Last week’s restaurant find is a branch of a US restaurant chain with hundreds of outlets across America and Southeast Asia, the latest one in the Philippines. While reports have it that some outlets in the United States had to close, the group is apparently expanding in this part of the world.

 

Kettle

SM Aura, C-5 across 26th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; tel. 8873564

 

While the blurb says it offers American cuisine, Kettle serves more than the usual hamburgers and fries. The strong aroma of truffle oil arrested our senses, making us imagine a special meal with this precious oil.

 

Dining area—A departure from what prevails among restaurants in the city, Kettle’s interior is done mostly in white, with black accents and glass walls that offer diners a good look of the crowd outside. There is not much room to move around, even for the staff, two of whom constantly bumped the back of our table in the course of our dinner.

 

Service—The food came fast.

 

Staff—Gracious and neat; our calls were promptly heeded.

 

Suggested orders—The menu consists of dishes culled from popular international cuisine, while incorporating American staples such as fried chicken. There is an attempt at blending Filipino and European flavors, and it’s where the chef fails.

 

The truffle oil mushroom rice came with an order of Lamb Adobo, but we did not discern the adobo flavor because of the overwhelming oil. Too much of this rare oil, when used indiscriminately, will not enhance but rather make a dish lose its natural flavors. Careful blending is therefore suggested.

 

On the whole, our meal was OK. The adults delighted in the Roasted Squash Soup, while the kids enjoyed the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Glazed with Salmon Paste.

 

We might be back to check out again the Lamb Adobo with Truffle Oil Mushroom Rice.

 

Government and service charges are added to the bill. Seniors get the mandated 20-percent discount.

 

Rating – Two Spoons