Old world elegance. It's what impressed me at Casa Roces -- an ancestral home belonging to a prominent clan of journalists and artists, that was converted into a restaurant offering Spanish and Filipino cuisine, and an art gallery.
The full-service, fine dining restaurant, called Kape Chino, is named after the late Manila Times publisher Joaquin "Chino" Roces. The cafe had been my object of interest for such a long time and finally, after years of yearning to go there, I did last week,
together with my friends in the office.
And first-hand experience made me conclude that dining at Casa Roces is a pleasure not just for the stomach but also for the eyes, especially for those who love nostalgia and anything old, like me. The antique furniture, lamps, windows and doors flooded me with memories of my family's own ancestral home in Sampaloc, Manila, which, sadly, had to be torn down to give way to a sturdier, more modern bungalow.
But anyway, as our group of seven ladies was hungry, we had to first fill up what already was empty -- our tummies! We were careful not to order a lot though, because we were headed for our company Christmas party right across the street: in Malacanang. We were anticipating for a feast but since eating time would still be
some three hours away, we had to have something first.
We agreed to order and share:
The full-service, fine dining restaurant, called Kape Chino, is named after the late Manila Times publisher Joaquin "Chino" Roces. The cafe had been my object of interest for such a long time and finally, after years of yearning to go there, I did last week,
together with my friends in the office.
And first-hand experience made me conclude that dining at Casa Roces is a pleasure not just for the stomach but also for the eyes, especially for those who love nostalgia and anything old, like me. The antique furniture, lamps, windows and doors flooded me with memories of my family's own ancestral home in Sampaloc, Manila, which, sadly, had to be torn down to give way to a sturdier, more modern bungalow.
But anyway, as our group of seven ladies was hungry, we had to first fill up what already was empty -- our tummies! We were careful not to order a lot though, because we were headed for our company Christmas party right across the street: in Malacanang. We were anticipating for a feast but since eating time would still be
some three hours away, we had to have something first.
We agreed to order and share:
I loved this one -- the rice has the perfect paella texture -- not mushy nor dry. There's chicken in it, sliced hard-boiled eggs and vegetables like bell peppers that could make this classic Spanish dish stand on its own as a meal since it's already complete and almost balanced nutrient-wise. The flavors are balanced as well, and pleasant, too.
I could eat a lot of it, except that I had to control my portion
lest my blood sugar spiked.
I could eat a lot of it, except that I had to control my portion
lest my blood sugar spiked.
Although this would have been more favorable for my diet as there's seafood in it instead of meat, I didn't like it as much as I did the Valenciana because it's quite salty. But apart from that, this was also good. I love squid, which ink gives this paella its beautiful black color. And there's also mussels, shrimp and clams to enjoy with the teeth and lips-staining rice that made our group look like we were going to
a Halloween party instead of Christmas.
a Halloween party instead of Christmas.
I loved, too, this slow roasted chicken that was very tender and juicy. It can be ordered whole or half for P520. It comes with a side dish of buttered beans, carrots
and halved baby potatoes. Delicious!
and halved baby potatoes. Delicious!
For dessert, we chose this towering lemon custard that we all shared and loved. The sournesss dominates over the sweetness, making this dessert very interesting and one-of-a-kind. The texture can be likened to ice cream's -- soft and velvety, except when you scoop up some of the crushed pistachios. This sour-and-a little-sweet dessert is perfect for cleaning the palate after a meal.
This is a delightful drink that's a Casa Roces original: hot chocolate with peanut butter! One of us in the group ordered this and I tasted it. I joked that it was like drinking kare-kare with chocolate instead of bagoong! But kidding aside, it was a very tasty and unique drink. The sweetness and slightly bitter taste of chocolate blended seamlessly with the flavor of peanuts and the result is one delicious drink that could double as dessert. I just knew that it would be the perfect pair
to Casa Roces' ensaymada. Hhmmm?
This one's another drink that's unique to Kape Chino: lime soda with frozen ginger tea or salabat as ice cubes! Very ingenious, right?
Delicious, too!
Great coffee they have here at Kape Chino as well. It's bold enough to give the jolt but not too much to give me an upset stomach. After dessert, this cup of joe gave me the perfect end to a very nice, satisfying lunch.
In and around Casa Roces
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| I christened this 'The Proposal Room' because of its very romantic ambiance and exclusivity. |
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| Casa Roces at 1153 JP Laurel St. corner Aguado Sts., San Miguel, Manila |
Kape Chino at Casa Roces, I could say, is one good idea of a venue for celebrating special occasions. The food is extraordinary and very delectable. Although prices are quite steep, the quality of food and elegance of the place are enough reasons for visiting. My friends and I are so wanting to be back and I hope it would be soon!
