Saturday, November 27, 2010

Manila's Signature Dishes 2010: The Terrace at 5th

My weekend food tripping posts must have caught someone's attention on how I appreciate each and every gastronomical experience I encounter.  I was one of the few lucky Bloggers who was chosen to taste Manila's Signature Dishes for the year 2010. 

"Signature", once defined, means a unique and distinct mark, an identity.

That's the goal of Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS) and 16 restaurants across the Metro, to create unique dishes base on the exciting learning experiences of the chefs plus the dining experiences of the customers.  And let's not forget...value for money! 

Here are the lists of participating restaurants and its unique dishes...(you can click photo to enlarge)



16 Restaurants around the Metro will be participating and you can wine and dine this Christmas Season as the set menu will be available from November 15- Dec 31, 2010 paired with a glass of Casillero Del Diablo.

Yes, I will be tasting them all!  That's why I started to do my nightly walk and a bit of exercise!

I'm all ready to try Manila's Signature Dishes before the year ends of course, I'll share my experiences with all of you!  Let me start off by introducing the first restaurant that I'll be blogging about.

The Terrace at 5th



The first time I visited The Terrace at 5th, it was because of an event.  I got so relaxed in the restaurant right away because of its interior and lighting.  The design feels like you are in your own terrace located at the posh Greenbelt 5!

I told myself I'll definitely come back and probably share a special meal with the husband.  . 

We were greeted by the waiter right away once we entered and we were ushered to a table  near the glass window.  I actually like people-watching while I eat so it's a nice location!



We were greeted by Chef of the Night, Chef Cheryl Pineda, it was a busy night so it feels really good that she took the time to step out of the kitchen to greet us.  As we wait for the meal, hot bread with butter was served.  Bread was freshly baked!  I can eat 5 of these if I'm very hungry! *pig mode* :P


Pumpkin Veloute
Pumpkin and carrot soup with Mantecado ice cream, 
crushed walnuts and popcorn sprouts
The mixture of all the ingredients made it difficult for me to pinpoint the ingredients without asking the waiter.  The soup is creamy in texture and sweet to taste.  I have to say, after I finish this, I felt full all of a sudden! 



CCY Salad
Prosciutto-wrapped mixed greens and rocket leaves with tomatoes, 
slices of oranges and Italian buffala cheese in honey-mustard dressing.
Honey-mustard dressing with a hint of orange is something refreshing to taste.  I am not used to having ham as part of my salad but the taste is not overwhelming at all so I don't mind!

Roast Angus Beef Belly in Mushroom Ragu Sauce

Oven roasted Angus beef belly served with root vegetables and mushroom ragout
I am a super fan of this dish!  I am a white meat lover and I seldom appreciate beef.  I like this dish as it creates different types of texture inside my mouth.  This was cooked well done but a part of the meat is very tender while another part of it was crunchy which leaves quite an indescribable feeling inside my mouth.  The root vegetables included were oven baked and glad my favorite mini potatoes were included!   I appreciate the fact that the sauce were not poured all over the beef, because I prefer to dip my beef on a sauce on the side.


Honeyed Panna Cota

I've tasted a couple of Panna Cotas from different restaurants and most of them were great experiences.  At The Terrace at 5th, there is a slight tinge of bitterness on its syrup which makes it different compared to others.


Creme Brulee
I was told by Chef Cheryl that this is a new addition to The Terrace at 5th's list of dessert!  Crunchy sugar on top is quite addictive!


I downed a quarter glass of Casillero del Diablo.  As I tweeted, I am not a fan of any alcoholic beverages but it's great to drink a bit of this after a full course meal! And don't worry, I was able to go back home in one piece! *laughs*


I can see that a lot of diners prefer to stay inside for a quiet evening of story-telling and probably meetings!  Even if the restaurant is filled with customer, you feel like you have your own space because of the green grassy ambiance which relaxes you.



The Terrace at 5Th
Unit 93 Ground Floor Greenbelt 5, Phase 2
Ayala Center Makati City
Tel. No.: (632) 729-6860, (632) 729-0860


I have to commend on the waiter for the absolute wonderful service!  The waiter knows his dishes and he can answer my dish query without problems! 

When you dine in a restaurant, is great ambiance as important as great tasting food?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS), being the preferred foodservice business partners among restaurateurs, felt the need to acknowledge notable restaurants who are developing Manila as a culinary city.  They have partnered with select restaurants within the metropolis in coming up with signature dishes.  UFS has synergized with these restaurants, both through dish development and promotion campaign for these signature dishes, in achieving one common goal: coming up with a different culinary experiences that provide value for money and culinary memories for diners.  

If you're a restaurateur (or an aspiring one) and in need of help in coming with your signature dish, call (632) 588-8855 or email at foodsolutions.philippines@unilever.com.

7 comments :

  1. wow wow nikki! Sarap ng food! yup ambiance is as important as the taste of the food for me.

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  2. such a lovely place to dine with friends and loved ones!

    Pumpkin soup with mantecado ice cream? interesting...

    and i feel like having that creme brulee! oh, nom nom!

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  3. Nice ambience! thanks for sharing.

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  4. Kim, super agree on ambiance!

    Herroyalbleakness the pumpskin soup is wonderful! Heavy on stomach but I love! Into pumpkin soup ka ba?

    Lavender, my pleasure

    Isea, thanks for letting me know, its fixed na!

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  5. Panna Cotas!!! I love love love panna cotas! :) Terrace do have a wonderful ambiance you hard feel you're near the mall. :)

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  6. Shen, me, I was first introduced to it just this year during our office pakain! I am loving it :)

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to comment your questions, suggestions and just anything you may want to say! Keep smiling and stay happy!