Taking a break from my unofficial designation as family driver.
Oh, the heat wave that's scorching the country right now! So what a welcome sight it was when, during a visit to my Mother, we stepped into this very charming little place at the Molito Complex in Alabang.
People in Metro Manila may well know Designer Blooms, the flower shop of 20 years, but this time, they set up this cafe that serves an organic menu of comfort food favorites.
As we stepped inside its cool interiors, we were at once enthralled with eclectic dining arrangements and high ceilings. There is a loft to accommodate more diners. It was like stepping into one of Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic design books, what with the polished cement floors, wooden fixtures, and mix-and-match furnishings. It's a sure magnet for women diners, as evidenced by the demographic present when we arrived here.
A wall of mirrors on the left and floor-to-ceiling shelves of potted plants for sale on the right.
We also noticed the walk-in chiller with a selection of flowers for one to choose from.
Take note of their offer of business lunch that is available between 11am to 2pm, Mondays to Fridays.
Ours, however, was a really late lunch. So we sat down with a bowl of their home-made potato chips (Php155/USD3.69) with a generous serving of their own aioli dip, and a pitcher of passion berry iced tea (Php235/USD5.60) to start with, although my daughter opted for their equally refreshing mango smoothie (Php196/USD4.67).
The seafood pesto mare (Php235/USD5.60) was highly recommended, and rightly so. The kitchen staff makes their own basil pesto, with ingredients coming from their garden no less, and likewise with the fettuccini pasta. A good reason why we had to wait a little for this dish to be served.
The four-cheese pizza (Php235/USD5.60) came in with a freshly-prepared dough, a crunchy exterior yet with a chewy interior, with a generous serving of different cheeses.
The vegeterian panini (Php215/USD5.12) I preferred to be served with a side salad (although you can also have it with potato chips as an alternative).
Then to cap the meal off, the homey goodness of apple pie ala mode (Php285/USD6.79) says it well.
It's a bit pricey for lunch. Our total bill (including an additional order of soda at Php85/USD2.02) with a senior citizen's discount came to about Php1,656.68 (USD39.44). But a homey yet stylish ambiance, and organic meals made from scratch make up for it.
Designer Blooms Cafe
Molito Complex
Madrigal Avenue, Alabang, Muntinlupa
Contact No. +63 2 512 0353
email: designerblooms@molito.com.ph
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