by: Keith Llige and Czar Paguio
Hi fam! It’s Keith and Czar, aka the Foodsnobs (IG @foodsnobs.ph)! We’re not actual snobs; it’s just that we firmly believe that life’s too short for disappointing eats. We take food too seriously (so you don’t have to). Or maybe we’re just using this as an excuse to eat out a lot. Our love for food started during the pandemic when the restrictions were slowly lifted. We would try the nearby restaurants opening/reopening and post our super unfiltered reviews in Czar’s finsta. It was fun being able to act as if we were food influencers. We decided it was time to make a separate account for our reviews when our friends kept asking if they could share the finsta, which wasn’t an option). What started out as just as a private way to keep track of our culinary adventures, turned into a platform where we could share our enthusiasm for food with a community of food lovers.
In true Foodsnobs fashion, we’ll start the first quarter of 2025 by sharing our ultimate indulgence — degustations! Derived from the French word meaning “to taste,” degustation menus are curated to showcase a chef’s creativity, skill, and passion through a series of small, thoughtfully crafted courses. Many of our friends, who are hesitant to try, tell us that the thought of small servings turns them off. We get it –Small servings = going home hungry= waste of money. We get it. It’s hard to shell out if there’s a chance of expecting a more filling meal and going home unsatisfied. But, but, BUT hear us out, we think every person should treat themselves to a degustation experience once in a while for the following reasons:
- Chefs pour their hearts into these menus! It represents their creative vision, technique, and experience. You’re not just eating food—you’re witnessing the culmination of expertise and experimentation.
- You may encounter ingredients you’ve never heard of or wouldn’t usually try— natto, gizzard, foie gras, or perhaps a different or modern take on a classic dish everyone knows and loves. It’s about broadening your palate and discovering new favorites.
- Partaking in a degustation where everything is served in smaller portions and courses forces you to slow down and savor each bite. Instead of rushing, you can taste and dissect the flavors.
- Degustation is also a great way to connect with others. Whether you’re sharing the experience with a partner, friends, or family, or you’re a solo diner, there’s a certain excitement in dissecting each dish and comparing notes about the meal.
- A degustation isn’t an everyday meal—it’s an event. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a milestone, or an achievement, or simply treat yourself. The price tag may be higher than your typical dinner, but life is short, and you’re worth it ;). HAHA
Plus, the experience doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. Leo Seahouse, a seafood tasting menu in Marikina, for example, is just Php1500 per person. We can say that you get more bang for your buck here. We were fans of the Capiz Scallops and the Lychee Sorbet with vanilla ice cream. Kasaa Private Dining, in QC, is PhP2500 per person. Located in the chef’s ancestral home, this private dining concept aims to make degustation less intimidating.
We remember our first degustation experience at Toyo Eatery for Christmas back in 2021. We clearly recall the conversation during dinner: we promised that degustations would be reserved for special occasions only—a promise we would soon break because we just HAD TO try the basic degustation starter pack: Metiz, Gallery by Chele, and Hapag. But if you’re interested and want more options, here are our underrated favorites:
Keith & Czars Underrated Degustation Favorites
- Inato: Our consistent 5/5 ⭐️! We dined here thrice in 2024 and recommended it to friends multiple times. It never fails to impress, and the front-of-house and service are excellent.
- Kyo-to: We could tell that the ingredients were fresh. Most, if not all, are imported from different regions of Japan. You even get a private room for lunch or dinner.
- Mireia Dining is another private dining concept that we love! Their Scallop Tartare and Lamb and morel are to die for.
- Tandem: Tandem offers super interesting tasting menus. The last one we tried was based on emotions, which was the first time we encountered an ideological theme instead of a palette / ingredient-centric one. We loved the storytelling aspect of the menu and how they provided a book stacked with photos representing each emotion.
For us, food is more than sustenance. Degustation encapsulates all of these elements in one dining experience. It’s a chance to step into a chef’s world, explore unfamiliar tastes, and embrace the joy of eating. So, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or someone who enjoys good food, make it a point to try a degustation at least once.
We promise you—it’s a choice your taste buds will appreciate, and an experience you won’t ever forget.
