Adhering to age-old circus tradition, Cirque du Soleil’s Varekai is aptly staged in a huge air-conditioned circus tent in the Quirino Grandstand.

We arrived early and were surprised to see most of the seats were already occupied.  The atmosphere was abuzz with excitement, in anticipation of the most talked about show in town.

Varekai’s story is about the Fall of Icarus – a young man who plummets from the sky and is parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest.  In a kaleidoscopic world populated by fantastical creatures, this young man sets off on an extraordinary adventure. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of all possibilities, begins an inspired incantation to life rediscovered.

The word Varekai means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies, the universal wanderers. This production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and the infinite passion of those who journey along the path that leads to Varekai. 

The show area is fairly small, which makes it more intimate and envelops us into the mystery of the show.  With the beautiful costumes, dramatic set design and lighting, haunting music and the mystifying acts, I was swooning with awe and delight.

Of course, a circus act would not be complete without a clown.  In this show, they have a man and a woman who performed funny, absurd skits.  Not your typical circus clowns, they had everyone laughing and provided light moments in the show.

But of course, the highlights of Verakai are the acrobatic acts.  Let me share with you some of my favorite scenes from the show:

Flight of Icarus – I loved the drama and agility of Icarus as he elegantly flies, swings and dives in his net.  It showed the sensitivity and vulnerability of the character.

Water Meteors – These 3 young acrobats were just amazing.  They whirl, toss and catch these ropes with metal meteors attached to the ends, while performing daring acrobatic acts.  It was fascinating to watch them, which made me wonder how early these kids started their training.

Aerial Straps – Two remarkable men, suspended by wrist straps, glide gracefully, while doing exciting acrobatics with precision and power.  With a double strap, they meld in mid-air, united in a series of striking acrobatic silhouettes.

The Finale (Russian Swings) – This impressive act was so heart thumping and breathtaking!  Two Russian swings hurl the acrobats high into the air, and they are caught by their partners or land into billowing fabrics.  The audacity and sheer daring of this act had everybody shouting.  The jumps got higher and bigger, with men soaring mid-air to land from one moving swing to the other!  It was surely an unforgettable scene.

Overall the show is a feast for the senses.  With its sensual fusion of drama, contrasting colors, astonishing stunts and stunning acrobatics, this spectacular show is a definite must see!

PERFORMANCES FROM JUNE 22 TO JULY 24, 2011

Tuesday thru Friday Matinee

Friday Eve thru Sunday Evening

• Arrive early.  The show starts on time and latecomers are admitted only during a suitable break in the performance.
• Mobile phones must be turned off during the show.
• Videotaping &  photography are prohibited

Dress Code – Smart Casual

Food & Beverages - Refreshments and snacks are available in the entrance tent

Merchandise - available at the Cirque du Soleil store in the entrance tent.

Cirque de Soleil’s Varekai

Quirino Grandstand,RizalPark,Manila

http://www.hoopla.ph/

Tucked in the corner of  Quirino Ave. and Leon Guinto St. in Malate is an ancestral home that is now Lolo Dad’s – an award winning resto and a food lover’s paradise.

Lolo Dad’s  is a great date place too.  It’s cozy and romatic (perfect for long conversations and whispering intimate endearments), serves exquisite food and is also a historical place.  The house has been there since 1941.  The wooden walls still have bullet holes; the floor at the restaurant’s entrance is hollow because beneath it is the family’s air raid shelter – remnants of Manila’s scars from World War II.

One of the things I like about Lolo Dad’s is the open kitchen.  You can see the chefs at work.  You may even opt to reserve the table in front of the glass window so you can see everything up close.

That night, we decided to try their “Tasting Menu” or degustación, which was prepared by multi-awarded Chef Ariel Manuel.

We were given a basket of bread.  But we didn’t try it, as we were saving our appetite.  We instead sipped our wines and excitedly waited for our gastronomical feast.

Arrow Squid & Octopus carpaccio with Sauteed Angulas, Wasabi Aioli, Micro Arugula

We started out with  Arrow Squid & Octopus carpaccio with Sauteed Angulas, Wasabi Aioli, Micro Arugula, paired with White wine.

The sweetness of the (lightly grilled) watermelon and the light spiciness of the wasabi aioli was perfect with the octopus carpaccio.  And the arrow squid was perfectly cooked…   This appetizer was great and whet our appetite for the next dish.

Unsalted Butter poached Langoustine, Foie Gras and Sweet Corn Rice paper Ravioli with Oyster foam

2nd course:  Unsalted Butter poached Langoustine, Foie Gras and Sweet Corn Rice paper Ravioli with Oyster foam

My two favorites on a single plate… I was in foodie heaven.

The succulent langoustine poached in butter was perfect.  The delicate cloud of oyster foam greatly enhanced the velvety foie gras.  It’s  a sensual party of flavors in my mouth.

Mmmmm…..  writing this, I can almost taste it again.:)

This is my fave course, and I wouldn’t mind braving the traffic and driving all the way to Malate, just to be able to partake of this dish again.

