Every time we have a seasoned traveler balikbayan (returning Filipino) who wants to catch up over a meal, the suggested dining venue requested is often always Sala Bistro in Greenbelt. Makati alone boasts a lot of restaurants in varying categories and cuisines with impeccable service and guaranteed to keep you coming back but when you've just had enough Filipino food and want that white linen service, then it has to be Sala Bistro.
On a recent lunch of three, we split three mains and had our own desserts. I used to always have the salmon with risotto but since I arrived late, the pasta and steak were already ordered. For something light, I requested an additional order of the seafood and fish stew. It was confusing as it seemed more like soup than stew to me. The broth was very tasty and the done-ness of the seafood was alright. Just the right firmness without being overcooked. It would have been so good with bread.
Except by then, I already enjoyed the casarecce with porcini, guanciale, and truffle cream. It was my first time to eat anything with guanciale and when I was told it was smoked pork cheeks, I was thrilled! Posh sisig is that you? This dish falls under the yummy comfort food category except having hints of truffle is always a bit of a luxury. Party in your belly! While I will not return to Sala Bistro for the steak (it made me crave for other steaks), the casarecce I want to eat again.
Later on, we had tea with some cakes. I had a generous spoon of my aunt's chocolate cake and it was divine! But I had to leave room for my lemon meringue which reminded me of another dessert I miss in Manila - meringue with double Gruyere cream with fruits. At first bite of the meringue, I immediately thought of the lemon squares my aunt of Kuya's and Jed and Julian's (my cousins) fame - hers was better. Hers had the right balance of citrus and sweet. Thankfully, the tea tempered the could have been better aftertaste of Sala Bistro's dessert.
But overall, I like the dining experience at Sala Bistro. You can leisurely enjoy your meal without being rushed at all while listening to ambient music. That time, we were there for more than three hours with some bossa nova in the background. It was a sunny day and its high windows certainly let the sunlight in but its chilly air-conditioning tone down the rays.
I admit, I have to try the plenty new restaurants in Manila but if you're not a fad-follower like me, Sala Bistro is worth returning to for the classics.
Site: Sala Bistro
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