Enderun's Restaurant 101

Having read about Restaurant 101 eons ago, I was happy to have finally been able to try it last night. Late dinner with Rob and haven't deciding on any place to dine in yet, Restaurant 101 immediately popped into mind as we drove along Ortigas.

I was quite unsure of the exact building at first, but we eventually found our way to the Wynsum Corporate Plaza at F.Ortigas Ave. And on the 2/F, we were greeted by a locked door. I had to ask if this was were Restaurant 101 was to be found and the guard was happy to accomodate us through the hall. I had read the Restaurant 101 required reservations and dining here was by invitation only, and it was a pleasant surprise that they had room for us.

Restaurant 101 is essentially the training ground for the Enderun College culinary institution. Completely run by the students, it is the perfect place to practice their craft. Enderun College is said to be partenered with some of the world’s best in the industry such as Switzerland’s Les Roche Swiss Hotel School of Management and the Alain Ducasse Training Center in France.
Restaurant 101 have really nice interiors coupled with a somewhat formal/ fine-dine ambience. Student-servers are clad in crisp black suits as they assist you through your dining experience.

Just outside the restaurant

Interiors

Kitchen (you'll see this along the Hall)

We ordered Baked Cognac Prawn Bique with Pastry Crust (I think we were drawn in by the fancy name) for starters. Rob had the Hoisin Glazed Smoked Duck Breast while I had the Angel Hair Pasta with Japanese Chicken Curry for the main meal. Rob originally wanted the Baby Back Ribs; unfortunately, we were informed that the quality of the ribs was not good enough to serve. Well, at least they told us.

Rolls and butter are immediately served after you order, and they ask you every time if you want some more. We were quite hungry when we arrived and the rolls saved our life. I had high hopes for the Prawn Bisque soup as our order arrived; but was quite disappointed. The Prawn Bisque soup didn't quite do it for us. It was quite a thick soup, the flavor was too overpowering, and only had one prawn. I admit, it wasn't the best way to start our meal. We could've probably settled for the more common Seafood Chowder.

Nevertheless, our soup experience was completely turned around when our main course finally arrived.

Both dishes were prepared very nicely. It was the first time I had Curry on pasta, and I loved it! Mix this with chicken and potatoes (my 2 faves), carrots, and green and red bell pepers... it was an absolute treat. My only comment would be the angel hair pasta was kind of overdone (as the noodles were too fat for angel hair). Despite this, I truly enjoyed my meal. The Smoked Duck was superb as well -- tender and juicy with their very nice blend of sauce. Very good presentation, too. Both dishes also gave justice to prices, serving proportions were more than enough, and we didn't even have any more room for dessert afterwards.

Butter and Rolls

Baked Cognac Prawn Bique with Pastry Crust, P150

Angel Hair Pasta with Japanese Chicken Curry, P390

Hoisin Glazed Smoked Duck Breast, P520

All in all, we had a great meal and I would definitely recommend Restaurant 101 (just maybe try another soup dish). Prices are very reasonable given with the fine dine experience, service quality, and great food. Rob and I were actually keeping in mind some of the dishes we wanted to try next. Just make sure you have reservations, though. I'm not really sure if it's already an open restaurant; we could've just been lucky since there were quite a few guests when we got there.

*Restaurant 101, Enderun Colleges (2/F Wynsum Corporate Plaza, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center. Listed number 638.5555)