Sorbet

Then we were served Sorbet to cleanse our palate.  I loved the presentation with smoke coming out of the little clay teacup

Wagyu Beef Chuck Flap and Lamb cutlet with Pastry Crust Cepes Mushroom & Hoisin jus and Sous vide of Carrots

Then we were ready for the next course: Wagyu Beef Chuck Flap and Lamb cutlet with Pastry Crust, Cepes Mushroom & Hoisin jus’ and Sous vide of Carrots, which we had with red wine.

The plating was genius.    I was so excited to cut into the pear shaped pastry crust.  It’s like opening a christmas present, and a good surprise it was!  It’s like Lamb Wellington (instead of beef).   The lamb was beautifully cooked, moist and juicy with an herbed goat cheese filling inside.  The wagyu beef was good too, but actually the lamb itself  was already perfect for me.  I’ve never tried lamb cooked in that way and it was really great, satisfying and not to mention filling!  Also, I was expecting the Hoisin jus’ to be too sweet yet it works really well with the meat.   Chef Ariel’s excellent skills and unique creativity are very apparent in this dish.  And for meat lovers, this dish is a blockbuster!

Dessert: Dark Chocolate flan with Fresh Berries & White Chocolate Hot Praline, Almond Nut Tartlet with Mustard and Kaffir Lime Ice cream

Dark Chocolate flan with Fresh Berries & White Chocolate Hot Praline, Almond Nut Tartlet with Mustard and Kaffir Lime Ice cream

Again, beautiful presentation.  The sweetness of the dark chocolate flan was perfectly complimented by the tartness of the berries.  I really like this with red wine as the chocolate taste is greatly enhanced.  The almond nut tartlet is perfect when dipped into the lava of white chocolate (from the praline) and some of the cherry syrup (at the bottom).  As for the kaffir lime ice cream,  I think it will take some getting used to on my part, as I am not a big fan of  Kaffir,  but hubby loved it.

It was a great birthday dinner.  The “Tasting Menu” is a culinary masterpiece that tickles the palate and enchants the senses.

And guys, if u want to impress your dates, this is THE place.  With the great ambiance, impeccable service and unforgettable food, u won’t go wrong with Lolo Dad’s Cafe.

So daddies, bring mommy here for her birthday or your anniversary  and  I swear whatever shortcomings you have will be forgiven (maybe, at least for the night)

Tasting Menu

Lolo Dad’s Cafe
899 Pres. Qurino Ave. cor. Leon Guinto St., Malate Manila

Phone Number : (63 2) 522-2941, 524-2295, 526-7151
Cellphone Number : +639228125971

Operating Hours :

Monday : Open from 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Tuesday to Saturday : Open from 11:00am to 2:00pm for lunch
and 6:30pm to 10:30pm for dinner

map

Yesterday, hubby and I decided to have lunch at Lolo Dad’s Brasserie at 6750.  The resto occupies what used to be “Giraffe”.

I had decided to try their Antipasto Buffet and hubby chose to partake of the Lunch Buffet.  Also, I ordered a glass of Chardonnay to pair up with my lunch, while hubby had a bottle of cold beer.

The Antipasto Buffet is just Php380 + service charge, while the Lunch Buffet (which includes Soup of the Day, Choice of Pizza, choice of Pasta, Choice of Entrée and Dessert of the day) is only Php800 + service charge.

Assorted Breads

Chicken Liver Pate

top: Squid Ceviche, bottom: Assorted Cheeses

Goats Cheese Terrine

Top: Roast Beef, bottom pic: Assorted Cold Cuts

Mesclun Greens with 2 Kinds of Dressings

Mussels

Marinated Salmon

For only 380+, it’s easy on the pocket, yet very filling.   I especially looooved the pate, the assorted cheeses and cold cuts, mushrooms, salads, mussels and the salmon.  All of my faves in one buffet!

Chowder - Lunch Buffet soup of the day

Garlic, Olive oil and Anchovy Pasta / Creamed Smoked Salmon Pizza / Pork in Shrimp Paste (Binagoongan style)

Cheesecake - this was the dessert that came with the Lunch Buffet

Hubby’s “Lunch Buffet” already included the Antipasto Buffet and he also opted to have the Creamed Smoke Salmon Pizza, the Garlic, olive oil & anchovy pasta and the Pork in Shrimp Paste entree.  I wasn’t able to get pics of the (untouched) food as he immediately dug into them.  But he looved the Pizza and especially the Pork binagoongan, although he found the pasta a tad salty, maybe next time we can tell them to hold the anchovies.    And boy, was he stuffed.  By the the time he got to dessert his stomach is groaning under the weight of all that food and all that for just 800+.

The complimentary bread was warm, soft and light... Love it

They also served complimentary bread (served with herbed butter) which I really loved… it was warm, soft and light as air.  And they were huge too!

I myself am so happy and satisfied with the Antipasto Buffet.  With my glass of Chardonnay, it was indeed the Perfect Lunch!  It was light, full of different flavors and very satisfying.

And with the nice interiors and impeccable service, I would definitely be back.  Maybe next time, hubby can try their “Steak all you can” (1,200 +10%).  As for me, I am looking forward to trying the Goose Fat Fried Chicken, the Roasted Rainbow Trout or their Surf & Turf Sandwich…. mmmm…. just the thought of all these is making my mouth water…. I want to go back…. NOW na!