LOOK: Chef Sau Del Rosario Opens Café Fleur In Poblacion
Pampanga's most charming restaurant is now in Manila! Here's what you should know
When Chef Sau del Rosario opened Café Fleur in Poblacion, Makati, he gave us more than a charming new space to dine in, and access to his much-loved pastries and dishes. Café Fleur is a bright spot of hope in pandemic-hit Manila, and an inspiration to look forward to brighter, better days ahead. We say: what a great way to start the new year.
The original Café Fleur opened in Angeles City, Pampanga back in 2016 as part of a three-restaurant concept (the other two were Leh-leh, a Thai restaurant, and a modern Kapampangan concept called Babo). I remember my very first visit to that first Café Fleur, when Chef Sau explained that he'd named it after his mother and grandmother, who were both passionate about food and flowers. Also, "I wanted to do something Kapampangan with a little French touch," he explained. This charming café was a popular destination for hungry travelers, but then the pandemic hit.
While under quarantine, Sau found himself alone much of the time. He found solace in the kitchen where he began to cook more and more of his mom's recipes. "I grew up with these dishes, so cooking (and eating) them always made me feel good," he says. He also began baking, taking inspiration from popular Pinoy classic desserts, which he gave tongue-in-cheek names. So egg pie became Heg Fye, and was soon joined by Vuco Fye, and the famous Vananah Tsokolate Cake.
His culinary nostalgia has found an outlet on the menu of the new Café Fleur. Here is where you'll find his beloved panaderia items like Tsokolate Heg Fye and Vuco Fye. You'll also get to enjoy an eclectic menu of dishes inspired by his childhood favorites, and some international classics, all cooked and served with the signature flair we've come to expect from Chef Sau. If you'd like a glimpse of his menu offerings, click through the gallery below.
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Dine out safely
Warm wooden floors and a sunroof give this space an almost outdoorsy feel.
Photo Credit: Cafe Fleur
Pollo a la plancha
This Latin American dish is marinated in spices, then cooked on a flat top grill.
Photo Credit: Cafe Fleur
Smoked Salmon on Avocado Toast
Chef Sau's version of a trendy favorite, this has smoked salmon perched on top of Hass avocado mash (Hass is a type of avocado), pickled red onions and red radish slivers.
Photo Credit: Cafe Fleur
Brioche
Yes, that's brioche the way Chef Sau makes it for Café Fleur. Try it!
Photo Credit: Cafe Fleur
Tomato Soup
This classic soup comes with a side of Tapenade Toast. Very nice! Very Mediterranean.
Photo Credit: Cafe Fleur
Pastas
Pasta is always a treat. You'll enjoy Chef Sau's version of Spicy Tuyo and Capers Pasta.
Photo Credit: Cafe Fleur
Smoothies
The menu includes a selection of smoothies. This one is made with strawberries, beetroot, watermelon and dragon fruit.
Photo Credit: Cafe Fleur
Cozy yet elegant dinners
The modern dining space can comfortably seat 20, with social distancing in mind.
Photo Credit: Cafe Fleur
The chef's signature flair
We like Chef Sau's spin on classic dishes, like this Mushroom Ravioli with Truffle Broth.
Photo Credit: Cafe Fleur
Café Fleur has a welcoming dining space that can easily seat 20 socially distant guests, plus a semi-al fresco area with a sunroof. You can book the entire venue for private dinners, and Chef Sau will be only too happy to help make your menu special.
Best of all, Café Fleur is just the first of two branches that will be opening in Makati this year. We're looking forward to the opening of Bistro Fleur where the chef promises to serve even more of his Kapampangan dishes that we so sorely miss.
