3.11.2003
Shabby Chic or Chubby Sick? |
Fat Michael's Place
Address: 1154-A, Lacuna Cor Rodriguez Sts. Bangkal, Makati Directions: instead of going to Alabang, stay at your right from South Superhighway (from Buendia side) and when you hit Makati View Apartelle, turn right and stay on the road til you hit a crossroads Phone No.: 844-2638 ; Hours: Lunch, Merienda and Dinner ;Cuisine: Fusion Ambience: Bohemian Parking: Street Parking for 5-12 cars Capacity: Fits 20-32 people inside and outside (al fresco); Credit Card: Cash only Food Arrangement Images: Click here (through the great lensman, Jake Versoza) This maybe is going to be your first time to be in that corner of Makati. It wasnt mine. I used to hang out in small villes like these when I was a walking salesman and encountered places most people call as "hole in the walls". Ten years ago, this corner was a carinderia and wasn't even the most frequented in the area. But apparently Michael's Place has changed all that. (Its called Fat Michael's but with Fat being added non chalantly although Davelyn Camaclang, the owner, whispered to me that Mike is not fat any longer). Enter the house that "word-of-mouth" built. Chairs of all shapes and sizes, lamps neatly covered by shawls, bandannas and what have you's, paperbacks, magazines are all scattered for that homey-bohemian feel. Mrs. Camaclang mentioned that she collects Inday Cadapan art works after recognizing the painting staring (with 3 eyes) at me, and there was a William Yu painting, left unframed, which makes you wonder if this place is for you or for an artsy-fartsy guy. It actually is a place for everyone. When we arrived there was a group of Assumptionistas and a pair of Chinese matrons as well as executives, all trying to meet their gastronomic desires. I ordered the Sirloin Kebab (P 195, my personal trick to getting a feel of the food is to order the most expensive, and from there you can fairly judge the rest of the menu). Not so tender. But yes, ok ang timpla. We started with Fruit and Walnut salad (P 85) which was a staple I reckon, after hearing the same order from the other 2 tables. The walnuts were straight from a pack (of mixed nuts, i guess) and the papaya was overly ripe. But I'm not a salad person - so I really can't tell if this was ok or not. We also ordered the Chicken Aiolli which was the "Special" of the Day. Take note of the quotes. For a complete meal of 2 Salads, 2 Main dish, 2 diet sodas, our bill amounted to P 711. Not bad since we ordered two of the pricey dishes in the menu. But to look for it all the way from Caloocan or from Ortigas might not be worth the trip. So don't get your hopes up. Its ordinary food from a not-so-ordinary place but, with extra ordinary service from the owners themselves. If you're going to visit somebody in Paranaque or in Alabang, better check out the place first. |