Manila's Signature Dishes 2010: Moomba Bar

When I was still in college, I've always heard about the restaurant Moomba when friends talk about "gimmick" place!  Aside from that, I've always heard it from my then boyfriend (now husband) Keith on how good the Ostrich meat that's been served in this restaurant!  

Would you believe I let all the positive comments a slide and totally forgot about this restaurant when it comes to food tripping until Manila's Signature Dishes 2010? 

Moomba seems to be around forever!  The term "Moomba" means "Let's Get Together" in Australian.  Most of the meals served are Mediterranean dishes.  The restaurant actually started its operations the year 2000 which marked it's 10th year this year!  I've met Chef Jimmy Jardiniano when we visited the bar.  Chef Jimmy's culinary background is quite impressive as he was once the Family Chef of the Lopez's for 5 years.  He used to be the Head Chef of British Embassy for 4 years and served 2 Ambassadors.  Worked as an Executive Sous Chef at El Nido Resort (my dream to visit resort) and a lot more on top of his plate!  He's been with Moomba Bar for 6 years serving great dishes for their loyal and new clienteles.

The Set Meal, made possible by Unilever, was chosen aside from being the restaurant/bar's best seller, the recipe is said to be good for health-conscious individuals (like my mom and dad) since ostrich has a lean white meat!

Deep Fried Chicken Rillet 

with Tomato Salsa

This is actually an original recipe you can find at the Moomba Menu, Chef Jimmy did a bit of twist with the lightly breaded chicken meat mix and served it as part of the set meal.  I find the crispers work perfectly with beer (not that I'm a beer drinker), the crunchy crispers together with deep fried Chicken strips with a hint of fresh tomatoes and corn.

Tiyan of Ostrich

and Julienne of Vegetables

Carefully marinated premium cut of Ostrich meat 

laid on stack of vegetable flavored with fresh herbs.

Served with root crop vegetables

At first glance, reminded me of McDonald's McMuffin!  But trust me, this is far way better tasting than any muffin out there as it's soft, succulent ostrich meat hidden below the bread looking mashed potatoes! I thought the mashed potatoes will be dry to taste because I'm used to having my mashed potatoes bathed with gravy! 

The ostrich meat served is very juicy, eaten together with the mashed potatoes is like pair made in heaven!  At the very moment I am typing this post, I was just telling the husband that I want to order this again!  Before the year ends!

Panna Cota with Mango Canache

A first time recipe made by Chef Jimmy!  Panna Cota for him tastes like regular Panna Cotas you may find in restaurants!  To make it more exciting, he added fresh mango concentrate with mix of raspberry!  The dessert is aesthetically gorgeous, tastes really good!

The restaurant ambiance is a winner in my dictionary if you're looking for a place to chill!  The huge open space can serve company functions, birthday parties, group dates or anything you may think of as there's always a reason to celebrate with restaurants that plays live music (there's a pianist playing wonderful songs by the way), Free WIFI, comfortable seats and couch with ample magazines for you not to be bored as you wait for your dining companion!

A view from top on the huge space on first floor

More couches and seats on the second level

Bar is also located in the second floor

The view outside, ample sparking space in front of the restaurant and at the side, there's another huge space for Moomba Bar's customers parking!

Moomba Bar

A. Roces corner Mo Ignacio Street

Quezon City, Philippines

Tel nos: (632) 373-2487/ (632) 371-1973

Operating hours: Sundays 5:00pm-1:00am/ Mondays-Wednesdays 11:00am-1:00am/ Thursdays to Saturdays 11:00am-3:00am

I am looking forward to try their Ostrich A La Pobre too!  Ahhh there's so much food to eat I just can't keep track on my calories!  (as if I count!) :P

Happy food tripping!  Go ahead and enjoy before the year ends!
 

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 partnerered 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.