Mention Sentro and the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is Sinigang na Corned Beef. A very interesting take on the classic Filipino Sinigang, it has brought incredulity and wonder on the faces of many Pinoys. While it is one of the dishes that has made Sentro 1771 very popular, the restaurant goes beyond that, with a wide selection of dishes that modernize the Filipino cuisine we grew up with.

A part of the Chateau 1771 group of restaurants, Sentro 1771 is Filipino cuisine with a splash of modern. At a glance, these reinvented classics feel more cosmopolitan than the comfort cooking we’re familiar with, but after you take a first bite, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that the heartwarming flavors are the same ones we all love.

Take, for instance, this recent addition to their menu, the Fresh Smoked Fish Spring Rolls. It looks classy — inch-high little rolls, served in individual little cups, with a vinegar-based sauce on the side. You’d think it were some European fusion dish, with the lumpia wrapper being the only Pinoy element. Biting into it tells you otherwise, as it screams Pinoy Breakfast through and through. Tinapang bangus, itlog na maalat, tomatoes, onions and lettuce, tightly held together by a chewy rice paper skin. One bite and I knew I was in love.

Another appetizer we tried was the Fried Kesong Puti. Served on the side with a sweet chili guava sauce and a garlic dip, it’s something I can easily get addicted to. It does justice to kesong puti, as it turned gooey and chewy underneath the crispy breadcrumb crust. As to the best dip to pair it with, I honestly can’t choose. I like the fruity bite of the chili guava sauce and the sharp garlic taste of the other. I guess it’s a good thing you don’t have to choose and can have both.

Another new dish on their was the Adobo Catfish Flakes. Admittedly, I was surprised when they served it. I was expecting something brown, crispy and flaky, much like your usual meat adobo flakes, so a dish of cubed, yellow-tinged fish threw me off a bit. Still, even if it wasn’t what I thought it was, it’s still a good dish choice as the catfish was light yet meaty, with a tinge of refreshing turmeric. True to the adage about not judging things by appearances, yes?

One of my Sentro favorites is the Rated GG, so I knew I had to order it, too. The lowly galunggong takes its turn in the spotlight as it’s filleted, lightly fried in oil and garlic, then sprinkled with crunchy garlic. Another winner on their menu, it’s not surprising that it’s one of their bestsellers. It’s best enjoyed with loads of steaming rice.

How can it be dinner at Sentro when you don’t have their Sinigang na Corned Beef? Generous, meaty hunks of corned beef stewed in tamarind broth and vegetables. You’ll never look down at Corned Beef again once you’ve tried this Sentro favorite. One thing I like about their Sinigang is how they cook it following your specifications. They serve you a small jigger with some of the broth, letting you decide whether you want it more sour.

For dessert, we split the Coffee Bean Sans Rival, a sugar and caffeine rush inducing take on the usually innocent egg white dessert. Light and airy, I still found it humongous so it’s perfect for sharing. Well, unless you’re a big dessert monster, then you’ll want to have it all for yourself.

We left Sentro stuffed and happy. And quite disappointed, I must say, that the meal has come to an end. There are more dishes I want to try and even more I want to come back to. (I’m looking at you, Smoked Fish Lumpia!) Stop by Sentro sometime and relive my dining experience. Be sure to bring your family or friends along. This is one meal you’ll want to share—even if it’s just because you want an excuse to order a lot of different things.

Sentro 1771
Level 2, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City
(02)757-3940 / (0917)866-0449
Serendra, Bonifacio Global City
(02)856-0581 / (0917)8147794
http://www.chateaugroup.com/

Many thanks to Mr. Ramon Vera and Sentro 1771 for having us over.

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 30th, 2009 at 2:32 pm and is filed under restos & eateries, sponsored events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.