From North to South, here are some of the most indulgent holiday menus to enjoy around the metro if you’ve had more than your fill of traditional Christmas buffets.
The festive season always stirs up cravings for indulgent holiday menus. Furthermore, when we’re longing to celebrate with those who matter most, an ambiance that fosters heartfelt conversations is just as important as fine offerings and outstanding service. For those who believe that less is more, here are holiday-worthy spots in Makati, Mandaluyong, BGC, and Alabang-if another buffet selection may just be too overwhelming. We caught up with a few of Manila’s top chefs and restaurateurs and asked what holiday menus they would recommend for a meaningful and intimate gathering with family and friends.
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Lusso by Margarita Forés – Makati
Margarita Forés tells Lifestyle Asia, “Lusso get-togethers are made memorable with our intimate set up where you can celebrate with old Italian and French-inspired dishes, champagne, wines and classic cocktails that transport you to another time and place.” They always ensure that guests are greeted with warm and attentive service, and served with delicious and decadent dishes carefully curated by Margarita Forés and prepared by Lusso chefs. The renowned chef adds, “Lusso is an all-day champagne bar with an old world, elegant European vibe. Celebrating the holidays with us at Lusso transports you to an experience unlike any other in Manila.”
Lusso’s recommended holiday menu includes Barquillos, Chive Mousse, and Nomad Caviar to start, followed by Lobster Linguine, Spaghettini, Bottarga di Muggine; Pan-roasted Bohol Marlin, Yellow & Red Vesubio Italian Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic French Butter Rice; Dry-Aged Ribeye Au jus, Béarnaise, Horseradish, Asparagus, Mashed Potatoes; Veal Chops, Asparagus, Potato Purée. A Strawberry-Prosecco Tiramisù finishes off the splendid holiday menu.
For a limited time, white truffles from Alba, Italy are available on pasta, eggs, fries, or any dish of your choice. In addition, you can also indulge in superb dishes with Nomad Caviar, best paired with bubbly.
Lusso by Margarita Forés is located at G/F Greenbelt 5, Makati. You can send inquiries to [email protected] or call +63 9177005893 for reservations.
You can also visit Lusso by Margarita Forés at The Balmori Suites at G/F The Balmori Suites, Rockwell Center, Makati, or contact +63 917 180 5893 and [email protected] for more information and reservations.
Photos courtesy of Lusso by Margarita Forés.
Antonio’s PGA Cars – Mandaluyong
What would guests expect from a holiday menu in Antonio’s PGA Cars? “Aside from our premium ala carte offerings, we have prepared a Christmas Special Menu which will run from December 21 to January 7,” says Chef AC Agra, Antonio’s corporate chef. Chef AC shares that they have prepared a Seafood Trio, a sampler of Fresh Le Gris Oysters from France, Yellowfin Tuna Tartare served with Squid Ink Crisp, and Vannamei Prawn Cocktail.
The second course in the holiday menu features Chestnut Soup with Truffle Foam, Guanciale, and Puy Lentils.
Chef AC elaborates, “For the main course, there’s Roasted Duck Breast with apricot, mushroom fricassee, and caramelized brussels sprouts; and Lobster Spaghetti with Lobster emulsion, confit tomatoes and pangrattato.
These will be finished with a decadent Black Forest Tart with dark cherries cooked in Hennessy and chantilly cream.” This holiday menu can be ordered ala carte or as a four-course set menu.
Antonio’s PGA Cars’ holiday menu is inspired by their own interpretation of the classics. They use top notch ingredients to produce spectacular dishes complemented by the impeccable service they are known for.
Antonio’s PGA Cars is located at 202 EDSA corner Rochester St., Wack Wack, in Mandaluyong. For inquiries and reservations contact + 63 985221679, +63 9189652939, or email [email protected].
Photos courtesy of Antonio’s PGA Cars.
Wildflour Italian – Bonifacio Global City
Over at Wildflour Italian, guests look forward to a holiday menu reminiscent of authentic Italian dining. Its ambiance blends elegance with an inviting setting, personalized and heartfelt service. What sets their holiday menu apart would be meticulous quality and exquisite flavors. Moreover, they specialize in hand-crafted, freshly prepared pizzas and pastas, complemented by enticing appetizers, remarkable main courses, and indulgent desserts. Furthermore, their dedication extends to using only the finest ingredients, meticulously selected from Europe or sourced sustainably from local producers, ensuring an uncompromising standard of excellence in every dish.
Wondering what to order when at Wildflour Italian this holiday season? For starters, go for the Burrata, Cauliflower al forno, and Tuna tartare. Your entrees must include the N’duja pizza, Clams al Forno, Truffle Tortellini, Mushroom Pappardelle, Braised Beef Cheeks, and Wood Fire Roasted Chicken. Lastly, Mascarpone Cheesecake and Torta di Cioccolato are the perfect finale to this Wildflour Italian holiday feast.
You can visit Wildflour Italian at G/F The Finance Centre, 9th Avenue corner 26th Street, Taguig City or call (02) 82443930 for inquiries and reservations.
Photos courtesy of Wildflour Italian.
Crown Street Kitchen by Chef Mike – Alabang
Chef and pâtissièr Miko Aspiras enthusiastically shares, “For the holiday season I recommend the big servings! Since this season is meant for sharing meals with friends and family, he recommends the Aussie Barbie, featuring classic Aussie favorites like shrimp, beef, chicken, and vegetables on skewers served with pita and homemade sauces.
Being that Crown Street Kitchen is all about the Aussie brekkie, Chef Miko also suggests the breakfast of champions called Big Breakfast with continental fare favorites like bacon, eggs, and sausages, best paired with Shakshouka. “I also recommend our Steak Frites, enough for two to three people. And of course drinks from our salt and ice bar!”
In addition, at Crown Street Kitchen guests can expect to have a good, no fuss, relaxed atmosphere and food. Chef Miko concludes, “This is where they can have an enjoyable time that feels intimate and secure. Our menu is the truest to Aussie food you can get in Manila.”
Crown Street Kitchen is located at Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa. Call +63 9693820210 to reserve a table.
Photos courtesy of Crown Street Kitchen.
Banner photo courtesy of Lusso by Margarita Forés.
