Mmmmmmasseto

Don't you love finding out about a secret address before everyone else?

Masseto, the wine lounge-cum-restaurant, is well-known amongst the wine aficionado set and is fast becoming the preferred resto of choice amongst the ladies-who-lunch-and-sometimes-enjoy-a-tipple-or-two set. Headed by executive chef Tippi Tambunting (who also owns the catering arm, Saltine), the food is simply presented yet utterly delectable.

My first time here, I was very impressed with the plush interiors done by Maja Olivares-Co but wasn't used to the spare plating sans garnishing. But like all things, the culinary world has its own trends and apparently the spare, albeit clean plate is one currently ongoing (remember my Alain Ducasse entry?).

Needless to say, Masseto grew on me and after doing a shoot for Tatler with Billy and Eliza Valtos who love both the food and wine, I came to a better understanding of it.

Of course, the wines are divine. They store their most expensive ones in the vault (the space where Masseto is used to be Security Bank). Talk about precious cargo!

So when my girlfriends wanted to get together and also celebrate my birthday (Trisha O, Trisha B and Moe- thanks and till the next time!) I suggested to introduce them to Masseto.

As a venue in which to enjoy wine, the pica-pica is superb.

Highly addicting parmesan crisps with goat cheese

Chorizo fritters 

Bacalao fritters with garlic sauce

I don't know how Tippi does it, but all of these appetizers were crisp, tasty and not at all oily, and went perfectly with a crisp white wine. But of all the dishes on Tippi's menu, I must say I love this the most. Its Bottarga (Italian roe) pasta:

Because of this, I ended up buying a bunch of ready to eat packs of Bottarga when I was at Muji in Hong Kong :)

Then Tippi treated me to Strawberry Pavlova for my birthday. (Thanks again Tippi!)

I haven't been here since then, but Margie had gone recently with some girlfriends and Tippi served them lobster that wasn't even on the menu....fantastic! I heart you Masseto!

Masseto
114 Valero Street
Salcedo Village
Tel +632.810.3565