New at Dr. Wine: 7-Hour Lamb, Duck Confit + More A+ French Fare

(SPOT.ph) Where do you go in Metro Manila for a taste of real-deal French cuisine? If you’re in Poblacion, Dr. Wine is probably at the top of your list. The elegant wine bar has long been a beloved go-to spot in Makati for its well-thought out cocktail and wine list, but it’s also an excellent option for anyone on the hunt for a good meal—or perhaps if your tastes run a little Parisian. Now is the perfect time to drop by as Dr. Wine just unveiled a dozen new dishes that elevate their already impressive menu. 

"We've always been known for our exceptional wine selection, but now we're taking the culinary experience to new heights," Dr. Wine founder and owner Vincent Landais tells us. "Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that every dish on the menu is a true reflection of the French gastronomic tradition, prepared with the highest standards of quality and authenticity.”

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Here’s a look at the new menu at Dr. Wine: 

If you are in the mood to savor French fare—or at least to try them—then you’ve found your spot. Dr. Wine’s Chef Romain hails from Toulouse, so you can be sure that the dishes he’s creating capture the richness and precision of French culinary traditions. 

Generous portion sizes are the standard in Dr. Wine; each dish in the new and old menu is meant to be shared among family and friends. In this writer’s opinion, the hearty serving sizes are much friendlier (i.e. less intimidating) to foodies dipping their toes into a new type of cuisine, French or otherwise. And besides, what’s better than enjoying a delicious meal with good company? 

To kick things off, a classic: Salade Cesar du Chef (P640) a.k.a. Chef’s Caesar Salad. Romaine lettuce, boneless crispy chicken thigh, quail eggs, bacon, anchovy-caper-parmesan dressing, and croutons—it's a timeless starter that we loved especially for its tasty, chunky, and generous servings of crispy chicken. The Artichauts Frits (deep-fried artichokes) are another crowd-pleaser. These crispy bites come with a creamy aioli for dipping, making them a great choice for sharing. Meanwhile, seafood lovers will gravitate towards Palourdes Au Vin Blanc Et Persillade, a light yet flavorful dish of clams cooked in white wine, parsley, and butter broth. 

Among the new starters, it’s definitely the Camembert D’Isigny Roti that stands out. It's a whole roll of baked camembert cheese—what’s not to love? The buttery Camembert whets the appetite beautifully, especially when paired with a glass of wine. Don’t forget a drizzle of honey on top, as the chef himself recommends. Trust him: A drop or two of honey will make the flavors of the cheese blossom. 

Although the appetizers are undeniably tempting, resist the urge to overindulge, because Dr. Wine’s selection of entrees is equally impressive. From classic French staples to innovative takes on familiar dishes, there’s something for every palate. 

A personal favorite was the Agneau de 7 Heures (P1,380). The dish literally translates to “seven-hour lamb,” which is exactly what it is: Australian lamb shoulder slow-cooked for seven hours. The result? Melt-in-your-mouth meat beautifully that is complemented by a sweet potato puree, French beans, and garlic confit. Another new knockout on the Dr. Wine menu is the Ragoût de Poulpe (Octopus Ragu, P880). The hearty dish features extra tender octopus meat simmered to perfection in a deep tomato reduction, served on top of paccheri pasta.

Other highlights include the Pavé de Saumon Sauce Gribiche (salmon steak with the classically French gribiche—tartar sauce’s more refined cousin, P1,280), Porchetta Provençale (succulent roast pork belly with a huge serving of colorful veggies), and Confit de Cuisse de Canard (Ernest Soulard duck leg confit with fries, P850).

Of course, the meat-inclined among us would consider steak a must-have for any night out. Luckily, Dr. Wine has a new one for the steak lovers: Ribeye Steak (P6,980 for 800 grams). The hearty cut is cooked to perfection, with a juicy, flavorful interior and a beautifully seared crust. It comes with your choice of two sides. 

End your meal on a sweet note with the new dessert Dr. Wine added on the menu: Tarte Tatin (P490). Warm apple pie topped with a heaping of creamy vanilla ice cream—a classic French dessert that is as comforting as it is indulgent. 

Oh, and it probably goes without saying, but the wine was exceptional, too. In particular, one bottle of red stood out and got rave reviews during the media rollout of the new menu: Wild House Pinotage. The South African red wine is smooth and balanced, making it a pleasant drink—even for diners who aren’t typically keen on red wine (like yours truly).

For inquiries and information, contact 8123-4567. Dr. Wine is located on Algier Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City. For more information, check out Dr. Wine Poblacion's Facebook page.

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