FLAME in DISCOVERY PRIMEA: A Passion

 If there was one word that comes into mind, it would be impressive. The passion for cooking is evident in each masterful stroke such that it leaves you wanting for more. I believe that is the goal of this new restaurant in Makati. Leaving its patrons craving.  

 Located on the 16th floor of DISCOVERY PRIMEA, FLAME RESTAURANT recently opened its doors to the dining public. A living chandelier greets you as you enter. There is a familiar feeling that envelops you as you pass through the door. I was at ease. Everything was seamless. Almost perfect and somewhat intimate. The view of the central business district and the bright lights already makes up for the terrible traffic down below.

  Chef Luis Chikiamco heads the kitchen. His experience in the culinary field is impressive. Being in the business for more than a decade, you can't help but be at awe. Having talent is one thing but being able to play with culinary toys elevates the experience. Showing off his Josper makes him smile with gusto. This machine is an elegant combination of grill and oven. It could cook a steak well within 5 minutes. That amazing.  Knowing that guests are in good hands makes everything better.

Patrons are actually given options in terms of seating arrangement. The more popular choice would be by the window. The skyline makes the mood romantic and relaxing. Being 16 floors up with an uninterrupted view would make anybody swoon with delight.

Another alternative would be seating by the bar. This area doesn't really appeal to the casual diners the way it does to food enthusiasts. Here, guests are able to interact with the chefs creating the dishes. One could smell and instantly fall in love with the way the food is prepared.

With the menu, diners are encourage to mix and match. Everything is simple yet elegant.

Starting off with the QUEZO de BOLA and HAM. Inspired by Massimo Bottura, this dish recreates the flavors of Christmas eve. The cheese is a little salty but it was complimented well by the sweetness of the ham. 

PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS could be an alternative starter. Soft and plump, these babies were flown in from the U.S.. The Porcini mushroom marmalade gave the scallops depth. Delicious.

Being able to make use of an ingredient properly is important in cooking. Chef Luis' ability to produce amazing dishes through his duck creations demonstrated this skill.

The Pan Roasted Duck Breast was moist and tender. Served with pumpkin puree, the duck meat had a slight sweetness because of the honey glaze. Another duck dish that is well recommended would be the FOIE GRAS. To compliment the buttery feel, pickled pears and a teriyaki eggplant is served on the side. The Nori-Tempura gave it a crunch as well.

Best partnered with a glass of red wine, the BRAISED US SHORT RIBS was both savory and had a fruity note. The ginger tamarind sauce gave it an Asian twist.

Dessert is an important part of any meal. At FLAME, they take care of this wonderfully.

Homemade pistachio ice cream is served with the FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE. Very decadent and unassuming, the cake is as good as it can get. Not over the top but very flavorful. For fruit lovers, they would enjoy how the apple was used and presented by the kitchen. Caramelized apples were sandwiched between cinnamon puff pastry to give it a bite. The aroma of this dessert was enticing.

In leiu of a cheese platter, the kitchen produced the TALEGGIO. Everything that you would look for done in one simple dish. A crispy top and a semi soft and mild cheese underneath. A bed of homemade apricot and and cherry mostarda makes it complete.

The flavors of the dishes blend well with one another. Making it easy to choose which dish would go along with the next.

The powerful combination of Chef Luis and General Manager David de Ayala makes FLAME the newest must dine destination in Makati. The team work between the two is just astounding.

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"FLAME takes its name from the team's burning passion and desire to create new experiences through food. Dishes combine modern European cuisine with Asian flavors"

FLAME
16th floor of Discovery Primea
6749 Ayala Ave, Makati City,
Metro Manila
Restaurant Website
Open from 6pm to 10pm Mondays to Saturdays



Disclaimer: was invited to this event. wrote this based on my experience.