As much as possible, Mr. GJG & I try to squeeze in a date night every weekend. The traffic though can limit our search for restaurants we’ve never tried. Lucky for us, one of our favorite malls is just a few minutes away from our area so we brave one Friday night and off we went to Shangri La mall to try Duck & Buvette.
Buvette (bu-vet) is a French neighbourhood refreshment stall usually found near markets offering simple and friendly prepared snacks made from the ingredients available that day D&B is the restaurant’s take on burettes, serving inspired yet simple food, using seasonal reduce and handpicked ingredients, with influences from the cooking of the French countryside.
photo from D&B Facebook page.
D&B used to be Cafe Provencal. The casual French restaurant and bakery is not intimidating for it gives an inviting and cozy feel. They even welcome their young customers with a kiddie menu and offers Mamas & Papas booster chair. I’m definitely bringing my kids next time.
I was super tempted to feast over their pastries, coffee and desserts. But since it was a late night date with Mr. GJG, we opted to pick a dish that we think each other will like. So, after much contemplation on what to order (we really wanted to try all their best sellers) here’s what we ordered.
Brandade de Bacalao Dip, P190
Brandade de Bacalao is the emulsion of salt cod and olive oil. I kinda expected the dip to be salty but was somehow relieved that it wasn’t. I like however that it was creamy and had the right blend of olive oil to it.
Crispy Potato Pave & Salty Duck Egg, P175
Cubes of fried potato layers, topped with salty duck egg and créme fraiche. Probably the best fried potato next to french fries that is.
8 Hour Angus Briskets, P370
Slow roasted, melt in your mouth black angus beef served with roast garlic potato mash and roasted mushroom sauce. Beef. Melts. Yum. I couldn’t come up with a better description. I would’ve wanted an extra cup of rice as the mushroom sauce is flavourful.
Confit of Pork Belly with Egg & Rice, P360
Crisped belly, confit in duck fat, poached duck egg, raspberry & balsamic reduction, garlic rice. It’s a great, balaced dish but eating it alone can make you feel umay (disgusted). I guess it’s because of all the grease coming out from the belly.
Burnt Sugar Old Fashion, P260
Bourbon, Islay Malt, Angustura Bitters, Burnt Sugar & Orange.
I can’t really tell much about drinks as I’m no connoisseur. All I know is that good drinks should taste bitter. Heehee. If this Burnt Sugar Old Fashion is suppose to taste literally, I’m sad to say it didn’t do a good job at representing itself. It just tasted bitter.
Overall, we enjoyed our dinner date at Duck & Buvette. Looking forward to trying their other best sellers hopefully next time their coffee and dessert.
Must. Try. These. Next. Time.
DUCK & BUVETTE
Casual French and Bakery
2F Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Main Wing
Mandaluyong City
(02) 631 0675 / (63) 917 932 4843
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