I'm from the north which means Ayala Malls Feliz is within my reach; however, I do not live near the area even pass by it because I have no reason to. But after a great dining experience at one of the newest restaurant in that mall, I finally have a reason to visit the area again.
The place is called Bistro Charlemagne, a concept by Little Asia.
Does "Little Asia" sound familiar to you? Well, it should as it was a restaurant in Tomas Morato back in 2001. Little Asia (LA) gained popularity for its Asian fusion cuisine which led to the opening of three other branches located at Greenhills, McKinley Hill, and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Fast forward to early 2015, LA owner-manager Mr. Charlemagne Lim developed a new Asian-European fusion concept which he called Bistro Charlemagne. They opened their first branch at Ayala Malls Solenad 3 Nuvali. I haven't been there but I heard good reviews about this bistro. So when I had the opportunity to visit their second branch, I grabbed the chance.
A New Version
Bistro Charlemagne is basically the new version of Little Asia. The people behind the new concept even the cooks, waiters, and captain waiter are all from the previous restaurant. Moreover, 35% of the bistro's menu is from Little Asia while the remaining percent is all new which include Bistro sisig, bagoong rice, beef tenderloin with teriyaki sauce, green pea with truffle oil soup, hubad na lumpia,lengua in white sauce, pork belly in peanut sauce and tuna tataki.
I got to try the following dishes:
Beef Tenderloin Rolls with Cheese
Finely rolled stripes of beef tenderloin with cheese sauteed in authentic teriyaki sauce.
Crispy Lumpiang Hubad
Layered pastry filled with shredded vegetables topped with garlic sauce and sweet soy dressing.
Lengua in Mushroom White Sauce
Braised ox tongue with cream sauce and sauteed mushroom.
Little Asia's Crispy Chicken
A classic house special crispy chicken with freshly made savory gravy. *This is a family recipe passed down from the owner's grandfather. It's what kept three generation of restaurateurs alive from the 1950's until today.
Ox Sisig
Slow-cooked ox tongue and ox tripe mixed with or special livermansi-mayo topped with chicharon bulaklak.
Shrimp Poppers
Lightly battered deep fried shrimps tossed in our special sweet chili-mayo sauce and chili oil served with a side salad.
Sichuan Chicken
Diced crispy chicken tossed in our salt and pepper spice mix served with Thai chili.
Octopus A La Pobre
Slow-braised octopus in special garlic-butter sauce and garlic confit.
Reese's S'mores
Pandan Crepe
Drinks: Blueberry Banana, Four Seasons, Choco Peanut Banana, and Iced Tea
All the said dishes are superb. I'm not kidding! If their food description says this, it delivers exactly that. Bistro Charlemagne does not compromise on taste. In fact, they're very generous. A good example is the Beef Tenderloin Rolls with Cheese, finely rolled stripes of beef tenderloin with cheese sauteed in authentic teriyaki sauce. Each are indeed finely rolled. When you bite into it, not only will you enjoy the beef but also the medley of delicious flavors from the cheese and authentic teriyaki sauce.
Moreover, I have my favorites from those dishes. Bistro Charlemagne's Lengua in Mushroom White Sauce, Shrimp Poppers and Ox Sisig are a must-try, dear reader. That braised ox tongue in creamy white sauce and sauteed mushroom is really good. I can eat it all day! The Ox Sisig was new to me. I do not like sisig (I'm sorry) but this won my heart especially that Shrimp Poppers! I can eat this alone or with plain rice.
I highly-recommend this place. If you pass by the area or live near, please give them a visit.
Happy eating at Bistro Charlemagne!
Level 5, Roof Garden of Ayala Malls Feliz, Dela Paz, Pasig City
