A Delicious French Dinner Affair at Nostalgia Dining Lounge, Oakwood Manila

Nostalgia Dining Lounge, the in-house restaurant of Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila is currently poised to enchant its diners with classic French Cuisine for the month of March. Oakwood’s Executive Chef Jerome Catailler has whipped up traditional dishes from his hometown in line with Nostalgia’s Nostalgic Culinary Weeks with main focus on France.

Diners may enjoy the classic French cuisine as ala carte dining options every dinner from March 14 to 30, 2016 only at Nostalgia Dining Lounge.

I have written about Nostalgia before and even enjoyed a weekend staycation at Oakwood, and I must say that theirs are one of the hotel restaurants which quality of food I am always confident about. The lunch we had to check out these amazing French dishes only proved that Nostalgia is still on top of its game.

While their buffet selection is still ever present and going strong in providing gastronomical satisfaction to its diners, the special French menu selection is not something that anyone would want to miss. During our lunch with friends and fellow food bloggers, we sampled all 16 items on the menu.

Quiche Lorraine (Php370) – Baked traditional pie filled with lardons, cream, and cheese. 

I have tried several Quiche Lorraine before and this one is simply one of the best. As a appetizer, the serving portion is just perfect for one – it the idea that there are still a handful of feast to come is set in mind. Otherwise, one may crave for more after the last bite simply because the well-balanced flavor makes it crave-worthy.

Warm Oysters with Leek Fondue (Php450) – Gratinated with Hollandaise 

I cannot count how many times have I mentioned here on the blog how much I love baked oysters and to this day, especially after finishing my fair share of this oyster dish, my love is still very much alive. Usual baked oyster would normally bank on good melted cheeses to make it even more flavorful. But the use of leek fondue and hollandaise is just genius I don’t think I could ever forget this dish for days to come.

Half Rock Lobster Tail “Thermidor” (Php650) Rich lobster ragout gratinated with cheese. 

You cannot go wrong with lobster and cheese combination, can you? These are the stuff that seafood dish dreams are made of. You get my point.

Onion Gratinee (Php375) Nostalgia’s famous onion soup with puff pasrty. 

I have raved about Nostalgia’s Onio Soup before because it was just so good with all the gooey cheese incorporated to the dish. This time, the cheese sat at the bottom along with the onions while the whole thing s covered with puff pastry. So, it is basically an upgrade, and a good one at that.

Salade Lyonnaise (Php395) Bacon, croutons, soft boiled egg, and mustard red wine vinaigrette. 

This is one of those dishes on the menu which is prepared by the table side. Sort of reminds me of Mario’s Restaurant classic Caesar Salad presentation-wise. But the flavor is of course different and obviously not comparable. I love salads so it is a dead giveaway that I will end up liking this dish, and I did.

Baked Seabass in Salt Crust (Php850) Served with grilled vegetables, lemon, and EVOO emulsion.

Seabass is undoubtedly a good fish, but not all seabass dishes in restaurants are created equal obviously. This one at Nostagia was created with such respect even to the simplest of ingredients that is why the flavor of the fish shines through. The vegetable are good additions to complement the fish but even without it, it can prove that it deserve its spot on the carefully executed menu. 

Pan Fried Whole Pomfret and Roasted Almond (Php990 good for two) Served with a dash of cream and mini vegetables. 

I was so excited to try this dish even prior to our visit at Nostalgia since while I had pomfret fish before, it was always cooked the Indian way. And I have no qualms about that because I love Indian food. But this one was a welcome change. It was also deboned by the table side so the theatrics adds to the excitement. All things considered, I love this dish I could say it is one of my favorites among the dishes we had

Grilled Whole Spring Chicken (Php735) Served with potato gratin.

I was under the impression that the potato gratin was a separate dish altogether because the truth is, this spring chicken dish was so flavorful it is a great dish on its own. But when I tried eating the two together, then I realized why it came as a partner in crime. The potato elevates further the flavor of the chicken only to temper its saory composure with the creaminess of the gratin. It was an amazing combination.

Braised Duck Confital’orange (Php650) Fork tender duck in orange sauce with sautéed potato.

There is a good reason why the photo of this duck was used as the cover photo of this post. It was perfectly cook that the crispness of the skin cracks at the slightest bite. The flavor of the meat was so impeccable I might dream about it tonight. The orange sauce lends flavor to the whole dish as it cuts through the distinct flavor of the duck without overbearingly so.

Beef Tartare (Php620 for 6oz. / Php720 for 8 oz.) Original Australian tenderloin served with fries.

I will say it from the get go, this dish can be a perfect beer match. I deem that is the good way to go if one is not to crazy about raw beef meat. I don’t have problem with raw meat but I consume it sparingly. This one, I indulged in and I’ve no regrets because it’s a high quality beef hence the good flavor.

Grilled Rib Eye Bordelaise (Php2,800 good for 2) 16oz US rib eye with shallot and Bordeaux sauce, served with potato gratin.

We’ve had Steak Night at Nostalgia before so I am confident that I am going to like this dish as well, and I was right. Cooked medium rare – the only decent way to go, in my opinion. The tenderness of the beef was rather impressive. Needless to say, it is also one of my favorites.

Since the feast at Nostalgia this month is all about French, desserts shouldn’t go unnoticed. Trust me on this, it deserves your attention. Take for instance the Oeuefs a La Neige Snow Eggs (Php195). Made with egg white whipped and baked into submission, this one may remind you of Brazo de Mercedez but posh. Way sophisticated than our pedestrian favorite.

There were also Crème Caramel (Php195), Iced Grand Marnier Souffle (Php255) which also ended as one of my favorites among the dessert alongside the snow eggs, Pears in Red Wine (Php265), and Café Gourmand (Php310) which is essentially a combination of espresso and mini pastries. 

L’Aperitif such as the Kir Classic (Php240) and Pastis (Php295) are also available and is best enjoyed with these French dishes. 

So if you feel like having a French feast, I suggest that you visit Nostalgia Dining Lounge while these French Classics are available on the menu. Each dish is delightfully satisfying and well worth your money and calorie intake. 

Nostalgia Dining Lounge

6th Level

Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila

17 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center.

Pasig City, Philippines

Contact Nos.: 632 637 7888 local 8604

Email: premiermanila@oakwoodasia.com

Facebook: /OakwoodManila /NostalgiaDiningLounge

Twiter: @OakwoodMNL

Instagram: @oakwoodpremiermanila @nostalgiadininglounge