Manila?s best restaurants

By Ed Biado

Manila?s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets, a coffee table book by Ines Cabarrus and Elian Habayeb, inspired its authors to mount an award-giving ceremony to honor the best of the best in the business. Last November, the first (of what they promise to be an annual affair) took place. The Daily 10 is featuring the 2008 MBKRS Award winners and nominees in different restaurant categories, as chosen by 75 food writers, bloggers, critics, hospitality industry insiders and certified gourmet experts. Do you agree with their choices?

1. Italian ? L?Opera bagged the award, beating Caf? Caruso, Bellini?s, Amoroma and L?Incontro. (L?Opera Ristorante Italiano is at The Fort Entertainment Complex, 26th and 5th, Bonifacio Global City)

2. French ? Le Souffle, La Cabane, La Regalade and Cuillere got mentions, but it was Je Suis Gourmand that was named best in the cuisine. (Je Suis Gourmand is at the ground floor of Net One Center, Bonifacio Global City)

3. Spanish ? Beating Alba Restaurante Espanol, La Tienda, Amalia?s and Casa Armas, Terry?s Selection proved to serve the most delectable Spanish specialties. (Terry?s Selection is at Building B, Karivin Plaza, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati)

4. Continental ? There are seven nominees in this category. Chateau 1771, Sala, Aubergine, Katre, Lemuria and Antonio?s all vied for the prize which was taken home by Lolo Dad?s. (Lolo Dad?s Caf? is at 899 Quirino Avenue cor. Leon Guinto Street, Malate, Manila)

5. Japanese ? Sushi Tsumura, Tsukiji, Kai and Seryna were the other nominated restaurants in the category won by Sugi. (Sugi is at Greenbelt 2, Makati)

6. Filipino ? Local favorites are best served at Caf? Juanita, Harbor View, Laudico Bistro Filipino and La Cocina de Tita Moning. But the most favored in the bunch is Abe. (Abe Restaurant is at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City)

7. Thai ? Silk, Azuthai and Kingdom were nominated to compete in this category. But they were all trumped by People?s Palace. (People?s Palace is at Greenbelt 3, Makati)

8. Chinese ? Zong is the ultimate winner in the Chinese cuisine category. But the runners-up, Hai Shin Lou, Gloria Maris and The Good Earth aren?t trailing that far behind. (Zong is at The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City)

9. Newcomer ? This award is presented to the best new player in the field?among them are Purple Feet, Cav and La Regalade. It was Aubergine, however, that was named Best Newcomer. (Aubergine?s Restaurant and Patisserie is at 32nd and 5th, Bonifacio Global City)

10. Fine dining (Hotel) ? Hyatt?s The Fireplace, Discovery Country Suites? Verbena, Manila Diamond?s La Bellevue and Makati Shangri-La?s Red all competed in the hotel fine dining category. Two venues tied for the award?Tivoli at the Mandarin Oriental and Prince Albert at the Intercontinental.