It's always fun to eat with friends that are truly close to your heart. That's why when Mommy Daney & Ian invited me to have dinner at Mary Grace Cafe in Trinoma, without any second thoughts, I immediately gave them a loud YES! Nothing can stop a foodie like me from having a good time eating, especially doing it with friends who also offer interesting stories that make every dining experience pleasurable.
From the South, after hanging out at Blendz Coffee in Megamall to finish some unpublished posts and attending the Sunday afternoon mass, I hurriedly rode a cab and politely told the driver, "Manong, Trinoma po... :)" (yes, it's not just a smiley, I did really smile while telling the driver my destination... hehe...) Then after about 30 minutes of seemingly-like-forever taxi ride, I found myself warmly greeted by my peers, all excited for me to check out what we will be having for that Sunday Night Chillout.
Since we all can't wait to taste the delicious food that Mary Grace has to offer, we immediately asked for the menu and checked what they got for us. As a soup person, I decided to first get their Seafood Chowder. We Filipinos usually only have soup during the rainy days, aside from our traditional "mainit na sabaw" but this chowder has more than what we think of compared to the others. I cannot deny that fact that this straightforwardly delicious soup made it to my list of favorite soups of all time! I was amazed by how balanced the creaminess and the seafood flavor was. It's consistency is just right and I love how every bite of the clams, shrimp and squid adds a depth of flavor to the whole dish. It was served on a very beautiful, mustard colored soup bowl (that I badly wanted to bring home with me... haha!), very simple yet gastronomically awesome!
Seafood Chowder
After having the soup, I tried the different pasta dishes that we ordered. I had Seafood Pasta, Pasta Amatriciana with Italian Meatballs, Leeks, Saffron and Cream Dory Fish Fillet, and finally the Spanish Sardines with Olives Pasta.
The Seafood Pasta was simple yet very appetizing; with those generous amount of fresh seafood tossed with the al dente pasta covered with tasty pasta water and olive oil, every seafood lover will surely have a blast and enjoy eating this one.
Seafood Pasta
Pasta Amatriciana with Italian Meatballs is also great. The pasta sauce was really tasty, loved how they have infused it with italian herbs and spices. Unlike the traditional Italian tomato sauce that is a bit sour, this has a balanced combination of sweet and sour taste. Add to that the layers of flavor coming from the chunky and juicy meatballs, herbs and parmesan cheese, this dish is a sure hit to every Italian pasta lover. I am so glad that we're able to get this one because as for me, any pasta experience is not complete without being able to taste a tomato based pasta sauce.
Pasta Amatriciana with Italian Meatballs
Next is the Leeks, Saffron and Cream Dory Fish Fillet. The dory tasted really good; very fresh and succulent and it has absorbed the flavors from the leeks, saffron and lemon very well. Consuming it with the olive oil based and tangy lemon sauce plus the pasta makes it really a star - a very healthy, simple and complete meal good enough to fill a hungry foodie. But what really made my taste buds run crazy was this last pasta, with its different taste and savory oil sauce, I must say that it had been very close to my heart (or should I say my stomach?? what do you think?? haha!)
Special Thanks to my dear friend photographer, Ian and his wife Mommy Daney! Love you both!
Leeks, Saffron and Cream Dory Fish Fillet
Spanish Sardines with Olives is stellar that night. Of all the pastas that I have eaten, this one surely made a real impact on me and how I adore oil-based pasta dishes. I loved how the pasta was generously covered with the sardines and its spicy, savory sauce. I was also amazed by how the tomato chunks softened the whole spicy ensemble. Truly, this has made my whole pasta experience really scrumptious and memorable.
Spanish Sardines with Olives
Along with this yummy dishes were refreshing concoctions. Mary Grace was known for their flavored drinks so we decided to order three of their best sellers: Sangria, Citrus Fruit with Peppermint and Apple Cinnamon Iced Tea. All were very good and a great partner to the dishes that we had. Mary Grace has truly proven that they do not only offer delicious cakes and pastries but also dishes that are affordable, flavorsome and cooked with love.
Aside from the good food and drinks, you'll also love the ambiance that this cafe offers - rustic, homey and artsy. Their wooden walls and stained glass lamps really made the cafe very accommodating and warm (I was hooked by those lamps, I also wanted to take it home... haha!). I love how they plate their dishes, on ceramic plates with artistic and lovely patterns and designs. Their food is not just really delicious but is surely very pretty and inviting to look at. Price wise, all of their servings were good, I think, for two and costs around 200php to 300php, very affordable for such great gastronomic experience. All in all, Mary Grace is one cafe worth dining for. It has all the qualities of a great cafe and resto should have - good food, delicious desserts, warm ambiance, affordable prices and friendly servers - such an amazing grace, so, what more can you ask for?
Words of one happy foodie customer... ^__^
You can leave messages under the glass the covers their wooden dining tables!
Such a great and creative way to get feedback from customers.
Great decorative ideas too! ^__^
Cafe Mary Grace
Tel: 823 7746 | 823 2954 | 383 1340
Cell: 0917 861 6885
Email: marygracefoods@yahoo.com.ph
Cell: 0917 861 6885
Email: marygracefoods@yahoo.com.ph
To my friend Cj and my best friend, Bherry and her man, Louie, glad that you're able to join us! thanks a lot! love love!
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