Taste of Perfection

The best moments in life are those we spend with our family and friends.  Minutes become hours as time passes by so quickly over endless storytelling and laughter.   Precious and timeless, these things no amount of monetary unit can purchase--a truth most live by.  And like most truths, there is that unspoken myth about a matter most would desire --taste.  Some say it's either you have it or you don't.  But let's not get there and start raising eyebrows, it all depends on ones perspective.  
One of taste's greatest attribute is the ability to create or make anything beautiful. One haven of beauty this author was able to have the luxury of time to spend an afternoon with great friends was at Lusso( which means luxurious in Italian).  Located at the stealth corner of Greenbelt 5, this Italian resto is the epitome of chic.  The interiors boasts of impeccable taste in furniture, lighting fixtures, table settings, flora and fauna arrangements set in gilded perfection.  One is welcomed by the friendly staff into this well-lit sanctuary of refined sensibilities.  A tribute to the senses, the luxe setting presents a unique menu made by no less than one of Manila's most respectable connoisseurs-Gaita Fores. The must-try specialties include Beef burger with Foie Grass, Salmon Tartare Mille-Feuille, Lumpfish Caviar Foam, Gnocco Prosciutto San Daniele, Lusso Foie Gras Burger, Bottarga Di Muggine and Shepherd's Pie Braised Lamb. A noteworthy wine and dine habitue for the elusive, one cannot contest the atmosphere and beauty of refinement.   

A touch of glass.

Talk of the town.

Glorious love of light.

The chic in green.

Cod of ethics.  Codfish with mashed potato and roquette oil.

Dates and Speck.  Pitted dates with parmigiano filling wrapped in bacon strips.

Midas touch.

Chocolate macaroons with Dom Perignon.

Refined symmetry.

Adaptation.

Garden of Eden.  The author with Mel Cuevas and Pam Gonzales.

Food for thought.

Lusso is located Greenbelt 5, Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. For reservations call 756-5893.

The Yummy Trail

One of the best pleasures on can get from traveling to a new place is to try out the local cuisine.  The recent trip to Davao for the Style Origin series wasn't all about the show.  Half of the time was really hopping from one restaurant to another and checking out the best of what this province has to offer.  Driving through the city, one can't help but notice that there's just so many restaurants everywhere--from hole in the walls to the super restos.  The famous Torres Street shouldn't be missed--the area is filled with a variety of dining havens to satisfy any food craving. The author asked recommendations from close friends Pam Gonzales and Chef Tina Pamintuan where they serve the best food in town and the following are some of their recommendations:

The once hole in the wall Ahfat is now a colossal structure with four restaurants under its name known for their excellent Chinese seafood cuisine.

Kiss of the dragon.

From left to right:  Steamed Pampano(fish) in hoisin sauce, slipper lobster in garlic and shrimps in garlic and butter sauce.

Leche flan and mango float for dessert.

The legendary Harana on Torres street.

Lato(seaweed) salad.

The mouth watering barbeque spareribs is to die for.  Make sure to stay away from rice and just have the ribs.

Eat all you can crabs for such a reasonable price is a sensation.  Don't forget to bring your hand sanitizer.

The perfect afternoon delight place Swiss Deli is like Santis and Mikey's deli in Manila.

The wine cellar is always fully booked for intimate dining.

Cheers.

Can't seem to have enough of these sausage platters.

Cheese whiz.

Proscuitto and salami Milano anyone?

The best in Tuna is here.  The owners are exporters to Japan's Tsukiji Market.

Proof of the truth.

Sashimi that literally melts in your mouth.

Asparagus with garlic.

Shrimps ahoy.

The famous crispy "buntot ng tuna" is the best on the menu--you won't believe me but it unbelievably tastes like crispy pata.

Hot and Sour seafood soup is filled with the ocean's best.

Baked scallop in butter and garlic is orgasmic.

After three days of pigging out, the author completely forgot about watching his weight and realized that his clothes started to feel tight at the end of the trip.  A gastronomic adventure one shouldn't really miss out on doing while in Davao.  the food is reasonable and seafood is really good and fresh.  Definitely a place where you can go eating with no regrets.  And yes, the idea of getting food coma used to be a myth until this trip made it so possible.