Lolo Dad's Cafe: Fine Dining in Malate

Over the years, Lolo Dad's Cafe has garnered so many awards with Chef Ariel Manuel and his team.  I'm sure you wouldn't find it surprising that it has been on my want list for quite some time.  

I expected Lolo Dad's Cafe to have a grand ambiance.  Instead, we stepped into a home-y place.  Simply because it is an ancestral home converted into a fine-dining restaurant so its filled personal touches.  We were ushered to the dining area where there were a few tables with white table cloths.  By the side, there is a clear see-through glass where you can visibly see what's going on in the kitchen.

It was a serene venue that makes it a great place for meetings and romantic dates.  But, if you're single like me, it's also a good dinning place for hanging out with friends like in this case.  

Food

Lolo Dad's superb food is preceded with its reputation for expensive pricing.  After scanning the menu, I have to agree.  Yet, despite the price, we were surprisingly intrigued with their selections that we wanted to taste as much as we can.  Good thing, they have a Tasting Menu available so we could enjoy a full course meal filled with variety.  Like their ordinary menu, their Tasting Menu is seasonal.  

Tasting Menu (2,350 php)

While waiting for our orders, we were provided a complimentary basket of warm rolls.  I love rolls!  It's so delicious with or without butter.  I think I had one or two.  =D

♥ Sweet Chili Glazed Lobster Tail with Tuna Nicoise Sesame Salad in Kaffir Lime Vinaigrette

I took a few seconds to appreciate the beauty of the Sweet Chili Glazed Lobster Tail with Tuna Nicoise Sesame Salad in Kaffir Lime Vinaigrette before I began indulging my taste buds.  Although the dressing of the salad is light, I found it pleasurable as the salad is composed of fresh and rare ingredients.  It went well with the sweet chili glazed lobster tail and tuna.  

♥ Espresso of Two Pea Soup with Truffled Cilantro

With the Espresso of Two Pea Soup with Truffled Cilantro, I am convinced that we were in the best hands for the night.  I enjoyed the initial sensation from the truffled cilantro foam as I sipped the two pea soup.  But, it was the creamy two pea soup that got me hooked.  I tried to savor is as long as I could as I paired it with the chorizo on thin and crunchy crouton.  

♥  Sauteed Fresh Chanterelles in Cilantro Short Grain Rice
Seared Duck Foie Gras and Black Vinegar Jus

The Sauteed Fresh Chanterelles in Cilantro Short Grain Rice has a huge chunk of Seared Duck Foie Gras laid appealingly.  It was my first time to try a chanterelles mushroom risotto and I certainly hope it won't be the last.  Although I usually find a huge chunk of Seared Duck Foie Gras too overwhelming, I was surprised with myself that I finished my plate clean wanting for more.

Calamansi Sorbet

Nothing but a cool and refreshing Calamansi Sorbet could have done a better job of cleansing our palate.  It had the right amount of sweetness and tanginess to it too.

U.S. Chuck Flap Steak and Charsiue of Lamb Rib 

I chose the U.S. Chuck Flap Steak and Charsiue of Lamb Rib.  It's a meaty option I know.  But, I just couldn't say no to lamb rib and I'm glad I made the right choice.  The lamb rib was so succulent and tender exploding in clean flavor in every bite.  The U.S. Chuck Flap Steak is cooked medium-well.  Although I would have preferred medium, it was still juicy.  But, it did not stand out like the lamb rib.  Yet, I once again enjoy this to the last bit even the potato croquette, truffled mushed potato and sweet baby asparagus.

Fillet of Halibut with Sauteed Scallops

My friend ordered the Fillet of Halibut with Sauteed Scallops which is a lighter option.  The halibut and scallops were perfectly cooked.  The texture is soft and juicy.  

Mandarin Orange Frozen Timbale

The Mandarin Orange Frozen Timbale is served with Thai Basil-Raisin Jam Deep Fried Praline and Rose Syrup.  The Mandarin Orange Frozen Timbale is a frozen cream dessert topped with sweet mandarin orange slices.  It was my first time to try frozen cream with mandarin orange.  It was refreshingly sweet.  It was best eaten together with the rich a and sour Thai Basil-Raisin Jam Deep Fried Praline and Rose Syrup.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Lolo Dad's Cafe definitely deserves its great reputation.  Although the price is a bit intimidating, you get what you paid for with its top-notch food presentation and food quality.

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating		Lolo Dad's Cafe Menu (as of Aug 2012)
Ambiance	★★★	Soup & Oysters | Starters | Seafood | Meat |
Taste	★★★★★
Service	★★★
Price	★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended

Lolo Dad's Cafe
Business Address	899 Pres. Quirino Ave. Cor. Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila
Business Hours	Mondays: 6:30 pm-10:30 pm Tuesday-Saturdays: Lunch: 11 am-2 pm Dinner: 6:30 pm-10:30 pm
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge	10%
Budget/Person	1,500-2,500
Free WiFi	No
Unlocked Foursquare Perks	None
Contact	(02) 524-2295
Other	Website

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