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thehungrykat1 · 2 years

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Somm’s Table in Makati Offers French Fusion Cuisine Inside a Modern Speakeasy

There’s a new speakeasy hidden among one of the buildings in Legazpi Village, Makati that serves some of the best French fusion cuisine I have ever tasted. I was not expecting to find such fantastic and creative dishes here, especially with its nondescript building facade, but I was more than pleasantly surprised with the way our evening turned out at this new hidden gem.

Somm’s Table is the newest restaurant concept to open at Bolanos Street in Legazpi Village. It has quite a peculiar location as you can find it inside the basement parking level of the Corner Exchange Building, an old 7-story building in one of the busy streets of Makati. Aside from the signage outside, you would not even think that there is a charming place like this just waiting to be discovered.

Somm’s Table opened its doors last August 1, 2022 and is quickly making the rounds as a secret hideaway for those with discerning tastes. Helmed by Michelin-star trained chefs Raphael Gries and Julien Sobolewski, Somm’s Table gives a taste of French fusion dishes, a selection of fine wines, and a patisserie and deli – all in a modern speakeasy setting.

The restaurant comes with a cozy and relaxing vibe with its hardwood floor panels and various pop culture art designs and murals on display. You can always find a small corner where you and your friends can enjoy each other's company.

Somm’s Table has that modern speakeasy vibe, a small secret place that you can go to without the entire city noticing. In the early 1920s, alcohol became illegal and hidden bars became a thing, so the modern speakeasys took the same idea, without having to hide the booze.

The restaurant's interiors also boast an eye-catching view of fine wines in their glass wine cellar, exclusively curated by its owner Raphael who is also a WSET 4 certified Sommelier. The place is actually divided into two, with the big lounge chair and sofas accompanying the bar area. They also have special cocktail menus available featuring classic and signature drinks.

Special evenings may also come with some live musical performances, or you can highlight your own musical prowess if you feel like expressing yourself.

My friends and I were invited to visit Somm’s Table last week to try their unique French fusion cuisine. Raphael & Julien source all their Farm-to-Table ingredients from their very own farm in Tagaytay filled with unique vegetable crops originating from Europe. They also source imported meats and ingredients from around the world so I knew it was going to be a special evening.

We started with some complimentary breads and butter on the table. Somm’s Table offers different types of authentic french pastry classics at their patisserie like croissants, cinnamon rolls, and pain au chocolat available for to-go. They also offer a classic and unique collection of cold cuts and cheese in their deli menu, which you can also enjoy paired with wine.

Somm’s Table is the first modern speakeasy restaurant in Manila that serves a fantastic collection of wine and cocktails paired well to balance out the best-tasting French dishes. The Ginger Papa (P450) is one of their signature cocktails with an interesting mix of ginger syrup and Don Papa rum. This one will really clear your airways if you decide to belt out a tune.

They have other interesting signature concoctions like the Spicy Girl (P480) and the Ube Delight (P550). Otherwise, go for one of the classics like the Amaretto Sour or the Old Fashioned.

Now it’s time to sample their French fusion cuisine. Whether you are coming here for dinner or drinks, Somm’s Table has plenty of choices to keep everyone happy.

The Goat Cheese Gazpacho (P350) is a cold soup appetizer made with vegetables and topped with goat cheese. It’s a pretty dish that’s packed full of flavors to jumpstart our adventure.

I loved having the St. Jacques Scallops (P490) with its plump and juicy scallops lined on a bed of green pea mash with asparagus salad.

Then there’s the Smoky Caesar Salad with Speck (P490). The salad bowl comes with a bit of theatrics as it is presented covered and then opened with its own smoky effect. The smoked ham is a great flavor addition to the Caesar salad. It’s big enough to share for 4 to 5 persons.

The Onion Soup (P310) is one of the highlights of the evening for me. The warm broth is covered and baked with 36-month old parmesan that sits on top of a literal carved white onion.

I have never seen French onion soup presented this way. It is also served with a slice of sourdough which you can dip inside the soup if you prefer. Then you can scrape off and eat the onion itself after finishing the broth.

The Lumpia Duck Confit and Foie Gras (P490) is another tasty appetizer with its crispy wrapper dipped in a special sauce.

Now this is probably the prettiest dish that night. The Egg Nest (P630) is a beautiful rendition that comes with 20-year old Imperial Caviar from the Amour river topped with gold leaf. It’s a fancy dish that is playful and fun to eat at the same time.

We tried a couple of their main dishes too. The Moroccan Lamb Ragu Pasta (P790) is a meaty pasta that should fill up hungry diners. There’s also the Green Asparagus and Pea Risotto (P540) for those who want a healthier alternative.

Seafood lovers like me should order the Pan Seared New Zealand Salmon (P780). The salmon is cooked perfectly with its crispy skin and very tender meat served on top of veggies.

The Bresse Yellow Chicken (P1490) is imported all the way from France and is considered as the most delicious chicken in the world. It definitely proved its case especially with the way it was cooked for us. The chicken came with creamy wild mushroom and fried crunchy potato gratin.

You can also order sides to complement your main dishes like the Creamy Spinach (P280), Corn Mash (P280), or Burned Cauliflower Purée (P290).

For desserts, we enjoyed a taste of their Apple Tatin (P310) and Ube Cheesecake (P280). These were beautiful and delightful endings to complete our French fusion dinner.

Somm’s Table is a unique and charming venue that I might not really want to share with everyone else because I want to keep it for myself. It’s hidden location adds a bit to its mystery, especially without the prying eyes of passers-by. So if you are looking for a new place to explore, try to look for Somm’s Table and discover this hidden gem for yourself.

Somm's Table

Basement 1, Corner Exchange Building, Bolanos Street, Legazpi Village, Makati

www.facebook.com/sommstable.ph

Instagram: @somms_table

#SommsTable #Speakeasy #Restaurant #Bar #French #Fusion #Cocktails #Steak #Wine #Makati #Philippines

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