Cyma for Grilled Marinated Octopus, Spinach and Artichoke Fondue, and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

I'm writing this while the country is braving for the coming of a strong typhoon. It's been raining and the weather is cool, perfect for snuggling in bed after a hearty meal. My thoughts linger on a meal I had at Cyma, one of the more reliable restaurant chains around.

In that particular trip the aircon was not working, but one taste of the smoky grilled octopus lifted my spirit. I've been coming to Cyma several times before (the first visit was way back in the early oughts), and I always order this.

ktapodi xidato (grilled baby octopus, drizzled in extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, and oregano) 

My friends were raving about the spinach and artichoke fondue, and so I ordered it. The warm goodness of what I thought was eggplant was very seductive. It also tasted like creamy laing. The lime and the tomatoes cut through the rich taste. Best with smoky garlic bread, pictured on the left below.

The mint choco chip with almond and honey is a sure-fire way to beat the heat, whether induced by summer or the aircon bogging down. This is one superb dessert, second only to this.

Cyma has quite an extensive menu, and this early I'm plotting my next meal. 'Til then, to my country-based readers, keep safe.

Cyma

2F Robinsons Place Manila

Adriatico St., Ermita

(+63) 02 354 3909

Cyma's Skolatina

not the usual molten lava cake

I was craving for something different, so off I went to the Greek restaurant Cyma. I didn't know what to expect, but as long as it's not the usual Filipino-Italian-Japanese-Chinese, I'm good. I went for the excellent char-grilled octopus ktapodi (I can still vividly remember the taste weeks after) and the well-recommended roka salata (I fell in love with what I thought of as anchovies--they turn out to be sun-dried tomatoes). But what was stellar for me was the skolatina, Cyma's molten lava chocolate cake. Imagine piping-hot chocolate filling, caramel crust and sauce, balanced by creamy vanilla ice cream. I was in sugar-induced heaven. I really   love scooping the ice cream into the molten chocolate. Can't wait to return.

Cyma

2F Robinsons Place Manila

Adriatico St., Ermita

(+63) 02 354 3909