Nostalgia, a sentimental yearning for return to or of some past period (Merriam-Webster). A period in time where everything seemed to be better or simpler. The Oakwood Premier – Joy Nostalg Center opens their new Nostalgia Dining Lounge for the sentimental at heart and for diners who just want a place for celebration and good food.

 

 

I just couldn’t help but admire the decor and motif that were sourced all over. Vintage photo frames, typewriters, wine bottles, phonographs and trinkets definitely give the place that romantic old vibe feel to it even if I never lived in that time period.

 

 

The Nostalgia Dining Lounge also houses 3 themed private function rooms: The Old Manila room, which reminisces about the glory days of 1900s Manila and can accommodate 14 guests; Cosmopolitan Shanghai, which can give 6 guests the feeling of dining in old majestic Shanghai;; and the Bohemian Paris room, where 6 guests can relive the romance of France.

 

Steamed Mussels, Php425. A bowl of New Zealand mussels cooked in white wine, shallots, garlic and cream.

 

French Executive Chef Jerome Catallier, the man behind the dishes of Nostalgia Dining Lounge creates family favorites, house specialties and original recipes that span three generations handed down by the chef’s grandmother.

 

 

During the press lunch, we were treated to samplers of their offering since getting the full plates would just be too much. Escargots in Puff Pastry (Php530), baked snails in crisp puff pastry with garlic herb butter and mushrooms. Crispy Pork Belly and Mesculin Salad (Php425) – the pork belly is crispy and juicy, which reminds me of excellent bagnet. Chef’s Tarine (Php425), an original recipe from the chef’s grandmother. The slowly baked pork and veal terrine flavored with Cognac is also the Chef’s signature dish.

 

Pan Seared Macadamia Crusted Salmon, Php895

 

Probably my favorite dish of the day was the Pan Seared Macadamia Crusted Salmon, which I was told is flown weekly from Norway! Since salmon is a fish not naturally found in tropical waters, this could be the freshest salmon I had or will ever have. The dish was very luxurious because of the rich flavors of the salmon, the buttery taste of the macadamia crust and the drizzle of Chardonnay cream sauce. I can fully understand why this specific dish is a favorite and has been a regular dish from time to time over the past 5 years!

 

Baby Back Ribs Pork Adobo, Php595. Off the bone tender pork ribs simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and cracked peppercorn. A Filipino favorite. Too bad it was just for display since I am pretty sure that it is as good as our Lola’s adobo.

 

Tartufo,  Php325. Nespresso coffee infused mousse served with ganache and seasonal berry coulis.

 

To cap everything off, a very decadent Tartufo was served. The coffee-infused mousse melts in your mouth along with the rich chocolate ganache. It was an extravagant and hearty lunch and what were presented and served was just a tip of the iceberg! There are still choices of savory soups, fresh appetizers, pastas, Asian and vegetables dishes, hearty entrees and juicy steaks! Diners of The Nostalgia Dining Lounge might have a tough time picking from the extensive menu.

 So, when yearning for simpler times, drop by the The Nostalgia Dining Lounge at Oakwood Premier – Joy Nostalg Center to dine while reminiscing of better days.

Longing for classical Manileño desserts? Check out: Bisquitilla: Creative Yet Classic Sweet Treats You’ll Love

 

The Nostalgia Dining Lounge by Oakwood Premier Joy – Nolstag Center Manila

 

17 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1600, Philippines

Tel: (63-2) 637 7888 / (63-2) 910 8888

www.oakwood.com