Believing in a market-driven concept, Chef Joseph Margate of Bait’s creates Bait’s restaurant menu based on what’s available in the market. Lucky Erwan Heusaff and his group Mothership F&B Enterprise, they have Chef Joseph Margate, an experienced award-winning chef from the west coast of USA, as Bait’s head chef.

Together with O, I arrived on a weekday lunchtime. We underestimated the crowd in Valero Makati, thinking it was easy to get a table for just the two of us. We had to wait for about 30 minutes to get a decent space by the window for better lighting. The place appeared very dim even during day time, so we had to patiently wait for any spot beside the window.

The Food:

Being used to oysters topped with melted cheese and garlic, it was strange for me to find Pickled Oysters appealing. Instead of cheese, these oysters are topped with kimchi purée with a slight piquant hint. Make a decision to order this when you’re in Bait’s.

Although do not attempt to start your meal with Pickled Oysters on an empty stomach. A reminder I frequently hear from mom when she sees me indulge in oysters. I never experienced any stomach ache because of fresh oysters but it’s better not to take the risk.

If it’s your personal tradition to grab a healthy starter, this vegetarian small plate is not to miss. Burrata Cheese on black garlic bread, Gejo’s arugula on the side, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.

Bianca of Bait’s insisted for me to try her favorite, Red Snapper Sashimi. Unique take on sashimi combined with soy dressing and adobo flakes on top for a crispier texture.

I give Bait’s one fist bump for creating this daily special Beef Tapa Cheesesteak Sandwich, Bait’s local take on the famous Philly Cheesesteak. Unseen in the photo, inside the oozing melted cheese was caramelized onions to balance the saltiness of its thin-sliced yet jam-packed homemade tapa.

If you’re searching for white chicken meat, Roast Chicken Breast is the tamest among all the mains. Stewed chicken and french beans sank in brown butter mashed potatoes. Beside other plates from Bait’s, Roast Chicken Breast might have the least followers.

It’s an early holiday feast for us when Crispy Suckling Pig served with marbled rosemary potatoes arrived. If you’re thinking of impressing someone, host a dinner for him/her and make the melt-in-your-mouth meat of Crispy Suckling Pig speak for you. A little thicker than paper, the crispy skin on top is nothing else but comforting. I don’t have any hesitations in recommending this dish to you.

Send in the carbs, Seafood Risotto endears you to dig in more. Three types of seafood merged in creamy risotto but shines on its own – squid, shrimps and clams. Battling with yourself what to really order? I urge you to pick this Seafood Risotto without hesitation.

Tiny yet deadly garlicky bits on this Beef Tenderloin Salpicao leaves your mouth fragrant with garlic smell. Haha! Fresh and al dente egg noodles lay as a bed topped with thick chunks of beef salpicao. Garlic turns any dish special for me, which is why I’d love to have more of this dish.

I wasn’t convinced to re-order Coconut Panna Cotta when I go back to Bait’s. Uninviting to  but

To save you from overly sweetened desserts, call Bait’s Cheesecake to rescue you. Made of calamansi curd and graham cracker crumbs on top, you’ll re-think why you’re sharing this small dessert with your friend.

Absolutely creamy and a thrill for its sweetness, the Butterscotch Pots de Creme could serve as the last in your mouth before you end your meal at Bait’s.

The Ambiance:

It might be easy to miss Bait’s in Makati when you’re along the one-way street of Valero. Better to use Waze or Google Maps to easily find Bait’s.

Not the best place to take your instagram food photos because of its obvious high-ceiling dim lights but it’s the best place to spend quality time with an old friend.

Bring your next dining affair to Bait’s with your seafood and meat-loving friends. Take note, you must at least order the Seafood Risotto and Crispy Suckling Pig.

What do you think of Bait’s in Makati?

Share with me your thoughts! 🙂

Cheers,

Location: G/F Signa Designer Residences, Valero cor Rufino St.,  Makati City, Philippines

Operating Hours: 10:00AM-11:00PM

Contact: (+63 917) 860-4764

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baitsph

Budget: PHP450++

Rate:

Food	9/10
Ambiance	8/10
Service	8/10
Cost	8/10
Overall	8.25/10