Band Aid

Look into the thing you were afraid to see before. The truth is ripping off a Band Aid. There's a sting, and then it's over. One realization could turn your mood from mediocre to...fantastic.

An all new experience at M Cafe

Only four years into its introduction, the Museum Café already has the benefit of recall that the mere mention of its name creates visual images of things jaded palates yearn for. Having retained its popularity, it can clearly be attributed to its great location within the bustling Makati business district.

The restaurant also continues to offer a mélange of remarkable cuisine, artistic sensibility and extraordinary service in a relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere. There is great attention to detail, an innovative concept of evolving art, and a stimulating ambience. Its versatility to transform from a weekday business lunch crowd, to a family Sunday brunch setting, an events place, to an evening jazz bar and chillout spot, makes it more interesting.

But more than anything, M Café reaches great lengths in providing an absolute dining pleasure, and even more with the introduction of it’s all-new menu courtesy of Nurul Huda Bin Mohammed Radzi, the new Malaysian chef on board. The culinary influence he brings is certainly as sweeping as his global experience from Malaysia, Greece, the Carribeans, Egypt, Ireland, Ukraine, and Brunei among others.

Chef Nurul’s detail is apparent from the flavor, texture, and aroma to the visual composition on a plate. While retaining the modern Asian cuisine concept that M Cafe has been known for, he applies an innovative touch allowing diners to embark on a gustatory experience like no other. This is evident in appetizers such as the Asian crab cakes, Roasted honey duck rolls, and the Sweet basil pork wonton pouches. It is also apparent in its entrees like the Grilled roasted tandoori spiced chicken, one of M Cafe’s line of oven roasted “naan” pizza; the Sour-sweet calamari chop chop in a wonton basket; and the Smoked bangus with salted egg in a lightly creamy dressing.

One can’t go wrong with the Grilled chili lemongrass-scented Australian lamb chops, one of M Cafe’s new signature entrees. Other good ones worth trying include the Sweet and sour whole baby Lapu-Lapu for fish lovers, Honey BBQ roasted pandan chicken, the (full slab) Grilled sweet sesame Asian style baby back ribs, and the Imperial kung pao wok fried chicken among others.

Some may not be aware that M Café is also home of hard-core dessert lovers. Regulars drop by to either pick-up a pre-ordered cake or simply enjoy a quiet bite while having coffee or casual meetings with friends. Among the must-try cakes are the Jackfruit sanrival, Pandan cheesecake, Chocnut valrhona, Caramel chocolate and for the health-conscious, the Sugarfree carrot cake. Other bestselling treats for the sweet toothed include the Mango sticky rice, the Honey Dew melon with sago, and the very popular Crème brulee trio.

Indeed, M Café is all about imagination with its cuisine crafted by creativity. The mystery of its appeal and conscious success inevitably unfolds as one experiences dining in this sanctuary of art and form.

The Museum Café is located on the Ground Floor of the Ayala Museum’s Glass Wing in Greebelt 4, Makati City. It opens daily at 8am offering breakfast, lunch and dinner service until 12 midnight. Sunday brunch is from 11am to 3pm. Patio tables are available for seasonal dining al fresco, along with a full bar offering an array of coffee, tea, signature cocktails and an extensive list of wines. For reservations and more information, call (02) 757-3000 or 757-6000.

**All photos taken by Rob Cariño

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