I resolve to try at least two of the meals he mentioned, considering two of his best meals came from the Philippines! I undoubtedly would need the best weight loss products after eating.
You can read the blog post here, and I am posting his reviews on two of those Pinoy restaurants: Bistro Filipino and Antonio’s (which is only 30 minutes from my place!)
9. Bistro Filipino, Manila, The Philippines
S and I were an hour and a half late to dinner… not because of the traffic or any other excusable reason, but because S was caught up in the frenzy of exploring all the great local designers in Greenbelt 5. We had SMS’d our friend apologizing. She said not to worry. No one was ever on time in Manila anyway, she told us. By the time we arrived, we were starving and apologetic (S was also laden down with new purchases). Chef Roland Laudico, a friend of our friend, arranged for us to try what felt like a parade of his most exciting and popular dishes. The food, Modern Filipino is the only real way to describe it, was amazing. If I close my eyes, I can still almost taste the sinfully rich but oh so good Adobo Overload he made for us. For a full run-down of the meal, you can read about it here. I’m dying to revisit this very special restaurant. Or better yet, convince someone to open a branch here.
1. Antonio’s, Tagaytay, The Philippines
My favourite meal of 2009 took place in a charming, manor home 90 minutes south of Manila. Antonio’s is, to me, the French Laundry of The Philippines, a beautiful, culinary gem set in a charming rural environment that foodies flock to for long lunches, romantic dinners, and special occasions. S and I visited Antonio’s in August last year (read about the trip here) and we’ve been dying to return ever since. I just need to go on a diet first in order to prepare for my next meal there. Because while the food is fabulous and some dishes are charmingly sophisticated, it’s also heart-stoppingly rich. Antonio’s is one restaurant I’d be happy to travel to The Philippines to eat at every single year.