to change all entries with palette to “palate”
Quite a lot 😀
:))
May I please make some corrections.. the name of the owner of Mamou is Malou FORES. her husband is Oye Fores, the younger brother of noted restaurateur/penultimate high-end caterer, Margarita Fores.
Hi Jane
Have you tried the dry aged ribeye?
Hi Joel,
Is this the bone-in one? Not yet! 😀
Should I pay a visit just for that? I’m looking at my schedule now haha… you’re getting me excited!
Steak Lover,
Jane
Got the chance to eat at Mamou’s yesterday. I must say, their Key Lime Pie with Schlagsahne is the best!
@ Aine:
When it comes to fool-proof gourmet food with that unpretentious homey taste, Mamou is where I go. It has become a place for comfort for me.
When I have the budget, I go for the steaks plus other items. If no steak, lorenzo truffle pasta and key lime pie are ALWAYS the key for me and instant upper.
What else do you like there? 🙂
I suddenly missed Mamou!
Cheers,
Janey