Deo. Optimo. Maximo.

If you're looking for nothing but fine artisanal cuisine in Iloilo City, then this might be your next stop.

From among the many restaurants in the city, Deo. Optimo. Maximo. attracted me most since when talking about 'Change', they embrace it. What I mean by that 'change' is the way they organize every meal into a gastronomical gourmet. They don't particularly stick to the basics and one certain menu--they change the whole game. Aside from being seasonal, which means their menu varies highly from the abundant harvest of certain crops and seasonal produce, they are valuing the concept of putting art in every dish. The only constant in their menu, to be honest, is change. --And that's why it was love-at-first-visit.

Come to think of it, most restaurants just offer you the same menu for years. Yes, you may have your go-to meal and all, but sometimes, you tend to get bored, looking for what's new in their menu (sometimes, looking forward to what's new) but end up with the same dish, on a different day.

Of course, there's no problem with that, some people can even eat the same dish every day in a year. But what I'm pointing out here is that, if you want to turn your every meal into an experience, then you might want to try this restau out.

Respect for food- that's what they live for. And that's exactly what matters. You're not only paying for the food, the service, the place, you're also paying respect to the bounty of nature. Sure, that's not monetary, but that's priceless even.

FOOD TALK.

Complementary bread with Eggplant dip

Talking about the highlight of the restau-food. We had our complementary bread with eggplant dip. It was good. At first, it'll taste like a little exotic (probably just my tongue not being used to this dip), but after a few more bites, they'll just go well together. And you won't even taste the eggplant overpowering the whole thing.

Sisig Balls: 
(Pork Cheek, Market Greens, Sriracha, Cocoa Aoli, Nori, Sesame, Katsuobushi)

And for a fresher take, their sisig specialty was not served in a usual sizzling plate, instead it was on just a different plate, rolled into balls and served with market vegetables. It was topped with Katsuobushi, a (Japanese) dried skipjack tuna. It was a refreshing look for the usual sisig plate and it tastes fine too. It was too big for two people though. :)

Holiday Chicken: Roast Chicken, Bacon & Sourdough Stuffing, Mangosteen Jelly and Gravy

Visiting this place, especially this month, you shouldn't miss out on ordering this dish because it's one of their specialties for the holidays. And with that point aside, it tastes really good you won't mind you're just devouring chicken all along. As they'd say, it melts in your mouth making this one my favorite from among the dishes I tried.

Flat Iron Skewer

Since we can't have enough of their dishes, we ordered extra skewers off the grill. We tried out the Flat Iron Skewer. We were then asked to choose from various sauces which were also their specialty blend. 

That's our table.
Had thoughts of having too many wonderful dishes to try; yet so little time and tummies. (lol!)

We also tried their Dalandan Tsokolate juice, the Cucumber-ade juice, and a scoop of their homemade frozen yogurt for dessert. Their juices didn't disappoint. While it tasted like chocolate energy drink with a citrus aftertaste, I was amazed how they came up with the Dalandan Tsokolate idea after all. The cucumber drink was really refreshing. And for their fro-yo, it was a little bit powdery, I don't know how it became such with its texture but the taste was also winning. 

Homemade Frozen Yogurt scoop with caramel syrup

Below are the snaps that I managed to save from my snapchat. :)

True to their concept, I can attest to their idea of thinking globally about their food but staying rooted in the local. I am 100% sure that I'm visiting this place again. In fact, I'm already looking forward to the next set of dishes. (though I'm also hoping they'd retain the Holiday chicken or have banh mi's again). ;)

For the love of food, I highly suggest you visit them out. Find helpful deets below and feel free to leave a comment if you have anything you want to share. 

XOXOX,

Faye

• Deo.Optimo.Maximo., also known as "D.O.M." is located at Westland Gateway Complex, Donato Pison Ave., Brgy San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
• Contact Number: 09173196699 
• Opening Hours: Monday 12NN-3PM //5:30PM-10PM
•                           Wednesday-Sunday 12NN-3PM //5:30 PM-10PM
• Cash Only (Payment Method)
• Accepts Walk-Ins, Reservations, Take out, Catering and Waiter Service

Steak Fix at Terrasse Bistro

Been wanting to blog about this bistro for so long already but I thought of blogging this when I have enough visits and tried a couple of dishes so I could give a better review.

And after a series of celebratory visits, I've finally decided what my favorite dish in Terrasse Bistro is. It's their Steak Frites. It's relatively heavenly in taste. I guess the cream sauce makes it more interesting and very tasty. You really have to try it yourself when you pay them a visit.

To be honest, every time I visit Terrasse, I always order Steak Frites or if I want to try another dish, I'd let my companion order it so I could still have a bite or two. It's just your go-to dish and more like a comfort food in a classy setup.

