The excitement I get after putting down the phone for a dinner reservation at The Goose Station is unexplainable. Call me shallow, but I feel like a kid heading to a toy or candy all over again. Each time a friend asks me for a place to eat at for a nice dinner, I always immediately utter: "Have you been to The Goose Station?" Obviously, my enthusiasm can't be hidden. It is, after all, my favorite degustation (notice the play on words?) menu place in Metro Manila. I'd go as far as saying that on a good day, it can go toe-to-toe with some of the New York City degustation heavyweights like Le Bernardin of Eric Ripert (just a personal opinion, so easy on me please, Michelin snobs and molecular gastronomy purists). An added plus for me is that it's tucked in quietly away from most of the hustle and bustle of the business areas and central shopping areas of Bonifacio Global City. Indeed a welcome break from the grind, perfect for a Friday night or weekend night meal with people who matter to you. The Goose Station makes even the simplest of things like eggs benedict so awesome. One of the nights that I went, I was served their own version in a cocktail glass with a texture that was quite new to me. Some of the dishes also make intimidating ingredients for a younger crowd seem more interesting and "friendlier." I once tagged my significant other's little brother along for dinner one night. Foie gras cones were served (something that they're known for). This was his first foie gras experience. Fast-forward to today: he isn't so little anymore, and he now worships pretty much anything that has foie gras in it or on it.
The degustation menus are also known to change periodically, so there's something to look forward to as you won't be sitting through the same exact menu should you decide to go after a number of months. As for my next visit, it's only a matter of time. Just a word of advice for guys taking someone out on a date: if you haven't won your date over for good yet, you might want to have her face the opposite direction from the kitchen because a Chef Rob Pengson in action just might steal your thunder for the night! read more