My visit at Modern Shanghai in Glorietta 2, Makati was fueled by an invite to partake of the Grand Dine-Asty offering and a birthday of whom many consider as one of the Best Food Bloggers in Manila. With a lot of restaurants at the new part of Glorietta, Modern Shanghai, is one of those well worth a visit when craving for good Chinese dishes.
A franchise from Hong Kong which goes by the name Modern China, Modern Shanghai opened its first branch here in the Philippines couple of years back at SM Mall of Asia. Peoples good reception of it lead to the opening of its second branch at Glorietta.
Another thing that made me excited was the surprise mini celebration which some of my KTG friends and I prepared for the birthday boy then, Richie, The Pickiest Eater himself.
Bur first, the Grand Dine-Asty at Modern Shanghai.
We were told that some of the dishes we will be having is part of their best sellers while the others are new on their menu. I cannot really press point on that since it was my first time there, making everything new to me.
There are a lot of good Chinese restaurants here in Manila that prided themselves for sharing the best Xiao Long Bao in town and Modern Shanghai is one of them. Rightly so, since their Signature Xiao Long Bao (Php198) is definitely at par if not better with the ones I have tried in other restaurants.
Filled with sweet-savory minced meat and vegetables, Shangdong Buns (Php128/2pc) is reminiscent of the usual siopao in terms of components and emapanada on the appearance. The steamed buns however, I find more dense than that of siopao which is for me a good thing as it tends to be more filling.
The Shandong Style Shredded Chicken (Php328) on the other hand is one dish which can be enjoyed as it is but in my opinion is best paired with a heaping bowl of rice - steamed or stir fried which is common in most Chinese restaurants.
It's charred looking skin is a dead giveaway that it is a kind of a chicken dish packed with flavors and trust me , it is. Good thing that the palatable flavor goes beyond the skin hence, despite the pale color of the meat, it still holds the promise of satisfaction. Although it can be enjoyed as it is, the best part is the special sauce it comes with.
Ramen restaurants in Manila may be aplenty and alot of us suddenly developed a palate for it. When dining at Modern Bistro though, be sure to try their Soup Noodles with Braised Beef in Brown Sauce (Php348). This hearty bowl of soup boasts of beefy flavor with hints of spices. Braised beef chunks are of generous proportion so a serving can be shared with fellow noodle-loving companion.
Bean curd may be the star of the dish at Modern Shanghai's Claypot Tofu (Php348) but trust that it is in perfect proportion with other ingredients that make this dish one of those you should not missed. Mushrooms, crab sticks, and other kinds of veggies in thick savory brown sauce will definitely make this clay pot your go-to healthy picks when dining there.
Cantonese Sponge Cake (Php128) may look like it needs a great dollop of anything that it can save from an impending judgement of being plain looking but it is what it is in terms of tradition. Made with steamed brown sugar, this sponge cake is aptly included as a dessert item more than anything.
There are a lot of drinks choices at Modern Shanghai's menu but if you are a tea drinker with a flair for theatrics, then you should go for the Peaceful Garden Blooming Tea. Trust me, it caused a little commotion from some of us upon witnessing the blooming of what started as a dried bud of flowers submerged into hot water.
Now, onto the mini birthday celebration of The Pickiest Eater.
The plan was to make a little surprise for the man of the hour. Him being the bacon-guy, we could not think of any other gift to give other than something that involves bacon. Our friend Eugene immediately suggested a customized bacon cake - no one disapproved.
We are 101% confident of Chef Josh Boutwood's ability to come up with impeccable and edible gift for Richie but he's the one hosting our lunch together with his Bistro Group team so we did not bother him anymore. Instead, we rely on chef Miko Aspiras' undeniable genius in coming up with the best decadent and downright world-rocking bacon cake. And he did not disappoint.
The plan was to make a little surprise for the man of the hour. Him being the bacon-guy, we could not think of any other gift to give other than something that involves bacon. Our friend Eugene immediately suggested a customized bacon cake - no one disapproved.
We are 101% confident of Chef Josh Boutwood's ability to come up with impeccable and edible gift for Richie but he's the one hosting our lunch together with his Bistro Group team so we did not bother him anymore. Instead, we rely on chef Miko Aspiras' undeniable genius in coming up with the best decadent and downright world-rocking bacon cake. And he did not disappoint.
In keeping with the tradition of being baduy having a child-like demeanor (I love you, KTG) we initially gave Richie a board indicating the salivating information about the bacon cake. We told him that it was our dream bacon cake and we just want him to salivate over the possibility of having it.
He insisted that he doesn't know how to cook, much more bake, so, he gave the copy to chef Josh asking him if he could one day make it. Again, there is no shadow of a doubt that chef Josh can come up with equally amazing grub, this time though, we want him with us on the table, relaxing and enjoying the feast with us.
Little did Richie know, some of us were already preparing the bacon cake with the help of the kindly people from Bistro Group, Ms. Lisa and Ms. Kate and the staff from Modern Shanghai.
Chef Miko's bacon cake creation was aptly called Maple Bacon and Cherries Torte. It came with a jar of bacon jam which was meant to be spread on top of the cake. I tell you it was amazing. If you love bacon, that leans on the sweet side of the spectrum, you will love it too for sure.
Chef Miko's bacon cake creation was aptly called Maple Bacon and Cherries Torte. It came with a jar of bacon jam which was meant to be spread on top of the cake. I tell you it was amazing. If you love bacon, that leans on the sweet side of the spectrum, you will love it too for sure.
After presenting him the cake and singing the proverbial birthday song, all lenses were focused to the birthday boy and his cake. For a minimal amount spent on the cake, the smile at Richie's face was really priceless! If you know the guy in person, you would think that this little surprise is nothing compared to the kindness he's been showering his friends. But then again man - it's bacon cake.
Kindly people from Bistro Group of course have their own little surprise for Richie. All restaurants under Bistro Group is particular on birthday surprises like this one. Just let them know that you're celebrating a birthday and they will gladly come up with a birthday surprise like this one.
Photo op with the Pickiest Eater Family and the Bistro group peeps. Gratitude to Chef Josh, Ms. Lisa and Ms. Kate, as well as to their team.
I was pressed for time since I need to attend a meeting that afternoon so I am thankful that it wasn't only I who was itching to slice the bacon cake and devour it right then and there. My friends Yen and B'ley were equally dying to have a taste of Chef Miko's creation. We got a slice even before the birthday guy. Sorry.
Modern Shanghai Chinese Restaurant exudes an aura of sophistication but based on experience, one should not be intimidated to have a good time there. Happy diners are always welcome, especially who are craving for great tasting Chinese dishes meant to satisfy the palate and not burn hole in the pocket.
Modern Shanghai
3/F Glorietta 2 Makati City
Contact No.: (02) 828-2931
2nd Level, North Veranda, SM Mall of Asia Pasay City
Contact No.: (02) 551-1110
Facebook: /ModernShanghaiPhilippines
3/F Glorietta 2 Makati City
Contact No.: (02) 828-2931
2nd Level, North Veranda, SM Mall of Asia Pasay City
Contact No.: (02) 551-1110
Facebook: /ModernShanghaiPhilippines
