In the heart of Poblacion lies a hidden gem that holds food with a lot of heart, at its finest. If Lolo Dad's rings a bell to you, you will be delighted to know that its spirit and passion lives on through Bistro Manuel.
Just to give you a bit of a background, Lolo Dad's was once known as one of the go-to places for fine, elegant food. It was sadly closed years ago, but now, Chef Ariel Manuel brings back a taste of Lolo Dad's through their new three-concept restaurant in Poblacion-- Filipino-Spanish tapas bar called Taperia Poblacion, The Sippery Bar for your pre or post-game Poblacion hop or dinner drinks, and Bistro Manuel. All three are located at the Six-Axis Building; Taperia Poblacion and The Sippery Bar are both located on the first floor, while Bistro Manuel is found on the second floor.
To be honest, I was not familiar with Lolo Dad's when my friends were asking me if it was similar or had the same owner of Bistro Manuel. I didn't have any idea because I grew up in Bicol for more than half of my life and we rarely went to Manila back then. I really didn't know what to expect when I was on my way there, but I ended my evening at Bistro Manuel with a huge smile on my face and a heart and stomach filled with so much love and passion. I am sad to have missed out Lolo Dad's way back but overjoyed at the same time for it gave me a glimpse of it and saw so much promise and love for Bistro Manuel.
The first thing that came to my mind when I hear Poblacion is its street vibe, the late nights, the parties, the alcohol. Upon entering Bistro Manuel's doors, I was in awe, to the point that I even asked myself; "nasa Poblacion pa ba ako?". The interiors, mostly in black and white, were minimal, sophisticated, yet still cozy. It's a perfect place for an intimate date with a significant other, it can host a formal get-together with family or in-laws, even an office or party of any occasion. It can accommodate about 10 to 12 tables as you enter, yet there's a bigger function room available for more guests or private functions, separated by a door that has double walled mirrors for privacy. They also have an open kitchen so you can see Chef Ariel, and his sous chefs prepare and plate your food. Aside from their impeccable interiors, chefs, and food, their service is definitely commendable! Our waiters and servers were very knowledgeable as they walked us through our meal, efficient in providing us everything we needed, and accommodating as they smiled to us and exuded kindness in everything they did. Honestly, everyone at Bistro Manuel wore their hearts on their sleeves as their service was above and beyond what I expected.
Before I delay my review any further, here's my experience with these delectable dishes:
Home Fish Platter
- composed of smoked salmon, cured salmon gravlax, and condiments to compliment the dish. It awakens your senses with every bite of mildly smoked and salted thinly sliced salmon that melts away in your palate. It's also served with grilled watermelon that for some reason tastes like barbecued meat, then slowly breaks in with its natural sweetness.
Lolo Dadâs Cafe Baked Oyster with Foie Gras
- this Lolo Dad's classic is so addicting. It's fresh oysters baked in a bed of angel hair pasta, topped lusciously with diced foie gras and parmesan cheese. Make sure to eat it while it's hot to let the fresh oysters meddle with lightly dressed angel hair and goey parmesan concoction, with decadent foie gras pop in your tastebuds as everything sinks it. An exceptional starter to give you a glimpse of Bistro Manuel's balance of both comfort and extravagance.
Double Espresso Soup
- no, this soup does not contain any coffee, but it does pack a lot of bold flavor in every sip. It is composed of a creamy and tangy tomato soup, and velvety and earthy mushroom soup. Each cup opens up your palate in a significant way. The creamy mushroom soup hits you with it salty and earthy flavors, complemented with bits of mushrooms that pops and melts in your mouth in every sip. On the other hand, the creamy tomato soup opens your senses with its tangy notes in every drop. Try sipping into these soups alternately and you'll understand why it was unforgettable to me.
Sauteéd Shrimps, Mussels, and Scallops Pasta
- all mixed in a luscious bath of cream and truffle butter, this pasta pays homage to the jewels of the sea, paired with its rightful partner, the luxurious black truffle butter, all infused lovingly with al dente pasta
Duck Leg Confit
- duck leg confit, paired with colorful Mediterranean duck foie gras rice. The duck leg's tender, crisp, and meaty richness pairs well with the subtle sweetness and nuttiness brought out by the Mediterranean rice. Make sure to put a bit of lavender gravy and chilled hollandaise in every spoonful. The lavender gravy adds a subtle hint of fragrant lavender in every crevice and it cuts the duck's richness, complimented with the chilled hollandaise's custardy texture and a touch of tartness as it lands your palate.
Lamb and Lamb with Lamb
- roasted lamb rump, stewed lamb breast, and fried lamb sweetbreads, all served with sieved potatoes. Elegantly prepared and cooked three parts of lamb in three ways, this dish speaks volumes in texture. The soft and flavorful stewed lamb breast greatly compliments the crisp exterior and buttery interior of the fried sweetbreads, rounded off with the savory, medium rare roasted lamb rump. The sieved potatoes help mellow everything out as you eat this delectable dish.
U.S. Ribeye Prime Steak
- served with truffled mash potatoes and chilled hollandaise, this hearty, thick cut ribeye steak was head on full of flavor, thanks to its stunning marbling, and Bistro Manuel's remarkable cooking, giving it a gorgeous crust and a juicy medium rare finish. They also serve the crisp, melts-in-your-mouth, toasty morsels of fat on top of the steak. Make sure to get a cut of ribeye and a small piece of that toasted nugget of fat for a more flavorful bite!
White Chocolate Creme Bruleé with Cranberry Tart
- velvety white chocolate custard with a perfectly crisp burnt sugar top, each bite of this dessert is very light and creamy. It contrasts well with housemade cranberry compote, housed in a chocolate pastry shell that gives the entire dessert a bite into the 'tart' side with sour, citrusy, sweet notes from the Cranberry Tart itself.
Tiramisu Souffle
- a coffee flavored soufflé, paired with a satin-like vanilla sauce, and chocolate crumble. You may need to wait a while for this dessert, but rest assured that the wait will be worth it! This dessert is served fresh out the oven, lovingly assuring you fluffy soufflé peaks and airy, flavorful bites by the spoonful. To make it more magical, make sure to make a small well in the middle of the soufflé, pour in the smooth and thick vanilla sauce, get a bit of crumble for contrast in taste and texture(the crumble is not too sweet, so it helps balance everything out), and take a bite while it's still hot!
Declension of Mango and Mascarpone Cheese
- beauty in deconstruction, this masterpiece is made of layers of crisp and buttery puff pastry sheets, diced, ripe mangoes, vanilla frozen cream, and light and airy mascarpone cheese. It seemed so simple and elegant on the plate as it was served, but never have I thought it can be more wonderful once I tasted it. The crunch of the puff pastry plus the vanilla frozen cream slowly melted in my tastebuds, until the diced mangoes, with the light and creamy mascarpone came in slowly as it gave the entire ensemble a hint of tartness and sweetness, crunch, cold, and softness making a subtle and light, yet surprising end to our meal.
I honestly can't wait to go back here, for there is still a lot more dishes for me to try here. But one thing is definitely sure; Bistro Manuel gives their entire heart and passion in everything they do. Mind, body, and soul on a plate, Bistro Manuel humbly shares their artistry and love for exceptional food and exemplary service. With Chef Ariel Manuel's artistic vision, passionate heart, and impeccable palate, he can soothe all of your senses with every spoonful of his exquisite feasts.
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