Our most recent culinary discovery turned out to be a restaurant tucked in the busy commercial area of BF Homes in Parañaque, with a façade that obscures the beautiful surprise inside its confines.
It’s still on its soft opening, but it is certainly a place worthy of Michelin rating.
Bamba, Modern Bistro
55 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes , Parañaque
We entered an unpretentious door, leading to a counter on one end, some tables and chairs.
It looked so ordinary, our company was wondering why a foodie friend would have waxed poetic about it.
We suddenly entered a glass-encased room, pleasantly air-conditioned, and voilà! We ended up in a dining area that would shame some of the so-called first-class restaurants!
Dining area—The place spells quiet elegance. Walls are painted gray. A long sofa in beige upholstery sits against the main wall, and the tables and chairs can seat six to eight guests.
There is another setting against what looks like a French window with a chandelier overhead. More seatings are arranged conveniently away from the others, making conversation private. The bar is at another end.
Service—A gracious welcome comes from the lady behind the resto, known for her culinary expertise. A computerized menu, with a loose leaf of specialties, is quickly handed.
Staff—Efficient and attentive, orders are solicitously taken, and in the course of the meal, drinking glasses are quickly filled.
Suggested orders—This is where the restaurant stands out against much competition in the gated village or anywhere. The dishes are not the usual stuff one would expect to get from an outlet outside a hotel or five-star restaurant. For a starter, try the Artichoke Crostini, a heap of ricotta cheese and almonds laced with basil and balsamic cream on a crostini.
One may also try the Surf and Turf, done like a taco, made of cubes of tender beef that are slightly spicy, with watermelon salsa combined with aioli sauce for the shrimps and tomatoes.
The Bistro Street Salad is another piece using beef tenderloin cubes, with crumbled blue cheese, walnuts, tomatoes and fried and crispy onion rings.
Do not miss the Grilled Giant Prawns, so lovely, perfectly red, two of which in each serving sit on risotto done with balsamic reduction, roasted tomatoes and goat cheese. A dish to die for, really!
The portions are big, and when dining in a group, the experience can turn into a degustation, each diner sampling the orders of the rest.
Tab comes out very reasonable. Government and service charges are added to the bill. Senior cards are honored.
Rating
– 3 Spoons
