DAMASO: ALY's TASTE TEST Challenge of G5

DAMASO's $8 dollar/P300 pesos TASTE TEST CHALLENGE in G5
By: Aly Abaquin

Let us see if the Restaurants in G5 is ready for a fun challenge- A P300 PESOS/ $8 DOLLARS ($1:P42) DINNER DISH CHALLENGE of my kind that is.

As a foodie my mantra is GOOD FOOD! CHEAP EATS!
Here’s a TASTE TEST, so to speak…..

First Stop : Pia y Damaso

THE FEEL : If Marie Antoinette is to be exiled in our lovely tropical island- she would feel comfortable and at home in Restorante Pia y Damaso. The interior is a Colonial Contemporary Baroque with tropical flair- that’s just what I felt when I dined here.

English please…as you enter the grand enclave you would notice chandeliers, pattern of floral/rounded- swirl in the chairs and ornate seating which are prominent as decorative motifs. Baroque impulse found its way to some extent into the details of the interior and exterior such as the architecturally black and white ornate edifice welcoming you plus evoking a feel of tropical flair with the use of rattan chairs inside.

OPULENCE in a fine way. The resto is so small in size that is to difficult to navigate when you dine.

Your personal bubble is invaded when you choose to take the long comfy bench. Why may I say this- coz if you are seated in the bench you are but a few centimeters from the other tables and you can hear the gossipy matriarchs chopping away. The table is also to big inside.

Maurice Arcache I hope I got his surname right- will surely love to be in my seat. I am not eaves dropping mind you but due to the closeness -you can hear your seatmates whisper juicy gossips of the Manila’s elite society… here goes a certain ambassador was cruel to their ALIPING SAGIGILID and a high profile businessman is philandering a demented SISA. QUE HORROR!!!

And this is being mouthed by a regal bearing matriarch with coiffeur head gear and impeccably dressed with astonishingly mother of pearl matching earrings and necklace.

I told you so.... Marie Antoinette and her court will be regulars here.

Don’t fret more seating outside but wishing free Anahaw fans are to be given away for this INDIO with Maharlika lineage( yeah dream on aly) will perspire in this humid country of ours.

THE FOOD : As a INDIO of course I have only P 300 pesos to spare so pick the best dish..

Remember this is ALY’s DISH - THE TASTE TEST OF G5 RESTO CHALLENGE.

I’ve picked the Chicken Parian – the new level of culinary delight- a modern but rustic take on HAINAISE CHICKEN style a pretty simple dish that appeals to everyone. Its simple but taste great.

Pristinely white steamed chicken with sticky brown rice, Chinese sausage, chestnut, mushrooms and ham for only P275. Every bite and swallow has texture but I wish for a chunkier Chinese sausage and chestnuts for that chewy experience. And add a mango chutney perhaps for that little sting. Well that only arty bitsy me.

Elaborate background but this dish is stunningly minimalist.

THE PRICE : The menu is a little bit pricey. Shake alone go up for P200 a piece.
While the main dish is from P 275 to P500 not good to share.

THE SERVICE: Informative and helpful servers.

I vowed to come back with more money and taste their dessert: SISA’s dementia is a truffle cake with white chocolate almond pastille, dark chocolate mousse and ganache. P 160 VERY APPEALING and soon I’ll be looking for Crispin and Basilio.

OVERALL: Honestly DAMASO is worth going back for if you want to splurge and if you like your dinner spiced up with gossip that is.

Thought bubble: Imagine what power lunches had been served here… and juicy secrets mouthed in their nook and cranny... HMMMM.....deliriously intrigues… Enough said….
I need to brush up on my NOLI and EL FILI….. ADIOS…