I've passed by Alchemy Bistro and Bar several times already.   I was honestly intimated and mistakenly thought its striking facade indicated that it is a bar or disco place.  Good thing I was invited by Zing Rewards to try it out with them. 

I was really surprised that it was a French restaurant with the owner and chef who specializes in French cuisine as she graduated from Le Cordon Bleu.  


It has an elegant bar area with violet hue and bright lights highlighting the bottles.


You can really feel the magic of the place through its bizarre interiors with gargoyle statues, hanged bicycles, odd displays and English influenced fixtures mix mashed together.  



Aside from its casual dining area, there's also an alfresco area by their brick oven.


But, I love the second floor more.  It also has a bar with a semi-alfresco area that gives you a great view of the city.


This is also considered as their smoking area as it is not air-conditioned and well-ventilated.
 

Food

Complimentary Bread Basket with Olive Oil

Small Plates

Baked Oysters (350 php)

The Baked Oysters is a superb starter with its freshness, cheesiness and size!

Pizza
Since they have a brick oven, we found it difficult to desist from ordering pizzas.

Proscuitto Crudo (430 php)

My meat-loving friends ordered the Proscuitto Crudo which had long strips of proscuitto ham and mozzarella.  The dough is thin so it was slightly crispy with the right degree of chewiness.  Although I like proscuitto, I couldn't help but wish that they were sliced into smaller pieces so the flavor would have been evenly distributed as it was too salty on some parts but not plain on the other parts. 

Scandinavian (460 php)

If you're a salmon lover like me, you'lll enjoy the Scandinavian with horseradish and capers that perfectly complements the salmon slices.

Alchemy (450 php)

The Alchemy  has proscuitto, arugula, balsamic reduction with truffle oil and scamorza cheese.  This was similar to the Proscuitto Crudo but with more ingredients.  I liked this but more of the truffle flavor would have made this better.


Pasta 

Gnocci (280 php)

The smooth and soft Gnocci in subtle gorgonzola cream sauce topped with crispy pancetta is so addictive! 
  

♥ Tagliatelle (310 php)

The Tagliatelle has generous servings of baby scallops, shrimps, tomato cherries, zucchini with some pine nuts in creamy light saffron sauce.  This was well-executed.

Mains

Roasted Organic Chicken (360 php)

The Roasted Organic Chicken is a quarter chicken served with sauteed mushrooms and french beans.  It also comes with rice pilaf and gravy.  Although the spiced blend is delicious, I found the chicken meat to be quite dry on some parts.
 

♥ Slow-Braised Australian Lambshank (615 php)

Everyone gave their approval for the Slow-Braised Australian Lambshank  which was slow-cooked for over 40 hours.   The thick chunk of clean-tasting lamb meat easily slides off the bones.  It is served with sauteed carrot sticks, french beans and mushroom,  Mediterranean Couscous and gravy.  

Drinks

Strawberry Daiquiris

Fiery Passion

Zing Rewards
I'm also now a member of Zing Rewards Card which offers 5% rebate on partner merchant establishments (not limited to food).  I've actually used it already on several restaurants.  It works whether you pay by cash or credit card. It also has a partnership with AIG Philippines so membership comes with Wallet and Purchase insurance.  The Zing Rewards Card costs only 300 php good for 1 year validity.  For more info check out http://www.zingrewards.com.  
 
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Alchemy Bistro and Bar is a great magical place for affordable French dishes with a one of a kind ambiance.  The passionate chef and owner is very hands-on with her new restaurant so you'll sure to have a pleasing experience.