Happy memories at Le Jardin Manila
Both svelte and statuesque, you wouldn’t think that Rissa Trillo and Jacqe Gutierrez were seriously into food. But the co-founders of local beauty brand Happy Skin aren’t just beauty junkies, they’re also foodies. As they happily indulged in Le Jardin Manila’s sumptuous dishes, they spoke of their love of food. “Anyone who knows me knows that I love eating,” laughs Jacqe. “I eat five meals a day! I can even eat two dinners if the food is really good.” Rissa agrees: “I love eating out, having an open mind and discovering new dishes!”
Although the two first met at work (Rissa was an endorser for popular beauty product Pond’s and Jacqe was its brand manager), they started bonding over projects and work trips and eventually teamed up to start the local cult favorite beauty brand Happy Skin in 2013. Now the dynamic duo is together almost every day bonding over motherhood, shopping, makeup, the latest movies — and of course, food. For the two, it’s an essential part of their moments and milestones together. “We always make it a point to have good food so everyone is energized for great conversations,” says Jacqe. “It’s the perfect recipe for creating meaningful memories!”
Both girls had a lot to celebrate in 2015. Aside from opening their first standalone boutique in Glorietta 3 and their first office (which Spot. ph hailed as one of the “Coolest Offices in Manila”), the brand was also honored in Mega magazine’s annual Pinoy Pride Ball and in Rappler’s #BeTheBossAwards in Social Media. Jacqe also gave birth to first baby Raf, which is definitely the biggest and most beautiful milestone of her year.
When it comes to celebrations, the BFFs swear by Le Jardin Manila. Poised atop the W Fifth Building in Bonifacio Global City, affording jaw-dropping views of the metropolis at all hours, the restaurant is the height of French elegance and charm — from its quaint gardenstyled interiors to its delicious French cuisine. “It was love at first sight,” Rissa recalls of her first visit during a private event of her friend, model Maggie Wilson. “How can such a pretty place be so hidden all this time?”
Since its opening, the likes of top executives, celebrities and top politicians have been in on the local restaurant scene’s “best-kept secret,” but Le Jardin Manila has also become top-of-mind for celebrating special occasions like birthdays, engagement parties, bridal showers and launches — like the unveiling of “Beauty in Bloom,” Happy Skin’s limited-edition floral-inspired collection for summer 2015 in the restaurant they fondly call “our lucky charm.” “All (of 2015’s) milestones came after we had our event at Le Jardin!” laughs Rissa.
Inspired by Ho Chi Minh’s world-famous French restaurant Trois Gourmands, the authentic French fare at Le Jardin Manila starts with the very best ingredients, executed with love and care. “I never imagined French food as comfort food, but they were able to achieve it without compromising on style and taste,” says Rissa. “My favorite is the chevreuil de venaison (venison tenderloin): it’s one of the best-tasting dishes I’ve ever eaten in my life,” declares Jacqe. “The texture and flavor are just, wow!” Like most people, Rissa and Jacqe are not experts in French cuisine, but one needn’t be an expert gourmand to fall in love with Le Jardin’s menu. With a little help from Le Jardin’s staff, the girls have discovered incredible new dishes and flavors, from côte de boeuf (a massive and indulgent bonein ribeye steak) to even the homemade cheese flavored with ash.
With the fantastic meals, beautiful ambience, stunning views and gracious service, Rissa and Jacqe always end up taking their time at Le Jardin Manila; sometimes, they end up staying an hour or two longer than they meant to — and they don’t mind a bit. Whether they’re celebrating a small win or marking a major event, the girls know that Le Jardin will make it special. “I love how Le Jardin is special enough for milestones but will always still make you feel like it’s home,” says Rissa. “Apart from the really good food, I always feel comfortable and so inspired here! Every visit to Le Jardin feeds the body, mind and senses.”
The girls have lots to look forward to and celebrate for 2016 in their professional and personal lives, the first being Feb. 14. “What do women in the business of beauty have planned for Valentine’s? Spend it in a place of beauty, of course — like Le Jardin,” quips Rissa. Romance is definitely a forte of Le Jardin Manila, as they’ve been touted as one of “Manila’s 10 Most Romantic New Restaurants” by Our Awesome Planet’s Anton Diaz, “10 Romantic Restaurants for Proposing in Manila” by Spot.ph, and most recently, one of Philippine Tatler’s Best Restaurants of 2016.
Le Jardin Manila always makes special menus for two exclusively for Valentine’s Day to make the meals even more special. Last year, the restaurant prepared dishes like
filet de boeuf rossini (beef tenderloin with foie gras and truffle sauce) and an appetizer duo of walnut-crusted foie gras and duck confit with mango-passionfruit coulis. This year, the Valentine’s menu is available for a whole week, from Feb. 8 to 14, and the girls are very excited. “You’ll definitely make your Valentine’s much more memorable,” says Jacqe. “I wouldn’t mind taking my husband on a date in Le Jardin,” Rissa concurs, “I can’t wait to be back soon and create new memories with Paolo.”