Love at First Bite: Mirèio

Pinch me, I'm in love. It has been a few hours since I left Mirèio but I can't stop thinking about the food I had for lunch and I'm already planning when to go back for more. 

Hello, Mirèio. 

Mirèio is one of the restaurants of Raffles Makati specializing in Provencal-inspired cuisine. 

Located on the 9th floor of the hotel known for superb customer service, we were welcomed in the restaurant with a sense of familiarity. 

We were then ushered to a table near its full length window giving us a nice view of the city and the restaurant's clean interiors. 

We decided to go with Mirèio's anniversary menu and I chose Soup of Green Lentil with Pan Seared Foie Gras and White Truffle Oil and Orzo with King Prawns Flambéed in Pastis, and Star Anise cream. My friend I on the other hand went with Fresh and Smoked Salmon Tartare with Granny Smith Apple and Dijon Mustard Cream and Homemade Chicken Liver Terrine (PHP420). 

While waiting for our plates, we were served with a basket of assorted bread, with butter and olive oil. 

We had a blast taking photos of the place and wait basket that our starters were served before we even get to enjoy the bread. 

My bowl of lentil soup had a nice creamy texture. The truffle oil didn't have a strong aroma but its taste was pronounced. The best part of the soup was the pan seared foie gras which went divine with the thick soup. But this could really fill you up so best to order this when you're really famished or try to not go crazy with bread. 

The Smoked Salmon Tartare had lighter taste compared to the soup. The smoked salmon bits somehow reminded me of salmon sashimi but with French flair to it. The Granny Smith apple and dijon mustard cream gave it a more refreshing flavor whetting my appetite even more. 

As I try to get every last drop of my soup, our other orders were served. 

My plate of Orzo with King Prawns looked bigger than expected. The creamy and slightly cheesy orzo, or short cut pasta, would easily be mistaken as risotto. However, this one, aside from it not being grain, is longer and also has a smoother texture. The king prawns that topped the divine bowl of orzo and surrounded by pesto was the freshest I've had to date. It had a delectable natural sweet taste and its snappy texture made it a winner in my book.

I got a bite of the chicken terrine and it had a light flavor to it too making it perfect as an appetizer. However, I'd stick with my lentil soup.

To cap our meal, we had Lavender Crème Brûlée, a beautiful dessert served with lemon madeleine. One notable feature of this sweet ending is the crispy sugar on top. It didn't have a faint taste of burnt flavor which further highlighted the sweetness of sugar. And it was heavenly with the creamy compote. The madeleine added texture though I found it unnecessary. 

Overall, it was a pleasant lunch. I found it interesting how all the dishes were not exactly love at first bite but the wonderful flavors build up as I go along. And soon, I was enchanted by the simple complexities of it. 

There were times though when I felt a bit rushed to finish my food (as the server tried to get my plate a few times while there were still some food left and I had plans to get every bit and morsel of the delectable dishes), I loved everything else! From the lovely ambiance, crisp linens, top notch service down to food, I definitely got my money's worth and more. I can't wait to be back and perhaps drop by Raffles Makati's Long Bar too.

Note: Prices of the dishes we ordered were at PHP365 except for the chicken terrine. These are all included in the anniversary promo of Mirèio where they featured their bestsellers and offers it at PHP365 per dish from December 8 to 12, 2017. For reservations, contact them at +632 555 9888 or email them at mireio.makati@raffles.com.

Mirèio at Raffles Makati is located at 9th Floor, Raffles Makati, Makati Avenue, Makati City.