So chic, so cozy, so Society

Cookery is as old as the world, but it must also remain, always, as modern as fashion. — Phileas Gilbert (1857-1942)

The Society Lounge Restaurant scales new heights of sophistication and exquisite taste, inspired by the famed French fashion food. Chic yet decidedly cozy, the inviting ambience takes me back to my Paris days when fellow Ritz Escoffier classmates would dress up in Italian suits and cocktail dresses and walk two blocks to our favorite weekend hangout at Hotel Coste, sipping Moet et Chandon, Tattinger and Gamay until the wee hours of the morning, listening to mellow music of the French lounge scene (which I still do today). Hotel Coste was a change of pace, an area where actual conversation could be heard among friends, with a laid-back atmosphere (until the bill arrives, as the standing joke was Coste would cost a lot of euros) that was considered glamorous and a refuge from the hectic pace of daily Parisian life.

Yet the Society Lounge is bigger, grander, a stunning space of elegant modern design (all furniture proudly made in Pampanga and Cebu), flooded with dazzling chandeliers, high ceiling, huge windows, polished wooden floors, making it a premier A-list destination among its clientele. Described as a venue of leisure, it’s a realm of class, and you notice the rich textured fabrics used in its couches and chairs. The décor is chic; the cool confines spruce you up, a model of sumptuous lounge that leaves a lasting impression. On your left is the dining area, a 50-seat capacity restaurant, that is refined and intimate, open to guests from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for dinner. French chef owner Patrice Freulson describes the cuisine as a “passion, modern labor of love,” instantly setting a vibe that this chic eatery serves fantastic contemporary food — “contemporary” meaning fusion or a blend of European and Asian. His style uses the multicultural flavors of Asian ingredients and combines them with French technique.

This uncanny knack for bringing two cultures together and making it work has produced such creative dishes as crocodile fillet tempura with mango and sweet chili sauce, which I must say was delicious. With a soft texture similar to chicken and clean flavor like sea bass, this dish is not only unique but a sort of culinary magic. Another inspiration is the shrimp noodle spring rolls with garlic chili and remoulade sauce. It is shrimp wrapped in potato and noodle, deep fried in oil, and served with the famous French mayonnaise-based sauce that is flavored with mustard, capers, chopped gherkins, herbs, and anchovies.

The tantalizing menu also includes roast salmon in Cognac sauce, with red rice and asparagus served on the side. The concept of this dish wasn’t complex but the execution was second to none. Indulge in the sinfully good Red Fruit Express and caramelized popcorn, a trinity of luscious red fruit berry, homemade mango ice cream, and meringue. My personal favorite, warm chocolate tart, is a unique blend of macapuno ice cream, peanut brittle (created from scratch), soft chocolate pudding on top of a not-so-sweet tart that is magnificent in taste and texture. The pursuit of excellence is chef Patrice’s mantra, and it’s his enthusiasm that propels him to be creative and playful with his dishes, always innovating to discover the next gastronomic gem. The atmosphere may be upscale, but chef Patrice and Philippine partner Andren Dizon still want their menu to be reasonably priced and not over the top.

As dinner ends, the party begins, the ambience deepens, the lights are dimmed as guests gather at the 46-seat capacity lounge area, reeling in excitement to socialize and mingle among friends. Wines and champagne from all over the world are served, L-shaped couches are bonded together to form “mini” beds, boasting a posh, relaxed setting. For more privacy, an enclosed VIP room is set at the back for secluded chilling. The bar transforms into a DJ booth, from which serene French tunes flow and low impact music fills the air. Shrouded in style, sleek and well equipped with essential luxuries to entertain, Society Lounge exudes elegant styling, attentive service, and glamorous party lifestyle. The harmony of delectable cuisine and trendy space isn’t just in Paris, but in Manila, too.

Society Lounge restaurant is located at the ground floor Atrium of Makati Building, Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. lunch and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for dinner. The lounge area is open 11 p.m. to 3 p.m. For reservations, call 408-1852 or fax 856-2610.