Seven friends and a lot of good food at the Terrace

The art of eating truly good food is no easy feat when it comes to discriminating palates. A common passion for fine cuisine has brought together seven good friends to start a restaurant called Terrace showcasing diverse flavor profiles catering to a wide range of gourmands. The proprietors behind Greenbelt 5’s newest gem are Maricris Zobel, Carol Garcia, Menchu Soriano, Ching Cruz, Ivy and Cynthia Almario and Cecille Ysmael. While each of the gorgeous ladies is a respected hostess and successful entrepreneur in her own field, it is Cecille Ysmael of Thai at Silk fame who helms the kitchen and oversees the exquisite execution of each dish. By merging precision cooking, bold arresting flavors, treasured family recipes and an ambiance reminiscent of refined French country cuisine, the owners have elevated eating to an art form.

Arriving at the Terrace, you are immediately captured by the striking interiors. Fresh and elegant, the dining room presents the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. The same intricate detail drawn on the beautiful hand-painted wall resonates in every aspect of the meticulously designed, French-infused décor.

To start with, Cynthia Almario’s amazing artichoke dip definitely whets one appetite. Served with either Melba toast or tortilla chips, this creamy dip is packed with mouth-watering soft artichokes. Once you start munching on this, it’s difficult to quit. I can easily finish an order on my own. The delicate tofu salad in sesame dressing topped with truffle oil and bonito flakes has a refined Japanese flavor but the truffle oil gives it a little twist. This is a perfect starter for those who are health conscious and still look for something tasty. The signature Terrace salad of fresh garden greens comes with sweet red and yellow peppers, tomatoes, pears and almond slivers. You can elect to have it served with a lightly fried soft-shell crab adding more pack to the punch.

The protein-laden entrees cater to everyone’s wishes and I’d have to say that the hands-down winner is a meat lover’s dream. The steaks at Terrace are known to convert vegetarians. Whether you select the Prime Angus Porterhouse or the Angus Rib Eye, you cannot go wrong. Thickly cut steaks from the US retain insane flavor from being cooked on a charcoal grill; they’re quickly popped in a broiler to seal in the juices, creating a wonderful explosion on the palate. Though there are a bevy of sauces to choose from, including steak sauce from the New York institution Peter Luger, my favorite way to enjoy the steak is sprinkled generously with rock salt. Close your eyes and you’ll instantly be transported to Peter Luger via your taste buds. Though the steaks are large enough to feed a small army, customers can choose sidings for the slab of beautifully done beef. Be sure to try Carol Garcia’s Gulliver’s corn; the sweet and creamy accompaniment melts in your mouth. For chip lovers, the crispy coated French fries are lightly battered with a special herb coating.  

Another carnivorous favorite is the supremely tender short ribs, which gently fall off the bone. Each blissful bite echoes with gourmet flavors. Glazed with a sweet hoisin sauce, it comes with a choice of red or white rice, homemade slaw and bok choy, marrying Asian aromas in this memorable dish from Maricris Zobel’s kitchen. I can gorge on this happily at every visit to Terrace.

For lechon fanatics, the confit of pork belly is absolutely to die for. It’s a high-end version of our national festive dish. Slow-roasted for 12 hours and pared with a reduced balsamic glaze, the pork is succulent and tasty without being too fatty. Topping off the moist confit is a wedge of crispy skin showcasing various textures and a presenting a combination of great tastes.

On the flip side and for lovers of the sea, Ching Cruz’s delectable sole meuniere is a delicious choice. Not only is it an appetizing and healthy option, it’s loaded with flavor in every bite. A classic French dish that has been tweaked in Ching’s kitchen, this fish entrée tickles taste buds and always leaves customers satiated.

Even if I am bursting at the seams, there’s always room for dessert. Who doesn’t enjoy capping off a meal on a sweet note? The vanilla-infused panna cotta is soft and extremely velvety. Not too sweet or strong, the melted coffee sauce adds just the right amount of oomph to this delightful dessert. Chocoholics can indulge with the scrumptious truffle torte. The rich, dense cloud of chocolate melts in your mouth and leaves you aching for more.

Great for large groups, Terrace also works well as the perfect date place. For those planning Valentine’s Day, Terrace is a lovely, romantic option. From now until the end of February is an ongoing promotion of Moet et Chandon at P2,950 per bottle. 

Reasonable prices, stellar service and novelty will keep this epicurean jewel at the forefront of Makati’s in demand restos. 

The Terrace is now open for lunch and dinner. Located on the ground level of Greenbelt 5, call 729-6860, 729-0860 or 0917-827-6860 for reservations.