I think I passed by Mesa Filipino Moderne restaurant a lot of times than I remember. Often times, I don’t really pay attention to restaurants that serve Filipino food because, hey, it’s also what we normally eat at home. It’s what I prepare for my family and when we go out, I want to to something different.
Last month when my SIL was here, she treated us at Mesa for dinner. She was raving at how good the food is there specially the Laing. A quick glance at the big menu outside of the restaurant and I was sold. The restaurant indeed serve Filipino food but it was with either a modern twist or a fusion of some sort. Interesting!
Our meal started with some Elephant Clam (Diwal) which was baked in garlic and butter (₱275). You can also choose to have it sautéed in black beans or steamed with garlic and soya instead. It was my first time to try Elephant clams and I find it way too rubbery for my liking. I don’t know if it’s really that way or they may have overcooked it. I think I will have to give this shellfish another try.
Ykaie wanted the Grilled Liempo Mesa Way (₱195), of course. It is classic grilled pork belly which I think they marinated in a soy-based marinade. It was perfectly cooked and best enjoyed dipped in spicy vinegar.
I like the Binagoongang Baboy ni Kaka (₱225) which is pretty much how I serve my binagoongang baboy at home. It is not soupy and the shrimp paste was a little on the sweet side.
What we ordered to drink: Sampaloc (Tamarind) Shake for me, Mango Shake for Ykaie, and San Miguel Super Dry for peanutbutter♥.
This is the Laing 2 Ways (₱180), my sis inlaw was raving about. It laing that is cooked the way it should be, creamy, tasty, and topped with adobo flakes then served in original and crispy versions.
This is what I ordered from the menu: Ostrich Salpicao (₱370). I love salpicao and I was curious how ostrich meat is when cooked ala salpicao. The texture is very much similar to the texture of beef but it doesn’t have that delectable beef-y taste. I like it nonetheless. It’s not everyday that I get to eat ostrich meat.
There are still several items from menu that I want to try like the Crispchon with Pandan Crepe and garnishings, the Boneless Pata Tim, and the Chicken BBQ in Honey Patis. I don’t think we’ll be back soon, though because I don’t think peanutbutter♥ was happy with the serving of the food as he finds it quite small.
Wow this is very different food to what I normally have. I would have to be very brave to try these bits. There is some fantastic options. We have tried ostrich though on holiday which was nice.
I think you’ll love all these food.
These dishes look scrumptious! I’m trying to expand my palette a bit and taste new flavours. Those elephant clams are very tempting!
I think you’d like all the food served here.
We were able to try them during our stay in Boracay. We feel that their servings are small and that they have quite pricey meals or dishes for just a small serving. The food were okay however, we weren’t satisfied because it wasn’t actually enough. Nevertheless, it’s still a nice experience dining with them.
I know what you mean Louise.
The food looks delicious. The Ostrich Salpicao sounds interesting. I’ve never tried an ostrich meat and I would love to.
I’m sure you’ll like it.
I have eaten in Mesa before. Great tasting Filipino food that is presented very imaginatively. I really like their Laing, my favorite!
Sarap no?
OH MY GULAY! Your photos are so great! Great photographs of food is a hard-earned skill—the foods are great after all, that look great directly at eye level.
Thanks you Raine!
Oh, you got me at the Elephant clams! They look so delicious with the garlic etc.
Oh gosh, salivating already!
I love Elephant clams too!
Mouth-watering dishes! I want to have a plate of that elephant clams. The price seems reasonable enough naman.
True!
The food are appetizing. I am hungry now. Can I have some?
sure you can!
I love the food at Mesa. I have yet to try ostrich salpicao though I think I’m gonna love this.
I’m sure you will.
This got me in such a mood for Mesa’s food! I super love their Fried Sisig! 🙂
I haven’t tried it. Will do next time.
You have the food and talent in photography rolled into one. You have lots of restaurants on your database and foods to cook
Thanks Fernando!
Nagutom ako! The name sounds very familiar but I can’t tell exactly where is it located. Is it in Greenbelt? Although I’m not a laing person, I’d eat binagoongan everyday.
Same here! I could eat binagoongan everyday.
I remember telling myself (and also left a comment on ur previous post) that I shouldn’t read your blog in between meals, it makes me hungry immediately and I gotta wait for my next meal time 🙁
The Diwal / Elephant Clam looks so perfecttttttt.
LOL! Thanks Hui Zi.
The Grilled Liempo Mesa Way is yummy despite of the fat… hahaha. Anyway most of the food at Mesa Filipino Moderne looks good except the Laing 2 Ways which I am not sure what is that.
laing is taro leaves boiled in coconut milk. IT is soo good.
I’m reading this while it’s lunch time and all I can think is that I would love to try everything here on the menu. Tempting indeed!
Everything is delicious!
That pork belly looks to-die-for! Was it greasy? Definitely looks well marinated.
No it wasn’t.. not at all. It was yummy!
I love Mesa!!! I think it is one of my most fave Filipino restaurants. And yes, I specially love the Laing 2-ways, yum!!!
Cheers to that!
Not really a fan of Filipino food but this sounds worth the try. I would really like to try the Laing 2-ways and Elephant Clam!! 🙂
I think you’ll love it.
Wow! Cool! Food in MESA are great. I also reviewed their food before.
Regards! 🙂
Thanks!
Wow! nakakagutom. haha. Mukhang masarap lahat lalo na yung favorite kong binagoongan at laing. 😀
Sarap nga! You should try it.