Every year we try to cook up a surprise birthday dinner for the greatest foodie in the family: our mom.  Choosing some place undiscovered used to be easy.  Now with my advent of Instagram and Facebook, it is usually our mom being the first to know every new restaurant joint that pops up.  So, we decided to go with the classic at Impressions.

Located at the 3rd floor of Maxims Hotel, Impressions is a fine dining French restaurant spear-headed by celebrity chef Cyrille Soenen.

The family has already tried celebrity chef Cyrille Soenen at Brasserie Cicou before.  But, we're more epicurious to try this one after seeing its collection of awards.


We made reservations only to find out the the place is barely empty.  The function room is occupied by Senator Enrile so the staffs were very preoccupied there when we came in.

After a few minutes of waiting, we were ushered to our seats passing by a bar...

and an open kitchen.

Although empty, each table already has a table set up. 

There was a cheery long table near us.  We recognized celebrity Gretchen Barreto as one of the guests.  And since they might think that we're a paparazzi, I just took a photo of the empty side of the place. =))

Food

Soups

French Onion Soup (350 php)

The French Onion Soup has a fragrant and sweet flavors of caramelized onions topped with huge pieces of crouton and a generous amount of gruyere.

♥ Philippine Prawn Bisque (390 php)

The Philippine Prawn Bisque is beautifully presented with tiny sea urchin flan and caviar.  Aside from visual appeal, it is so delicious!  This is one of the best prawn bisque version we've tried!

Create Your Own Set Menu

• 1 Appetizer or 1 Main Course + 1 Dessert (950 php)
• 1 Appetizer + 1 Main Course + 1 Dessert (1,500 php)

We opted to order the Soups separately because it is actually more affordable than being included in the Create Your Own Set Menu.  And, then we chose the 2 course of the  Create Your Own Set Menu.  Although the Main Course is limited with this option, they actually offer it in the ordinary serving size which is huge. 

Mains

♥ Impressions Bulalo (650 php)

Hearing bulalo sounds native right?   But, the Impressions Bulalo is nothing familiar to us.  It is a completely different French interpretation.  The Impressions Bulalo is a US beef short rib in creamy truffle beef broth with vegetables.  I liked it.  The truffle is not too strong bringing a wonderful balance with the beefy taste.

♥ Bavette U.S. Hanging Tender with Shallot Sauce (788 php)

The Bavette U.S. Hanging Tender with Shallot Sauce is superb!  The meat was cooked consistently and I couldn't pick a better complimentary than the shallot sauce.

♥ 12 Hour Cooked Lamb Shoulder Tajine-Style (820 php)

Among our orders, I loved the 12 Hour Cooked Lamb Shoulder Tajine-Style the most.  This is a must try!


Cheese and Desserts

♥ Minestrone of Compressed Fruits (360 php)

My mom got the Minestrone of Compressed Fruits.  She absolutely adored very bit of this beautiful masterpiece.

Flourless Chocolate Cake (350 php)

Framboise (350 php)

The Framboise is probably the worst option.  We failed to appreciate this.

Mom's Complimentary Surprise Birthday Cake

They prepared a little surprise treat for my mom which was cool.  We got to take home this flourless chocolate cake.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We were very satisfied with the serving size and quality at Impressions.  For us, it the price we paid was a worth every peso.  If  you're looking for a fulfilling French dining experience, then this is a great choice.

SM City Manila is just a few minutes away from home.  During my OJT, it is also my second home which is why I've reviewed most dining establishments there.  I thought I've covered it all but when I received an invite to the Manilennial Eats Food Crawl, I've discovered that there's are new food places to explore.  Let me share with you the 10 food destinations we visited.

First Stop: Buffalo Wings n' Things 

♥ Garlic Parmesan Champion Buffalo Wings Triple (154 php)

If you're looking for an addictive treat without spiciness, the Garlic Parmesan Champion Buffalo Wings is a great choice. 

Garlic Parmesan No Bones Fun Single Triple (409 php)

 I personally like it with the bones, but you can opt for the No Bones Fun if you want.


Second Stop: 8 Street Bites
This is my second time at 8 Street Bites.  Since my first visit, I wanted to try more of its menu items.

♥ Freeway Nachos (98 php)

No words are required to tell you how irresistible it is to dig in into the Freeway Nachos.  The price is very reasonable so there's no reason not to order.

♥ Country Fried Chicken Steak with Milk Gravy (148 php)

The Country Fried Chicken Steak with Milk Gravy is a must try! 


Third Stop: Choobi Choobi

♥ Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Among all the dishes we've tried, the Salt and Pepper Shrimp is my fave.  Now that we're into Choobi Choobi, let me tell you that ever since it has opened in SM Manila, it has been our family's favorite.  (So sorry I was just so lazy to blog about it because I  tend to want to eat with my hands and not bring out my camera)

Fourth Stop: Hot Star Large Fried Chicken

Crispy Large Fish and Crispy Large Chicken

It's been a long time since I first visited Hot Star Large Chicken at their pioneer branch.  I'm happy to update that they now have Dimsum Bowls, Chicken Cuts Meals and new Ala Carte items.

Fifth Stop: Tokyo Joe

California Maki 10 pieces (145 php)

If you're an instagram follower, you'd see that the family has already tried Tokyo Joe before. (Yes, pardon my lazyness I forgot to blog it again... which is why you should also follow on IG right? =D)

Joe's Chicken Bowl Regular (129 php)

Katsu Bowl (159 php)

Gyudon Bowl Regular (149 php)

I've tried all these items before, but now I noticed that the flavor is stronger.  My preference is towards subtle taste but maybe they adjusted it somehow to Filipino taste buds.

Sixth Stop: Mad for Pizza

Danggit Pasta Solo Share (228 php)

Creamy Salmon Alfredo (248 php)

Chicken Havana (158 php)

Make Your Own Pizza (288 php)

Mango Supreme (68 php)

I've tried Mad For Pizza back when it was in Il Terrazo so I was expecting more or less of the same menu.  But, turns out they revamped everything except for the Make Your Own Pizza Concept.  I loved the old concept but pricing now fits a student budget and the serving size is satisfying.

Seventh Stop:  Ramen Cool

♥ RCool Ramen (260 php)

Two years ago, I blogged about the RCool Ramen having overcooked egg.  Well, look at it now, perfectly runny!  And, the broth is more flavorful.  I'm very happy with the improvement.  

Eigth Stop: Wicked Waffle

♥ Berry Banana Split (170 php)

 I was never a waffle fan but Wicked Waffle's Berry Banana Split is so good I couldn't stop myself from finishing it.  Hands down this is the best waffle dessert I've tried.


Ninth Stop: Red Table

♥ Korean Barbecue

I've previously shared how I loved and frequented Red Table.  Well, their new item made me love it even more!

Tenth Stop:  Big Daddy's

♥ Seafood Penne (155 php)

I've tried Big Daddy's several times.  (Yes, again lazy to blog about it).  But, I always order their meat selections.  I've just discovered that their Seafood Penne is just as good and as affordable.  It has a slight sweet blend like our pinoy style spaghetti.

So that concludes our #ManilennialEats Food Crawl.  Join in by posting some of your too.  Check out SM City Manila's social media accounts for more offerings of the #ManilennialEats.