I have to admit, I’m not particularly adventurous when it comes to cuisine — my palate reacts too strongly to spices, and if I’m hungry I’d rather eat something I’m familiar with. Still, from time to time I can be persuaded to try something new.
Last Friday my family and I were invited to Oceana’s first anniversary-slash-restaurant launch at San Miguel by the Bay, Mall of Asia complex. Although Oceana itself has been there for a while now (it occupies one whole building near MOA’s IMAX wing), it was primarily a school kitchen for the Center for Culinary Arts, and an events place. This year, they decided to go full steam ahead with the restaurant, offering plated selections from around the world.
a dish called “Tasting Manila”
The CCA is also behind restaurant concepts such as Cravings and C2 Classic Cuisine. However, Oceana restaurant’s focus is on offering tastes from cities ranging from Sao Paolo to Hanoi. It’s world cuisine with a twist, just like the bibingka souffle we ordered to cap off our dinner. Wait, a bibingka souffle?!
cheesy, salted-eggy, custardy goodness topped with a fluffy souffle
Although the plated dishes range around 500 pesos or more each, the servings are for sharing. There are also some more affordable selections on the menu. I would actually want to be taken to Oceana on a date; but of course, the gentleman always pays. *wink*
I have a number of gift certificates from Oceana I’d like to give away, but of course I’d rather have a contest. So, here are the rules. Leave a comment below answering the following question: “What is your favorite cuisine and why?” I will use a randomizer to pick three winners, who will get a bundle of five (5) gift certificates each from Oceana. I will shoulder postage, so all you have to do is comment away!
Taste the World
UPDATE (05/17/10): Contest winners!