During the prominent Greek times, Plato and teacher Socrates exchanged philosophical dialogues laying foundations for Western philosophy and science.  While that has greatly shaped the many schools of thought at present time, the only discourse that gets my full attention is an exchange of dibs on latest discovered restaurant, the best places to eat at a budget, specialty dishes that can’t be missed and will soon be the talk of town. 

Such was the case when Bubba and I set out to Makati to find this Savoy Bistro.  The pursuit of Savoy can be ascribed to our friend, Joel Yaptinchay, who we frequently text for random food talks / restaurant updates and exclaim some sudden “oohs and aahs” right after a “fantastique!” meal. 

Savoy Bistro sits in the middle of East Asian Art Gallery along Kalayaan Avenue.  We didn’t have reservations and decided to just wing it.  Unfortunately, it was full on a Saturday so either we wait or skip.  Swedish-born Chef Robert Lija sweet-talked us into staying with a glass of wine or two.  Bubba and I weren’t in a hurry so we obliged, plus the red wine was really good. 

East Asia Art Gallery features carefully selected pieces of art by various artists from the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Cambodia and Indonesia.  Bubba and I roamed the 2^nd floor for a feast for the eyes.

 one of our main entrees

After 10 minutes or so of waiting, the wait staff brought hors de oeuvres to our table, compliments of the Chef.  Another 10 minutes gone by, Chef approached us with another plate of hors de oeuvres and a plate of Jamon Serrano, multigrain bread and goat cheese.  I had not a better waiting time elsewhere. 

Finally, Chef ushered us inside and into a special dining area amidst different collection of furniture and a wine cellar.  It looked like a family dining room back in Scandinavia in 1900 but we had the whole room to ourselves.

The restaurant and gallery are both owned by Jonathan Torph, who approached our table that evening to check if everything was okay.  He also happens to own the boxing gym next door and after finding out that Bubba is into that “thing,” both left me while I photographed the food to walk over to the gym.  

On the Table

Mussels and Co PHP 270

Since we were almost full from the amuse bouche from the Chef, we decided to get something light for a starter.  There is a choice between White Wine and Cream or Tomato Basil for a bowl of freshly cooked mussels.

Joel swore by their Mussels and Co and even if I love tomatoes, we heeded.  It was served with Savoy’s own sour dough multi grain bread which we also finished dipping it into the left over cream on the bowl.  This is a definite repeat order for me plus maybe I’d order the Tomato and Basil too.  We can’t have too many mussels especially if it’s THIS MOUTHWATERINGLY GOOD.

Tournedos Rossini PHP 980

King of Steaks served with Pan Fried Foie Gras and Truffle Sauce

I still can’t get over the Mussels and Co appetizer when the Tournedos Rossini arrived on the table.  The interest did shift right after a bite or two of the medium cooked steak that had a bright pink color in the inside and perfect sear outside.  Foie gras –always the perfect comrade for this meaty mouthful and all brought together in an exquisite truffle sauce.  Bubba did look for more of that enticing fragrant truffle aroma but I agree that we only caught quiet hints of it.

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