Astralis by Diamond Hotel

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I had previously eaten at Astralis with Irene a couple of years ago. From what I remember their complimentary breads were excellent as well as the Mentaiko Spaghetti, which I was was still on the menu despite the overhaul they did. So when I got an invite to try out their new offerings, I eagerly accepted.

I arrived with Jane just on time and we already planned to share our food to be able to taste more dishes, a plan we always default to. After some small talk while perusing the menu, a surprising appetizer was laid out on our table.

Pan Fried Chicken Quesadilla (P415). This surprised me alot, who would expect classic Mexican fare from a swanky hotel backed kitchen. I loved that they served it with guacamole, which I immediately mixed with the diced chicken inside my chewy quesadilla. 

I had wanted to pick Lobster Bisque (P275), but Jane already ordered that so I chose the Mushroom Soup (P255) instead, I forgot the correct name. I love both soups but Jane found the flavors of the bisque too strong so passed the bowl for me to finish. The bisque had an intense, some might say salty flavor, but I loved it. Good thing, I had a taste of the earthy mushroom soup or else it would have been drowned out by the bisque.

I really enjoyed the GM's Salad (P285), a salad so named because it is the favorite of Diamond Hotel's General Manger. Fork some mesculun greens with the mushrooms and the cheese but don't forget to dip it in the balsamic dressing and get a piece of the baked parmesan bowl, which gives a sharp taste that compliments the other parts.

I'm not really a fan of Caesar Salad (P255), but I was encouraged by the faces of my table mates. I liked the subtle flavors coating the crunchy romaine lettuce leaves with croutons adding a dash of color and texture. I found the salad dry, as it should be, not dripping in sauce as some I have seen. 

Australian Baby Lamp Chops (P1145). I was in the mood for some lamb that night and also because Jane had already ordered a large piece of steak. I had an inkling that she would not be finishing the whole thing. I always have my steaks and chops cooked Medium, at least if they get it wrong I still get something along the lines of medium well. No such mistakes tonight, it was perfectly pink in the middle. I declined all suggestions for sauces and instead asked for mint jelly, lamb dipped in a little mint jelly on the side is bliss.

Jane picked the US Choice Porterhouse 14 oz.(P1195), which she of course could not finish.  She finished around half of it before asking me to finish the rest. Good thing I brought my appetite that night and also it would be a sin to watch a perfectly cooked steak go to waste.

A plate of Seafood Risotto (P495) was laid out for all of us to share. I immediately observed the yellow tinted rice, a sure sign of saffron, and I was excited. The risotto was cooked perfectly with a little bite in middle, al dente. The seafood gave a lot of sweet flavor to the rice and was a nice accompaniment to our meat main dishes

After that heavy meal, I was looking for a little sweetness to wash it away. I spotted the Trio Sorbet (195) composed of Mango, Coconut and Lemon sorbets. This was actually the perfect dessert with the tart lemon sorbet cleaning out the meaty taste in the palette then followed by the light coconut then finished by the surprisingly delightful mango. I was quite surprised at how much I liked the mango sorbet, I reckon my taste buds love it more than the fruit itself maybe because of the ice.

Some other interesting dishes on our table:

Lamb Shank Kaldereta (P545)

Prawn Napolitana (P615)

Astralis exudes am elegant, sophisticated  yet relaxing atmosphere. I especially loved the red and white upholstered chairs as well as the large abstract paintings hanging on the walls. The restaurant gives diners a chance to experience the culinary delights of Diamond Hotel without braving the traffic.

Astralis 
R1-144 Lopez Drive
Power Plant Mall, Rockwell
Makati City
890.7124

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