Bangkok Cafe

Had a Christmas luncheon get-together with Vicky's Animo classmates at a Thai restaurant called Bangkok Cafe at the Ortigas Center.  Located at the ground floor of the Pearl Plaza along Pearl Drive (the University of Asia and the Pacific is right across the street), this restaurant opened just last October.  The interiors were neat and simple, and the kitchen area is visible via a large glass window (somehow I warm up very well to restaurants with open kitchens).  While the restaurant is usually closed on Sundays, we were lucky that one of Vicky's friends was able to make arrangements for us to hold our get-together there on Sunday lunch (perfect--easy parking).  Menu was very well planned and the taste of the the contrasting viands complemented each other--Tom Yum soup, prawns in coconut cream, spicy pomelo salad, crispy-wrapped prawns, togue & tofu combination, red chicken curry, steamed fish, beef strips and stir-fried kangkong.  We specifically asked for mild chili pepper (the kids can't take the heat) and the food came with just the right touch of spice, adequate to give the Thai zing, yet still be considered friendly to the local palate.  After lots of banter and light conversation, we had Takoh (coconut cream gelatin) and red apulid (water chestnuts) in shaved ice for dessert, in time to finish up by 2:30 p.m.  A super treat at around P700 per head, inclusive of drinks.