Trinoma's P1,000 pesos Fine dining challenge as a result from Bloggers Tour!

TRINOMA's P1, 000 pesos FINE DINING (dinner date) Challenge!!!
By Aly Abaquin

Valentines is fast-approaching and you would like to reserved that day with your special someone and have a fun, romantic and memorable date. But wait with the oil price increase and everything going up you need to be savvy, creative and innovative for that special day.

Don't worry. I am the great eater-outer foodie junkie has the following RESTO SOLUTIONS for your Shrinking budget of $25 dollars (P42:$1)/P1,000 pesos FINE DINING! DINNER DATE!

YOU HEARD ME RIGHT! - A dinner for two for ONLY P 1,000 pesos and FINE dining at that. You can impress your date with this gift of bonding and yet not spend a fortune! He/She would be amazed on how you've meticulously thought of your special date.

I have the passion to search around the metro of affordable and unique dining experience that not only wets your appetite but cherish the moment forever. Believe me I've done and gone through every nook and cranny of the metropolis and found this newest and most exciting project of the AYALA MALLS- TRINOMA!!! -
The mall is situated in easy access main roads-the corner of EDSA & North Avenue plus is directly connected to the MRT (Metro Rail Transit).

Stepping inside the topmost level of TRINOMA is the TRINOMA PARK-an environ custom-built for outdoor events and bonding. (http://www.ayalamalls.com.ph/) With its lush greenery, tasteful landscaping and unique water facilities is a must see.

You and your loved one a.k.a "date" can enjoy to walk and stroll in the 2 levels and be awed of the sensational “inspiring water installations that rhythmically leap and jump from the ground level all the way to the topmost level flowing into the serene pools surrounding the park".
WOW! -what a description but true this is the crowning glory of TRINOMA and aside from the fact that it houses a diverse selection of cuisine for FUN and FINE DINING that yours truly would like to write about and feature one unique resto every week.

TRINOMA is a MULTI-CULTURAL GASTRONOMICAL TREAT!

You would experience an array of colorful flavors around the globe in just 90 minutes from America, Greece, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and our very own the Philippines.

So can TRINOMA restos survive the P 1,000 pesos fine dining challenge? As a foodie at heart- my gauged for judging, qualifying and recommending a resto rests in the following Criteria: Ambiance, Food Quality, Service- Unique Dining experience (UDE) and Price. I rate them with my silver spoon awards. One spoon being the lowest while five spoons being the highest.

So if you have only a P 1,000 pesos budget on hand –What do you do?
I always plan my attack. My philosophy being: "GOOD THINGS COMES IN THREES" to wit: PASTA, SALAD and WINE" (PSW) -Don't worry about eating a fancy entree, appetizers or lots of courses.
My recommendation for a good eat-out for two is the PSW system. Everybody likes Pasta, Salad and include a glass of full-bodied red wine or a chardonnay then lean back and let the conversation roll -after all your eyes should be set on your date not on the menu!

Let the search begins: First Stop: GREECE.

CYMA ESTATORIO : A Greek taverna prides itself of the main idea that delicious food is a "PERFECT SIMPLICITY" meaning-not to interfere with the natural ingredient’s natural taste-"raw products are such flawless quality so covering them up with sauces and forceful flavors is exactly what SHOULD NOT BE DONE" according to its owner and Executive Chef Robby Goco.

AMBIANCE: the Resto is easy to the eyes-its airy and natural ambiance plays well to the senses. With its Blue Mediterranean colored chairs echoes the deep blue Aegean Sea that surrounds the magnificent isles of Santorini. By the way the blue color evokes honesty and simplicity-indeed they don’t want the interiors to bother you while you eat. But instead compliments your dining experience.

Coveted seating: For daters who like to smooch, play footsies and be touchy you might want to take the rightmost corner love seat- a must to reserved seating for that romantic/intimate interlude. Forget about the dome seating structures for this is usually reserved for group diners.

PRICE : The Price is reasonable and competitive but with the P1,000 pesos challenge they are over by only P30-95 pesos but not bad since you got to taste Pasta, Salad, House blend Drink/Wine + dessert! Without the desserts Set “A” is P 885 Set “B” is P 900. ;)

The Food is simply fantastic and their servings are good for two pax- GOOD for Sharing! I strongly recommend the two menus for only -hold your seat P1, 030 and P1, 095 (note: the prices are vat inclusive and are base on their Jan 10, 2008 price list)

Set “A” Salates/ Salad: Horiatiki Salata “ Solo” P 195
Pasta : Yiouvetsi ‘Solo” P 320
Wine/ Drink : 2 glasses /Musa de Vauformozo P 370 (185per glass)
Dessert : Glyka : Pagato CYMA’s cheesecake sorbet P 145
Total: P 1,030 pesos

Set “B Salates/ Salad : Roka Salata “ Solo” P 295
Main Dish : Moussaka ‘Solo” P 235
Wine/ Drink : 2 glasses/Musa de Vauformozo P 370 (185per glass)
Dessert : Glyka : Flaming Mangoes P 195
Total: P 1,095 pesos

FOOD QUALITY:
Set “A” – The Horiatiki salad or the greek village summer salad is a classic salad with feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives capers and red wine vinaigrette served w/grilled garlic bread- this salad would be a bit too much but very appetizing.

While the Yiouvetsi pasta of baked lamb w/orzo (rice shaped pasta) served w/ grated parmesan, parsley and EVOO! Is a great pair and is a traditional recipe in greece that is fulfilling and satisfying too and can be shared.
Be sure to wash this down slowly with the MUSA DE VAUFORMOZO (Tinto) a drink of mature fruit aroma (raspberry, blackberry) black fruits (cranberry) and floral notes giving it a good expression. All these harmoniously play in your mouth- feel the fresh flavors then sealed it with a sugary, sweet tangy dessert cyma’s cheesecake sorbet. - A perfect match for a perfect evening.

Set “B” My personal choice and favorite.
The food is simply prepared but very appetizing- the Roka Salata “solo” is a combo of fresh arugula (roka), chopped romaine lettuce, sun dried tomatoes, candied walnuts with shaved parmesan in traditional Greek vinaigrette is a must try-FABULOUS! Counter it with the Meatless Moussaka layered of seasoned green lentils and tofu, potatoes, zucchini, eggplant and Greek Béchamel sauce. ( for non-vegetarian please order the moussaka with ground pork same price) then wash it down slowly of the MUSA de vau Formozo a drink that is just right for all types of light dishes,pasta,BBQ and grills.

Then OPA!! The Flambé Mangoes – Cyma’s specialty served w/vanilla ice cream on the side with end the night with a smile and satisfaction. Great Food for a great price.

SERVICE: Friendly and cheerful staff and attentive servers.
OPA! OPA! OPA!Unique dining experience: The servers Shouts OPA for every Flaming dish brought out. Cheering that good food is served.

RATINGS: 4 SPOONS Cyma is an experience worth repeating! I shall return!!!

Cyma is located on the 4th level of TRINOMA Ayala Malls. Telefax: (02) 9152859 Visit http://www.mymetrophoto.com/

NEXT WEEK: JAPANESE CUISINE!