For a truly exciting dining experience, check out this new Japanese place that offers delectable choices for the palate but appeals to the Zen aesthetic as well.

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Says Juliet from the famous Shakespeare drama. Then and now that statement could not have been more true. Except that with the newly opened Japanese Fusion restaurant at The Fort called ROSE, it's not only as sweet but as sublimely flavoursome.

Adam Lieber, manager and proprietor of ROSE, laboured to tell us several versions of how he got the name for the restaurant, one more incredulous than the other. But that is one of the charms of the restaurant whose gracious host regales his customers with tales of culinary adventures, travels and life lessons. Dining at ROSE is a gastronomic experience, think sautéed Salmon with spinach chips and roe, which never disappoints.

 

The main attraction is the ingenious Floating Sushi Bar, the first of its kind in Manila. Every element in the restaurant-customised furniture like the uniquely-designed chairs, tables and the miniature model boats that float and carry along the sushi platters for the diners, and the overall dimmed lighting that sets a relaxing and cosy mood all come together for an experience like no other.

   

Adam prepared quite a feast for us so we can play food critic. We started off with the Tuna Rose Sashimi. As the name suggests, the tuna was creatively and delicately shaped into a rose and it was so good that its freshness blew us away. It tasted clean and had none of the fishy aftertaste.

 

 We tried the Wild squid tempura which was perfectly cooked --crunchy tempura coating - but the squid was not the rubbery, chewy kind at all. It was tender to the last bite. 

Then Adam asked us to try the Firecracker Edamame and, true enough, the spicy-ness could be explosive. And we were just having the appetisers then. For the main course, he brought us the sautéed Salmon with spinach chips and roe and Tuna Tataki with spicy garlic sauce.

 

Both were memorable dishes: the slightly crusted salmon meant a glorious combination of crispy crust and tender meat, but together with the bursting goodness of the salmon roe, it was sublime! The second main course was another hit.

 

The seared Tuna Tataki and the very spicy sauce were the perfect dish. Of course, the sauce will never be revealed to us mere dining mortals but it is something that inspires awe and curiosity. Hours went by like a blur after that only to be jolted awake by Adam's homemade ice cream. He imports French milk and cream but uses local organic fruits and vegetables to come up with these unique flavours: Belgian Chocolate and Mexican chillies (my personal favourite), lemon dream, Himalayan salted caramel, Thai peanut and the latest addition roasted pumpkin and spice.

 

ROSE is the ideal place to unwind after a hard day's work. It also offers the Zipang Sparkling sake: rice wine using the Champagne method that results in a light body, semi-sweet sparkling sake with fresh flavour. At the end of our meal, we realized that ROSE's attraction also comes from its straightforward flavours, nothing fancy or fussy, but decidedly takes Japanese comfort food to a new level with a hip ambience.

ROSE may be the new kid on the block but make no mistake. With everything that it offers and more, we won't be surprised if it is staying for good.

 

ROSE
31st Street cor 1st Avenue, 
Ground Floor, Grand Hamptons Tower
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Tel: +63.917.597.2573
http://www.RoseManila.com

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