Set Course Lunch or A La Carte, Enjoy a Sumptuous Lunch at Raffles Makati Hotel's Mireio

When a simple set course or a la carte lunch becomes an elevated dining experience, you know you're in a special place. From the food to the service and the elegant space itself, Mireio at Raffles Makati Hotel transforms any meal with its distinctive Provencal spin...

Mireio at Raffles Makati Hotel is one of those rare places in the metro that transports you faraway to the sunny countryside of Provence with its graceful interiors, impeccable service and exquisite cuisine (for more on Mireio, see my posts, A Provencal Lunch with Chef de Cuisine Herve Clair at Mireio showcasing Chef Herve's Provencal-inspired dishes, Brunch Redefined at Mireio's Luxe Sunday Brunch on their lavish brunch buffet and A Very Raffles Weekend on a memorable staycation with breakfast at Mireio). A lunch date at Mireio becomes equally special, with Chef de Cuisine Herve Clair's classic and elegantly-plated dishes. Simply choosing a starter can become challenging with so many tempting options. Seared Hokkaido Scallops (P 1,150) on Emerald sauce with a side of Fresh Mango Condiment for starters? Yes, please...

There's just nothing quite like the briny sweetness of plump cold water scallops with its fresh flavors enhanced by the Emerald Sauce, a rich sauce made with a variety of pureed vegetables. But Mireio has so much more to offer. The creamy Burrata di Bufala, Slow Roasted Tomato with Lemon Confit and Basil (P 650) is another indulgent starter with the silky smooth and fresh Italian cheese paired with tart slow roasted tomato for contrasting notes and textures. The lemon confit and fresh basil adds a vibrant finish to the starter.   

Try something different with the French Foie Gras Terrine with Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut Ganache and Passion Fruit (P 950), one of many flavorful surprises by Chef de Cuisine Herve Clair. Just who would have thought that foie gras and dark chocolate would pair so well together? The indulgent nutty notes of the French foie gras terrine and the deep flavors of the dark chocolate come together in a seamless blend, draping the palate with its richness. The hazelnut ganache and passion fruit add more layers of flavor to the starter with a complexity that simply melts in your mouth.

Other refreshing starters include the Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad with Hand-Cut Iberico Ham and Pearl of Balsamic di Modena (P 750), the Pan-Seared Foie Gras, Vanilla and Pumpkin, Crispy Hazelnut Tuile paired with 5cl silky fortified wine Clos Triguedina (P 780-60g/P 1,540-120g) and the Artisan Cheese Selection with Nuts and Dried Fruits (P 900).

Mireio's savory mains from the a la carte menu include the Japanese Crispy Pork Belly, Celeriac Puree, White Cabbage Salad and Red Wine Jus (P 1,800-250g), an elegant dish with juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pork capped by a crisp layer of crackling. The unctuous richness of the pork belly is balanced by the fresh white cabbage salad and sharp red wine jus for another satisfying meal at Mireio. The crackling doesn't get in the way of a clean slice as you effortlessly bring down the knife on the pork belly.

The Roasted Australian Lamb Saddle, Rosemary Polenta, Sauteed Zucchini in Lemon Butter, Lamb Juice (P 2,000) delivers bold yet clean flavors with each slice with none of the gamey hints pairing well with the soft rosemary-infused polenta and sweet zucchini ribbons. The dish comes with a special gravy, but try adding a dab of roasted black garlic found on the masterfully plated dish instead and let the flavors pop in your mouth. Perfectly grilled to medium with a juicy pink center and ringed by just the right layer of fat, the lamb is both tender and juicy releasing a savory richness with each bite.

Other main course options from the a la carte menu include the Free Range Chicken Supreme, Creamy Shallot Puree, Porcini Mushroom and Baby Spinach (P 1,250), the Australian Pan-Seared Grass-Fed Beef Tenderloin, Homemade Truffle Potato Gnocchi, Roasted Artichoke, Chanterelle, Bone Marrow Beef Jus (P 2,470), the Grilled Australian Stockyard Beef Ribeye, Homemade Rosemary and Parmesan Shoestring Fries, Arugula Salad and Bearnaise Sauce (P 2,200) and the Duck Breast, Pan-Seared Foie Gras, Roasted Grapes, Pumpkin Puree, Spiced Sauce (P 2,200).   

Complete your lunch experience at Mireio with their tempting desserts like the Red Berries Mille-Feuilles, Madagascar Vanilla Mousseline Cream and Berries Compote with Berries Sorbet (P 600)...

You can also opt for the Set Course Meal with a starter, main course and dessert for P 1,340 or choose a main course with a starter or dessert for P 1,110 available from Monday to Saturday, 12:00 nn to 2:30 pm. For starters, options include the Truffle Mushroom Emulsion with Artichoke Puree on Black Bread Toast (make it even more indulgent with Truffle Mascarpone for an additional P 250), the Torched Tiger Prawn Tartar with Mandarin Gel, Kiwi and Cucumber Roll; the Zucchini Veloute with Gorgonzola Cheese, Roasted Pine Nutsand Aged Parmesan and the Smoked Ham and Melon Salad with Port Wine Jelly and Basil Sprouts.

The Smoked Ham and Melon Salad is a light yet hearty starter with contrasting notes from the sweet melon slices to the savory sharpness of the smoked ham combining for a delicately balanced dish. The flavors are fresh and clean, opening up the palate for the main course. 

Mireio offers other savory options from their Set Lunch Menu like the Braised Lamb Shoulder in Red Wine with Glazed Spring Vegetables, the Steak with Rosemary French Fries and Homemade Bearnaise but if you prefer a comforting pasta dish then the Homemade Linguini Pasta with Manila Clams "a la vongole"is a must-try dish. The soft yet firm linguini and the briny sweetness of the succulent clams combine for another memorable dish at Mireio.

Another must-try pasta dish from Mireio's a la carte menu is the Open Lobster Ravioli, Mascarpone and Fennel Compote, Lobster Emulsion (P 1,350). Risotto? Choose from the Porcini Risotto, Parmesan Shavings, Spinach, Pine Nuts (P 1,050) or the Sweet Bread and Asparagus Risotto, Beef Jus, Crispy Pancetta and 36 Months Aged Parmesan Cheese (P 1,200). 

For dessert, Mireio tempts you with the Rum Baba with Spiced Pineapple and Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream or you can go for the Tart of the Day to complete your Set Lunch Menu. 

A soothing Latte lets you take in the rustic Provencal vibe at Mireio with the golden glow of the afternoon sun coming through the panoramic floor to ceiling glass walls wrapped around the elegant space. And Provence native Chef de Cuisine Herve Clair stays true to his roots with every dish served at Mireio. 

It's really no surprise why Mireio at Raffles Makati Hotel is one of our top four picks for FourScene's list of favorite restaurants (more on the post here at #FourScenePicksFour: Four Memorable Dining Experiences That Made Our List). Set Lunch or a la carte, Mireio scores high on both options. Where's lunch? See you at Mireio...