TWIST (The Way I See Things): Visayan Room at XO 46 dishes out favorites from the South

In today's world where instant-anything is increasingly becoming the norm, an idyllic hideaway dining place in Makati wants to bring back the time when homegrown, slow-cooked food creations are the only things that matter.

Taking its patrons to the core of Filipino gastronomy, XO 46 Filipino Bistro represents well everything that is good in Filipino food--flavorful, aromatic, creative, garnished elegantly.

Adobong Batangas sa Atsuete

When yours truly (along with Sheryl Songsong of SPACE Magazine and Ron Pecho of ABS-CBN) was invited to try out some of the most delicious items at the restaurant's Visayan Room, I couldn't stop eating despite my tummy aching from eating too much.

According to the place's owners, they wanted to serve food "that no instant mix can duplicate." They wanted to prepare everything using the traditional method because it's the only way to bring out the best flavors of the rich Filipino culinary items that we have.

We started our lunch with Sopa de Mariscos (P265), a warm seafood surprise that is a perfect introduction to a hearty meal. We followed this up with the Pollo ala Plancha al Ajillo, a delicious set of grilled chicken in garlic and olive oil (P385/P290).

A standout was the Adobong Batangas sa Atsuete, a reimagination of the Batangas beef brisket in anato oil, soy sauce and vinegar (P395); and the Sinugbang Manok (coked in red wine sauce).

We also tried their own version of gising-gising and fried tilapia with buko flakes. But what I really liked was its hot ginger-lemongrass drink that really brought home that feeling of being taken care of.

Aside from its amazing food, the interiors of XO 46 also garnered high marks from my book by being classy, yet not intimidating. If you live in Makati and are looking to try something different and flavorful with friends and/or family, this is definitely a must-try, can't-skip destination.

XO 46 Filipino Bistro is at 130 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City. For more information, call (02) 553 6632.

Here are more photos to further whet your appetite! :)