French (food) connection

There is a quaint little bistro tucked in The Fort that serves delicious, authentic French cuisine. Je Suis Gourmand has been around since November of last year but they have successfully and single-handedly secured their loyal and ever-growing clientele through word-of-mouth alone. Happy customers told their friends about it, their friends told more family and friends about it... you get the picture. At the helm is Chef Mark Aubry, a Frenchman who I think was born to make and keep people’s appetites deliciously happy.

I’ve been to Je Suis Gourmand three times already from the time my Tita Inday (Colayco) brought me and a friend for lunch there about a month ago. I was back again for dinner the following day, with Richard and Juliana in tow, after shopping for groceries at the nearby PriceSmart. Truth be told as of this writing I would have had been there a total of five times except that on two occasions the place was fully packed. Now that’s the thing – before you even start dreaming of the wonderful dishes there, it would be best if you call in for reservations. The place is always packed. But if you happen to be around the area, you can also just take your chance and drive by to see if there’s a table available. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows fronting it will make it very easy for you to see.

On all occassions my companions and I thoroughly enjoyed our meal. We would always make it a point to order different dishes and I can honestly tell you that I have not tried anything there that I didn’t like. Let me give you a rundown of my favorites: For starters I like the baked tapenade and parmesan cheese in filo pastry and the mushroom and duck confit filo served with mesclun in creamy French dressing. Last night, I ordered the pate platter which included pate de foie gras (decadently delicious, it literally melts in your mouth), farmer’s pate, duck and pork rilletes served with condiments and grilled country bread. If you like just the foie gras then you can opt to have the homemade duck foie gras terrine with salad and toast.

The waiter said that their bestseller is the braised lamb shank in peppered mushroom sauce. I’m not a big lamb fan but their version has made me start to doubt that. Lamb lovers swear by it and I can understand why. Their Roasted Pigs Trotters is delicious beyond words – I believe that is my new favorite. Their pastas, the coq au vin, and spring chicken are wonderful too.

I think what I like most about this place is the fact that their menu is not too extensive that it encourages ambiguity. Somehow the choices available give me the impression that instead of offering run-of-the-mill dishes they opted to concentrate instead on serving what they specialize in. That makes for a wonderful start right there. Ask for the day’s special, by the way, because it is not listed on the menu but the waiter will only be too happy to tell you about them. Oh and one more thing, before you do drop by bring a healthy appetite with you because their servings are generous.

Please, please leave room for dessert because the choices are divine. Try the fresh strawberry cheesecake (deceptively light and if you’re not careful you go home with an additional inch on your waist), any of their homemade ice creams and sorbets (I love the coconut) and their baked apple with caramel sauce (literally a whole apple baked with skin and all, on a pool of gooey caramel sauce).

Another plus? There is ample parking space, the ambience is cozy and conducive to good conversation and the waiters are well-versed on all the dishes on the menu. I doubt a diner will go home unhappy after a Je Suis Gourmand experience. Indeed, this quaint little place is The Fort’s best-kept little secret.

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Je Suis Gourmand is located at the ground floor, Net 1 Building, The Fort, Global City, Taguig. For reservations, call 815-8801.