Greenbelt remains as one of the top shopping destinations in Makati for its excellent lineup of local and international luxury brands coupled with good entertainment and food establishments. From premium gastronomic experiences to casual dining, the culinary selection is widely diverse. There is something for everyone.

From the vast options in the retail complex, Bloom Café + Bar sets itself apart as a garden café and watering hole hybrid frequented by millennials and expats alike. The all-day-dining concept is built upon the four decades-long friendship between business magnates Philip Cruz and Carlos Chan.

The former hails from the prominent FF Cruz construction family distinguished for its contributions to metropolitan infrastructures and roads. The latter owns and runs Liwayway Holdings Company Limited, responsible for the snack brand Oishi. Co-managing the restaurant is Philip’s wife, Ching Cruz, one of Manila’s best-dressed, a distinguished businesswoman, and a board member of the Asian Cultural Council.

Bloom Café + Bar is anchored on the dynamic sidewalk café culture of Paris, the cornerstone of the Parisian lifestyle, as experienced by Philip in his travels. Similar to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s favorite Les Deux Magots or the oldest café in Paris the Le Procope, which has been a gathering spot for philosophers and literati since the 17th century, only localized and with a biophilic design.

The interior, which replicates an indoor garden oasis, was designed by Atelier Almario. Led by sisters Ivy and Cynthia, the award-winning studio is distinguished for its contemporary and tropical aesthetics. Inside are a flowering jasmine tree, faux grass interspersed in between tile floors, and floral paintings by Isabel Diaz. The minimalist but expressive compositions by the New York-based Filipina artist are taken from the personal collection of Ching. The seats too are special, with woven rattan chairs and upholstered couches. A champagne bar is found on the second floor. The second level also acts as a private area for functions. Outside is an equally stunning alfresco garden setup with another bar.

The menu presents a well-curated variety of Asian and Western cuisine with a California flare, using classic Italian as well as French culinary principles, and local ingredients. 

Some of the bestsellers are the Truffled Fries, thinly cut potatoes sprinkled with shaved parmesan and truffle oil, and the Wild Mushroom Soup, a comforting bowl of cream and three kinds of mushroom, which is also Carlos’ favorite. If you ask the staff nicely, you can request extra truffles in your soup for an extra cost.

The co-owners are both discerning foodies who have professional chefs at home. For the initial menu, New York-based chef Noel de la Rama and project consultant Lauro Franco were hired.

Starters include calamari, salpicao, sizzling gambas, mushroom crepe, misto formaggi, a cheese platter, and saikoro salpicao. Options for the soup are Minestrone, Broccoli, Sensational Seafood, and Soup of the Day.

 For salads, the house specialty is the Burrata Salad with Balsamico Olive Oil. The bowl of creamy buffalo mozzarella salad with fresh tomato slices and balsamic olive oil dressing is delicate but milky and rich at the same time. Another fantastic dish is the Philip’s Salad, a signature designer salad of baby arugula, cucumber, tomato, dried fruits, nuts, feta cheese, alfalfa sprouts, and anchovies, with mustard and aioli dressing. Other greens are the generic Caesar and Arugula salads, Bloom Café Garden Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, and the Shrimp, Mango, and Avocado Salad.

I particularly enjoyed the Spicy Aglio Olio, with two variants, Prawns and Mare (mixed shellfish). The Neapolitan cuisine composed of slightly spicy spaghettini in garlic and olive oil with prawns has a lusciously oily and garlicky pasta with the right amount of piquant.

A vegetarian but also house specialty pasta is the Homemade Ravioli, stuffed blanched spinach and ricotta cheese with cooked ham and porcini mushrooms in a creamy sauce.

For the mains, the Deep-Sea Lamone Fish in Lemon Butter, a pan-seared lamone fish in tangy lemon butter sauce with garlic rice and vegetables is the must-try.

Recommended plates under the all-day breakfast are the Classic Eggs Benedict and Mashed Avocado Tartine. Other categories in the extensive menu are the bar chows, cold and hot sandwiches, and desserts. And because the place is also a bar, the drinks menu is even more expansive from beers to spirits, “re-engineered classics” to shooters, and even healthy beverages.

The dining establishment goes through metamorphosis at night. It turns into a lively forest replete with hanging lights that enhances the relaxing mood, and local musicians who perform a different theme depending on the day. Except for Sunday and Monday, the genre shifts daily from Retro Tuesday to Classic Wednesday, Throwback Thursday to Latin Friday, and Saturday Night Fever.

Bloom Café + Bar occupies the area previously held by Nuvo at Greenbelt 2 in Makati.  @bloomcafebarph | 277573699