Friday, December 14, 2007

IT'S CHRISTMAS IN ILUSTRADO

Had the chance to visit Ilustrado again, but this time for lunch. This is one of the popular venues for laid-back lunches or dinners in the Walled City as well as a nice venue for gatherings like weddings. The main dining area is spacious and comfortable. The service is prompt (it may take some time for orders to arrive though) and friendly. It looks like the place needs a little update on the service side. I can't seem to put my finger on what's lacking. Definitely, the piped-in music needs to be changed (American Christmas songs in an old world Filipino setting? It could be quite unsettling). Otherwise, everything was a-ok. The food was great, too.
This print depicting Manila can be seen on the foot of the grand staircase which leads to the ballroom upstairs.
This is the coffee shop and pasteleria. Cafe Ilustrado owns Pasteleria Ilustrado which you see in SM Mall of Asia. I miss their really, really yummy puto bumbong. They used to cook it right here. They don't have it this year though. Tsk. This place is very nice. They have a good selection of cakes (though not as extensive as the others) and the old Manila posters on the walls add charm.
The door that leads to the main dining room.
Panna cotta duet. Strawberry and mango. Not particularly amazing.

Crepe de Intramuros. A mixture of fruits of the season plus vanilla ice cream on some kind of liquer sauce.


ILUSTRADO
Dining Excellence in the Walled City

744 Calle Real del Palacio (now General Luna St.)
Intramuros, 1002 Manila
The Philippines

Tel. Nos. (02)527.3674 to 75.

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