KUYA Taipan was going to treat us (I just call him Kuya Taipan because he is Kublai’s kuya, he’s younger than me), he said, in this mall that he will open just for us. It was a joke of course. He was referring to New S Maison of Conrad at the Mall of Asia neighborhood, a newly-opened high-end mall/condominium that still has very few people walking around (Conrad not MOA), it really felt like the mall is open just for us.
We made our way to the second floor where a burger joint Carnivale is.
They have specialty burgers and twice-fried French fries.
Taipan and Cristina are full, Kublai and I were hungry. I got the Duck burger as recommended by Taipan. It is described as butter toasted beetroot Brioche bun, sous vide, house grinded duck patty, roasted garlic chili sauce, asian slaw with pomelo, Sriracha mayor, charred onon, and gratinatedManchego cheese.
Kublai got the Shroom, which has butter toasted squid ink Brioche bun and a Portabello mushroom as its main ingredient. Mommyla, who arrived just as we were about to finish our lunch ordered the Gravlax described as butter toasted squid ink Brioche bun, house cured salmon gravlax, cream cheese and smoked salmon, fresh rocket leaves, pickled red onion, honey mustard glaze, and onion tuile.
Carnivale is described to be a restaurant that combines the fun ambience of a circus and cinema and the carnival-inspired menu by Chef KelZaguirre (of Locavore group).
Taipan’s right, the Duck burger is very good. I was choosing between the Wagyus and the Duck. But, like many specialty hamburger, it was just too big for me… no… for all three of us.
Mommyla only ate the fillings, Kublai left a fourth, I managed to eat all but only with a generous serving of mustard for the last quarter piece, and that’s because I can devour anything with mustard.
We also got the “sosyal” fries – the salted egg fries and the truffle fries. During the first few bites, I liked the salted egg fries more, finding the truffle fries a bit bland. But after a couple of fries, I already prefer the truffle. The subtle taste is good. The salted egg is really good, but the flavor becomes overpowering. I’m sure the fries-lovers would love it though.
Overall, it’s worth a visit, when you’re in town (Conrad is right in front of Microtel MOA). But it will not be a regular part of my ration even if I should ever live nearby. It’s just too big and rich for me.
I’ll regard this more of a treat or a reward, not regular fare.