The Establishment

It was an event that I attended last December when I found myself going inside The Establishment. I heard good things about the ambiance of this place so I was psyched to discover that I am going to finally see what everyone was talking about. A reception greeted us and pointed us to our right when we asked where the event was being held. 

Pretty walls and attractive lighting welcomed us as we made our way to our table. The place was chic and I especially loved the non-descript location of the DJ’s booth. 

The Establishment, as I know, is a restaurant-bar. It is marketed as high-end and is often a venue for events attended by known personalities. I, however, was just a happy attendee who got to try the following food below.

 

Tuna Bella Tataki with 9 Spice Aiolli – the tuna was fresh and flavourful. The sesame seeds on top added a nice texture. The greens were fresh and the sour vinaigrette was pretty good. 

Establishment’s Mixed Mushroom Soup – the soup was a little bland for my taste except when I chanced some mushrooms along with it. I know it could be better though. I had to send it back because it was not hot (nor warm) anymore when I had it. Maybe it was sitting on their counter before they served to all the guests. 

US Angus Beef Tenderloin Miso Zuke – now this piece of meat was delicious. It was very tender and far from being overcooked. It was marinated in some sort of barbecue sauce that tasted like a very delicious teriyaki. I was happy with this dish except for the almost bite-size serving. 

Carbonara – the pasta was not on the list of courses that night so the organizers probably ordered this last minute. We were actually giggling because my brother was talking about how “cute” the tenderloin was and he was seated beside the CEO of the company. He was crazy, I know. The carbonara was okay.

Pistachio de Lupe – this one was forgettable but sure evened out my palette as it was with no strong taste. The topping was unusual but it was quite far from being pleasant to the taste. 

Generally, the serving was quite tiny, certainly won’t fulfil a heavy eater. But this was expected from upscale restaurants like this. However, upscale restaurants also make it a point for you to forget that fact by amazing you with really good flavourful food, which sadly, I was not quite satisfied (except for the tenderloin). 

The service staff were friendly and polite but for a place such as this, I expected the waiters to be top notch. I was asking if the iced tea they were offering was brewed or powdered and the waiter did not seem to know what to make of my question. He had to go in the kitchen and ask (it was powdered and for a bar, I don’t think that’s wise). 

My sister was also asking for more focaccia bread they were serving while our meal has not started yet. We repeatedly ask (more than five times, mind you). It was very frustrating. I’m not sure whether they were scrimping or it happened that the baking took time. When what we asked for finally arrived and consumed, we asked for more in the middle of our meal (as our first request arrived during the time we were having soup). Alas, after many follow-up, it never arrived. Tsk. 

I wish they would serve better next time. I’m not quite excited to go back as I can go to places with good tenderloin steaks plus really good service. Maybe I should just try this place when the set up is for a bar party.

The Establishment

Unit A, The Fort Entertainment Complex

26th Street corner 5th Avenue Bonifacio Global City Taguig

(63 2) 8446364