Lolo Dad’s Café in Malate Manila: Valentine's Tasting Menu and More!

Believe it or not, I know numbers of love stories in which Lolo Dad's Café in Malate Manila played a great part.  Most of the foodie couples I know have their own romantic stories to dish out about Lolo Dad's.  And I never doubted those stories. With numbers of years in Manila's restaurant scene, what started out as a simple house of Apuyao family that eventually converted into a fine dining restaurant has earned utmost respect in the industry by dishing out impeccable gastronomical fares that everybody loves. Not all fine dining restaurants in Manila can do that, and Chef Ariel Manuel of Lolo Dad's is doing a great job in proving that Lolo Dad's deserves every recognition it earns.

I have always been puzzled why most of these couples I know would always subtly force me to dine at Lolo Dad's in every single dates I had. As much as I want to think that they are dying to see me change my status from single to in a relationship, it is more fitting to think or accept that they do have different reason.  Yes, they want me to dine at Lolo Dad's because no matter how successful or unsuccessful my dating journey would turn out, I still have the impeccably executed dishes to fall in love with at Lolo Dad's.

This resolved was further steeled when recently, I had a chance to preview the Valentine's Tasting Menu which Lolo Dad's offers on February 8 to February 16, 2013. Together with lovely couples and fellow food enthusiasts Richard and Irene, Richie and Rina, Ray and Lynne, and Teddy, my friend Glenn and I feasted on a lovely dinner at Lolo Dad's.  Despite being surrounded by these couples, I do not mind not having someone to fall in love with because honestly, the food alone were enough to make me feel giddy like a school girl seeing her crush. True story.

Our dinner started with servings of Pop-over bread and butter which we devoured while waiting for the food.  I've been hearing a lot about how good these breads are and indeed, it was one of the best I ever had.  It was served pipping hot that when I break open a piece and gently slather a good amount of garlic butter, it melted quickly leaving traces of garlic on the soft warm and buttered laden bread. We have not started on the Valentine Tasting Menu yet, and I was already mesmerized.

Now, on to Lolo Dad's Valentine's Tasting Menu. 

Marinated Salmon, Boursin cheese and Tomato confit with Moluga caviar, Pickled Shellfish and Cucumber Salad

A colorful jewel of a dish that illuminates against the immaculate plate, this seafood dish dare I say, was a beautiful interpretation of sea amidst bountiful earth. The contrasting flavor of vegetables and seafood proved that when great things collide nothing will be left but pure beauty. 

Espresso of Duck consomme with Barbecued Duck leg open ravioli and Caramelized Foie Gras crostini

A trio of duck dish as most of foodies that night aptly called it, was a trifecta of all good things which can be done to a well loved duck. The duck consomme in its miniscule cup appeared to be dauntingly bland, but a sip or two will treat your palate into a savory world that warms the heart. The open ravioli was impressive in terms of taste and execution and equally impressive was the caramelized foie gras on a bed of crostini.

Fresh Bacalao Croquette filled with Garlic aioli with Chorizo and Short Grain Rice 

The idea of turning a well loved dish bacala into an equally well loved croquette was a sheer implication of how genius Chef Ariel has always been. Its distinct taste was tempered by the aioli sauce while the play on texture was made all the more exciting by its crisp shell.  The chorizo rice on the other hand was a perfect combination to the croquette. There was a sparring of flavors that will leave your palate wanting for more.

I was told that you have never been to Lolo Dad's if you have not tried their Citrus Sorbet known as the palate cleanser. Usually served before the main dish, it is housed on top of chocolate-colored tea pot with dry ice inside to prevent the sorbet from melting fast and for an added flare through its smoke effect.

Eye of Rib eye Steak with sauteed Wagyu Beef Tenderloin Strap, Mascarpone Cheese Potatoes, sauteed Asparagus and Shallots

Upon reading this main course on the menu presented on our table, an imaginary musical scoring played swiftly in my head. I was humming the song "Eye of The Tiger" which added to my excitement and readiness to deal with this eye of rib eye steak.  I was so fueled up and boy did I defeat it triumphantly.  Its succulence was mesmerizing and coupled with the equally satisfying and heart melting mascarpone cheese potatoes, it was simply the bomb.

The Gift; Chocolate coated vanilla and Butter Frozen Cream, Chocolate Ribbons, fresh berries, and Cannoli.

There couldn't be more apt dessert for the Valentine's Tasting Menu than this beautifully executed dessert called The Gift. It was so dainty and beautiful in appearance that my foodie friend Richie playfully gave it to his beautiful wife Rina as an early Valentine's gift! The cannoli was so good I hope against all hope that Lolo Dad's will dish out a really big version of it and I wouldn't mind munching on it until an early signs of diabetes peek in.

Since we weer in a company of hard core foodies that night, our host Malou of Lolo Dad's encourage us to order regular items on the menu as well. ( I am using this sentence loosely because it appears to me that we encouraged Malou to let us order other dishes aside from the tasting menu) But either way, we were all happy campers.

For those who fancy other dishes aside from the Valentine's Tasting Menu, there are several other options to choose from just like what we had and then some.

Romaine Caesar Salad with Chorizo, Crispy Panchetta and 8 minute boiled egg (P279/modest) ~ One of the best tasting Caesar salads I had and munching on the thin bread that comes with it is already an experience in itself.

Herb De Provence Crusted Rack of Lamb, Three Cheese Risotto ( Roquefort, Gruyere and Parmesan), Forty Melted Garlic and Tomato Confit (Regular portion Php1,525.00+, Modest portion Php915.00+) ~ I have always been crazy about lamb dish and having tried Lolo Dad's own rendition of it made me fall in love with it more.

Confit of Kurobuta Pork Belly, Arborio Rice with Chorizo, Prosciutto and Panceta, Garlic Aioli Melocoton (Regular portion Php1,080.00+, Modest portion Php 650.00+) ~ I had a taste of this pork dish (all thanks to Richie and Rina) and found it equally satisfying.  The meat has this melt-in-your-mouth kind of tenderness and I wouldn't mind having this the next time I visit Lolo Dad's.

Confit of Duck Leg in Spiced Fat and Glazed Roast Duck Breast with Stir Fry Foie Gras Rice and Lavender Jus (Regular portion Php1,525.00+, Modest portion Php915.00+)

Sauteed Jumbo Scallops and Tiger Prawns, stuffed Tomato Rigatoni Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce (P1,235)

Sampler of Chocolates (Php460.00) - I am really good friends with Glenn but there was a subtle sparring of fork that transpired when we shared this chocolate sampler.  Everything was so rich and downright spectacular I almost teared up while eating my share to the last bits. 

For the price of Php 2,850.00+ per person, I can say that falling in love with Lolo Dad's Valentine Day Tasting Menu is well worth its price. You'll get your money's worth because since it's Lolo Dad's, you are guaranteed to experience an impressive gastronomical ride which will surely impress your loved ones and made them feel extra special this season.

Lolo Dad’s Café
899 Pres. Qurino Ave. cor. Leon Guinto St.,
Malate Manila.
Landline Nos. : (63 2) 522-2941, 524-2295, 526-7151
Cellphone Number : +639228125971
Website: www.lolodadscafe.com
Facebook: Lolo Dad’s Cafe
Operating Hours :
Monday : Open from 6:30pm to 10:30pm | Dinner
Tuesday to Saturday : Open from 11:00am to 2:00pm for Lunch | 6:30pm to 10:30pm for Dinner
Sunday : Closed