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Yes, it’s really FAB for fabulous, Holiday Inn Galleria Manila’s newest restaurant. In a city where every hotel boasts their own theater kitchen – think HEAT or 7 Corners — FAB strikes out with its own concept: unlimited appetizer and dessert buffet accompanied by an a la carte menu from which I choose my main course.

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Unlike any other a la carte menu, I can choose from different kinds of meats: imported steaks from the US, racks of lamb and lamb chops straight from the rotisserie, grilled chicken, spareribs, fillets of salmon, sea bass, cod, and red snapper (maya-maya). Of course the beauty in a meal set-up such as this one is the ability to choose: surf and turf platters are available, combining the beauty of earth and sea; or skewered meats for that more rustic kebab experience. I also get to choose how I want my main course cooked — grilled, steamed, fried, baked — ah, choices, choices!

A good meal needs warming up to so I take my time with the appetizers, a spread of breads and cheeses, hors d’ oeuvres, smoked meats, and a gorgeous tangerine-colored terrine. There’s also a mix-and-match salad bar and an array of chafing dishes offering a wealth of hot starters and sides: potato gratin, steamed cauliflower, rice, etc.

As I gnaw on a portion of suckling pig (so far, my favorite among the mains offered to the food press) I’m appreciative of the bright light streaming in from the wide glass windows. FAB is definitely a casual restaurant with little frills or anything else that will detract from the food. Much of the interior is in subdued earth tones highlighted by native indigenous materials and accents.

A seafood plate arrives, and my companions grab the lobster and crayfish. Because I’ve got my camera in my face, I’m the last to get any of the seafood — I’m happy with the lone prawn that I’m able to nab. Briny with the taste of charcoal, it’s good. While I’m usually more aggressive when it comes to “hunting” for my food, I’m not worried about not getting enough of the main course because I already have my eye on the dessert buffet.

Sparkling with various colors, the dessert buffet is a kaleidoscope of taste and choice. Various toppings are waiting to be mixed into the ice cream – I choose pistachio mint and drown it in a gush of caramel. Other ice cream flavors include mango and chocolate. There are shooter glasses filled with mousse, little cups of pot de crème, glistening fruit tarts, mini chocolate carrot cakes redolent with cinnamon, a unique cheesecake with glazed fruits in the middle, and the take-no-prisoners hot fudge brownie. Dubbed the restaurant’s “killer dessert,” it’s a hot brownie practically oozing in ganache, garnished with sliced almonds for texture. It is, in a word, FAB. I go back for seconds.

FAB, the Restaurant
4th Level, Holiday Inn Galleria, Manila
One Asian Development Bank Avenue,
Ortigas Center, Pasig
For inquiries, call 633-7222, local 7313

P650/ appetizer + dessert buffet, plus P320 for a main course.
Thanks to Cheryl Arnold and Abigail Chang.