Playing Food Critic

She served me the most excellent meal I ever had, how can I not remember her.

Suzette Montinola was sitting beside MiG Ayesa when I recognized her. She once toured me inside her ancestral home that was turned into a place perfect for intimate gatherings. The tour showcased walls adorned by Luna’s and Hidalgo’s. There were also displays of antique paraphernalia. Back then, I had no idea she was the cousin of my crushie MiG. Soon as i realized that MiG's cousin and the girl who gave the tour is in fact just one person, i told her that i really enjoyed her cooking. And MiG was like "Oh so you're a fan of her, let me take a picture of you two." What a darling that Miggy.

MiG took this photo of me with my cousins-in-law. I wish!

Enough already about MiG, let's get down to business and talk about the food. Go! The Paella Valencia was divine; it reminded me of the paella I had the last time I went to Spain. Yes, it is that authentic-tasting. The lengua cooked in white wine is by far the best I’ve ever tasted. Well next to my mommy’s version, of course. For dessert I had bread pudding that I found simply irresistible. I’m really not thin enough to have three helpings, but I did. And I’m not talking about cute servings. It’s more of the “patay gutom” kind of portion. At this point, my mom was already pondering wether to disown me or put me up for adoption. I can almost hear her say: “Where did all the manners that I taught you go?!” Mom can really be such a Bree Van de Kamp sometimes.

Excellence didn’t stop in the kitchen. Our dining table was set equally wonderful. Murano birds were used as a centerpiece and dishes were served in antique china and silverware making it the ultimate in dining experience. The staff also thoughtful placed a bell at the heads of the table encouraging us to ring should we wish to ask for anything.

La Cocina de Tita Moning has an Old World quality about it. I could imagine the place as something that belongs to the 18th century, where refinement and good taste were the norm. But I’m glad it’s here now, to make our century more interesting and, well, charming.

Verdict: Everything I ate was as yummy if not yummier than MiG. Mmm... mmm!