LuLu Restaurant at Rockwell

The delicate hue of the lobster meat pontifically sitting on top of pureed avocado with its peaceful shade shyly announcing its presence against the immaculate back drop was a sight to behold. The glinting caviar on top serves as its crown in which well deserved glory was bestowed. The creamy taste of the ripe avocado introduced me to the season when it was picked at its perfect ripeness which further nudged the lobster into tasting like the sea in a beautiful summer afternoon.

We have just started with our amuse bouche at LuLu Restaurant one Saturday afternoon in Rockwell and I am already blown away.

Located at the ground floor of Joya Tower in Rockwell, LuLu Restaurant offers variety of dishes in beautifully executed fusion of flavors leaving their diners with choices to fit their lifestyle. I would love for you to stay with me and read on, but please don't say that I didn't warn you because this post spells, FOOD PORN.

The Chicken Liver Pate was a treat in the palate with its soft texture against the Melba toast. While the Tex-Mex Lime BBQ sauce that made its way to the morsels of the bruschetta lends an exciting kick to the savory fare of pulled pork. The haunting creaminess of the cheese oozing out of the Zucchini Blossom Tempura blends perfectly well with the Sugi Promodoro sauce that came with it.

Chicken Liver Pate with Melba Toast, Three Pulled Pork Bruschetta with Tex-Mex Lime BBQ Sauce, Zucchini Blossom Tempurra with Sugi Promodoro Dipping Sauce

The Smoked Fish and Crab Cake in its golden hue silently seated at the corner of the plate bears a blatant intention to capture you with its beauty and flavor. Just like a medallion which signifies power and honor, this savory cake was a sure win.

Smoked Fish & Crab Cake

My affair with the plate of palate pleasers came to end when two espresso glass was set before me containing two kinds of soup; Dairy-free Roasted Squash Soup and Lulu's Onion Soup of caramelized onion in beef broth with gruyere gratinated sourdough and oregano. Both lends a hearth-warming component reminding us that good things are still yet to come.

LuLu's Onion Soup with Gruyere Gratinated Sourdough and Oregano / Roasted Squash Soup

The prelude to gastronomical treat at LuLu was beautifully executed and when the arrival of the main dishes in an almost orchestrated succession transpired, the real joy ride of flavors begin.

Herb Encrusted Lamb with Bejewelled Couscous (Php695)

Juicy, powerful, and primal. The Herb Encrusted Lamb Cutlets speaks of earthbound goodness in every possible way. Lamb cutlets were juicy and tender, while the herbs and spices intensifies its meaty flavor with its contrasting note that tickles a palate. The perfectly cooked bejewelled couscous was adorned by chock-ful of nuts, dried fruits, and chopped vegetables.

Ultimate Pork Chop (Php620)

15 oz. of pork meat served with pickled vegetables and LuLu Mash made up of sweet potato and oranges is one of LuLu's best sellers. Aptly called The Ultimate Pork Chop, this one massive dish of meaty tenderness was a declaration that I can never be a vegetarian.

Green Tea Salmon (Php650)

Carnivore overdrive isn't just the thing that LuLu is good at since health consious diners are also given hefty choices. Example for such was the Green Tea Salmon, one of LuLu's Chef Tom Hine's specialties. Boiled Salmon scented with Japanese green tea topped with wilted spinach on a bed of Lemon mashed potato is a great option if you want to skip the meat.

The twelve hour slowly cooked (sous vide) Mediterranean Lamb Shank served with Preserved Lemon Vermicelli Rice proves that there are things worth waiting for. The ultimate tenderness of the lamb meat and its explosion of flavors reverberates in every bite that leaves you wanting for more.

Mediterranean Lamb Shank (Php798)

Truffled Mac N' Cheese was another best seller. Its aroma was so rich and haunting that it wasn't surprising to see some of my fellow diners bend over the plate and inhaled its glorious scent. The taste speak of the quality cheeses gracing the dish and then some.

Mac N' Truffled 5 Cheese (Php398)

I have already tasted quite a few of LuLu's dishes but I know by heart that I'll be coming back again for more such as the Classic Beef Wellington, U.S. Certified angus Beef Entrecote, and Sea Bass Darne with Pea Risotto among other dishes.

Classic Beef Wellington (Php850)

U.S. Certified Angus Beef Entrecote (Php1,450)

Seabass Darne, Pea Risotto (Php650)

Recently known where President Noynoy and T.V. personality Grace Lee once dated, LuLu Restaurant invokes an ambiance of privacy for the diners without being overly snobbish. I find its sophisticated chic ambiance very relaxing but we were told that they will be doing a slight renovation soon.

Aside from the white wine (Karmis Binaco Tharos Contini) I was served freshly squeezed pulpy orange juice and LuLu's Signature Strawberry Shake with Tarragon which I enjoyed the most.

Strawberry and Tarragon Shake / Pulpy Orange Juice

After our plates were whisked away, food attendants started dishing out desserts which no one could possibly ignore. The Peanut Butter and Jelly Tart was incredibly rich, downright delightful, and not overpowering. The Deconstructed Apple Pie had a perfect balance between the sweetness of the apple and the spunky kick of the cinnamon.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Tart

Deconstructed Apple Pie

The Lemon Cheesecake with Yogurt lends a refreshing taste that is perfect for cleansing the palate. While the Chocolate Mousse was as good as the classic dessert can get.

Lemon Cheesecake with Yogurt

Three-Layer Chocolate Mousse

Our lunch at LuLu Restaurant that Saturday afternoon paved way for me to have an addition to my list of favorites. The menu is impressive, the place is comfortable, and people are warm. If you are in Rockwell and are tired of the usual restaurants inside the mall, stepping out of the building for some street crossing and little walking will be worth it, because LuLu Restaurant is just around the corner.