Meet Me At Lobby 385 by Chef Kalel Chan

The narrow winding streets of the quiet San Juan neighborhood leads you to some of the metro's many hidden culinary gems. One of them is Lobby 385 by Chef Kalel Chan. Exciting things are happening at the 'hood in San Juan adding to your list of must-try dining destinations. Meet me at Lobby 385...

Food trends come and go, but the classics endure. Acclaimed Chef Kalel Chan brings back a comforting and impressive repertoire of traditional flavors to the table in an elegant new setting in San Juan at Lobby 385. From soothing cocktails to tasty starters, savory mains and decadent desserts, Lobby 385 weaves a sumptuous array of tempting dishes with Chef Kalel's own inspired take on the classics that just never goes out of style. And yes, premium steaks too.

From the ground up, Chef Kalel Chan and his partners transformed what used to be an idle vacant lot into one of San Juan's newest and exciting dining destinations. The stark modern and pristine white structure with its clean lines and panoramic glass windows is hard to miss along P. Guevarra Street. Lobby 385 is Chef Kalel's grand stage showcasing his casual yet refined culinary style with familiar international flavors from Western and European, Italian, Spanish, Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. 

The name of San Juan's newest restaurant perfectly captures the concept behind the latest venture of Chef Kalel Chan. Taking the usual hotel lobby with its international menu as a peg, Chef Kalel Chan recreates the same sophisticated vibe for the aptly named new restaurant which includes the street number. Think of it as your favorite hotel lobby transported to the streets of San Juan. 

Inside Lobby 385, the elegant space is given vibrant splashes of color held seamlessly together by dark wood tones...

...throughout the main dining area as well as the private rooms on the second floor. The venue's design and impressive menu combine for a memorable dining experience away from the usual commercial and business districts of the metro. 

But it's the semi-open kitchen at Lobby 385 that is the heart and soul of San Juan's newest restaurant, the engine that drives its hearty flavors. Inside the kitchen, the Kopa charcoal grill, smoker and oven defines many of the flavorful offerings at Lobby 385. Diners get a sneak peek at the magic behind each masterfully executed dish from the kitchen...

...helmed by Chef Kalel Chan with his trusted and loyal culinary team led by Head Chef Niels Mazon. At Lobby 385, Chef Kalel showcases his culinary mastery of international cuisine gained through years of experience in the F&B industry. More than just a new restaurant, Lobby 385 also reflects a more personal approach to comforting flavors rendered in a style developed through the years by Chef Kalel. For Chef Kalel, it's all about returning to the classics starting with the use of traditional white plates to present his creations. 

As more guests arrived for the lunch service at Lobby 385, Chef Kalel keeps a close watch on the kitchen ensuring each plate served meets his uncompromising standards. Since I began my own journey through my food blog many years back, I've documented the evolving style of Chef Kalel through the years with his various concepts. His culinary foundation is firmly rooted in disciplined tradition forming the foundation for Lobby 385. Not one to follow trends, Chef Kalel focuses more on real flavors perfectly executed for all his creations. 

And diners get to see this at Lobby 385. After all, good food never goes out of style. Like many hotel lobbies, the bar is a key feature in its overall design. At Lobby 385, the impressive bar is the first design element you notice as you step inside the elegant space. 

And that's a sure sign for a soothing libation before the feast. At the bar, handcrafted cocktails are part of the lavish layers in the Lobby 385 dining experience. And you'll find all the timeless and enduring cocktail classics...

...like the Old-Fashioned (P 380) along with the traditional Negroni (P 380), Martini (P 380), Margarita (P 380) and Mojito (P 380). Lobby 385 also offers its own Signature Cocktails (P 420) like the Lobby Sour, Passionfruit Margarita, Orange Mojito, Electric Lemonade with whiskey and limoncello, Sky & Sand with coconut and coffee liqueur, Bomb Sight with vodka and tequila, Poison 385 with vodka, tequila, gin, rum, whiskey and brandy and the inventive Vodka Salabat. 

The cocktail selection is complemented by wide array of even more tempting options from the Lobby Hot Shots line-up like Calamancello (P 180), Hot Blowjob (P 250) and Jager Bomb (P 250) to Gin & Tonic Signatures like the Valentine (P 450) with pink gin, strawberry and rose petals; Cielo E Sabia (P 420) with black peppercorn and cinnamon bark, Ilatrio (P 420) with Campari and sweet vermouth and Giardino (P 420) with passionfruit, pineapple, pomelo and cucumber along with a variety of beer, wine and spirits. 

For non-alcoholic options, Lobby 385 has that covered too with its refreshing beverage creations... 

...like the Dragon Fruit Cooler (P 220), Lobby Four Seasons (P 240) and Lychee Cooler (P 180) along with a selection of iced teas, lemonades, specialty milkshakes and even sugar-free options too. 

