Manila is a place not restricted on Filipino dishes alone—foreign cuisine is easily available.
Terry Selection has been in the country for nearly 16 years. If you love European Cuisine and good wines, you have probably been to one of its branches. My visit, however, was a first. I’m no drinker nor an avid fan of Spanish food, which is the main offering here, but there’s something about Terry Selection and their food that makes me want to embrace the cuisine more.
If you want some peace and quiet and a place where you can just relax while enjoying great food and wine, you should definitely visit this haven.
The idea of putting up a restaurant in the Philippines came when owners, a couple, Juan Carlos and Mari de Terry visited the country in 1972. According to Mr. de Terry, he noticed how Filipinos were passionate about Spanish food. And the rest, as they say, is history.
The brilliant and sensible man behind the Terry Selection, Mr. Juan Carlos de Terry.
Given the tons of workload and other external nuisance throughout the week, I wanted to at least spare a day for total relaxation. I thought the place was already perfect for just that until I tried the food. It was superb, and let me tell you why.
This chorizo is literally on fire!
Chorizo on piggy back
The chorizo was flambeéd in Sherry brandy. It has a sandy texture, with the right amount of crisp, crunchiness, and flavor to it. Mr. de Terry explains you will not achieve that kind of texture just by grilling it.
Gambas al Ajillo
Well, this dish is now my favorite! Cooked in olive oil with a generous amount and taste of garlic, I bet this one’s going to be your favorite too. And look at the shrimp! It’s rich in size too!
Súper Paella Parellada
And what’s a Spanish cuisine without its famous Paella? I have a lot to say about this food, but to cut it, it’s super delicious! It is generous with ingredients and its flavors go well with each other. Bonus part: it is served with lemon and alioli to give it an extra boost. Enticing? Well, let’s just say I’m giving it 5 stars over 5. This dish is good for up to 4 persons.
Marquesa de chocolate
If you love desserts as much as I do, you definitely have to try this one. Topped with almonds and caramel bits, this dessert bursts with thickness and flavor. I am definitely coming back for more!
Aside from the bistro, Terry Selection also offers wines only you can find from their wine cellar. These rich wines came from foreign lands including Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, and USA among others.
I was also fortunate enough to see what Mr. de Terry says is the most expensive wine. It costs almost P200,000! It’s not for sale, though. Well, that wine must be really something.
They also have a Gourmet store which offers a wide array of choices for cheese, cold cuts, spreads, and even chocolates. Yes, you will find it all here!
Aside from producing quality food and offering a wide variety of European products, Terry Selection also supports a cause by selling ‘Hope in a Bottle’ in their Gourmet store to help less-fortunate students receive decent education.
Mr. de Terry believes in loyalty to customers, pointing out that it can only be achieved by giving them the BEST. I have to say I have experienced the best of Spanish and European food at Terry Selection. And more than just the food, I also had a taste of its culture. And with this rich experience, I would have to say Spanish food is now included on my ‘favorites list’.
TERRY SELECTION INC.
www.facebook.com/TerrySelection
Makati
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