See you at Citrio

Café Citrio was born when its older sister restaurant Uva moved to its new location in the new Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center in Makati City. Chef/owner Fernando Aracama then renovated former Uva space along Tomas Morato Avenue into what is now a quiet, laidback and family-friendly café.

From the lush and rich burgundies and indigos of grapes and wines that was once Uva, Citrio, in contrast, bursts with breezy sunny colors of lemons, oranges and limes. A vibrant yet delicate palette of fresh colors greets you as you enter the café. The ceiling is a cool tone of pale mint green; the walls in gentle shades of lemon with the old sandstone panels and dark handsome wood shelves from Uva lending substance and stability. The cushions of the chairs and the long banquet seats imitate the color scheme as well. The overall feel of Citrio is very stress-free, fresh and light. Interiors are inspired by what you see in homes, where you’re comfortable and at ease. Not like a typical eating establishment. The owners even added a new lounge area towards the back of the cafe to achieve a cozier-atmosphere. It’s a perfect area for after- dinner tea or long afternoon private conversations over cappuccino and desserts.

Citrio is one serious place for genuine foodies. The menu features legacies from Uva that many people come back for. Lemongrass Beef with Vietnamese nuoc cham dip remains to be a favorite. The famous Chicken Inasal – grilled boneless chicken breast done Bacolod style (the chef’s hometown) with a delicious sauce is excellent. Bangus Bellies from Dagupan get the Ala Pobre treatment here with plenty of garlic crisps and olive oil. The whimsical Pasta Pobrecita is a mixture of homemade tuyo flakes in olive oil with roasted garlic, chives, tomatoes, itlog na maalat and lemon zest. And it is superb! A must try when you visit. The portion are very generous and the prices are very, very reasonable.

New innovations in the menu have taken the direction of being more family-friendly yet still gourmet. The appetizers lined up have very childs friendly selections. For instance, they serve tiny Corn Dogs on a stick with sweet and tangy honey Dijon mustard dipping sauce. Fish n’ Fries are fish fillets battered, deep fried and served with large "steak" cut French fries are the Zucchini Fritti. These are breaded zucchini sticks served up with a delicious tomato marmalade. Chachos is Citrio’s version of nachos. These are served in a big bowl with minced adobo, lime soured cream and fresh tomato salsa.

Pasta lovers need to be forwarned as Citrio’s selection is varied and familiar and adventurous at the same time and is guaranteed to mess up any diet. Kids will love the classic pasta Bolo – tewed tomatoes flavored with ground beef and herbs Pasta Tonia is like a new version of carbonara but with fresh salmon, Alfredo sauce, green onions and a touch of lemon’ Pasta Sefa has tomatoes, eggplants, pepper flakes and lots of anchovies. Pasta Siam takes on the Thai direction with its sautéed calamari, red peppers, basil and cilantro in a spicy sweet sauce. Risottos are also popular choices especially Risotto Lilu with chicken, peas, carrots and teriyaki flavored sauce.

Aside from the repertoire of main courses like the Thai Beef ribs in green curry and the Braised Lamb Shank in hoisin and star anise sauce, Citrio goes a step further in making the dining experience more interactive. The Grille section of the menu offers the diner a chance to "be your own chef" by choosing a cut of meat or fish, pairing it with sauce and sidings. The selection includes rib eye or sirloin steaks, pork chops, salmon, yellow fin tuna, boneless chicken breast and more. Sauces feature Filipino favorites like mushroom sauce, ala pobre style sauce, spicy barbecue sauce and new sauces like roasted garlic and orange teriyaki. It’s fun to play around and make your own original combinations. The servers or the chef can even help you make a selection.

With all the restaurants and cafes opening along the Tomas Mortao area, what makes Citrio stand out from the rest of the lot?

Number one – the food! Just like what it says under their signage "simple good food." It is honest, straightforward and delicious food. Nothing fancy and hyped with glossy pictures, just Masarap!

Number two – Value For Money. We don’t need a lecture on how hard times are nowadays and Citrio understands this. Their prices are very reasonable. It ranges from P99 for appetizers to P285 for the aussie steaks! Pastas are from P130 up. And the food portions are Huge! Very generous and perfect for family – style dining. And as if it’s not enough that you have great food at a great price, Citrio offers a complimentary (that means Free!) soup and fresh salad bar for all main course and pasta orders! And that is an awesome value! Iced tea and lemonade are served bottomless so you can have your fill. Freshly cooked high quality food, honest to goodness real value for money and excellent service. A food lover’s dream come true!

Citrio rounds off as a great place to go for business lunches, a day with the ladies, after church with the family or just a lazy Saturday afternoon tea. The café seats 70 and is perfect for private and intimate parties or corporate events. Citrio also does catering.

Citrio is located in the Century Palace Suites along Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City. For reservations and inquiries, call 929-1570 and 72. CITRIO is open daily for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 11 p.m.