BRASSERIE CICOU.
Finally!
One
of my principals holds office in the Greenhills area. It was through
his network that I discovered such finds as Ristras, Sandy's Pizza, and
for a more upscale setting, Choi Garden or LuGang. However, for business
meetings or for a fancy lunch with friends, pulling out recommendations
would always be quite the challenge. Enter Brasserie Cicou.
The setting
is casual but clean, reminiscent of a country home with the oak-colored
furniture and lots of space and light. Chandeliers are creatively made
from old wine bottles or wine glasses. There is an elevated space for
cocktails or for children to run around in during Sunday lunch. The only
eye sore is a mural that was reportedly insisted upon by Preciosa
Soliven of next door OB Montessori.
The menu is generous and highlights hearty French meals. Lots of egg concoctions: eggs benedict, egg cocotte. A few pastas. For old Cicou regulars, it was comforting to see familiar items such as the marinated sardines: fresh tawilis with greens and goat cheese. Very fresh, a beautiful appetizer.
Another must-try among the appetizers is the beef tartare. It bites! And this is supposedly because it also uses the same meat as the Onglet (hanger steak), which is appreciated for its flavor.
My personal favorite among the hearty choices is the braised ox tongue, whose savory goodness and texture are both very memorable. Non-meat eaters may opt for the
For dessert, the Kouign Aman is the new toast of the town. Personally, it reminded me of neighborhood ensaimadas growing up. This was insisted upon by Chef Cyril Soenen's wife Anna so we have to thank her for introducing it to the menu. Its crusty texture and buttery flavor against the salted caramel ice cream makes it a real treat.
But personally, I like the Chocolate Moelleux even better. It looks simple but every spoonful is a stunner.
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| Hate this picture makes the Kouing/Kouign Aman look like doodoo. But it's really good. |
They also will soon open a deli so you can take out their signature pates and homemade sausages.
Finally, a good restaurant that's not in Taguig/Makati!
BRASSERIE CICOU
restaurantcicou.com
57 Annapolis, Greenhills, San Juan
+63 917 885 8841
+63 2 661 9200
Major credit cards accepted
Open lunch and dinner; closed on Mondays.
Reservations recommended.
Parking available in front but limited.
