Merriam Webster defines “wholesome” as something that is good for one’s health. Then a question nags at the mind, “Do we eat to live or live to eat?” Does all the food one takes make for a healthy body?

One restaurant is now helping diners to eat well and it’s called The Wholesome Table (Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, tel. 6214111 and 8670000. Take note that there are two sides to Bonifacio High Street, parallel to each other).

Dining area—It seems that today’s restaurateurs are partial to doing their interiors in black and brown. The Wholesome Table is one of those. It also has exposed beams; and the bar can be seen from any side of the restaurant through a light grill divider. Take the table set against the wall. Diners are likely to bump into friends, who are all as willing to sample what “wholesome” is all about. It gets full with women who lunch, they never miss trying something new.

Service—Quick. The restaurant owner, a former model who still has her lovely looks, goes around the tables in the course of the mealtime. It does make a lot of difference; a personal touch is always welcome.

Staff—The wait staff is as solicitous, giving the menu and taking orders for drinks as soon as diners are settled on their seats. Deciding what to eat might take some time, but the wait staff does wait, graciously.

Suggested orders—This is where the “wholesome’ theme comes in. The restaurant blurb says, “Eat Consciously, Live Consciously.”

One diner was so charmed by the names labeled on the offerings, specially the drinks that come with creative labels; take the “Be Awesome Blend” of kale, spinach, parsley, romaine, celery, cucumber, apple and lemon. One would think the flavors would be confused, but no, all elements made up for a very pleasant drink.

Don’t ignore the bread—potato rolls, very soft that one would likely devour the lot on the serving plate.

Then go to the starters: Mushroom Fritters topped with mozzarella cheese, or the handmade Italian sausages.

Burata? As a main course, this is Boiled Fish in balsamic-reduced sauce served with gruyere cheese on top. Yummy!

Or, as this diner did, order the Baked Bacalao, a piece of the freshly caught salt codfish. The topping seems to be the dishes’ enhancers, as this one has tomato paste on top. This is served with buttered toast.

Feeling meaty? Try the pork chops that are grilled for 15 minutes, an assurance that they are fully cooked.

Take on the desserts, if you still have space in the tummy. Otherwise, order a cup of the robust coffee.

Government and service charges are added to the bill. Senior cards are honored.

Rating – 3 Spoons