Zuni (Greenbelt 5)

Posted by gmirage1 on Aug 19, 2010 in Review | 14 comments

My craving for foie gras has finally ceased (for the moment). We had a wonderful dinner one Wednesday evening at Zuni, Greenbelt 5. Offering continental and Mediterranean cuisines, Zuni is a must for those of you who love food!

The call time was 7 pm…Hubby and I arrived earlier than the others so we get to see the area first, located between Kai’s and a Thai resto I forgot the name of, the place has a warm ambiance, a not-so-crowded interior and you can dine al fresco too! Dear friend Catt came next and we were all hungry so we ordered some appetizers while waiting for the others. Catt was at Wowowee earlier that morning, yes, wowowee still not the other game show- she played “Hephep Hooray!” lol and underwent facial treatment so the hunger is understandable. Hubby and I were walking about so we somehow burned a few calories off to feel the pangs of hunger too.

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We had this super-yummy appetizers,  Sauteed Escargot and Shiitake Mushroom Ala Jillo (P395) and Blackened Tuna with Tomato Mango-Relish (P295) and red wine. From the first bite, we three agreed that the night would be a wonderful one. The flavors fused well for both dishes, the olive oil and spices and mushroom for the escargot and the mango-tomato for tuna.

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The gang came and we transferred to a bigger table where the wine bottles are visible. I believe I took a photo but can’t find it for the meantime…The server came and took our orders which took longer because the menu description were so appetizing….I personally got confused which I want best. So we had some photos while waiting for the food. Above, is Ahyen and Chiqui, hubby and I. Teasing and kwentos were included too while we wait.

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For some reason again, I can’t find the photo of what I had…Ravioli Stuffed with Foie Gras and Mushrooms (P505.00) served with Pomodoro sauce (I chose this over creamy green peppercorn). Of course, no one goes wrong with foie gras!  I’ll have it over and over again.

Catt ordered Pan Fried Medallion of Sole Fillet (With scallop and prawn, in champagne-saffron sauce, served with angel hair aglio-olio and asparagus) -₱580.00, presented so nicely and tempting. The scallops were really soft and flavorful…I had to thank Catt for letting me taste it lol.

Erwin and Jordan (not in photos) had the Grilled US Angus Porterhouse (₱960.00). Topped with cafe de Paris, served with vegetables, roasted potato and shallot-garlic confit, the serving size would make one full as with the others we ordered.

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This Baked Vegetable Lasagna-Topped with tomato-herb salsa (₱375.00) is hubby’s, he must be cutting down on meat! lol. This was really good too, I ended up finishing it for him, and he ended up finishing mine…sweet!

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Lamb Goulash-Ahyen’s choice…New Zealand lamb spareribs braised in tomato, onion, pork liver and green olives, served with jasmine rice and vegetables (₱490.00). Be wary that this dish literally means spareribs.

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What my second choice woud have been is Roasted Norwegian Salmon Fillet – in creamy spinach and corn, enhanced with sambucca, served with brown rice risotto ( ₱620.00). This heavenly dish is Chiqui’s. Salmon cooked to perfect tenderness and a very yummy sauce that complements the tasty salmon.

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That’s Chiqui and her Salmon, Catt and her scallops on the other….

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We were so full already, forgot to save space for dessert which were all tempting. No one was really into ordering so we just got the Dessert Sampler – Half orders of Zuni obsession, tiramisu, cheesecake and decadence  (₱385.00) and which were also superb!

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All in all a great dinner that would definitely be listed on top of my book. Another great night out with treasured friends if I may add. Though what we waited didn’t happen that night but later on, I still would say Congratulations Erwin and Catt on your engagement! Hopefully, the next time we eat together would be on your Wedding! (Hey, no pressures…lol). And thanks for this lovely dinner!

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Zuni Restaurant and Wine Bar
Ground Flr., Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village
Makati City, Metro Manila
(0063-02) 757-0361 to 62

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Golden Bay Fresh Seafood Restaurant

Posted by gmirage1 on Aug 17, 2010 in Asian, Food Quote, Review | 5 comments

Hainanese Chicken Rice (Singapore), Bibimbap (Korea), Omurice/Katsudon (Japan), Paella (Spain), Khao Phat (Thailand), Risotto (Italy) and Arroz Caldo (Philippines) – these rice dishes would not even be a fourth of the hundred rice dishes that cooks have experimented on through the years. (Visit this list for more.)

Rice is one of the most versatile ingredient out there that even day-old rice is heaven, just add a beaten egg and salt!

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When we arrived Saturday, my older brother and his then wife-to-be met with us, my mom and my sister’s family at Golden Bay Fresh Seafood Restaurant in Pasay. A few minutes ride from the airport…it was a very convenient trip since we arrived almost lunchtime. I forgot to take a photo of the exterior (I always do)…but the building is a green-white, 3 -storey structure, you won’t miss it! The place has a big parking lot but definitely not enough for big events.

Carpeted floor, traditional Chinese decor would welcome you upon entry. Garbed in both gold and red, you won’t go wrong in this Chinese restaurant…comfy ambiance that is. The place has a big Dining Hall and function rooms on the first and third floors with each own videoke. A Banquet Hall is on the second floor, perhaps a perfect setup for big occasions as weddings.

Golden Bay also has one of the biggest open kitchen I’ve seen…because I got used to the ones here in Vienna, that perhaps to save up space, the kitchen are compact yet convenient.

In a corner, much to the kids and the hubby’s delight is a tank area where seafood is kept. True to its name fresh seafood restaurant, the aquariums were filled with live fish, crab, and other fruits of the sea. We had a great time looking at the different catch and asking the attendants a question or two. (The first time I saw live gaycrabs too!) It took time anyway before food was served so we didn’t get bored passing time. Although waiting is not really my brother’s virtue considering too that he’s always hungry (teehee).

(Overgrown shrimp errr…a  lobster and geoducks, stonefish and gaycrabs, sharks and a defenseless crab)

The restaurant offers set menus and a la carte to guests. Set menus I heard costs P10,000 minimum upto P32,000 at most. Judging from these, I’d say that really big Chinese families dine here often. The tables were set in which at least 8 people can dine together. We had a la carte and ordered a variety of dishes. (I did not to take photos of all of them and I didn’t take note of the dishes’ name…sorry.)

(Beef broccoli)

(Noodles – it just ain’t Chinese without them)

(Crispy pork)

(Mango sago)

Coming from this part of the world where Chinese dishes are synonymous to salty I was happy that what we had is far different from what my taste buds got used to. OVer-all, it was a good meal. It may not be as memorable as my others but surely, had I the chance to come back I would and I’d  definitely try their more famous dishes e.g. Peking duck, dried scallop rings and steamed king prawns.

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Golden Bay Fresh Seafood Restaurant
Lots 3 & 4 Block A
Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. Pasay City
Telephone Nos: 556-7525; 994-2959
Email: goldenbay.marketing@gmail.com

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