A Revisit to Solace Wine and Dine at Makati City

It was late last year when I was first introduced to Solace Wine and Dine located in Makati City. Memories are still vivid how grateful I was and still am upon discovering this restaurant at Greenbelt area that could provide a peaceful and blissful dining experience away from the usual mall crowd. I admit that I was smitten by the great food that they do serve at Solace Wine and Dine that I even included them on my food article in one of the previous issues of Gala Magazine way back.

Recently, along with some foodie friends, we visited Solace Wine and Dine to sample some of the new items on their menu. Apparently, Solace is now under the wings of chef Philip Golding and they recently had a revamped on their menu that resulted to a more concise and focused line of dishes in contrast to the extensive one they used to have.

Slight revamped on the place also happened. It does posses the same chic vibe to it, only this time, the ambiance is more intimate. Bottles of different wines that reflects their extensive wine list still peppered the place just like it used to, and art works by local artists are now giving aesthetics to an otherwise bare wall.

The familiar Deep-Fried Hofan with Arugula Pesto is still there to play its role as a rather unique albeit beautiful meal starter. The neutral taste of the fried hofan when doused with the pesto sauce is a perfect driving force to whet one's appetite.

Warm Salad of Salt and Pepper Squid (Php 275) is also a palatable appetizer. Squid bites covered with pepper, salt, and other spices can be a meal on its own but when made into a refreshing salad, it is a whole new dimension of gustatory experience. Combined with spinach leaves, chorizo, crisp marble potato, and garlic aioli sauce, this warm salad dish yields an interesting mixture of savory and refreshing flare of flavor.

Solace's rendition of Homemade Nacho (Php 195) may look like the usual fare at a glance. There were bits of beef, diced tomatoes, onions, and the whole she bangs. Yet, the difference lies on the thick homemade tortilla comparable to a tiny pillow pocket with a crisp texture and a flavor way better than the usual tortilla.

Beer Battered Fish and Chips (Php 385) at Solace boasts of crisp batter of golden brown hue housing a delicately soft fish that goes perfectly well with the tartare sauce. Although I could have wished for a more pronounced kick of beer on the batter for a spunky flair, this dish do not disappoint either. The thick cut fries are pleasant addition, so is the salad that this dish is served with.

I have always enjoyed Solace's Barbecued Baby Back Ribs for its tenderness and downright smokey-savory flavor. The stewed red beans it was used to be served with was also a palatable treat as far as I can remember. Recent revamped however yields the same lovely baby back ribs but without the red beans. Slow Cooked Baby Back Ribs (Php895 whole slab) comes with thick cut fries, coleslaw, and salad greens on the side.

I usually do not dig breast part of chicken for its known bland taste that is quick to dry out when not cooked properly. Chicken Breast Wrapped in Parma Ham (Php 445) at Solace on the other hand is more than likeable. The chicken is moist with crisp skin. Mushroom truffle and Parmesan risotto is an added delight that elevates the experience several notch higher.

Half Pound Solace Burger (Php410) is a manly treat that boasts of mean half pound beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, coleslaw, smoked bacon, and crisp onion rings. Served with thick cut fries on the side, it was a good burger although I wish the buns could have been better as I find it way too soft for a hefty treat such as this.

For desserts, Solace Wine and Dine dishes out impressive choices of familiar sweet enders made special by the way the flavor was executed. Their Brazo de Mercedes is served with chocolate cigars which is an added treat to somewhat monotonous taste of the cake. Same goes for the Banoffee Pie which I find to be one of the best I've had recently.

Apple Pie in all its classical glory is equally lovely. Not too sweet nor too tart, it struck the right balance of flavor that made this well loved classical dessert one of those that should not be missed when visiting Solace. Chocolate Lava Cake drizzled with caramel sauce is downright chocolatey that no self respecting chocoholics would not enjoy.

I always have an utter respect for Solace Wine and Dine in Makati in terms of the way they execute dishes on their menu. I have always been a fan and while it saddens me that the previous items I really enjoyed at Solace are no longer on their menu, the new ones I have tried were also delightful. I also find comfort that my ultimate favorite Pritong Kare-Kare at Solace is still part of their Special Menu, hence should you want to try it, all you have to do is ask.

Any day of the week is an ideal day to enjoy an intimate meal time at Solace Wine and Dine, but should you want an extra special spin on your dinner, I suggest that you visit them on a Thursday night when steak night is celebrated. Every Thursday night, from 6pm onwards, you may enjoy Chuck (Php799) and/or Rib-Eye Steak (Php999) with your choice of two sidings - Creamy Spinach with Croutons, Balsamic Salad, Homemade Fat Chips, Sauteed Vegetables, and Garlic Rice.