FLAME Restaurant: The Best of Modern Asian Dining in Manila @DiscoveryPrimea

FLAME Restaurant is Primea’s fine casual restaurant, by Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco, which now focuses on Modern Asian cuisine that is “all at once playful and sophisticated.”

This is one of the best places to dine in Makati, with a 16th floor vantage point of the metro and food that is always on point and relevant.

Here’s what we loved at FLAME Restaurant when we dined with the family:

FLAME RESTAURANT
16th Floor, Discovery Primea Hotel
6749 Ayala Avenue, Urdaneta, Makati City
Operating Hours: Mondays to Saturdays from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Dress Code: Smart Casual

Telephone: +63 2 955 8888 / +63 2 988 2988 /
Mobile: +63 917 679 4567
Email: dp.rsvn@discovery.com.ph
Facebook: Discovery Primea
Twitter: @DiscoveryPrimea
Instagram: @discoveryprimea
Website: https://www.discoveryprimea.com/flame-restaurant/

Discovery Primea Series

• DISCOVERY PRIMEA Experience: Guide to Lovin’ Every Minute of it!
• FLAME Restaurant: The Best of Modern Asian Dining
• TAPENADE: The Best of TAPENADE Restaurant
• GILARMI: One of the Best Hotel Lounges in Manila

First Things First

This iconic chandelier greets you with warmth and sophistication.

Flame Restaurant Menu: Appetizer, Main, Josper Grill | Dessert

Flame is known for Chef Luis’ signature creations, Josper-grilled meats and a well-curated wine list.

We started the meal with an amuse-bouche to tease and open up the palate.

We loved the soft hot rolls with butter so much that we had to consciously resist them so as not to spoil the meal ahead.

This garlic lemon infused oil with butter was irresistible.

Appetizers

Asian Mushroom Salad (₱420). Shiitake, oyster, button and shimeji mushrooms, ginger, soy-sesame vinaigrette, crispy tofu skin

My kind of healthy salad with 4 kinds of mushrooms topped with vegetables seasoned with soy-sesame vinaigrette.

Scallop Ceviche (₱620). Ponzu, ikura, tempura flakes, wasabi mousse

Big fresh scallops with umami from the fish roe, spicy hint from the wasabi mousse and texture from the fried tempura flakes.

Dr. L Riesling (Glass - ₱475, Bottle - ₱1,850) — Dr. L Riesling (Glass – ₱475, Bottle – ₱1,850). (*vivino rating: 3.8*)

This wine was not too dry, not too sweet, with a light body and nice acidity to pair with the scallops.

Loved this soft uni-fied Spanish croquetas with Japanese spice mixed mayo. Ang Sarap!

Dip with more Togarashi aioli for maximum enjoyment, especially for the kids.

Josper Grilled U.S. Chicken Wings (₱420). Togarashi waffles, charred leeks, garlic chips, spring onions, teriyaki

The chicken wings yummy-fied by Josper-grill magic served with bits of spiced waffles.

Seared Wagyu Beef Cubes (₱450). Garlic, scallions, Madeira-mirin glaze, applewood smoke

Real wagyu beef cubes lightly seared, served smoked with applewood, spiked with Madeira-mirin in a bowl.

Take-out Lobster Fried Rice (₱920). Free-range egg, chorizo Macau, char siu pork, Bakkwa, spiny rock lobster

The best dish of the night in terms of umami-ness, instagrammability and genius recreation of a spilled lobster take out meal.

Main Dishes

U.S. Beef Short Ribs Adobo (₱950). Garlic rice, cherry tomatoes, crispy egg

Short ribs bbq-ed with adobo flavor nicely paired with sweet cherry tomatoes.

Flame service was attentive, warm and friendly but still prim and proper. Loved the staff. 🙂

Seared Chilean Sea Bass (₱1,800). Shiitake mushrooms, garlic confit, Madeira-mushroom broth

The juicy Chilean Sea Bass perfectly seared with garlic and mushroom flavors.

The Josper Grill

Always special, Josper-grilled steak is the best way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or special milestones.

We like our steaks medium all the time, with a nice grilled flavor on the outside. It’s hard to get this kind of perfection in Manila.

Chateau Simard Saint Emilion Grand Cru (Glass - ₱900, Half-Bottle - ₱1,700, Bottle - ₱4,000) — Chateau Simard Saint Emilion Grand Cru (Glass – ₱900, Half-Bottle – ₱1,700, Bottle – ₱4,000). (*vivino rating: 3.8*)

This French red wine was earthy and oaky with black fruit notes and a dry finish, an excellent accompaniment to cut through the meatiness of the steak.

Australian Rack of Lamb (₱360). Tropical fruit sorbet, graham crumble, mango sphere, tapioca pearls — Australian Rack of Lamb (₱1,600). Tropical fruit sorbet, graham crumble, mango sphere, tapioca pearls

My wife’s favorite—the Australian Lamb cooked perfectly in a Josper with just a bit of salt.

Desserts

Manchego (₱360). Spanish peaches, cheese espuma

I liked eating bits and pieces of this deconstructed dessert with an assortment of cheese, fruit and different textures.

The boys are always happy with desserts and we consistently order only one to share so that we could fight over every bit.

Roasted Mango(₱360). Tropical fruit sorbet, graham crumble, mango sphere, tapioca pearls

Sosyal version of Mango sago dessert with pieces of our national fruit that can be enjoyed in different ways.

Hot Chocolate Souffle (₱360). Colombian coffee foam, caramelized banana, and vanilla ice cream. — Hot Chocolate Souffle (₱360). Colombian coffee foam, caramelized banana, and vanilla ice cream

Lava chocolate cake a la mode with coffee highlight to end an awesome Flame meal.

Final Thoughts

This is one restaurant where most of the dishes we ordered were so good they never failed to wow us with every bite.

Our favorites are the Scallop Ceviche, Take-out Lobster Fried Rice and Josper-grilled steak and lamb paired with their well-curated wine list. Budget about P2,500/head for your family celebration.

Congrats to Chef Luis Chikiamco for the Modern Asian take in Manila. Galing!