This review is more than a few months (Christmas 2016) late, and I failed to take any photos. That said, I do recall what I had and how it tasted.
Butternut Squash Soup (8.5/10). This actually deserves a 10 for the soup (well balanced and creamy), but the tortellini surprised me. Mainly due to my inability to accurately read menu descriptions when I see "Butternut Squash Soup," I really shouldn't deduct anything, as the tortellini (9) was actually quite tasty. This is just an issue of my brain not comprehending the combination as I consumed it. $5 US; enough soup to serve 2.5 large people. If ordered with a salad (which I really should have, if only to have more layers of deliciousness), one bowl is enough for a group of four, otherwise, two bowls will certainly do the trick.
Aglio e Olio (9/10). I love olio, and the dish didn't disappoint. The only thing keeping this one from a 10 lies with my preference for anchovies in anything olio. Again, if you like brilliant, flavorful and well-defined pasta, you won't be disappointed, either. $7; a lovely dish to open up the palate and make you completely forget that you're in Asia.
USDA Prime Grade Rib Eye ... and wonderful skillet potatoes (9/10 overall; 8.5/10 for the steak and 10/10 for the potatoes). I'm harsh on this grade, but perhaps very unfairly. I'm so used to wonderfully tender and aged rib eye in the US that the standards are simply higher. That said, the plating of the dish is a nice combination of elegance and camaraderie. Definitely a dish to share, and with a group of friends, this is more than enough to feed three or four large Americans (or maybe eight non-"gifted" individuals) leaving you completely satisfied, but without the typically accompanying bloat. $108 for 1.1 kg (39 ounces for us Americans) of succulent American beef.
Milk and Honey (10/10). The pastry chef and executive chef should never part ways. This dish closed out the meal brilliantly... and if this were the only thing I had when visiting, it would have made the trip worthwhile. A MUST HAVE! One serving can feed four (after the steak), but don't get upset if you find yourselves fighting over this one... Heck! Order four and take three to go with you! $8 and well worth it! Even if you're feeling bloated at this point, go for it. It's worth it. It's SO, SOOOOO worth it!
S'mores (8/10). This is possibly an unfair assessment as I had the Milk and Honey first. That said, if you like s'mores, this is an excellent re-creation of the timeless fireside classic. $8 and an excellent choice, but I would go after the Milk and Honey, if you only have room for one.
Service & Ambiance (10/10). Others note the size and speed of service, and, admittedly, when I first got there, those both were top of mind, but once the food arrived, I understood: Beauty is reserved for the bold of heart and patient souls. Enjoy the cozy space and relax with your friends. Order some wine, a light Malbec, perhaps, and breathe in the reprieve from the Manila hustle.
Price (6/10). For South East Asia, $140 seems pricey for four. Maybe not so much for six or eight. Parking was also an issue, sort of, as there is no real parking. I suppose, if you have a driver (or Uber), that's not really a problem.
Value (10/10). This may have been, in totality, the greatest meal and experience I've had. Period. Worth every centavo. (Yes... all 700,000 of them!) I definitely plan to visit again. read more