Weekend Brunch At Q&A, East-West Dishes From Ruby Jack’s, And The Plaza Is Back As A Pop-Up

Metro.Style team

May 23, 2019, 05:04 PM

Weekend Brunch at Q&A Kitchen + Bar

2/F Unit 2D, ACCM Building, 102 San Agustin Street, Salcedo Village, Makati, (0917) 859-5678, (02) 624-4388, qandakitchen.com

Your favorite neighborhood spot is now open for brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. Known for its fresh and filling takes on classic French and continental fare, Q&A now offers just as hearty a brunch menu. Feast on brunch standards like fresh baked breads, omelettes, French Toast, Granola, Belgian Waffles or go for homemade pastas like Garganelli with Pesto Verde, Peas, Lemon Ricotta, and Poached Egg, or Spaghetti Bolognese with Sunny Side Egg.

French Toast using brioche Nanterre, with caramelized lakatan and sea salt

Mains include Braised Short Ribs with Pepper Sauce, as well as Filipino-inspired dishes like Kurobota Pork Belly Adobo and Fresh Corned Beef with Caramelized Onions. The brunch drinks selection is just as enticing, whether the fruit and veg coolers, or brunch-centric cocktails like Sangria, Mimosa, and Bloody Mary.

Bloody Mary

A New East-Meets-West Menu at Ruby Jack’s

Upper G/F, City of Dreams, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Parañaque, (02) 801-8888, (02) 886-9646, www.rubyjacks.ph

Premium Beef Tenderloin Tataki

For those who still think that Ruby Jack’s is just a steakhouse, the just-launched new menu promises to showcase a new side to this Tokyo-based restaurant, as it highlights local ingredients used in dishes that blend East and West in surprising ways. For example, Teppan Grilled Foie Gras is incorporated with delicate Japanese flavors, or the jelly-like dessert Sakura Teardrop takes inspiration from the Sakura flower, served with vanilla bean ice cream.

Teppan Grilled Foie Gras

The drinks menu also features new drinks, whether it’s an Umetini, with gin mixed with Umeshu or Japanese plum liqueur; fresh Cassis Papaya Smoothie with local papaya with a touch of Cassis liqueur; or Fresh Jackfruit Mojito blended with Don Papa Rum. Ruby Jack’s also welcomes a new head chef, Edwin Sta. Ana.

Chef Matthew Crabbe with Head Chef Edwin Sta. Ana

The Plaza Pop-Up at Rustan’s

5/F Rustan’s Department Store Makati, Courtyard Drive corner Ayala Avenue, Makati City

Chicken ala Kiev

When you think of baked ham, boiled corned beef, chicken ala Kiev, you may not know that the restaurant responsible for making these dishes such classics in Manila’s food scene happens to be The Plaza. Founded by Joe and Meldy Reyes in 1965, The Plaza was the go-to dining establishment of the era, expanding at one point to a convention hall and multiple restaurant concepts. To commemorate The Plaza’s 55 years in the food industry, Rustan’s has launched a special pop-up restaurant at the 5th floor of Rustan’s Makati until May 31, 2019.

The Plaza Premium Baked Ham

Diners will get to enjoy such The Plaza classics as The Plaza Premium Baked Ham, The Plaza Premium Boiled Corned Beef, Chicken ala Kiev, and The Plaza’s famous Cream Cheese Burger. These dishes and more are also available frozen and ready to cook to be enjoyed at home. Other items to try include Mushroom Cappuccino, Truffle Pasta tossed on the spot in a Parmesan wheel, and Angus Beef Tapa.