Magellan Would Have Loved O' Sonho

TOO bad only the Moluccas Islands were around when the most famous Portuguese navigator of all was looking for some spice in his life. He would have loved O’SONHO, a new Portuguese fusion restaurant/bar in Jupiter Street in Makati.

O’SONHO, which means "the dream" in Portuguese offers chic interiors, classy laid-back ambiance and generous servings of good food at surprisingly affordable prices is probably one of the best-kept secrets in the area, especially since its location is at the farthermost right side of Bel-Air and almost near EDSA.

Must-try dishes include their Double-Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin Steak and the melt in your mouth Salmon on Herb Rice. There's also the Bacalhau de O’sonho, a tomato-based stew of dried and salted codfish, just one of the many variations on Portugal's popular dish. It also inclides green olives, vegetables, potatoes and is served with Mediterranean pita bread.

Among the other recommendations of Chef Paul Reyes are the Peri Peri Chicken Pasta, Espetada con Carne, Caldo Verde, Portuguese Gambas, Chorizo Sisig, Beer Battered Fish and Chips with Perinaise, Picado (the Portuguese version of salpicao) and their own version of Caldo Verde soup, widely regarded as Portugal's national dish. Some are a little hotter than others but those who don't have a spicy tooth can always request for milder servings.

But don't just take my word for it, try O'SONHO on for size yourself. Since the dishes are more fusion that pure Portuguese, dining here is actually less adventurous than it sounds.

O’SONHO is located at #20 Jupiter Street, Makati (EDSA side). Operating hours are Sunday-Thursday 10AM-11PM and Friday & Saturday from 10AM- 2AM. Contact O’sonho for reservations at 8963289.