Started the year with a trip down south!
Two Sundays ago, I had the pleasure of dining at The Nest, this beautiful restaurant perched at the 31st floor roof top of Vivere Hotel and Resorts. For those who aren't familiar with it, here's a quick back story: Vivere Hotel is a family run business that has been around for almost 14 years now. The hotel offers five-star amenities with 200 elegant rooms and suites perfect for both business and leisure travelers. It is also known for its sky high dining with a view of the city, where, despite the spacious interiors, you'll still find a sense of intimacy and warmth.
I've actually been to their restaurant a few years back, when it was still called Sky Lounge. Turns out, sisters Anina and Crisel renovated it in July 2013 to combine its modern setting with a homey feel. They wanted to create a space where you can lay back and be comfortable in - thus, The Nest was born.
It was a beautiful day out, so naturally, our group wanted to dine by the pool. But then, the wind got involved and our hair just wouldn't cooperate, so we had to move inside. Still, I'd recommend dining alfresco style to really get into the mood, especially if you're celebrating a special occasion. I heard that it's even more amazing here at night, where you get a great view of the sunset and city lights - the perfect elements to have on any date!
If you want to dine somewhere more private, you can opt to stay at the veranda where there are fewer tables and a better view of the metropolis. Unfortunately, we weren't able to see its full effect at night since we had to get back to QC, but I'll surely pay The Nest another visit in the next months!
Personally, I don't mind driving an hour to unwind at a place like this. It's so close to the city, yet, when you're here, you'll feel like you're at a luxurious beach resort somewhere far away.
What's great is that they recently started offering local craft beers and premium mixes by David Dennis to go with the soothing jazz music that happens every night! Unwind kung unwind!
Their food offerings go perfectly with their very chill, laid back vibe, as well. Imagine steak, ribs, crispy pata, sinigang, kare-kare, prawns, and onion rings - classic comfort food from different cuisines that will keep you coming back for more!
For starters, we had the Crispy Catfish Salad (P390) which consists of green mangoes topped with crispy fried flaked catfish meat, onions, peanuts, and cilantro leaves. The crunchiness of the veggies and fish works well with the texture and flavor of the mangoes. There's nothing common about this salad.
Their Mango Salad with Scallops (P475) is probably the most colorful salad I've ever seen! Each element brings something special to the dish and I honestly don't know how anyone could come up with such an amazing salad. I'm not a big vegetable eater, but having grilled scallops wrapped in spinach and bacon topped with hollandaise sauce, feta cheese, mangoes, and strawberry vinaigrette in it makes it a ten in my book.
Next on our list is an American favorite - Buffalo Chicken Wings (P380)! Perfectly cooked with a generous serving of bleu cheese; not as spicy as I expected, but delicious, nonetheless.
If you asked me which dish I had the most of, it would probably be the Beef Salpicao (P450). Tender US beef chunks served with lots of garlic chips and a huge scoop of their not-so-mashed mashed potato that I just couldn't get enough of!
Dish of the night would probably go to their Crispy Binagoongan (P475). Lechon kawali simmered in tomatoes and their homemade shrimp paste - it's the right kind of salty for the Filipino palate!
The Pan Grilled Chicken and Garlic Steak (P380) with demi-glace sauce is served with the most tender chicken thighs steaks, garlic chips, and grilled vegetables. Try pouring some chicken drippings on your rice if you're feeling extra sinful.
When it comes to flavor, the Spaghetti Vongole (P310) is the most subtle. I'd recommend mixing it before eating as the olive oil/white wine sauce tends to settle. You can also opt to add some chili flakes or lemon juice to it for that extra punch.
For the meat lovers, make sure to try out their Bistro Steak (P1,155). A hearty 225 grams of succulent, well-marbled meltique striploin, tender and deliciously juicy with each cut oozing with savory goodness!
I didn't even have to use a knife with this one. It's that tender!
For dessert, we started off with the Molten Lava Cake (P220). I thought this would be too sweet, but the salted caramel and, I'm guessing, dark chocolate worked really well together. It had just the right amount of sweetness with a warm, oozing truffle center.
I'm starting to think they really love mangoes here, since the Mango Creme Brulee (P220) is the third dish of the night containing the fruit! Not that I'm complaining, I love mangoes! The fact that they mixed it with creme brulee makes me love it more. It's a welcome change from the usual custard and caramelized sugar combo I have a tendency of hoarding at buffets. Haha!
Lastly, we had the Frozen Brazo (P220), The Nest's take on brazo de mercedes. A four-layered cake containing soft meringue, vanilla ice cream, custard filling, and a graham crust. Again, not too sweet, and the varying textures makes it all the more fun to eat.
I'm already looking forward to my next trip to the south! Thanks again, Anina and Crisel! :)
The Nest Alabang
31/F Vivere Hotel, 5102 Bridgeway Avenue, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
For inquiries and reservations, call 771-7777 or (0917) 8043257
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