Happy new year everyone! I know I have been remiss with my blogging — got pretty tied up at work — but thanks for checking out the site again.

Here are my thoughts and some really yummy snaps from Chef J Gamboa's (also of Azuthai) El Cirkulo in Pasay Road Makati, where we had a sumptuous Spanish dinner. Enjoy!

Bread and herbed butter

Croquetas (P195)

Chorizo Frito (P325) — really good

Our favorite — Paella Negra (P695 for a plate good for 4-5). The squid ink doesn't stain our teeth (thankfully!)

Paella Montana (P745) — the mushrooms were really fragrant, and the rice had a firm but chewy texture. Loved it

A pitcher of Sangria for all of us

One of the meal's highlights: Cochinillo Asado (P2250 for half). Crispy, sinfully rich skin and tender pork meat.

Another house specialty — Slow Roasted US Beef Belly (P795). Garlic and black pepper crusted beef belly, portabella mushrooms, balsamic shallots

Filleto di Pesce con Capperi I Limone — Pan Fried Fillet of Apahap, Asparagus, Capers, Lemon Buerre Blanc, Pappardelle al Burro (P525)

What a feast!

Warm Dark Chocolate Truffle Cake with Liquid Center  (P265), served with Bourbon cream sauce and vanilla ice cream

Caramelized Banana Split (P225), with Mantecado Ice Cream, Banana Brûlée, Whipped Cream

Warm White Chocolate Bread Pudding (P225) topped with vanilla ice cream. Not the best bread pudding I've had (I still prefer La Cocina de Tita Moning's), but not bad nonetheless.

Setting. Place was packed on a weekend, and gets a little noisy on peak hours. Book the window tables in advance. Service was at par with expectations, very knowledgeable of the menu, courteous, and not too obtrusive. Price: ~P1200 per head.

Overall verdict. El Cirkulo consistently ranks as one of the top Spanish restaurants in the country, and I would gladly concur. Everything we had, with the exception of the desserts, was worth raving and returning for.

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