It’s been five years since CDP Global Table set up shop at the al fresco area of Power Plant Mall, and it has quietly but successfully found its unique niche in Manila’s crowded dining scene. The idea revolves around its three owners, all experienced restaurateurs—Malou Fores of Mamou and Recovery, Chef Kristina Kuhn-Alcantara of Mesclun and Chuck’s Deli, Kristine Locsin, formerly of Lu—who love to travel and share their food finds with friends and family, and by extension, with CDP diners. Reading the menu is like imagining where the owners have traveled—San Sebastian, New England, Florence, Paris perhaps.
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My one piece of advice to really enjoy a meal at CDP is to make sure to order from the rather extensive drinks list. It is newly revamped, boasting a fairly impressive mix-and-match G&T selection (pick your gin + your garnish), plus special gin cocktails crafted by Francis Tosei of LIT in BGC. The wine selection is just as solid, organized in such a way that you can easily pick a wine to pair with your order. So there really is no excuse not to order a cocktail or glass of wine to go with your meal, whether you’re dining solo for lunch or with your friends for a night out.
For its fifth year, CDP Global Table has introduced some new items on the menu, and here are my picks to try on your next visit:
Zen Zen and Passion Project gin cocktails by Francis Tosei
The Zen Zen (on the left) refreshes with Martin Millers, shiso gin cordial, fresh shiso leaves, cucumber, and Wilkinson tonic water. The fruity-tangy Passion Project uses Fillers tangerine gin, Williams GB passoa, passion fruit, hoshiko plum syrup, fresh mint, with Wilkinson tonic water.
Ikura Egg
It’s a lovely way to start a meal—soft boiled Japanese egg, filled with vodka cream and a dab of ikura caviar—that’s light and creamy at the same time.
Prawn and Oyster Tempura Sandwich
This is a cool Japanese take on a New Orleans oyster po’ boy sandwich, brimming with battered and fried prawns and Aklan oysters with house remoulade on a buttered potato roll.
Duck Paella
This is the latest addition to CDP’s paella lineup, and it may soon be a favorite, with a crispy duck leg offering a “fatty” addition to the flavored rice. Make sure to scrape the toasty tutong from the bottom of the paella pan.
Matcha Cake with White Chocolate Ice Cream
Matcha desserts sometimes tend to be too sweet, but not this one, which isn’t shy with the matcha flavor (for those who love their green tea). Served warm like a lava cake with a moist center, it begs to be eaten with the white chocolate ice cream.
CDP Global Table, Level R1, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City, (0917) 832-9828, Instagram and Facebook @cdpglobaltable