I'm drawn to places with character as well as good food; so when I saw pictures of this house that was converted to a restaurant, I wanted to check it out.
It's easy to get to via public transportation. There's a private parking lot and an attendant to keep an eye out on the cars.
Lots of different rooms from elegant, private dining to al fresco patio seating. They can easily accommodate large groups. You might want to use the restroom at home before you come, because they only have one bathroom.
It's lovely to sit outside in the patio when the weather is cool; no aircon, but there are a number of standing and ceiling fans, plus there's a fresh breeze that comes in from the garden. You're surrounded by plants: enormous ferns, birds of paradise, and towering bamboo. The plants, however, are in need of some TLC. If you're a gardener, you'll notice the brown tips on the leaves; plants that need pruning and fertilizing; and plants which have outgrown their pots. The restaurant would greatly benefit from hiring a gardener to tend to the flora. It must be beautiful at night though when the outdoor lights come on.
Staff are not that intuitive; but if you get their attention and tell them what you need, they'll take care of things. A team of waiters take care of the diners, so sometimes there is miscommunication: make sure to follow up on your orders and requests.
Food comes out pretty fast, we had the following:
- Okoy - A little oily, so make sure to dip it in the accompanying spicy vinegar. I have NEVER had okoy this light and crispy before FANTASTIC! It appeared that the vegetables were spiralized with a julienne peeler into very thin noodles before being battered then fried. This is how I'm going to make okoy from now on!
- Fresh lumpia was ok. I wasn't fond of the crepe like wrapper they used. I prefer the more delicate and thin wrappers used for spring rolls.
- Tortang talong (eggplant omelete) was smoky and had ground pork in it; the banana ketchup and atchara complimented it well.
- Batirol Cheesecake (made in house) - Dense chocolate cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust, chocolate ganache, whipped cream and dark chocolate drizzle: this was the highlight of our meal. Surprisingly, it wasn't overly sweet.
- Brewed coffee - a blend of 6 different coffee beans: it was ok. None of the wait staff knew where the coffee beans were from.
Relaxing music in the background, but patrons and staff are chatty. Staff love to sing out loud, so it's NOT a place for a quiet romantic date.
Be aware that there are two HUGE German Shepherds that are chained up in the backyard. I saw them while I was walking in the garden. They didn't bark; but when I asked the staff if I could pet them, they just suggested that I don't.
I'm giving this place a generous 2.5 rounded up for it's potential, and for their divine batirol cheesecake. read more