I didn’t
have to go far to get a taste of France. It took just two rides to get to
Greenhills to discover the spirit of a hearty French meal in Brasserie CiCou
Restaurant. Situated in the bustling commercial center of San Juan, Brasserie
CiCou is what it markets itself to be—a perfect place for gatherings French (or
you could say, Filipino foodies who crave for the exquisite French
cuisine). In fact, the place can also be
reserved for parties, business meetings or company functions even catering.
One thing
about Brasserie CiCou, you’ll love the fact that French food did not received a
tweak to suit the Filipino palate. I have some friends who have traveled to
France and have eaten in the best restaurants there, they know what the
original taste is supposed to be like and that is what they offer here at
Brasserie CiCou. Too often, my friends would get disappointed once they know
that a certain dish had been ‘modified’ while the restaurant continues their
claim to be ‘authentic’. Fortunately, here at Brasserie CiCou, the menu
captures the essence of an authentic French meal—helpings of delicious, no
nonsense French food.
Brasserie
CiCou’s ambiance may seem a bit formal just as it is in any typical French
restaurants, but it has a homey and more comfortable dining set-up. Moms in
particular would be happy to know that the restaurant created a corner meant
for customers with kids to enjoy—colorful throw pillows, a huge giraffe and
graffiti on the walls along with a stack of Lego bricks they can play with
while waiting for their meals. They even
have an open/transparent kitchen so people could see everything what’s going on
and how the food’s being prepared.
Every
element in the restaurant reflects France. It had created a French country look
and feel. You can try French provincial food such as full flavored soups,
stews, casseroles and roast in ample portions, served with hearty fruit and
cheese salad (watermelon, avocado, melon, local goat cheese, arugula and herbed
vinaigrette) salads and good table wine. If you’re in for something flavorful,
try the kadaiff cones, prawns in lime and coriander, cucumber and yoghurt salad
and orange foam or you might want some baked red mullet wrapped in herbs and
filo pastry, broccoli-cheese soufflé and potato boulangere. And for the more
adventurous, there’s braised rabbit in cider served with sweet potato homemade
fries. With these kinds of foods, it is perfectly acceptable for diners to mop
up their sauces or spread start their meals via spreading their choice of pate
on their slices of baguette—just like the French do.
For
starters, we were served with assorted Pamora Pates such as chicken liver pate,
chicken breast and liver pate, chicken gizzard pate, chicken liver and gizzard
pate, chicken breast pate, chicken breast and gizzard pate with some breads,
along with a hefty of green salads, pickles and mustard and washed them down
with white wine. The simple green salad makes a delectable light appetizer or
entrée. Pate is a rich savory paste made
from finely minced or mashed ingredients typically seasoned meat or fish. It is
from French origin and is a staple in French cuisine.
It was
followed by our main meal, a roasted coquelet rubbed in rosemary and garlic on
a bed of mashed potato. It’s made with free range and high quality chicken from
Abra’s Pamora Farm. Roasted Coquelet is served warm with the savory of the
gravy playing against the rosemary herb and the soft buttery taste of the
mashed potato. The chicken was moist and juicy, not to mention really tasty and
filling.
The
dessert is quite impressive with the Trio of Crème Brulee: Vanilla, Chocolate
and Green Tea. They have just the right amount of sweetness and have textures
that are quite lovely. The green tea crème brulee is such a revelation while
the chocolate’s made from rich dark chocolate.
There
are still a lot of dishes to sample on Brasserie CiCou. But I reckon you’d
better want to check it out yourselves. Come and visit the restaurant yourself
for more tasty surprises. The service at Brasserie CiCou’s friendly and cordial
and the food, tres tres bon.
Indeed,
Brasserie CiCou succeeds in bringing out the best flavors in their dishes,
allowing each ingredient to shine through. A French food writer once said: “La
cuisine, c’ est quand les choses ont le gout de ce qu ‘elles sont.” Good
cooking is when things taste of what they are. So if you’re looking and craving
for authentic French cuisine, Brasserie CiCou’s the place to be. It’s where you
can enjoy simple, hearty French food without having to travel to France. As
they claim, “Be in France for the price of a meal.”
Brasserie
CiCou Restaurant is located at 57 Annapolis Street, Greenhills, San Juan (just
beside OB Montessori and Instituto Culinario, across Promenade)
+ 632
661-9200
+632
917.885-8841
Disclaimer:
I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.
