photo credit: Carol Soesanto
There’s a place in the South where food connoisseurs and those with impeccable taste indulge in caviar and French wine. I give you, Restaurant Cicou, a French bistro in Hotel Celeste manned by the brilliant Chef Cyrille Seonen. A little trivia, the name is actually derived from the Chef’s nom and prenom, Cy- and Seo-, hence the name Cicou.
This French establishment takes first impressions quite seriously. From the warm and cheery valet to the lovely receptionist, I knew that dinner would be nothing less than exceptional. The contemporary décor and the place’s understated luxe appeal will certainly put you in the mood. But such posh interior suggests that Cicou is more of a rendezvous for couples and friends in search for the ultimate dining experience. As we all know, the French are very passionate especially when it comes to food so it’s no surprise that Restaurant Cicou is famed for satisfying countless palates. They offer a 4-course set meal, which includes the appetizer, soup of the day, entrée and dessert. For the picky eater, go a la carte and choose from a sundry of exotic dishes that will surely escalate your penchant for French cuisine. Since lamb is my weakness, I was able to resist the seafood and rib eye combo. That evening, I had Onion Soup, Australian Lamb and Poached Pear. The Onion Soup, a concoction of caramelized onions, sliced bread and mozzarella cheese, is already a meal in itself. Served in a deep bowl, the savory stew can satiate even a big appetite. My main course, marinated in lemon confit and almonds, was slowly baked Tajine-style. This succulent lamb shank is paired with light-flavored semolina, a milled product of durum wheat used in pasta. The fusion of the two flavors is sure to excite your taste buds. For dessert, I chose to order something sweet and tangy. On my plate was poached pear granité or frozen dessert, complemented with light pear mousse and sweet gelée. Mon poison du jour? Colombelle Vin de Pays 2007, a French white wine produced in the South of France. This fresh and fruity white with creamy vanilla base notes, offsets the highly-flavored delicacies.
Experience French cuisine at it’s finest without having to fly thousands of miles away. Learn the art of wine tasting or simply enjoy a glass with warm company. Dare to be adventurous and try something foreign to your palate—snails or duck liver perhaps? There’s a long list to choose from so take your time, build your apetite, the server will guide you through. Bon apetit!
*Restaurant Cicou is located at Hotel Celeste, 2 San Lorenzo Drive Cor. A. Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City. For reservations or inquiries, please call 887-8080 local 242/ 268.
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