Valentine dining choices made easy at Westgate Center
One of the rising stars of Westgate Center is Tus’ Clay Pots and Skillets. Conceptualized by chef Krsna Algenio, the menu features comfort food classics such as sandwiches, pot pies, steaks, ribs, pasta dishes and desserts. Its pot pies, filled with ingredients from Italy and Spain, ooze with cheesy goodness, while the half-baked cookie done in a Spanish cazuela is the dessert to beat.
Another classic is Conti’s, which is famous for its dishes and cakes such as Mango Bravo, chicken pie and baked salmon. Also try the baked New Zealand Mussels.
Serving down-home classics are Café Breton, Hacienda Inasal, Kanin Club, Melo’s and Whistle Stop.
TWISTS ON ONE’S PALATE
A fine-dining destination in the South, Caviar is owned by Dutch chef Frank van der Walle and his brother Bastiaan van der Walle, the restaurant’s sommelier. The restaurant boasts different menus — from a tasting menu, to à la carte, to a five-course dinner featuring steamed Chilean mussels, venison ten- derloin, and a parfait of fruits. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine and liquor menu, including exclusive signature whiskeys from Scotland and European wines.
Serving unique twists on Filipino food is Neil’s Kitchen. Chef Neil Ramos, owner of the Tagaytay cult favorite The Hills at Silang, takes Filipino staples and mixes them up with modern technique. One of its famous dishes is the Sinigang Paella, a tangy rice dish with a hint of saffron paired with grilled liempo and crispy kangkong. For dessert, there’s Fried Suman, Mangga at Chocnut, housemade mango purée jelly with ChocNut bits.
Sushi Ninja, a sushi bar by sushi chef Matthew Tanjuakio, offers its contemporary take on sushi, sashimi, and rolls. Butamaru, a ramen restaurant, serves authentic, Kyushu-style bowls, as well as yummy gyoza. For Spanish food, there’s Alba serv- ing authentic Castillan food for over five decades. Korean food lovers can try Seoul Koreana, while those craving Chinese food should check out Zong.
There’s Bugsy’s, which serves a wide range of cocktails and drinks paired with comfort food. One can also chill out and relax at the Sapphire Lounge with a wide selection of premium wines, spirits and cocktails.
If it’s wines you like, check out Wine Depot, one of the country’s leading wine retailers. Cap the meal with a cup of good coffee from UCC.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Westgate Center with “Rhythm and Romance,” a performance by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra Quartet, today at 7 p.m. Serenata Strings will serenade lovers who will go on a post-Valentine date with “Village Melodies — Jazz Nights” on Feb. 26-27, 7 p.m., at the Westgate Activity Park.