First things first, and know that you have until Dec. 31 to enjoy Mrs. Saldo’s at their pop-up at Balmori Suites, Power Plant in Makati City. For those who've been living under a rock, Mrs. Saldo’s Bespoke Private Dining is the culinary haven in Silang, Cavite, crafted by chef Rhea Rizzo, and supported by her husband, Dave.
The Balmori pop-up operates for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday, also open for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. So, yes, you can stop right here, call to book your table, and I'll still be here if you want to read to the end of this article.
In 2017, Rhea worked at Gaggan in Bangkok, so it's a safe bet that her Thai, Indian, and Southeast Asian dishes boast high quality and flavor. How she integrates Filipino cuisine into this mix is always intriguing. I truly enjoyed my Mrs. Saldo’s experience in October 2022, and it was as much about the beguiling country house, with its gardens, nooks, and crannies, as it was about the food we relished over that extended lunch.
At Balmori, you'll have to settle for one out of the two options, as Rhea couldn't bring her garden home. Rest assured, on the food front, she's curated an exciting menu reflecting the best of Silang's famous tasting menus. It's a glimpse into her culinary journey, one we're delighted she's sharing.
I brought my sons, and we made sure to order different dishes, maximizing the variety we could taste. Right here, I can say they were happy campers, savoring the rich flavors and delightful surprises in the preparation and mingling of ingredients. Instead of lengthy descriptions, Chef Rhea simplifies by listing dishes with their main ingredients, inviting you to trust in her culinary magic.
The starters we had were the Hamachi Crudo, Ikura, Yuzu Curd. This was our unanimous favorite, the Yuzu Curd, resembling a gel on which the hamachi was sitting on, adding the right citrus kick to the dish. The Salmon Laarb Kinilaw, Chicharon, Rice Crackers was a heady exploration of Filipino food preparation, with an exciting interplay of textures, thanks to the cracker.
If you’re in the mood for soup, order the Corn Veloute, Jamon, Yogurt. It may not be all that photogenic, but it hits the spot in the best of ways, the corn flavor coming through. The Crab Dip with Sourdough is a safe option for those wanting to share a starter.
Our second courses: Thai Fish Curry, Hamachi, Sticky Rice is Rhea’s nod to Thailand, and it’s the curry sauce that had me grinning from ear to ear. The Linguine, Garlic, Lemon, Anchovies, Lumpfish Caviar was my eldest’s must-have as his eyes lit up when he saw anchovies. Sure enough, it’s a pasta dish that has an Asian twist, and I say that as a compliment.
The Pompano with Cauliflower Purée, Beurre Blanc, and Walnuts was spectacular. I loved how the cauliflower purée resembled a hummus dish, and the walnuts elevated the dish to another level. The Joselito Presa with Potato Purée, Pork Jus, and Mango Chutney was like a pork version of a beef steak dish, and we appreciated the addition of mango chutney for a unique taste.
For dessert, the Toffee Sticky Pudding with Tonka Anglaise and Poached Pears was an excellent choice. Even my youngest son, who isn't a big fan of desserts, appreciated how the pear cut through the sweetness of the pudding to temper it in a winning manner.
Do I have to repeat myself? This pop-up lasts until Dec. 31, so take advantage of how Saldo is right here in Makati. If you love your Saldo-Balmori experience, do go for the enhanced one when Rhea returns to her Silang garden home. It’s so worth the drive.