Samba

Pick a good wife, and you’ll die a happy man. Pick a bad wife, and you become a philosopher. I don’t think Neo has become a philosopher so am guessing this guy is pretty happy. He messaged me about wanting to surprise Gina, his wife and my college best friend in DLSU, as post-celebration of her birthday. Both are based in Dubai now since Gina works for Emirates Airlines. Last I saw Gina was in December when they were both in Manila to celebrate the holidays. I was so excited since in less than a month I’d be seeing her again. It’s hard to have LDF – you know, long distance friendship. Neo gathered the troop, Arezu and King (we are missing Fay since she lives in Irvine, California) and a date was set.

January 27, 2017 – we initially picked out Foo’d Restaurant by Chef Davide Oldani or 212 to host our dinner but since it’s so hard to get a reservation, we ended up at Samba in Shangri-La Fort instead. Not a bad second pick. In fact, it was such a great dinner I have returned twice since then.

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The two who really pursued law and actually finished it.

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Appreciate this one being really early

and helping me out in dressing up the dining room for Gina <3

They have a private room for bigger groups that want some well, privacy. I do enjoy however their al fresco area situated near the hotel’s pool, especially with the cool Manila breeze these days. The Samba bar and terrace area remains open until 12am from Sunday to Thursday and 1am from Friday to Saturday. Samba is an authentic Peruvian restaurant headed by Peruvian Chef Carlo Huerta Echegaray.

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What is Peruvian fare? It’s the result of more than 500 years of immigration and the integration of Spanish, African, Chinese and Japanese influences with native Peruvian culture. The very origin of what fusion cuisine is all about.

On the Table

Ceviche Limeno Php 525

Shrimps, octopus, scallops, calamari, lapu lapu, red onion, coriander sprouts, tobiko, leche de tigre

They practically let me order all of the dishes. I guess friends do trust each other, especially with things as important as food. We started off with something light, Ceviche Limeno. Leche de Tigre or tiger’s milk is the Peruvian term for the citrus-based marinade that cures the seafood in a ceviche that contains freshly squeezed lime juice, limo pepper, and cilantro. The raw seafood included mainly red snapper fillet, and chunks of shrimp, octopus, scallops and calamari which were cooked by the acidity of the lime juice. Refreshing.

Anticucho de Camaron Php 600

Grilled prawn skewers, honey rocoto chimichurri, aji limo pepper, sautéed potatoes

I actually ordered the Anticucho de Pulpo but I think the wait staff decided the camaron was better and did an override of my order. I’d like to think it was an honest mistake and didn’t raise it up anymore. It was okay but our mouths were looking for the Anticucho de Pulpo.

Pisco Perucho Php 400

Campo de Encanto pisco, Mancino blanco, fresh lime juice, homemade pandan syrup, fresh thyme

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The cocktail culture of Samba is inspired by South American classics which is an exotic mix of concoctions that are mostly fruit-based with tequila or rum. Since it is fruit based, it’s right up my alley since I don’t like strong liquor tasting drinks. Right here, you feel like in a vacation. At Samba, they feature cocktails from different parts of the region – Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, and claro, Peru. All three ladies enjoyed this cocktail.

Brazilian Moqueca de Camarao Php 750

Malagueta chili powder, lapu lapu fillet, seafood, coconut milk, extra virgin olive oil, cilantro, white rice

The flavors have to build up dish after dish and the Brazilian Moqueca de Camarao surely didn’t disappoint. Moqueca is a Brazilian fish stew made with various kinds of seafood, simmered in creamy coconut sauce, tomatoes, onions, garlic, fresh cilantro, palm oil, with coriander garnish and plenty of sunshine spice! This seafood casserole had a fragrant coconut broth that was quite hearty.

Arroz Con Mariscos Php 700

Peruvian seafood rice, calamari, octopus, shrimps, scallops, white wine, paprika creole seasoning, parmesan cheese, coral butter

Mmm-mm! Abundantly brimming with bright colors and flavors and textures, this entrée is a delightful marriage of what Peruvian cuisine is mostly about, rice and seafood.

Trio de Arroz con Leche Php 300

Smooth rice pudding in three flavors, lucuma, Oporto del abuelo wine, cinnamon, raisins

Merengado de Guanabana Php 300

Guyabano cream, crispy crusty almond merengue, fresh blueberries, strawberry coulis, white chocolate balloon

This dessert blew me away. I’m not a big dessert person but YOU MUST ORDER THIS. I went back the last time actually specifically for this and had people I love try it because it’s made of everything wonderful – just like them tee-hee.

Gina’s Birthday Cake

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Experience the fresh and exotic tastes of South America. I suggest to have cocktails and dinner at the pool veranda to complement your time with the stunning panoramic views of the sky and surrounding skyscrapers. Catch authentic Peruvian flavors that wake up the palate at Samba in Shangri-La Manila at the Fort.