Astralis by Diamond Hotel

It was one of those days when ardent prayers were answered, goals were accomplished, and little big dreams were attained. It’s not as if the whole day wasn’t good enough, the night was however made special with scrumptious dinner at Astralis by Diamond Hotel located at Powerplant Mall Rockwell in Makati City.

I haven’t been to Astralis before that night, although several plans were made. It was such a perfect timing that the first time was spent with people who has the same affinity for food. We were told that they recently revamp their menu and everyone was excited to check on their new offerings.

While perusing the menu, I was torn between steak and fish and was even eying on the chicken. With scrumptious list of dishes on the menu, I just couldn’t decide on what to order. It was the usual challenge that I always face whenever handed out a menu, it was like a cosmic torment, a delicious one at that. And just in passing, Spanky tapped me on my shoulder and told me to enjoy the steak; it was like an answered prayer whenever I am faced with hard decisions in life to make, yes, it was a green light. I am suddenly decided and sure of myself. I immediately placed my order of U.S. Choice Rib Eye Steak.

U.S. Choice Rib Eye Steak (995php)

Served with vegetables and buttery mashed potato on the side, my steak with its criss-cross grill marks and shade of vibrant pink on the inside was an enticing sight that beckons. Every shred of meat was packed with flavor not just meant to induce satiety but to regale one with its glorious knock out presence. A bite of the soft and juicy meat and I was already in communion with myself. Infinitely succulent with its haunting smokiness, it was a fleet of gastronomical lush in one fell swoop

Roasted Norwegian Salmon 435 (435php)

I was delighted when Glenn decided to have Roasted Norwegian Salmon, because then I get to have my fish fix as we share our meals. Crusted with almonds, pecans, and some Mediterranean spices, the salmon was a goddess in itself. My bite broke through its delicate texture sailed to the creaminess of the dill sauce only to encounter the spunky crunch and flavor of its Mediterranean crust.

Seafood Risotto (495php)

Seafood Risotto was shared by everyone. I was in the middle of communion with my steak, when Glenn handed me the Risotto, its smell was very enticing. It’s not as if the Risotto wasn’t good on its own, but when Spanky suggested slathering some butter on the risotto, I knew it was yet another revelation. The intensifying taste of seafood and the creaminess of the risotto was enough to send me to a stupor. It was deliciously arresting to say the least.

Pan fried Chicken Quesadillas (415php)

We were served the Pan Fried Chicken Quesadilla as an appetizer aside from their complimentary bread and butter that was already gracing the table as we were seated. I am a fan of quesadilla and the best one I had was at Café Ago-go, a hole-in-the-wall restaurant along Emerald Avenue in Ortigas. But after tasting Astralis’ Pan Fried Chicken Quesadilla served with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, it definitely hit the top spot on my list.

Lobster Bisque (275php)

I have already heard that Astralis serves to-die-for Mushroom Soup but my love for seafood got the better of me and decided to have Lobster Bisque instead. Glenn on the other hand ordered for Double-baked Wild Mushroom, and we decided to share so that we could taste both. The Lobster Bisque was so tasty, it screamed Lobster right smack on your face, while the Mushroom Soup was delicately tasty, leaning to a lighter side of flavors.

Double-baked Wild Mushroom (255php)

Two kinds of salads were served. The classic Caesar’s Salad and Diamond Hotel General Manager’s favorite, GM’s Salad. Caesar’s Salad, although downright simple, it was definitely palatable. As good as a classic can get. GM’s Salad on the other hand was a combination of fresh mesculun greens, cheese, and mushroom in a bowl of baked parmesan bowl complimented with balsamic dressing. These two delectably healthy salads took the guilt out of pleasure.

GM’s Salad (285php)

Everyone was enjoying their meal while exchanging stories which expectedly mostly about food given that everyone in the table has deep affinity for such a blessing. Everything was impeccably delicious; I couldn’t imagine we weren’t violating any codes of some sort! To say that it was a nice dinner is an understatement.

Lamb Shank Kaldereta (545php)

US Choice Porterhouse Steak (1,195php)

Prawn Napolitana (615php)

Australian Baby Lamb Chops (1,145php)

U.S. Choice Rib Eye Steak (995php)

I was already full but a plate of dessert was really enticing, Lian suggested trying Astralis’ Chocolate Lava Cake. It was perfection. I have tasted numbers of Chocolate Lava Cake before but I have never encountered one as sublime as Astralis’. I love how the chocolate oozed out as my fork broke through the dense chocolate cake revealing one of the most beautiful sights to behold. I adore that there are some crunchy punch at the bottom part of the cake which goes well with the silky texture of the chocolate. The warmth of the cake was tempered by the luscious vanilla ice cream on top. With all its creaminess and glory, a bite of the mandarin served on the side was a welcome change in my palate.

Chocolate Lava Cake

While the rest of the group enjoyed their Trio Sorbet, Glenn ordered for Crème Brule which in my opinion was equally delicious. Not too sweet but luscious enough to provide a great ending.

Trio Sorbet

Tahitian Vanilla Bean Creme Brule

Glenn, Melanie, Jane, Jonel, Spanky, Richard, and Yedy

also with us was Lian, the one who took this shot.
(thank you Melanie for this photo!)

Astralis' overall interior and ambiance exudes sophisticated aura which is perfect if you want a luxurious casual dining experience at its best. The quality of food does not fall short on ones expectation since it was handled by the same people from Diamond Hotel. Whether it’s a lunch, dinner, or in between meals, Astralis’ is definitely one of the restaurants that you should visit.