Lazada Philippines
Mesa - Filipino Moderne

Mesa - Filipino Moderne

Friday, October 21, 2011

Food Reviews Manila Mesa Baby Squid in Olive Oil
Something old,
Something new;
Served one way,
Or maybe two...

Food Reviews Manila Mesa menu
Mesa is a part of the Lamesa Grill group of restaurants, co-owned by Kiko Pangilinan. It offers modern Filipino cuisine, with sporadic unusual dishes. Perusing the menu was actually enjoyable, with intriguing dish titles that compel you to have a go at their fare, such as Pomelo Salad with Latik, Sisig in a Pouch, Pinatayong Manok, and Duck Basil Fried Rice.

Food Reviews Manila Mesa Laing 2 Ways
I love laing and I especially took delight in Mesa's Laing 2 Ways (P150). Though both explode with much flavor, I favor the crispy version for that additional tactile property. The taro leaves cocooned in sapid coconut cream, garnished with adobo flakes for good measure, renders a saporous taste that really stirs the appetite.

Food Reviews Manila Mesa Drunken Ostrich
At first I was hesitant to try the Drunken Ostrich (P350), but I suppose curiosity got the better of me as I tried to imagine whatever could an ostrich taste like. Chicken? Pork? Or one of those grotesque tasting viands redolent of exotic animal meats like frogs and horses? As the waiter laid down the platter, the dark comestible resembled the familiar beef. I gamely poked my fork into a strip and as I bit into the tender meat, it still reminded me of beef, only a bit sweeter, with the slices of mushroom providing an earthy flavor.


Food Reviews Manila Mesa Baby Squid in Olive Oil 2
I appreciated the succulence of the Baby Squid in Olive Oil (P270). As I pop a piece into my mouth, the flesh of the small squid, caressed with olive oil leaves a delicate taste, punctured with the occasional hint of garlic.


Food Reviews Manila Mesa Crispchon collage small kb
A trip to Mesa wouldn't be complete without ordering their Crispchon Served 2 Ways (P999 for 1/6 serving)...


Food Reviews Manila Mesa Crispchon Served 2 Ways chili garlic
Unfortunately though, I didn't care much for the Crispchon Tossed in Chili Garlic. There were too many rib bones and not enough meat that my teeth weren't satisfied with what they're gnawing at. Sure, the flavors were distinctive, with the garlic and the salty seasoning making up a bold taste that seizes the mouth. But for P999, I felt it wasn't worth it. Even at half the price (after all, it was just one way), there still wasn't much value for money as all I could nibble on were bones. I couldn't even decipher where the crispy skin ended and the bones began.


Food Reviews Manila Mesa Crispchon Served 2 Ways pandan crepe
The Crispchon Wrapped in Pandan Crepe was the redeeming version. I don't like wansuy or cilantro because of its sort of pungent taste, but somehow, the acridity worked when combined with the cucumber and the sweetness of the Rikki's Choice sauce, reminiscent of my favorite duck crepe hoisin dipping sauce from chinese restaurants. The other two sauces I've tried were the garlic and the spicy pork liver, which is sort of like the Mang Tomas lechon sauce.

I like Mesa for the adventurous but not overboard menu with inveigling names that coaxes one into trying unconventional Filipino dishes, as well as those with a twist. It's a restaurant where you never tire of ordering something new, albeit may be a hit or a miss, but a fresh experience just the same.

Mesa
Spot: Ground Floor Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City
Contact No.: 7280886

6 comments:

J said...

I love Mesa. I want to go there again when I visit Pinas.

peachkins said...

I told myself before that I wanna try Mesa but kind of forgot about it... hmmnn.. this is a reminder...

blankPixels of Certified Foodies said...

Same with Peachkins, we've been meaning to try Mesa too. Thanks for the reminder! :)

Oh, I love their logo.. ^_^

SKIP TO MALOU said...

something to remember when i go home to the philippines. thanks for sharing!
malou

[pinkc00kies] said...

i wanna try the baby squid!

angsarap said...

I miss that dish that looks like adobong pusit, though we have squid here we dont have the small ones.

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