jin loves to eat: Lusso ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Lusso ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I am not going to deny it. I love brand names.

Ferran Adria, Heston Blumenthal, Thomas Keller, Grant Achatz, Pierre Gagnaire, Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, Joel Robuchon…

I feel giddy with excitement just hearing their names, and it is my ultimate dream that I will someday be able to walk into their restaurants and experience fully the magic of their creations.

But for now, in Manila, I have the Philippines’ very own brand name, Margarita Fores. The very heart and soul of Cibo, Pepato and Lusso. I am a fan.

Lobster Bisque with Ravioli – not as creamy as I would have wanted, but very rich in crustacean flavor. Yum.

Lumpfish Caviar Foam with Potato Crisps – smooth and lush, perfect with the chips. And how chi-chi is that mother of pearl spreader!

Watercress and Gruyere Dip – let’s just say, I can easily finish the dip without the toasts

Asiago Fries – sorry, but these are fries gone bad. Oily and soggy.

Prosciutto San Daniele, Gnocco, Balsamico Scirropo – love the contrast of how delicate they look and how bold and beautiful they taste

Luxe “Mac & Cheese,” Pancetta, Formaggio Trio – I already smell it 2 minutes before it arrives at our table. (I am such a female pig!) The enjoyment stops at the smelling though, as I can’t taste much of that truffle flavor in my mouth. Also, some parts are overly dry. I’ve heard great things about this swanky take on mac & cheese, so maybe it’s just not my lucky day.

Shepherd’s Pie – such comforting flavors! The trufflely creaminess of the mashed potatoes, the rich and calming flavors of the lamb, the sweetness of the prunes… all that exalted gastro-glory served in a pretty little Staub tub, too.

Lusso Demi-Pound Burger (half portion) – now whoever thinks the burger-foie gras combo is much overrated has obviously not had his mouth on Lusso’s demi-pounder. You bite into that oh so perfect bun and into that oh so perfect medium rare US beef burger with oh so perfect foie gras oozing out from the center (now wipe that drool), and then you are left with the choice to double that pleasure by dipping the whole thing into the rich and creamy Cambozola (yes, MUST go for it!). Really, does life get any better than this?

Lobster & River Prawn Roll – generous and chunky pieces of succulent lobster and prawns tossed in Lusso’s homemade mayonnaise, and sandwiched again in that oh so perfect bun

Foie Gras Croque Monsieur – I used to be happy and content with just the foie gras burger and shepherd’s pie. That is, until Auntie Babyruth introduced me to these awesome fried finger sandwiches. Imagine layers of rich and buttery foie gras, bechamel and gruyere, so notoriously small in size, yet so dramatically big in taste.