After a few more refreshing sips, Chef Kalel starts our dining experience with an array of appetizers kicked off by the intricately layered and crispy Potato Pave Crisp (P 345) with paper-thin slices of potatoes on creamy Hollandaise topped with Pecorino snow and truffle spray. 

Each tasty bite brings a delectable play on textural contrasts elegantly finished by the silky smooth Hollandaise, mildly sharp hints of the Pecorino and nutty notes of the truffle. Perfectly executed, the Potato Pave Crisp is a preview of even more sumptuous offerings yet to come at Lobby 385. 

The Bacalao & Prosciutto Croquettes (P 495) with wakame, salsa brava and aioli is another equally elegant rendition of a classic at Lobby 385. Crisp on the outside and succulent inside, the croquettes drapes the palate with a flavorful richness from the bacalao and prosciutto finished by the tart notes of the salsa brava. 

Nothing like a good salad to start a hearty meal, right? And Lobby 385 impresses with the Stracciatella Caprese (P 395) with fresh juicy tomatoes, grilled grapes, kaffir and fig de balsamico. The mound of shredded stracciatella adds a luscious richness to the salad tempered by the tart tomatoes and gentle bitter hints of the arugula for a delicately balanced finish. The grilled grapes, kaffir and fig de balsamico brings added layers of vibrant notes into play for a rich medley of flavors. 

If a fresh bowl of salad is your jam, let Chef Kalel tease your palate with his garden-fresh offerings like the Lobby Salad (P 525) with grilled chicken, apricots, cherry tomatoes, onion frizzles, Gorgonzola, avocado, basil, candied walnuts and housemade ranch dressing or the Truffled Arugula Ponzu Salad (P 525) with poached pear, figs, avocado, marinated kombu, sundried tomato, shredded onions, candied walnuts and shaved Parmesan. The Mediterranean Watermelon Salad (P 425) with whipped labneh or yogurt-based cheese, capsicum, green bell peppers, olives, mint parsley, Japanese cucumber, tomato, compressed watermelon, crumbled Feta and oregano is another tasty number with the flavors of a fresh harvest. At Lobby 385, each salad offering can be a satisfying meal in itself. 

Chef Kalel then brings his own creative spin to the Mexican elote with his Grilled Baby Corn Elote (P 325) with whole spears of tender baby corn sprinkled with Pecorino, cilantro and smoked pimenton. The sweetness of the baby corn and the contrasting notes from the Pecorino, fresh cilantro and pimenton is just one of many creative renditions at Lobby 385 high on my list of personal picks. 

Pasta is a comfort food lover's pick, and Chef Kalel indulges your pasta cravings with his novel creations like the Kopa Baked Hulk Lasagna Al Forno (P 575). The smashed or flattened pasta dish with Angus meat sauce, spinach cream, Mozzarella and Parmesan with its lightly crisp charred edges presents a unique take on a traditional pasta dish. The Kopa charcoal grill, oven and smoker does its magic laying subtle yet distinct smoky hints for a flavorful lasagna that's refreshingly different from your usual option. 

The Shrimp Bisque Cream Pappardelle (P 495) is another impressive pasta rendition from the kitchen of Lobby 385 with stracciatella, caviar, dill and succulent grilled shrimps. The briny richness of the bisque cream and grilled shrimps combine coating each wide, soft yet firm noodle with its indulgent flavors followed by the luscious finish of the smooth stracciatella. The caviar and dill become the perfect finishing touches for this decadently savory pasta offering and you can safely add this to your list of must-try dishes at Lobby 385. 

The various seafood offerings at Lobby 385 also deserve a spot on your list like the Giant Tiger Prawns Thermidor (P 895) with grilled crab fat dill butter paired with a refreshing salad petite. The briny sweetness of the large prawns punches through with each bite announced by an audible fresh snap. What follows is a sinful burst of flavors from the opulent grilled crab fat dill butter to complete the rich notes of the dish. 

The Grilled Whole Szechuan Barramundi (P 995) with lime, crisp garlic bits, tobanjan or chili paste and fresh chili paired with salad petite is another seafood dish with fresh and clean notes punctuated by a gentle soothing heat that lingers on the palate without overwhelming the delicate notes of the buttery fish. The freshness of the ingredients deliver all the real flavors in its purest and unrestrained form in a style that Chef Kalel is known for from his previous concepts. 

And just so you know, Lobby 385 also offers a mean burger...

The Lobby Signature 100% Angus Burger (P 595) with its savory duo of crisp and juicy smashed patty and original thick Angus beef patty, caramelized onions, American cheddar, tomato, iceberg lettuce and housemade secret sauce on buttery soft brioche paired with herb fries stands out as another impressive meal in itself at Lobby 385. Chef Kalel also offers the Cowboy Burger (P 595) with grilled bacon, Gorgonzola and black garlic sauce for even more savory burger options at Lobby 385. 

