I don’t think it’s any secret that I love good food. Actually, if I want to be more specific, I think it’s better to say that I love great dessert. I have such a sweet tooth that at any given time of the day I can enjoy a slice of pie, a cupcake, or a donut. Whenever I find a sweet that I like I’m loyally addicted to it. So when I heard that the restaurant Secret Recipe had opened here in the Philippines I knew I had to try it out, especially since they have the award for the best marble cheesecake in Southeast Asia.
Launched back in 1997, Secret Recipe is known to be a unique and casual dining café serving more than 50 dishes in a wide menu selection. With over 40 types of cakes and baked desserts, not forgetting a flavorful range of ice cream and beverages, it has evolved into a modern-day dining experience. Offering customers its award-winning cheesecakes, desserts and fusion food with friendly and personalized service, Secret Recipe has become a leader in the global lifestyle café industry.
Offering customers a warm and friendly ambience in a trend-setting environment, Secret Recipe goes beyond the usual café or restaurant services. The uncompromising quality of their food and desserts, coupled with moderate pricing, has created a new lifestyle trend compromising of a loyal base of food and cake lovers.
Secret Recipe was introduced to the country with the opening of its first branch in Fort Bonifacio Global City. The restaurant’s sleek, clean look was highlighted by the Fort branch’s intimate set up, with high ceilings, intricate chandeliers, and premium resto fashion. On November that same year, Secret Recipe opened at the new wing of Robinsons Place Midtown with an added al fresco dining and parasols for a refreshing, outdoor dining experience. The Shangri-La Plaza Mall branch soon followed suit January of this year, adding yet another different dining experience. With platform seating, huge globe ambient lights, and couch seating in the mall walkway area, the experience is brought to a whole new level. Each branch has its own unique features and designs catering to a wide market.
The Fort branch serves its delectable food for everyone, yuppies of nearby offices during the day and young thrill-seekers at night. The Midtown and Shangri-La Branches serve the same fare to regular mall-goers and families.
With each branch’s different dining experience, it is a given that everyone goes to Secret Recipe for the same reason. Their wide array of Western and Asian menu gives a whole new meaning to the term “fusion food.” Among its authentic dishes, the best loved are the Irish Lamb Stew, Grilled Black Pepper Chicken, Singapore Laksa, Pan Grilled Dory in Lobster Sauce, and Tom Yum Kung. And of course, guests never leave without having some of their fine desserts. Their diverse offering of delights will surely keep you coming back for more. Most recommended among its award-winning cakes are its Marble Cheesecake, Chocolate Indulgence, Chocolate Banana, Fruity Special, Mango Delight and White Chocolate Macadamia.
Secret Recipe not only boasts an impressive menu but also offers the young spirit behind the brand. Secret Recipe, managed by new graduate Jennifer Tan of De La Salle University, is shaping up to conquer the rest of the metro, one outlet at a time.
As for my Secret Recipe experience, I chose to try the branch at The Fort and was instantly won over by the restaurant’s sleek interiors and good service. The staff helped me choose from the wide array of dishes and Nino and I ended up opting for a salad, some pasta and the famous Irish Lamb Stew. Everything was delicious and the service was speedy. For lack of stomach space I couldn’t try any more of the famous staples but I am looking forward to trying their pepper chicken next. After dinner I looked for a dessert to complete the meal. Though I was looking forward to trying their famous marble cheesecake it was, unfortunately, out of stock. (I guess it’s famous for a reason). I chose their Oreo cheesecake instead, which turned out to be sweet, but not too sweet and creamy and heavenly. I can’t wait to try the marble cheesecake on my next visit.