L'Aubergine

L'Aubergine Restaurant is located on the 2nd floor, 32nd and 5th Ave. in Fort Bonifacio in the Philippines. This sophisticated yet not stuffy French restaurant has been in operation since 2007.  This was my first time here and it seemed appropriate to celebrate my mom and Sandi's birthday.

Before our appetizers, they served an amuse-bouche which was delicious. We started with several appetizers. Baked oysters were our first choice. We also had the Pan Seared French Duck Foie Gras: grilled watermelon, celeriac-apple mousseline, toasted brioche, salad greens in lychee dressing. I myself am not a fan of foie gras when it is pan seared, the rest of our party enjoyed it. The French Duck Foie Gras and Duck Breast Delight was truly a delight. Calvados jelly topped Foie Gras Terrine, pan seared duck foie gras on celeriac-apple puree. Home smoked duck breast with port wine scented mango, salad in raspberry dressing was a great companion to the wonderful terrine.  As soon as we finished our appetizers, they served a very light sorbet to cleanse our palate.

My brother Dino and I had the Beef and Sea Bass Composed; oven roasted US angus beef striploin, mashed potato, zucchini-mushroom salpicon, Madeira jus, Bearnaise. This entree came with Chilean sea bass, spiced fennel-apple compote and tagliatelle pasta with lemon beurre blanc. The steak was cooked to perfection and so was the sea bass which was flaky and tender.  My mom had the L'Aubergine Seafood Medley with parsley pappardelle, asparagus, saffron-tomato beurre blanc, some greens in lychee dressing. She was very happy with her choice.

Sandi had her favorite fish, Pan Seared fillet of Greenland Halibut with sauteed vegetable julienne, beetroot carpaccio, mustard seed-chive beurre blanc.  Her comment was" " It's the best halibut I have ever had". My nephew, Brian ordered the L'Aubergine Surf and Turf; grilled tiger prawns and roasted Australian Mulwarra beef tenderloin, pan seared duck foie gras, wild mushroom risotto, glazed vegetables, Madeira jus and Bearnaise sauce. He must have loved it as his plate looked like it just came out of the dishwasher!

For dessert, I ordered the Grand Marinier Souffle, Brian had the Chocolate Souffle. A Chocolate Brownie was shared. This brownie was not your typical brownie. I liked it as it was rich Belgian chocolate with a nice crust. They also brought out a little sampler plate of macarons and more chocolate.

While we were enjoying our desserts, they brought out a complimentary Chocolate Mousse Cake for the 2 birthday celebrants.  It had a candle with my mom's and Sandi's name written in chocolate.

Service couldn't have been better.  L' Aubergine is definitely a great restaurant for a special occasion. When you want great food, service and a nice ambiance, this is a place to consider.