The table side service takes you back to nostalgic times at Lobby 385 adding yet another layer to your dining experience with the Table Side Beef Salpicao (P 595) with its heaping load of garlic in a fiery hot stone bowl paired with soft and crisp bitso-bitso for another creative touch by Chef Kalel. 

The fork-tender beef bursts with a flavorful juicy richness after each bite followed by the deep nutty hints of garlic. The soft and crisp mildly sweet bitso-bitso is perfect for mopping up even more savory richness from the bowl. 

Then, the signature steaks were served. San Juan now has a legitimate steak place at Lobby 385 with its selection of premium beef like the exquisite 20-Day Dry-Aged Australian Ribeye of 50% Wagyu and 50% Angus (P 4,500-400g/P 8,200-800g) fresh off the Kopa charcoal oven. Almost like butter, the unique cross-breed perfected in Australia is tender and juicy with just the right bite for that beefy finish. Expertly dry-aged in Lobby 385, the bold beefy richness of the Australian Wagyu/Angus Ribeye is gently romanced by the fiery charcoals of the Kopa oven for deep and rich flavors with its juicy pink center. A good steak like this one doesn't need anything else, a sprinkling of salt if at all is enough. But if you insist on some sort of sauce, Chef Kalel has demi-glacé, yuzu paste or hot mustard which works for me. 

The 28-Day Dry-Aged Australian Porterhouse 50% Wagyu 50% Angus (P 8,880-1kg) is another impressive highlight from the Lobby 385 menu. Just like the Australian Wagyu/Angus Ribeye served earlier, the Australian Porterhouse is perfectly grilled with its juicy pink center. The richness of the beefy flavors are made even more pronounced by that layer of smoky hints from the Kopa charcoal oven. The hefty cut consisting of a tenderloin fillet and strip steak is perfect for sharing as the main course at Lobby 385, but steak this good can go by pretty fast unnoticed. Keep your eyes open when you enjoy this steak...

But there's one more surprise from Chef Kalel's bag of flavorful tricks at Lobby 385. The USDA High Choice 24-Hour Sous-Vide Short Ribs Steak (P 1,500-500g) brings that luscious melt-in-your-mouth feel with its tender and buttery fall-off-the-bone richness. Layered with just the right amount of fat, the lingering richness is guaranteed to satisfy any carnivorous craving best paired with a side of Garlic Rice. Other steak options include the USDA Prime Grade Ribeye (P 2,890-400g/P 5,480-800g), the USDA High Choice Grade Ribeye (P 2,200-400g/P 4,200-800g), Petite Steak USDA Top Blade (P 1,200-200g) and 28-Day Dry-Aged Australian T-Bone 50% Wagyu and 50% Angus (P 4,680-600g). 

The Premium Steaks selection at Lobby 385 comes with a variety of sides and depending on the size of the steak, you can even get a number of sides for free. The list of sides (P 165/side) include the Steak Rice, Herbed Fries, Garlic Gochujang Corn, Garlic Rice, Mac & Cheese with Potato Crumbs, Buttered French Beans, Horseradish Cream Roasted Cauliflower, Silky Mashed Potato and Creamed Spinach. 

A hot stone slab is also provided at the table in case you want that extra seared finish on your steak. For me, that juicy pink center is just the way I like it. For those residing in the neighborhood, well lucky you. You now have a legit steak place at Lobby 385. 

Just how do you cap a perfect feast at Lobby 385? Here's three tempting desserts for that sweet ending starting with the homey Grandma's Pecan Pie (P 395). The nutty sweetness of the rustic pie topped with whole pecans and a scoop of vanilla ice cream has that timeless and nostalgic vibe...

...while the delicate Mulled Wine Poached Pear (P 375) with créme anglaise, mint leaves and vanilla ice cream crowned with an intricate Parmesan tuille offers a whole different kind of indulgence with its velvety smooth textures and lavish sweetness. The sweetness of the wine poached pear brings a delectable depth of richness that's perfect after a feast at Lobby 385. 

The Classic Tiramisu (P 375) with Belgian cocoa powder is as sinful as it looks covered in cream speckled with premium chocolate. Other picture-perfect sweet endings at Lobby 385 include the Belgian Chocolate Mousse (P 325), Basque Burnt Cheesecake (P 395) and Campfire Brownie (P 325). 

Pair your dessert pick with the Hot Chocolate...

...or the robust notes of the Latte for the perfect finish at Lobby 385. Lobby 385 is a welcome addition to San Juan's culinary landscape and with Chef Kalel Chan at the helm, the neighborhood may be the next emerging hidden dining destination in the metro. It also represents the next flavorful chapter in Chef Kalel's continuing journey, another page in a distinguished and colorful exploration and pursuit of culinary perfection. 

Lobby 385 is located at 385 P. Guevarra, San Juan, Metro Manila. You can also visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/lobby385ph and https://www.instagram.com/lobby385ph/ for more information and updates or call 8809 6716 for inquiries. 

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