The other day, I went all the way to Red at Makati Shangri-la Hotel for a sumptuous lunch. Here’s what I had and what I thought of it.

Setting: brightly lit interiors with tall, comfortable red chairs. The glass panels near the foyer has names of red food items frosted on (e.g., tiger prawns, crab, red currant, etc.). The backdrop in the window area is the lush Shangri-la garden. Soft music playing.

The place was very quiet for a weekday lunch hour.

Food – (complimentary) Potato bread with butter and a creamy dip

The bread was hot, soft, and chewy; and it had potato bits inside. Not bad.

I only had water for my drink (it’s Evian though, hehe)

For the appetizer, I had the Pan-fried Foie Gras with Milk Risotto. There were two foie gras pieces — one of which did not have a very consistent texture (it was quite soggy), but the other one (on the right) was just right. Its rich taste was perfectly complemented by what could possibly be the most unique-tasting risotto I’ve ever had! It was very creamy and had a slightly sweet milky kick to it. I loved it!

Here comes the main course.

I had the Chilean Sea Bass with Cauliflower puree, red caviar and champagne foam. I love Chilean sea bass dishes, and this is a particularly good one as well. It was served on a heated plate, between noodle sheets, and flakes easily with a fork but still retains its firmness. The red caviar added a luxurious, popping touch

Now for dessert!

I had the Fried Valrhona Chocolate Moelieux Bon Bon, which is a bar of the famous French luxury chocolate in a n edible sheet wrapper (ala turon) and fried, served with a strawberry/cherry concoction and dalandan ice cream. The Valrhona chocolate was like nothing I have ever tasted. I’m not a chocolate-lover by nature, but this one was exceptionally good.

Service: The servers were pleasant and attentive, befitting what you would come to expect from a five-star hotel’s restaurant. There was an instant when I had to look around and call their attention (for the bill) though, when the place started to have more people. I guess their pacing was negligible/acceptable if you don’t eat as fast as I do.

Price: Expensive. Expect to shell out moolah in the thousands to maximize your dining experience here. Still, I’d say the high price tag was well worth it.

Overall verdict: This was definitely one of the best meals I’ve had in recent weeks! I’d gladly go back and try the other dishes (especially their specialty — US Super Prime rib eye steak). Perfect for dates, get-togethers, business lunches, or for no apparent special occasion at all — Red is highly recommended for all who enjoy good cuisine.

Red Lobby Level, Makati Shangri-La Hotel Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave. Makati City Phone Number: (63 2) 840-0884, (63 2) 813-8888 loc 7428 Official page at the Makati Shangri-la website.

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