Not that Chef Jessie was ever AWOL, but we’re taking delight in her stronger presence these days. She in one of the city’s earlier chef superstars, after all; she deserves a nice space in the stage that is Manila’s crowded dining scene.
In July Chef Jessie opened the 100 Revolving Restaurant in C-5 Libis. The come-on, many will say, is in the restaurant’s two-hour revolution, which we gleefully tagged a “Secret of the city.” But what will get them to stay and make regulars out of clients, is her food. She makes mean dishes, Chef Jessie. Her menu is reminiscent of Le Souffle—classic and straightforward French fare through and through. But because the restaurant is situated in an office building, we take that the sandwiches, mini pizzas, and sushi in her menu are offerings for business meetings and executive lunches.
We ordered items with Chef Jessie’s name on it: The Balut Surprise by Chef Jessie (consommé, puff pastry, celery, carrots, spring onions, cabbabe; PHP300), and Pasta ala Jessie (scallops, prawns, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms; PHP795).
The cheery chef made her rounds, stopping by our table and giving her recommendations: Spicy Tuna Maki (tuna, togarashi, tanuki; PHP450), Assorted seafood gambas (seafood with garlic rice; PHP850), and for dessert, the Revolving Macapuno torta (super light sponge cake with macapuno on top and pandan sauce; PHP250).
The prices aren’t exactly the most affordable so you may want to bookmark 100 Revolving Restaurant for special occasions—dates, anniversaries, and proposals—or for really bad days when only good and expensive food can drown your stress and sorrows.
Chef Jessie’s 100 Revolving Restaurant 33rd floor, MDC 100 Building, C5 cover Eastwood Drive, Quezon City; +63 2 9621016; Daily 11am-11pm. www.chefjessie.com
