When I left Manila in my teens, my only exposure to foreign cuisine was French, thanks to our Au Bon Vivant restaurant. I also knew a little of Chinese and Japanese cuisines.

Living abroad, I was always curious about the dishes of other countries. I knew that tasting the authentic cuisine of each country would be an adventure.

In Paris I would walk from where we stayed near the Notre Dame area to the Champs-Élysées, which was quite a distance. But I would hardly complain of the exertion since there were many interesting sights.

The light at the end of the tunnel would be two Big Macs at the only McDonald’s outlet in the City of Light at that time.

One of the restaurants I would pass by was a German establishment inside the Galerie des Champs. I ate there once and I still remember the dishes: sausages with potatoes and sauerkraut, and baked or boiled pigs knuckles with potatoes. They went well with large mugs of beer.

Back in Manila, I would frequent the restaurant of Peter and Mini Jentes called Schwarzwalder. It also served sausages, pigs knuckles and many others. I would always get the herb and mustard chicken. I loved that place.

Another fine restaurant offering great food of this type is the Old Swiss Inn run by Katrina Limcaoco. This is also an institution in the dining circle of Manila.

Recently, I was invited by coach Franz Pumaren to try a fairly new restaurant that serves interesting and surprising food—Prost Braumeister. Franz and I have something in common. We both love to explore new food and simply indulge ourselves.

With him that day were friends Dominic Hernandez, Tonichi Yturri and “Big Man” Asi Taulava. I was very excited to experience new dishes with athletes with insatiable appetites. I see myself in them.

I remember the ’80s, when I would invite friends and former basketball stars Gerry Cruz, Joe Laganzon and Orly Bauzon, and we would hit some of the Makati buffets. We would try to eat them out of business!

Swiss, German cooking

But today, with Franz, it was Swiss and German cooking. First thing that arrived on our table was a simple Rosti Potatoes—seasoned and grilled shredded potatoes that were toasted crunchy. It’s actually a nice siding for any main dish.

Then came the Spinach Artichoke flatbread drizzled with truffle oil. Pizza-like, it was a great starter.

Then we had the German-style baked pig’s knuckles, mini Reuben spring rolls, the Sausage Platter, Pork Schnitzel with lemon vinaigrette, and Corned Beef Brisket.

The home run was the Sausage Platter,  made up of three kinds of grilled sausages: Hungarian, Nürnberger and Kielbasa. With mustard and bread, it was delicious.

The Pork Schnitzel was also made very well. This was an authentic version. Breaded and originally fried in pork fat, it is similar to our basic crispy fried pork chops and I can understand why many international cuisines have their own version.

Another home run was the authentic and most delicious Corned Beef Brisket. This consisted of tender slices of homemade corned beef, served with boiled potatoes, boiled cabbage and sauerkraut on the side.

The beef had the same cut used in making pastrami, so there were a few tender fat inserts that simply melted in the mouth. With a little horseradish sauce, it was very delicious.

The house also serves a variety of great beers.

I find it exciting and amusing that cuisines I used to taste abroad are now within the Filipino’s reach, and made with authenticity.

Prost Braumeister is at G/F Pointe Two Bldg., 26th Ave. and  5th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Call tel. nos. 8283940 and 0925-5454386.

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