Modern European Cuisine at Flame in Discovery Primea
I was at the Makati area finishing a few chores when I remembered a standing invitation from my friend Margaux to have lunch at Flame Restaurant in Discovery Primea. Having immensely enjoyed my first visit to this hotel last month at Tapenade on the lobby floor (Read: Mediterranean Fare Plus The Best Salad Bar at Tapenade), I was really curious to try and explore their other popular dining establishment. Judging from this beautiful plate of Lobster Fried Rice, I knew I made the right decision.
Flame is a lovely restaurant located on the 16th floor of Discovery Primea serving modern European cuisine. While Tapenade has a more casual and vibrant ambiance, Flame is a bit more private and exclusive, which makes it an ideal spot for those important lunch meetings or intimate dinner dates. It is open for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm and dinner from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. It also shares this elegant space with Edge, a cozy garden lounge and bar that serves creative craft cocktails and contemporary mixology.
The entrance to Flame Restaurant reflects its unanticipated and inspiring approach to cuisine. Stunning yet comfortable, an expansive marble-top open kitchen surrounds the entire restaurant where diners can watch the chefs and bartenders in action. Modern European cuisine is a style of cooking that experiments with ideas and influences from many different countries, reflecting the global palate of today’s diners.
The interiors also reflect this same concept, with European themes juxtaposed with Asian designs. The best spot inside the restaurant would be the tables near the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the Metro Manila skyline. The ambiance is bright and comforting, and this is where I sat down to browse their lunch menu.
Flame’s menu uses contemporary culinary techniques to combine modern European cuisine with familiar Asian flavors. There were a lot of items on the menu that really looked interesting. Good thing my appetite was more than ready to handle my curiosity.
We started with a couple of cocktails that are available for guests of both Flame and Edge. The Kir Royale (P600) is a bubbly ladies’ drink with Chandon Sparkling Wine and Creme de Cassis.
On the other hand, the Cilantro Sour (P540) comes with a refreshing mix of Glenlivet 12 Years, sugar, lemon, and cilantro. There are a lot more exciting options on the Bar Menu but that will have to wait until the next visit.
Lunch at Flame Restaurant comes with complimentary homemade ciabatta bread and organic butter from Bukidnon. This is not just your ordinary bread and butter starter because Flame juices it up with their olive oil infused with lemon that you can pour over your butter. This is probably one of the best complimentary items I have seen offered at restaurants.
The appetizers themselves are even better. This bowl of Foie Gras Chawanmushi (P550) is a Flame signature dish that incorporates two popular items from Europe and Asia. The Japanese chawanmushi with dashi broth reduction and spring onions is given a unique and exquisite twist by adding succulent French foie gras. This is definitely a must order for everyone that visits Flame.
Another interesting item is the Crispy Pork Belly Doughnuts (P390). I thought these were just regular bite-sized doughnuts but inside the sweet and crunchy balls were savory strips of pork belly. I was really not expecting that but it was a delicious surprise. You can dip the doughnuts on the butterscotch miso sauce for a really sweet and savory contrast.
I really like soft shell crabs but only a few restaurants in Metro Manila offer this, so I really wanted to try their Soft Shell Crab Tempura (P790). I think this little crab is a vegetarian though because it seems to want to eat the Saigon herb salad that comes with it. The delicious tempura is soft and crunchy and is served together with radishes and spicy miso remoulade.
Just when I thought our lunch couldn’t get any better, out comes the main courses! The “Take Out” Lobster Fried Rice (P890) is one of their most popular and photographed dishes with its awesome grilled lobster on top of fried rice. This is a complete meal by itself as the fried citrus Jasmine rice also comes with textures of pork, lobster remoulade, and a gooey 63 degree egg. Mix everything together and I’m sure there will be nothing left later to take out.
Flame’s Josper Oven also offers some grill and salad lunch combinations like the Double Smoked Bacon (P520). This comes with thick slices of juicy bacon plus crispy free range egg, mushrooms, arugula, and honey garlic vinaigrette
Another healthy pair is the U.S. Wagyu “Bistro Steak” (P990) with its flavorful and tender wagyu beef together with togarashi potatoes, toasted spice vinaigrette, and Tagaytay tomatoes. Now this is the type of salad I can eat everyday.
Flame also offers its Power Lunch set during weekdays which offers new, mouth-watering dishes served exclusively for lunch time. The 2-course lunch is priced at P880+ while the 3-course lunch is P980+. Diners can choose from among a list appetizers and main courses which can change from month to month. I suggest to get the Yellowfin Tuna Tataki with edamame, chukka wakame, bonito flakes, and lemon-togarashi dressing as your appetizer. Other choices include Chicken Consommé or the Grilled Octopus Salad.
For the Entrée, the options include the Adobo U.S. Beef Short Plate with egg noodles, crispy garlic, chili, and scallions. This is comfort food reimagined with its tender beef adobo on top of a yummy pile of noodles. Other choices for the entrée are the Braised Lamb or Roasted Barramundi Fillet in Sake Broth.
There is only one dessert option for the Power Lunch but you don’t really need another. The Coconut Panna Cotta is a colorful ending to any lunch with its pineapple granita, lemongrass mousse, and gingerbread crumble. The Power Lunch set is available only on weekdays and also comes with Lavazza Coffee or TWG Tea.
But if you want to add another dessert, you can also browse the dessert menu and order the Flourless Chocolate Cake (P360) with Homemade Pistachio Ice Cream. I had a wonderful lunch with my friend Margaux Hontiveros, who happens to be the Director for Marketing Communications at Discovery Primea, and I would like to thank her for introducing me to this enchanting dining spot in the city. I’m sorry you had to be a little late for your meeting, but I’m not so sorry for all the mouthwatering food we had. Until next time!
Flame Restaurant
16/F Discovery Primea, 6749 Ayala Avenue, Makati City
