Chef's Table, The Fort

When the idea of eating at the Chef's Table was brought to our attention last year, we turned it down because only set menus were available then at 1500 pesos per head. So, we were so excited when a discount voucher was offered at 750 pesos for a 5-course meal just in time for Ruth's birthday. This restaurant is owned by Chef Bruce of the TV Show fame and so we expected to have a lunch that we will savor much like our experience at The Establishment.

Service was impeccable. The food was served at a leisurely pace which was perfect for a ladies lunch out. We practically had the restaurant all to ourselves except for a couple who were seated three tables away from us. But alas, the food was such a disappointment. After each course, we hoped that the next one would be better but course after course after course brought nothing but worried looks on our faces.

The first course was Roasted Tomato Halaan Soup. This tasted like a warm Bloody Mary with 3 pieces of baby clams...make that preemie baby clams. I've always associated a Bloody Mary as a tonic for a hangover and so this dish gave me bad vibes. My friend described it as canned tomato puree with minute clams.

The next dish was a Chef's Salad with a roasted garlic calamansi vinaigrette. Actually, this was not so bad after we asked for more dressing on the side. The dressing looked like Caesar salad dressing and so maybe I was looking for the kick of the anchovies and garlic. The serving was ample though.

The Calamansi Tuyo Spaghetti came next. I liked the flavors of the calamansi and tuyo but the dish was dripping with oil. You also have to squeeze the calamansi, flake the tuyo and toss it into the spaghetti to enjoy this dish.

The main entree was the Chinese Style Steamed Lapu-Lapu on a bed of mashed ube. Some of my friends complained that the Lapu-Lapu was not so fresh. Yup, it tasted like frozen lapu-lapu steaks. Since all my friends were Chinese, we all agreed that it tasted like fish that we cooked at home. You know, the one with light soy sauce, ginger, scallions and a splash of hot oil. So, paying for something that we can have at home did not sit well with us.

Finally, something to rave about...Buko Pie Martini. We all loved this dessert. It was creamy with bits of buco for some crunch, tiny sago pearls for a chewy texture and not sweet. Perfect finale to an otherwise forgettable meal. It was not a wasted trip after all. The good news is that we only paid half price for the set meal. The bad news is that we didn't think that it was worth 750 pesos. Oh well, you win some, you lose some...Urghh, I really wanted to like this place.

The Chef's Table
25th Street between 10th and 11th Aves.
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig