“Bespoke” is often the term used when one wants to talk about customizing or personalizing to an exceptionally high standard. While it’s primarily used as a reference point for objects in fashion, cars, and furniture, chef Marco Legasto would like to now apply the concept to fine dining and cuisine. It’s all part of the new Lè Gastrō experience he’s introducing, at his new restaurant located at the Citadines Millennium Ortigas, and we can enjoy this when they formally open their doors today, Dec. 13, 2021.

From the moment one enters Lè Gastrō, one senses that things will be done differently here. As Marco explained, the reception area of the restaurant, where their bar is located, will be the fulcrum for how this bespoke experience will be created. An in-house mixologist will ask a few basic questions regarding your favorite flavors and spirits, so that a personalized cocktail can first be mixed as a welcome drink. The chef and sommelier pick it up from there, informing the dining party what the "raw ingredients" of the day are; and from there, a customized four to five-course meal will be decided on, all paired with suggested wines.

There is a menu, and you’ll find the signature appetizers that this restaurant will soon be known for. I tried out two of them and loved how while there’s familiarity in the name of the dish, it doesn’t prepare you for the unique tweaking that has happened, to give the dish a fresh and new take. The Kaffir Lime Chicken Wings would be my prime example here, as it’s bursting with glazed flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. To be honest, I’m not even a big fan of chicken wings,so much work for so little reward, but these ones had me “flying.”

The second hors d’oeuvres I tried was the Amori Saffron Garlic Gambas, and this was Marco’s little variation of the regular Gambas Ajillo we’ll order in any Spanish restaurant. There was intact a hint of that familiar dish. But once again, new flavors had been added on. I’ve often said the good restaurants stay alive because they either do familiar things very well or because they offer dishes and flavors you can’t find elsewhere. To their credit, on the chicken wings alone, Lè Gastrō has it made in my books.

A tray of quality beef was then brought to me after I had indicated that I was a carnivore for the day. Marco helped me pick out the A5 Kagoshima Ribeye, and he suggested I pair it with the Japanese Paella that’s been getting rave notices with the guests they’ve had coming in before they are formally open. He also suggested I try their Prawns with Truffled Mushrooms, and that piqued my interest, as an intriguing mix of flavors.

The ribeye was heaven-sent, tender but still firm; and grilled to medium-rare perfection. Horseradish, mustard, and a sauce were provided; but honestly, I often find myself preferring to enjoy the slab of beef on its own. The prawns beautifully complemented the ribeye, without necessarily making me think Surf n’ Turf. The Japanese Paella had mussels and bonito flakes to give it a very distinct flavor, and I know I’d go back to have this again.

For dessert, try their Kaffir Lime Pie. Once again, it’s your Key Lime Pie that isn’t Key Lime Pie. Biting into this will help you understand exactly what I mean, and I know you’ll be in wonderful agreement. Plus there’s a cheesecake that actually tastes like cheese!

While the restaurant will also service the hotel guests of the Citadines Millennium for breakfast; it’s how it transforms into a unique bespoke dining experience for lunch and dinner that has Marco truly excited. That reception area will be a holding room of sorts, where you decide on your meal, just like how we spend time perusing a menu and ordering in a regular restaurant. But here at Lè Gastrō, the moment we’re called to enter the dining area, we sit at our table knowing that a very personalized dining experience has been mapped out, and all we have to do is indulge!