The thing about moving far away from what is considered as the mecca of restaurants in Manila, you sometimes concern yourself with other options within reasonable proximity. That is if you write about food and do not always have the liberty of time to battle the horrendous traffic jam on the road. I should know. It's the story of my life.
So when I learned that one of the restaurants I admire most, Oliva Bistro Cafe opened its branch along Marcos Highway in Pasig City, I know a visit must ensue. The area can be easily accessed if you are from Antipolo City through Sumulong Highway and other nearby location such as Cainta, Cogeo, and Marikina since it is basically located right beside Barrio Fiesta near Sta Lucia East Grand Mall and Robinsons Mall Metro East.
It was exactly two years ago when I wrote about the first time I experienced dining at Oliva Bistro Cafe Visayas Avenue branch. That time, I was introduced to the talented chef Kanan's kitchen creations. It opened my eyes on chef's take on making each dish that hails from different countries stand on its own instead of resorting to the confusing and overused "fusion." After all these years, Oliva Bistro Cafe still believes in celebrating different culture on plate.
It was a sunny morning when I visited Oliva Bistro Cafe Marcos Highway. I was with my mother since she herself has been a fan of Oliva. I cannot count how many times and how many friends my mother brought at Oliva Visayas Ave. branch before, but I am sure that she went there more often than I did.
The place, although way spacious, mimics the interior of their first branch. Sporting the same Oliva mural up its wall, even the chairs and tables are of the same design. The wall opposite to the counter features a projector friendly space since Oliva accepts reservation for special occasions like corporate meetings, parties, and the like.
The other side of the dining area is Oliva Gastro Musc Pub, where nightlife filled with music from live band and performers happen. Their Facebook page shows an interesting line up of musicians performing from time to time, so I wouldn't be surprise seeing myself enjoying a night out with friends at Oliva.
Oliva Bistro Cafe's menu still mirrors chef Kannan and his lovely wife, Den-Den's vision for their business; to serve food that celebrates different cultures with deep respect on its origin. That includes Asian, Western, and Indian Specialties coupled with an All-Day Breakfasts Fares, also of different varieties.
I already have an idea how chef Kanan treat even the simplest of food in his arsenal but I am still astounded by how good Oliva's Roti Prata with Curry Sauce (Php95) is. It was served to us pipping hot that upon tearing its supple texture and dipping it into the curry, steam escapes with an aroma that only a freshly made prata can give.
The curry sauce is as always, exceptional. Perhaps it is the only curry sauce which has the power to bring me into a different realm where the marriage of curries and pratas are meant to be perfect. I have several favorites, yes, particularly that of defunct Ang Mo Kio's roti prata. But Oliva's version is the kind that feed not just the body, but the soul as well. As simple as it may be, but it is a kind that has a heart.
Encased in a crisp golden brown batter are logs of mozzarella cheese melted through the cooking process. Oliva's Mozzarella Sticks (Php180) may not suggestively feature distinct difference from what I had in other restaurants, but the sauce it comes with can create an impact.
Reminiscent of a mashed tomatoes peppered with herbs and spices more than that of the usual salsa sauce. Regardless, the taste is as beautiful as summer against the creaminess of the melted cheese.
That lunchtime, my favorite pasta dish at Oliva, their beef lasagna was still fresh in my memory. But this memory immediately turned into a ball of energy gasping out of my mind signaling it is time to let go. And I did. Simply because it was replaced by a new favorite, the Linguine with Salmon and Spinach in Garlic Cream Sauce (php185/solo, Php295/share).
Generous chunks of salmon, mushrooms, and spinach leaves serve as a delicious crown sitting atop the pasta. The garlic cream sauce of perfect proportion to all the other elements on the plate do its role of tempering the flavors and letting it meet halfway, leaving each ingredients shine on its own.
Although Japanese curry is known to feature a slightly sweet flavor compare to its other counterparts, Oliva's Japanese Pork Katsu Curry (Php240) strikes a fine balance between savory and sweet. While the sauce is noteworthy, the perfectly fried pork katsu, juicy and tender to the bite, is what I find endearing to this dish.
Had I not almost finished the rice that came with the pork katsu, I would have probably down Oliva's Classic Baked Seafood Rice (Php245) in a heartbeat. That is not to say that I was not able to enjoy it because towards the end of the meal, there were only rice and some sauce left on the dish.
This fare is the kind of dish so easy to love. After all it is a classic. Immaculate fluffy rice topped with assortment of seafood and chunks of vegetables in white sauce, then crowned with melted cheese sporting beautiful char resulted from its time in the oven.
The feast was a filling one but when the Chicken Souvlaki (Php220) hit the table, I know it was not yet time to take a bow. A dish comprising of two chicken kebabs, grilled onion and tomatoes, pita bread, hummus, and tatziki sauce, Olivas Chicken Souvlaki is hefty in flavor and serving proportion.
One thing that really made me sigh in happiness about this dish was the tenderness of the chicken aside from its flavor. The chicken chunks were juicy that flavorful juices oozes out in every bite.
For the dessert we had Vanilla Panna Cotta (Php95) made all the more delectable with orange rind and syrup on top. The panna cotta base is creamy and has the perfect texture that holds everything together. While the citrus toppings were just perfect, the creaminess of this dessert made me dream of other delicious things it can be paired with.
For me there is no other beverage I would want to have when visiting Oliva other than their Iced Indian Milk Tea (Php80). Oliva brewed their own black tea in making this delicious drink, hence, the flavor is very suggestive of homemade milk tea drinks more than the commercialized variants. Which is a good thing because they scrimp on nothing.
Dining at Oliva Bistro Cafe is an experience in itself because one gets to experience their great service. But when it comes to take out goodies, they also do well. As a matter of fact, Oliva offers Party Trays To Go - an assortment of Oliva dishes in big batches perfect for special occasions, parties, potlucks, and the like. Oliva also offers catering services aside from in-house functions for those who wants great food freshly prepared and served for their parties without the hassle.
If my memory serves me right, our lunch lasted for about three hours because great tasting dishes are meant to be savored. Suffice it to say that I am really glad that Oliva Bistro Cafe opened a branch along Marcos Highway because it's near to where I reside compared to its first branch. And I am more than glad that the consistency of their food remains up to this day. Everything is still good as I remember it to be.
I am still looking forward to having a night out with some friends just to experience the happenings at Oliva Gastro Music Pub because as mentioned, their line of performers is pretty impressive.
Oliva Bistro Cafe / Oliva Gastro Music Pub
#8010 Marcos Highway
Santolan, Pasig City
Telefax: (02)631-6309
Website: olivabistrocafe.com
Facebook: /olivamarcoshighway
