The perfect Halloween venue: Cervesaria

Last week, I was at Makati (central business district at Manila) for a media event. Interestingly, our agency chooses theme restaurants located in Mall for the venue rather than bland 5 star banquets. Last time, we went to the Museum Cafe and in Feb, we went to a theme restaurant called Chateau. This time's venue was Cervesaria in Greenbelt 3.

Interesting decor, beautiful cutlery, the restaurant has a dark gothic look and I think would make a fab venue for a Halloween party. The candle drip wax in a very artistic way. Food was good - had some delicious salad with cherry tomatoes, cheese & arugula leaves & mushroom starter. The main course was a Spanish paella which was delicious.

I am not rating the venue as we had taken over the place for the event and the service was naturally great. But maybe will go back another visit and add to my review. If you are in Manila, do check it out.




Notice the candles...



I am a CPK fan, are you?

Having been to the CPK Outlets at Chicago & Mumbai, I thought I would give the Makati outlet a try for lunch. CPK is California Pizza Kitchen for the unitiated... I spent the morning traipsing around Interamuros including the ramps of Fort Santiago and had worked up quite an appetite with all the walking. Surprising for  Manila, there were at least 4 vegetarian pizza options. I ordered a wild mushroom thin crust pizza with a topping of goat cheese & a grape crush to drink.

The grape crush was nice but not much to drink as there was so much ice. The pizza took about 20 minutes but was absolutely delicious. I ate the entire 13 inch pizza and relished every bite. Again, surprising for Manila, they serve you oregano and chilli flakes plus cheese powder. Must visit again restaurant on my list.

 

A little bit of India at Bollywood.....

Today's dinner was at this trendy Indian cafe - Bollywood - in the heart of Makati in Metro Manila. Hindi Music videos playing on TV, Movie Posters on the wall, interesting ethnic art, beaded curtains make up the decor. Filipino staff greet you every few steps with a cheerful namaste. As its a Friday evening, they have rocking dance music and an equal mix of Indians & Filipino teens occupy the tables. We sit in the outdoor seating area where they also have the Hookahs. Pleasant breeze, nice music and company and we get started on ordering.

One of my colleagues swears by this place so it came highly reccomended. We ordered Masala Papad & Aloo Chat to start with. The Masala Papad was tasty but a bit too oily. The Aloo Chat was a let down as the potatoes werent well cooked.

The main course was a spicy version of Malai Kofta (delicious) and Garlic Naan for me and a Mutton Biryani & Raita for my colleagues. The main course rocked for all of us. Generous portions too. Quick service right down to the finger bowls. There was pan as we exited as well. Truly a slice of India.

Check out the decor in the photos. Must visit if you are in Manila.