Yummy Date Night

Date # 91: Old Oven Art Cafe

Date 91: Old Oven Art Café

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Although it’s against my policy to give conclusions about a certain restaurant or café at the beginning of an entry, I’ll tell you this early that Old Oven Art Café was one of the best places that Douglas and I have been to lately. It offers a wide array of comfort food and drinks in a relaxing and unique setting.

Old Oven Art Cafe

The café is decorated with artworks from local artists, which are all available for purchase. The cafe careful not to look too kitschy, but one can tell from the first glance that this place is has its own distinctive and memorable personality.

The place can only seat about twenty persons comfortably, so try to reserve beforehand if you wish to dine here.

First to arrive on our table were the Spicy Wings (P180). The chicken skin was perfectly crunchy, while the meat was tender and moist. The real surprise, though, was the sauce. Each wing was coated with a slightly sweet, savory and spicy mix that reminded me of the sauce from Bon Chon Chicken, though exponentially better and more flavorful. Hands down my new favorite chicken wing.

Douglas decided to order this Cheese Steak Sandwich (P150) because we were told that it was their bestseller. The beef they used for this sandwich had the texture and appearance of pulled beef, which wasn’t exactly what we’d expected. Good thing it was complemented nicely by the oozing cheese sauce. In the end, though, we felt that the sandwich was just okay.

We find it amusing that they use jars for their drinks instead of glasses.

The real winner was the US Angus Rib Eye Steak Plate (P550). I think Old Oven has found the exact middle ground for steak—not too pricey, not too cheap. It’s not as mouthwateringly tender as the ones you could find at top class steakhouses, but definitely not sub par. The thickness is just right, allowing the prominent beefy flavor to shine through. I only wish the server had asked me how I wanted my steak to be cooked, because I think I would have preferred it done medium rare instead of medium well.

(The grill marks on the sides of the steak made it seem like a sexy hunk rife with battle scars.)

Meanwhile, the acidity of the red wine reduction sauce contrasted beautifully with the richness of the mushroom risotto. The rice of the risotto should have been more al dente, though,but it’s difficult to complain since the flavors were spot on.

Overall Verdict: The first thing that came to my mind when I left Old Oven was that, “why am I visiting this place only now?” Now, I’m asking you, why haven’t you gone to this place yet?

OLD OVEN GOURMET CHEESESTEAK SANDWICHES

136 Katipunan Rd.

Brgy. St. Ignatius

Quezon City