There was an invite from Ogilvy Manila and the gracious folks of the five-star hotel Discovery Primea to try their newly-opened Flame Restaurant for lunch. It was in conflict with another schedule and I finally made it to dinner. What can I say…the ambiance, the grandeur of the place and the views of the Makati skyline from the 16th floor simply took my breath away!
I highly recommend a visit to Flame Restaurant if you’re rekindling an old flame, discovering a new flame or simply igniting a “fire,” lol. Daytime is recommended for business lunch and evenings are best for celebrating special dinners amid a hushed, romantic setting. In any case, the food and drinks selection is world-class and to be savored.
That night, French-trained executive chef Luis Chikiamco prepared a mouthwatering menu aimed at letting us sample the exquisiteness of dishes coming from the restaurant’s Josper oven. Flame is one of only three restaurants in Manila having this kind of oven, a multi-million chef’s ‘toy’ that grills food to perfection.
Our hosts, Discovery Primea’s affable general manager David Pardo de Ayala and chef Luis, welcoming us at the entrance….
We began our meal with the Arroz Margarita (P490), a dish inspired by the Michelin restaurant Ricardo Camarena in Valencia. Rice cooked in a delicious broth, then mixed with basil pesto, afterwards crowned with cherry tomatoes and cheese. A must-try for vegetarians and light eaters.
Afterwards came the Asian Beef Carpaccio (P390) which is in keeping with the restaurant’s objective to marry European cuisine with Asian flavors. In this case, Italian carpaccio was seared immaculately and paired with an intriguing mix of sriracha and soy vinaigrette.
Quite a heavy dinner it was. Here are just irresistible entrees, roasted and grilled in the Josper oven, that one can order at Flame.
US Black Angus rib eye steak (P3600, good for 2, 500 grams) –
US ‘Duroc’ pork chop (P1600), known hereabouts as the black angus of pork. It has more lean meat than fat, and is organic.
Jumbo prawns at P990 per order….
Scottish salmon fillet (P1200) –
Ok,this was my actual plate. I had a little bit of everything: the Duroc pork, the Angus rib eye and Australian rack of lamb (P1600 for a whole portion). Somehow, the latter was my favorite, especially when it’s perfectly cooked, juicy and tender like they do it in Flame ….
Diners can choose from a delectable selection of sides and sauces to complement the main courses.I happily recommend the vegetables which were also roasted in the Josper oven, as well as the porcini bearnaise and beef bourgoignon jus. Those are what we paired with our entrees 🙂
The dessert selection consisted of caramelized apples, flourless chocolate cake and Manchego cheese with Spanish peaches … all guaranteed to awaken one’s sweet tooth. Pair with tea or coffee or simply bring on more of the wine!
For reservations, call Discovery Primea at (+632) 955 8888 local 71610, or visit the hotel address at 6749 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
Flame Restaurant operating hours:
(Mondays to Saturdays)
Lunch – 11.30am to 2:30pm
Dinner – 6pm to 10pm
http://www.discoveryprimea.com/bars-restaurants/flame-restaurant/
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