Rainy Afternoons and an Off-the Menu Tasting Menu at UnFrench Bistro

Grey overcast skies, just like the day before didn't dampen my much awaited return to UnFrench Bistro for a satisfying meal with their Apple Walnut Salad and 8-Hour Roast Beef with Pommery Smash. But Chef Michelle Adrillana was in an inventive mood in the kitchen, transforming familiar Japanese flavors into new plated executions the UnFrench way. It rarely is just another rainy day at UnFrench Bistro...

Expect the unexpected, that's been the norm ever since Chef Michelle Adrillana opened UnFrench Bistro in the Greenhills neighborhood. Untraditional and unconventional, the very name of the restaurant clearly defines the concept, mood and tone at UnFrench Bistro. That rainy day, an off-the-menu Tasting Menu inspired by the distinct flavors of Japanese cuisine was one of many tasty highlights that brightened the cloudy afternoon.

More than just another restaurant, UnFrench Bistro is my little sanctuary in the neighborhood with my own corner spot where every meal becomes an uncomplicated no-frills moment to enjoy good food without any labels. Dining alone can sometimes be the most enjoyable experience, and the company of large groups is quite frankly overrated. Rain or no rain, UnFrench Bistro welcomes you in for that much needed break and time for yourself. Vibrant splashes of color from the art pieces by Ivan Acuña now adorn the walls of UnFrench Bistro...

...while the mismatched chairs reflect more than just an element of style but a statement of unconventionality further expressed in the no borders approach to flavors and culinary style from the kitchen of Chef Michelle.  

Ivan Acuña's pieces provides a visually stark contrast to the overcast skies outside...

...while the sumptuous dishes fresh from the kitchen completes the sensory experience with its vibrant flavors. The Apple Walnut Salad with its delectable play on contrasting notes and textures delivers fresh and clean flavors with the sweetness of the apples and caramelized walnuts, the intense cheesy burst of the crunchy bleu cheese balls and tart vinaigrette conspiring with the garden fresh and crisp greens for bringing some sunshine to the table.

The savory 8-Hour Roast Beef with Pommery Smash never fails to satisfy any appetite, and on a rainy day it just hits the spot. The fork-tender beef slathered in thick and creamy gravy just melts in your mouth draping the palate with its lingering notes...

...perfectly complemented by the Pommery mustard-infused mashed potatoes for that elegantly subtle sharpness to cut through the savory richness and balanced finish. It's the little touches like this that transform classic bistro fare into something different and special. And that's what you can expect at UnFrench Bistro. 

Satisfied with the salad and main course and ready for dessert, Chef Michelle offered something new from her beverage selection with the refreshing Fermented Sparkling Tea by Brye & Brew Kombucha. 

Available in Ginger Lemon, Raspberry Rose and The Original variants, the sharp yet soothing notes with just the right fizz cleanses the palate. Loaded with live probiotics to aid digestion and boost immunity, the Fermented Sparkling Tea from Brye & Brew is a refreshing all-natural alternative to the usual beverage options. And the Honey Wheat Ale by Alcalde Brewery? One more round, please.

But that's not all that Chef Michelle had in her bag of surprises that cloudy day. She's been busy working on a new tasting menu inspired by Japanese flavors in a spontaneous streak of creativity. The first course of Porcini Broth, Soba, Foie Gras and Katsuboshi warms the palate with deep earthy notes with each sip made even richer with the foie gras. The thick yet soft soba noodles are firm to the bite, followed by the clean and soothing richness of the broth. The play on distinctive Japanese notes combined with a classic culinary approach to pure flavors is a signature style of Chef Michelle, and the addition of foie gras elevates the first course in a lavish new tasting menu. Elegance in its simplicity, the Porcini Broth, Soba, Foie Gras and Katsuboshi sets the tone for the next courses...

A sweet and nutty Seaweed course cleanses the palate with its delectable bite...

...followed by an elegant slab of sweet Aubergine in Miso Butter Sauce. The meaty aubergine absorbs the richness of the miso butter sauce releasing its flavors with each tasty bite.

The freshness and quality of the ingredients deliver all the flavors, with the spring onions and sesame seeds adding both textural contrasts and flavors to the dish.  

Chef Michelle then served her classic Poached Egg with Plum Vinegar and Ginger topped with seaweed and spring onions for a comforting yet lavish expression of richness in that UnFrench style. The sharp notes of the plum vinegar and ginger perfectly tempers the luscious flavors of the poached egg for that delicately balanced finish.

The Salmon with Rice, Seaweed, Matcha Broth and Wasabi is a bold expression of contrasting flavors yet it all comes together in a seamless blend. The buttery richness of the salmon is complemented by the pronounced bitter hints of the matcha broth smoothened by just a pinch of wasabi in another masterful play of flavors. The infusion of matcha in a savory course highlights the creative range at UnFrench Bistro and its borderless cuisine.

Next, Chef Michelle served her Cabbage Wrapped Agedashi Tofu with Warm Sesame Soy Dressing and Katsuboshi delivering vibrant yet balanced bursts of flavors. The subtle sweetness of the cabbage and the distinctive nutty hints of the tofu combine for another unexpected yet flavorful pairing perfectly finished by the sweet and salty notes of the sesame soy dressing. The flavors are both clean and uncluttered, refreshing the palate as you go for another tasty bite.

A trifecta of corn showcases the playful inventiveness of Chef Michelle with her creative rendition of "Chichirya" inspired by the traditional elote. Imagine sweet corn, popcorn and kornik drizzled with lusciously creamy and silky smooth Japanese mayo. Already, you just know this works without even taking the first bite. 

Sweet, salty notes converge with each spoonful made even more flavorful with the rich blend of Japanese spices. And a cloudy day is suddenly transformed after a second bite. And a third. 

The Tasting Menu concludes on a high note with the Matcha Cheesecake with Almond Extract, Wasabi and Azuki. With her signature cheesecake as the base, Chef Michelle weaves a Japanese spin for her dessert creation with the bold notes of matcha and wasabi balanced by the creamy cheesecake and almond extract. Like all the previous courses, the rich yet delicate play on flavors come together perfectly orchestrated by Chef Michelle at UnFrench Bistro.

And soon, you too can enjoy this Japanese inspired Tasting Menu at UnFrench Bistro. Rainy day or not, find your spot at UnFrench Bistro...

UnFrench Bistro is located at the Ground Floor of 81 Xavier Residences, San Juan, Metro Manila. You can also visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/UnFrenchBistro and IG Feed at unfrenchbistro for more information and updates.

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