Gayuma ni Maria is a romance-themed restaurant sprinkled with chic and magic. A third reincarnation of Gayuma (Esteban Abada st.) and Cucina Gayuma (Gilmore) that used to be a cult favorite among Ateneans before they closed down.
The restaurant is very warm and cozy indeed. It somehow attempts to project a casual, flirty, and romantic ambiance. Al-fresco-ish dining on the first floor, and comfortable space on the second floor.
Entirely bewitching, this place. It's true! Take it from the dimly-lit dining area to the hand-painted walls filled with love potion recipes, even the old school love songs and dainty decorations -- indeed, this restaurant is quite infused with magic.
But what really enthralled me, is the ordering experience. The printed menu on laminated white paper, A.K.A The Gayuma Love Story, encapsulates the whole Gayuma ni Maria concept: fun and flirty food.
The gastronomic love affair starts with ordering Attraction: teasers to wet the appetite.
We had:
It was good for taro fries. But it was definitely the best with the strawberry yogurt and cheese dip :)
Next comes Attraction: the beginnings of something gastronomically great.
For this, we had:
CPK's Grilled Chicken Salad is irrevocably the best salad I've ever tasted. But when it comes to the next best thing, THIS IS DEFINITELY IT. I loved this nacho-lettuce salad. Their grapes were undeniably sweet and crisp as well. And the sour cream and cheese sauce -- SINFUL.
And now, we move on to Commitment: real deal dishes to devour.
We tried a couple of chicken dishes.
It was good. Though, there was nothing so special about these Chicken Tenders.
Yummy :) The cheese, mushrooms, asparagus, and the mystery sauce perfectly complemented the chicken breast. No wonder it was one of the House Specialties.
And finally, we gave in to the Tempatation: to-die-for-mouthwatering-desserts.
For the very juvenile and casual me, this dessert definitely screams O-M-G. The cake, oh-so-lusciously chocolatey and moist: not so sweet, just, PERFECT, and the butterscotch cream, words fail to describe its awesomeness.
And while Beats Sex Anyday caught my attention, Twisted Pavlova makes me think twice about giving my whole heart to the prior. Light, delicate, sweet, and crisp all at the same time. I don't usually like meringue, but love is just surprising, isn't it?
Ooooh and do visit Gayuma ni Maria on a Wednesday, and say: "I would like to do a 69 please!" See, every Wednesday, they have this 69-peso mystery meals. Love is all about taking risks, anyway, right? :P
And before leaving, be sure to check out the Naughty Nook, for a little souvenir :)
Gayuma ni Maria tickled me in delight earlier today :)) Though, if you're too formal or stiff, then this isn't the right place for you. But with such good desserts, perfect to be paired up with coffee? You'll still probably say, "hmmm...", at the very least :)
Gayuma ni Maria
123 V. Luna Extension (Maginhawa st.) Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, Philippines
Flirty Cuisine :P
Estimated Budget: ~150 per meal
