katré - a resto review

* i chose this resto and did the review for our "east meets west issue" of
Cuisina (CCA, Manila's school mag). can't seem to find 'em food shots...


Located in one of the busiest places in the metro, this fine dining restaurant stands out from the endless rows of food shops at Tomas Morato in Quezon City. Katré has been serving exquisite Mediterranean fusion for three years now, continually drawing patrons with high expectations for food and service.
The man behind the menu is seasoned chef, Roxs Cailao. After starting out as a cook and working his way up to executive chef for various hotels in the United States, Chef Roxs decided to finally use his expertise in his own food business and opened a restaurant in Manila. According to him, everything started from scratch- experimenting with the recipes and asking clients how much they would pay for the meal. He knew that his restaurant had to be something new and different, otherwise there’s no way he can compete with countless of restaurants in the area. He chose and played with Mediterranean flavors to come up with what he calls as “food of the future”- delectable yet healthy, using only the best ingredients he could find.
With simple yet elegant interiors, the place sets off an appropriate atmosphere for its exquisite menu. Choices range from soups, appetizers, entrées to high-end specials such as Black Angus rib eye steak, Foie gras, and Chilean Sea Bass. The impressive menu and classy ambience seems intimidating at first, but the price proves worthy and inviting ranging from P80 to P575, with most of the entrées under P300.
Our dinner started off with a list of appetizers picked by Chef Roxs himself. The Traditional Bruschetta with Boursin Cheese, Tomato Salsa, Basil and Pesto (P80) was certainly mouthwatering and gave our dinner a good start with its crispy and well-blended flavors. A must-try bestseller is Sautéed Bay Shrimp in Olive Oil, Garlic, Capers, Peppers & Cilantro served with Balki toast points (P240). Crossing with Mexican savor is the Quesadilla made of Mediterranean spiced beef spiked with cumin, peppers, served with pickled Jalapeno and condiments (P180). The Boquerones (P230) was a definite favorite, similar to ceviche, made of small fish cooked in vinaegrette just mild enough to bring out the fish’s natural flavors. Just when I though I was too full for another dish, the chef ordered Roasted Chicken with Garlic, Lemon, Cumin & Basil served with pasta and mushrooms (P240). The chicken was cooked to perfection!
Servings are good enough for two people, and the menu describes each dish in great detail so that one gets a very good idea of the food about to be served. The flavors are very well blended, one could really taste the fresh ingredients. Chef Roxs is constantly improving his menu, and continuously getting the approval of his patrons that after just a few years he has come up with an already extensive and exceptional list of food choices.

Katré
Mediterranean Fusion
#103 Dr. Lazcano St., Quezon City
Contact Nos. 373-4705 / 374-6650