(SPOT.ph) Next to breakfast (which many folks at least have the option of waking up earlier for), lunch has become quite the bastardized meal in the modern world. It sits in the middle of the day, and on work days it can be a challenge to stop the momentum, pull yourself away from the computer, and take a real break to rekindle your human side—in the form of mindfully enjoying your meal with full intention—if only for an hour or so. Many folks end up rushing their lunches at their desks, scarfing them down mindlessly, or skipping them altogether. (The author, who generally eats one meal a day at dinner for convenience, is guilty of this herself).
But it’s a different story for the French, who still take the time to have substantial, leisurely lunches of dishes prepared with thought and care using quality ingredients. (Occasionally the meal would involve wine, too.) Prior to the pandemic, the French labor code even banned workers from eating at their desks—and if their people being generally healthier and more productive is any indication, it’s working for them alright. It's worth taking a page from that system, and here’s an idea. Consider saving a relatively free date to drop by Metronome, as the Legazpi-Village establishment now opens for lunch with stellar must-tries on the menu.
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Drop by French restaurant Metronome for a proper lunch on your next long break:
Metronome, of course, is a force to be reckoned with in the local fine-dining sphere. The restaurant’s come to be known for their modern French fare that leans on classic French techniques, but also takes subtle liberties where applicable, updating certain elements and occasionally even employing local ingredients. And spearheading the kitchen is Chef Miko Calo, who graduated from the École Grégoire-Ferrandi in Paris and worked for no less than the late Joël Robuchon.
At dinnertime, Metronome’s sleek-meets-elegant interiors serve to make for the perfect setting for a business meeting or special date. At lunchtime, however, with more natural light peeking through the windows, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and convivial.
“Guests who choose to come to lunch with us are very different from our guests who join us for dinner,” says Calo. “Our lunch guests are looking for a dining experience that is more casual, quick, and less complicated.” To go with that, the celebrated chef along with the rest of the Metronome team have come up with bistro lunch sets of excellent value, coming with soup or salad, your main course of choice (all with Metronome’s signature contemporary-French flair), dessert, and coffee or tea.
Take your pick from light or hearty numbers for your set-menu starter. Options for the soup or salad—which can also be ordered ala carte—include the properly rich, earthy-sweet French Onion Soup (P550) and vibrant Potager Salad (P375).
Worth a try for the adventurous is the Duck Confit (P1,800/set), Metronome’s version of which stands out from the many others available with its savory-sweet character reminiscent of Chinese ham. We dig it—especially with Metronome's famous Potato Purée keeping it company, plus zippy, bitter greens to balance out its richness. Also on the indulgent side is the Metronome Burger (P1,600/set), which has its own 100% USDA Prime Beef patty, a slab of seared foie gras (this is Metronome after all), caramelized onions, emmental cheese, and dijon mustard in a brioche bun, plus fries on the side.
Those looking for stick-to-your-ribs, homey fare would be well to try their hearty stews, which include the Beef Bourguignon (P1,200/set), Hunter’s Chicken (P1,000/set), and Lamb Ragout Parmentier (P1,400/set). Like it lighter? The Mussels Mariniere Linguine (P1,200/set) and Ratatouille & Tapenade (P1,000/set) have got your back. Steak, too, is always a good idea, and Metronome whips up a special Steak Frites (P2,200/set) as part of their lunch lineup.
And if a dreamy ending is what you seek, don’t miss their desserts that include the lush and luxe Salted Caramel Bavarois (P300) and light and puffy Profiteroles (P450).
Other Lunch Dishes at Metronome
Should you be looking for your Metronome dinner go-to’s earlier in the day, you’ll be happy to know a number of their signatures are also available for ala-carte orders as part of their lunch lineup. Begin with the deceptively simple, earthy-rich Egg (P550) with a cepes-truffle cream; make it a decidedly rich affair with their Foie Gras (P750) paired with a tamarillo chutney; or go all out with the Lobster Spaghettini (P2,500) topped with butter-poached Maine lobster and glistening dollops of salmon roe.
Ala-carte mains include Metronome’s spiced-fruity Duck (P2,500) which features Barbary duck and pomelo-apricot confiture for sweet-tangy contrast. The Halibut (P1,800)—with its succulent, buttery flesh—also demonstrates Metronome’s A+ handle on fish. And for a truly special lunch to be remembered, go for the Lobster (P4,300)—live Maine lobster that’s seared and kept company by sauce américaine, greens, and a potato puree.
For a stellar midday meal, definitely add on a sweet meal-ender. Choose from the Strawberry (P500), with a tangy timbale of Mara Des Bois strawberries and whipped Isigny Sainte-Mère fromage blanc; or the gianduja-esque L’Ultime (P600) that uses Michel Cluizel La Laguna 70% dark chocolate plus hazelnut dacquoise and salted caramel cream.
Taking pleasure in food is a bit of a forgotten art, but one worth rekindling when the time allows for it. Go ahead and revel in the tastes and textures right in front of you; rather than stuff yourself for the heck of it, try mindfully savoring every spoonful. You’ll be back at your work desk with the same deadlines to face, alright (groan)—but also, more than a full stomach, an actual fulfilled soul.
Metronome is at The Grand Midori Makati, Bolanos Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more information, check out Metronome's Facebook page.
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