Paloma Modern Spanish Bistro

In early January, I met up with my high school friends. A friend of ours was home in Manila, visiting from Chicago where she is now based as a doctor -- and that is always a good reason to get together.

We decided to meet up at the Shangri-la Plaza Mall. Deciding where to eat was difficult. We had initially chosen Sumo Sam -- but one person in the group didn't like to eat there. Another suggested Tender Bob's to which another friend protested. In the end, we decided to try Paloma which only opened last December 26, 2006.

Paloma is located at Level 6, The Ledge, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Shaw Blvd. cor. Edsa, Mandaluyong City, Philippines. You may reach them at 910-4096.

How was the food? It was alright. Not bad. I wouldn't mind returning, if only to try the other things on the menu. Their menu offers quite a number of choices, a number of which appeared interesting to me. The place is quiet enough for a group of friends who want to chat -- not too formal but not too casual either.

The price is reasonable too. We spent about P2,800 total for a group of 5. We had an appetizer, salads, about 3 main dishes, two desserts, and drinks. I don't remember the exact names of what we ordered anymore (shame on me) but I guess that's what happens when you are catching up with friends. The details just fly out the window.

The appetizer we had was some sort of sampler platter. It had four pieces each of cheese, ham (I think it was jamon serrano), sausage, plus one other item. One of our friends was late so the four friends who arrived early were happy with the appetizer. =) The salad (with pine nuts and a citrus-y dressing) was good too. The callos was tasty and filling while the paella was fine and had enough meat, seafood and veggies. The rice could have been more sticky though -- it was kind of "buhaghag" as we would say in Filipino.

We ordered a dish with seafood, noodles, and some soup/sauce. It tasted strange. I really can't describe or characterize the flavor but we didn't really like it. I don't think I'll be ordering that again.

For dessert, we shared a flourless chocolate cake and a caramel cake. Nothing outstanding and the caramel cake was more like cheesecake with caramel syrup on top. It wasn't what we expected.

For my drink, by the way, I tried the apple celery cooler. How did it taste? Very healthy. I told my friends that if they ever wondered what it felt like to "drink a salad" -- this drink was it. I think next time, I will opt for iced tea or something which isn't too unique.

At the end of our meal, we were asked to fill out an evaluation sheet. I thought it was not too good to just have three choices for guests to choose from: Poor, Average, Excellent. Given that, I ended up checking Average most of the time -- and come to think of it, I really would classify it as an "average" restaurant. It even took me about 2-3 requests to get their calling card. =)

Anyway, if you have tried eating at most of the restaurants at Shangri-la Plaza Mall, it wouldn't hurt to check this restaurant out once or twice. My friend, though, tells me that the Greek restaurant (Cyma or Cima?) at the same level is good.