First Impression
I have experienced different "fails" at restaurants in the ten years I have been reviewing food. But last Monday's experience topped it all.
The entire glass door - practically a wall - of the restaurant I was at crumbled. I felt like I was in a scene of Zero Dark Thirty, minus the bombs. The restaurant was on soft opening, as I was advised by the waiter as I ordered. But I didn't expect it to be so soft its door would crumble.
It was interesting, though, because I did not panic at all. I did jolt upon the shattering of the glass. I did take a second to look around to see if anyone was hurt. In that second I wondered if someone shot at the door and for a split second I wondered if anyone was trying to kill me (not a far-fetched thought). I also thought of taking photos but decided it was too rude, in spite of my journalistic instincts.
Then I went back to my Pintxos - the Basque version of tapas. It had sous vide tuna but was sweet from the bed of caramelized onions spread on the bread. And it had a teeny weeny kick of spice. It was goooood, why give a crap about the that little incident involving shattered glass.
As I enjoyed the Pintxos, I reminded myself that a restaurant must not be judged by a fortuitous event. In fact the entire building is still practically empty. As I drove my car to the fourth floor (you have to take an elevator to the fifth) there were construction workers sleeping on the garage floors.
I guess it's all part of the development ofFort Bonifacio Bonifacio Global City. Which you can witness live when you step out onto the Vask deck.
I did love the interiors, though. I love the attributions to eating by the designer, such as the giant fork on the deck. I understand from my readings that the designer is Carlos Calma, who - minus the loose door hinges that just might, just MIGHT hurt people - did a good job.
There is this long table evidencing that people are encouraged to mingle.
Love the architectural layout of the restaurant on the glass panel by the entrance.
And the Darth Vader that says hello when you hit the loo. Also noteworthy is this deer figurine and the rat hanging on the wall by the door that shattered.
They should find a better way to hide staff's things, though ... Mejo pampasira ng beauty, 'day!
My favorite was this dessert: leche frita dipped in cinnamon with chocolate rum ice cream. Makes your heart leap in joy.
The waiter said that as they are still on soft opening, the menu has yet to develop. I do hope that they put more competitive items on the menu, because while I enjoyed my meal, when you hear about a resume like that, you expect items that would make your jaw drop and confirm that this is not food that can be found anywhere else in the Philippines - like a taste of El Bulli right in our own backyard.
After all, with a great resume comes great responsibility.
I also hope they think about using coasters. (This annoyed me more than the door that crashed.)
Looking forward to visiting the restaurant once it opens ...
Vask
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5th Floor, 11th Ave cor 39th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (building beside The Goose Station/across CVC Law Offices).
Reservations recommended. 0915 507 7047.
Major credit cards accepted.
Open for lunch and dinner.
Closed on Sundays.
I have experienced different "fails" at restaurants in the ten years I have been reviewing food. But last Monday's experience topped it all.
The entire glass door - practically a wall - of the restaurant I was at crumbled. I felt like I was in a scene of Zero Dark Thirty, minus the bombs. The restaurant was on soft opening, as I was advised by the waiter as I ordered. But I didn't expect it to be so soft its door would crumble.
It was interesting, though, because I did not panic at all. I did jolt upon the shattering of the glass. I did take a second to look around to see if anyone was hurt. In that second I wondered if someone shot at the door and for a split second I wondered if anyone was trying to kill me (not a far-fetched thought). I also thought of taking photos but decided it was too rude, in spite of my journalistic instincts.
Then I went back to my Pintxos - the Basque version of tapas. It had sous vide tuna but was sweet from the bed of caramelized onions spread on the bread. And it had a teeny weeny kick of spice. It was goooood, why give a crap about the that little incident involving shattered glass.
As I enjoyed the Pintxos, I reminded myself that a restaurant must not be judged by a fortuitous event. In fact the entire building is still practically empty. As I drove my car to the fourth floor (you have to take an elevator to the fifth) there were construction workers sleeping on the garage floors. I guess it's all part of the development of
I did love the interiors, though. I love the attributions to eating by the designer, such as the giant fork on the deck. I understand from my readings that the designer is Carlos Calma, who - minus the loose door hinges that just might, just MIGHT hurt people - did a good job.
There is this long table evidencing that people are encouraged to mingle.
Love the architectural layout of the restaurant on the glass panel by the entrance.
And the Darth Vader that says hello when you hit the loo. Also noteworthy is this deer figurine and the rat hanging on the wall by the door that shattered.
They should find a better way to hide staff's things, though ... Mejo pampasira ng beauty, 'day!
The food has been hailed as outstanding primarily because of the resume of the chef, Jose Luis Gonzalez, which Teddyboy Montelibano beautifully expounded on in Rogue. He has trained at El Bulli and Arzak. His strength is supposedly molecular gastronomy and Spanish cuisine. True enough, the sous vide chicken was very elegant. The
risotto using this Carnaroli rice was also delish, with the scallops
perfectly cooked. Make sure to spread the Parmesan chips though para hindi nakakaumay.
My favorite was this dessert: leche frita dipped in cinnamon with chocolate rum ice cream. Makes your heart leap in joy.
The waiter said that as they are still on soft opening, the menu has yet to develop. I do hope that they put more competitive items on the menu, because while I enjoyed my meal, when you hear about a resume like that, you expect items that would make your jaw drop and confirm that this is not food that can be found anywhere else in the Philippines - like a taste of El Bulli right in our own backyard.
After all, with a great resume comes great responsibility.
I also hope they think about using coasters. (This annoyed me more than the door that crashed.)
Looking forward to visiting the restaurant once it opens ...
Vask
5th Floor, 11th Ave cor 39th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (building beside The Goose Station/across CVC Law Offices).
Reservations recommended. 0915 507 7047.
Major credit cards accepted.
Open for lunch and dinner.
Closed on Sundays.
