I remember when I was little, I would always see these beautiful ballet performances shown on TV and they would always be held at a certain “Paco Park”. Being from the north side of Quezon City, my knowledge about Manila was only limited to Intramuros, España, Taft, and Roxas Boulevard. So always seeing those shows sparked the curiosity in me on what’s to see in the area, but unfortunately I never did get the chance to visit it. And finally, thanks to my foodie friend Harvard of @alwayshungryph, I finally made it to Paco Park. Specifically to dine and savor ‘The Originals’ at My Kitchen at the Oasis Paco Park Hotel.

My Kitchen’s Location and Food Inspiration

Located at the Ground Floor of The Oasis Paco Park Hotel, My Kitchen by Chef Chris Locher is a casual dining Italian restaurant in the heart of Manila. Now managed by Chef James Manaloto, My Kitchen (formerly known as Barramundi Restaurant) has a dining setting very much like what authentic dining spots Italians have – no frills, low-key, just like you’re dining at home.

And that day we were about to sample the best that Chef Chris’ life work was all about – passion for good food that warms the heart.

My Kitchen’s Antipasti Choices

Let’s open up our appetite first, shall we? And My Kitchen’s Antipasti just did that for us (big time!)

First up: Greens! Their Caesar Salad (PHP 490.00) is made with romaine hearts dressed with their classic garlic and anchovy dressing, topped with parmesan cheese, bacon bits and freshly baked croutons. Loved how it exploded with so much color and flavor but was light enough to crave more food.

Second up is the Paco Panizza (Php 790.00). Made with a thin and crispy dough crust, this fun roll-up pizza boasts of five cheese and herbs, and topped with chicken herbed chicken fillet, smoked bacon, portabello and golden mushrooms, some capers and slices of Kalamata olives. Don’t forget to throw in some alfalfa and arugula on top for a crunchy, fresh taste. A more authentic version of some fast pizza outlets, the Paco Panizza was tastier and more filling.

Tasting some of the ‘The Originals’

Now that our palettes were open (and hungry), time to sample some of My Kitchen’s best-selling fares.

Risotto Fruti Di Mare (PHP 890.00)

A delicious combination of the freshest catch of the day (salmon, mahi mahi, shrimp and imported mussels) and savory ingredients (tomato, parmesan cheese, butter and saffron), My Kitchen’s Risotto Fruit Di Mare is an art by itself. It was creamy, had a melt-in-your-mouth texture… simply delectable!

Linguini Vongole

Still having more space for some delights, we also had the Linguini Vongole. I appreciate how festive yet light it was – flat thin fettuccine noodles sauteed in virgin olive oil and tossed in with some tomatoes, capers, and fresh parmesan. This is as authentically Italian as it gets!

Can salmon please teach me how to cook delicious food like this? Crave-worthy Salmon in Pesto from #MyKitchen at @theoasisph. Double tap if you want some! 🐟🐟🐟

A post shared by Food Blog by Tina x Karla (@hungrytravelduo) on Mar 13, 2018 at 9:09pm PDT

Fennel Crusted Salmon Fillet with Pesto Sauce (Php 790.00)

Now if you’re skipping out the carbs or would like to focus on one distinct flavor, then the Fennel Crusted Salmon Fillet with Pesto Sauce is a must! Enjoyed how the salmon was seasoned well and buttery and was bedded on mashed potatoes and some Chinese Spinach.

Homemade Gelato (Php 125.00 per 100g scoop)

No Italian meal ends without some good dolce. And nothing speaks more Italian, as far as dessert goes, than some sweet Gelato! We got 4 special artisan flavors: Blueberry, Coffee, Rum Raisin and Chocolate. Enjoyed how soft and creamy all were but I enjoyed the Blueberry best! We even thought it was ube or taro! Hehe

So next time you’re planning a staycation in Manila, why don’t you try lovely boutiques such as Oasis Paco Park Hotel. You’ll never know what hidden treasures and flavors awaits! #TheOasisPH #MyKitchenAtTheOasis

CONTACT

My Kitchen by Chef Chris

Location: 1032 – 34 Belen Street, Paco, Manila, Philippines  

Contact: (+632) 521-2371 to 75

Follow My Kitchen: Facebook | Instagram