Maria Luisa's Secret Garden
Maria Luisa's Secret Garden Room is not a hidden gem anymore. About a year in operation, this restaurant has gained quite a following with it's excellent food, a delightful homey ambience, and very accommodating hosts.My family and I visited last Saturday, August 16, 2014, missing the corner right turn from northbound Ayala-Edsa.
So we went around again, and this time we drove through Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, took a right at EDSA, then right on Ayala Avenue, and right again at the first corner which is Recolletos Street. This will lead you to a closed gate of Urdaneta Village. But no worries, the restaurant is just to your right inside The Makati Garden Club.
We found it !!!
The Manila Garden Club Entrance
Let's cross the bridge :-)
We are getting nearer.....
We're here... I'm excited!!!
Inside the Restaurant
The restaurant was fully booked. Lucky for us, there was a vacant table for two which the waitress painstakingly converted into a seating for four --- what a talent. The interior sets a sweet mood with flowers hand painted on some walls. Brocade upholstered seats, and a victorian lamp shaded chandelier gives a nice, romantic feel.
So we are ready to order.
Our Food...
Egg on Pumpernickel: Appetizer On The House
Mussels in Wine and Cream Sauce
(This photo is a portion of a serving split into four.)
The Chef's Special Chilean Mussels in Wine and Cream Sauce is a must try. The restaurant also gives a generous serving of European Sourdough Bread which we heartily dipped in the sauce. The bread itself is impressive -- crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, with a delicious taste.
Mediterranean Salad
(This photo is a portion of a serving split into four.)
Pasta with Chorizo, Clams, and Tomatoes
Lamb Shank with Risotto
Everything was excellent and satisfying... food to service to ambience. About the ambience, most describe the place as sweet and girly, but in our visit, there was a long table setting for about 16 people, and I was surprised that when the guests started arriving, they were all men. And another table for three near us were also all men. Aside from the family groups there present, one noticeable table is a group of six women enjoying their friendly lunch and chat. I know one of them, that's why. So I say, girls go there for the ambience, and men go there for the food.
I saw in one site that the resto is open for Makati Garden Club members only. We are not members, but they served us anyway. Whether by a change of policy or by sheer politeness, thank you. My only regret is that we were already so full, that we were not able to try the desserts.
My daughter is very happy to be at The Secret Garden.
MARIA LUISA'S GARDEN CENTER
The Makati Garden Club
Recoletos Street corner Ayala Avenue, Brgy Urdaneta, Makati City
Telephone: +632 552-7051, 552-7045
Operating Hours: Open Everyday from 11.30am to 9.00pm
The Makati Garden Club
Recoletos Street corner Ayala Avenue, Brgy Urdaneta, Makati City
Telephone: +632 552-7051, 552-7045
Operating Hours: Open Everyday from 11.30am to 9.00pm
Note: Cash basis only.
