a musing: derivations of a non-conformist idealist

Old Vine and Kuse @ McKinley Piazza

A day before my birthday last year, I treated some of my closest friends at the office- the couples Ngo and Uy- to lunch. I was new to McKinley Hill and its Piazza then so we just went with the most-expensive looking restaurant there. I kid. But it wouldn’t feel the same if it were a birthday lunch treat at KFC, would it? It would? Ok, fine, whatever.

Some nice, colorful tile designs on the tables and walls. The one above’s the table and for the walls, well, look into the mirror…
See it? =) Now, for more of the table-top. Nice shakers, huh?
And here’s what’s on top of everything. Lends a lot to the atmosphere. Feels like an old home (Not a home for the elderly!) serving classic dishes. So let’s move on to what we ate…
First up: what I drank- classic Mango shake.
Rice, please!
And more rice! With some toppings too!
Some poultry.
And Bulalo soup.
And uncovered. But the bones didn’t have the meat in the center. Is it still meat? Yeah, the one inside the bone. Marrow, yeah! Anyway, this batch didn’t have any. Sad!
It had lots of veggies and greenies though. And I luurve veggies and greenies, right? RIGHT?!?! Riiiight…
Fish and chips.
Lastly, (it was actually first to arrive at the table) fish scales! Milk fish skin fried to a crisp. A little too tasty or salty. And a little too tough. Verdict: harsh on the palate. And so that was one heavy lunch. So much food for 5 people. Total cost: under P500 per head. Oh and just before we left, since my friends kept on loudly announcing that it was my birthday, the staff brought me this:
Aw. Sweet! But how can five people share on a brownie? =) Kidding. Thanks! I still can’t eat here everyday because that would be financial suicide. But I appreciate the gesture and the friendly staff and being able to order from both menus of Old Vine and Kuse. And for accepting cards when the other establishments at the Piazza still haven’t got that settled yet then. So, all in all, nice enough experience. Filling. Just right for special occasions. Anniversaries. Dates when you’re trying to impress someone. Old vine, recommend. Not just THAT recommended.