Beef Parmentier: minced US Hanger steak, creamy mash, cheese

If you're a big fan of creamy mash and cheese, then this is my suggestion for you. There's a balance of everything in it and the beef is cooked just right. Also, the salad on the side matches the flavor of the main dish. Just keep in mind when ordering this, you might want to skip ordering another side dish as one is already heavy enough. (But in my case, I loved their creamy mash so much that I ended up ordering another one. lol!)

BBQ Pork Rib - Jack and Coke BBQ Sauce, Coleslaw

With their Pork Rib, it was just good. I tried to eat it on its own and decide whether it deserves to be taken that way, with rice, or with its pre-selected side dish (coleslaw). I guess, it's best eaten alone or with a bottle of beer/wine. But if you're feeling like you want to have a heavy dinner, go ahead and pair it with rice, mash or anything you like. (Disclaimer: I'm not a big fan of coleslaw, thus, the decision)

Steak Frites- US Beef Shoulder Steak, salad, cognac cream sauce

And above is my fave. I guess, everyone's instant fave when dining there. This dish deserves a second and a third helping. (lol!) But however tasty this is, it's best eaten as soon as it's served especially when dining inside since when you relatively eat super slow, like me some times, the sauce tends to dry up and get thick--ending up ruining its main taste.

Braised US Beef Belly

Beef Parmentier, Braised US Beef Belly and BBQ Pork Rib were three of their main courses that I've also tasted aside from their Steak Frites. They were all good as well. Worth of its price if you ask me. I also tried their Garden Salad, merlot, and muscovado creme brulee. 

Other people would say they are a bit pricey but I guess for the taste, the ambiance, and the service, you'll be paying just right and accordingly. And again, spending on good food is never money wasted. :)

I will definitely come back here whenever I feel the craving for their Steak Frites kick in again. And who knows? They might add more dishes we'll all love in the long run. So if you're craving for some French cuisine and a good run for your steak longings, then this bistro might be your best bet.

XOXOX,

Faye

Paying them a visit any time soon?
Saving you the time of looking for more info. See below for more deets. And you're welcome by the way! ;)

Terrasse Bistro,
F114, The District Ayala North Point
Talisay City

Landline Number: (034) 707 7002
Store Hours: 11AM-2PM and 6PM-11PM
Cuisine: French

A Different Planet Within Planet Earth; Discovering Planet Grapes, Cebu

Okay before you judge my corny blog post title, hear me out on my thoughts about Planet Grapes (Cebu) and its idea of 'Wine Without the Drama'. 

 I've been meaning to try this place for as long as I can remember but it wasn't in my city so I had to make sure that when I get back to Cebu, I'll not miss my chance. 

I love wine so much but just a disclaimer, I'm not a wine connoisseur or something. I just happen to like it as much as I love cheese. (haha I know the connection is also a little odd right there). 

But anyway, it has been an ideal date for me ever since- to have a glass or bottle of wine to celebrate good times and special occasions. And on my latest Cebu shindig, and to celebrate my birthday as well, we thought of having a glass or two at Planet Grapes.

Location talk: It's strategically situated in a relatively convenient area. And an added bonus: the view. (I mentioned on my previous posts that I'm a huge fan of sky lounge settings and anything with a good view). And upon entering, you'll really feel the wine-friendly kind of atmosphere they have.

True to their concept, "Wine Without the Drama", it was the fusion of wine and food from traditional pairings such as cheese or cured meat to comfort food such as grilled chicken barbeque and sisig. 'Street food meets wine', that is.

Planet Grapes features their state-of-the-art Italian wine machines that allow customers to try different wines by sip, half-glass, and full glass sizes. Surely, regardless of one's knowledge of the drinks, you'll get to discover wine- one grape at a time. 

Now for the food, don't get me wrong but it was really (add another 'really') delicious! I may be exaggerating this but it was really tasty. A little price-y but it's all good and worth-it.

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs @ 395php

Sun Rice Chicken Barbeque with Adobo Rice & Fresh Mixed Salad @375php

 For the service: It's excellent. The crew were more than happy to assist us in all our needs especially with the wine pairings; setups; photos and some things I'm currently forgetting. (bad blogger! LOL)

Poor lighting and camera quality. Not complaining though.

 All in all, it was a very good experience. Definitely coming back to continue with my journey to discover the world of wine. So if you want to give it a try as well and still looking for a sign, then this is it. And as they say, life is too short for cheap wines. - and even shorter not experiencing the world through wine. Have a great journey, too. Cheers!

xoxox,

Faye

Planet Grapes in Cebu is located in Ayala Mall, in the L4, New Wing.

We had our dinner reservation in the morning.