Marikenyos who frequent Lilac Street for food tripping has probably dined at Forget Me Not Cafe at least once. I keep coming back there for the Roast Beef and Carrot Cake. Last night, I was invited by ABC Digital for a food tasting at Cafe Perene at the newly-opened Ayala Malls Feliz along Marcos Highway Marikina and I was delighted when I found out that the bestsellers of Forget Me Not are served at their sister restaurant.
Since I always order the same food at Forget Me Not, I was able to sample their other bestsellers at Cafe Perene.
Soup and Salad
I had Garden Salad to whet my appetite. The fresh mixed greens with fresh fruits, candied walnuts and cheese is drizzled with homemade vinaigrette. They also serve Caesar Salad. You can choose solo or for sharing.
I prefer thick soup than clear broth and a second favorite of mine in the soup category is the Pumpkin Soup (Clam Chowder is my first love). Cafe Perene's Pumpkin Soup is perfect for my taste.
The Broccoli Soup is made from fresh broccoli and chicken broth. My companions prefer this over the Pumpkin Soup.
All-day Breakfast
The all-day breakfast choices are served with eggs and grilled tomatoes. The longganisa is from Lucban, the garlicky and salty local delicacy that tourists hoard whenever they visit the Kamay ni Hesus or attend the Pahiyas Festival. The waffles is perfect with a hot cup of coffee.
Snapped and Scribbled recommends the Flaky Chicken Chop. The chicken breast is coated with cornflakes for the crunch in every bite and served with peppercorn gravy.
My comfort breakfast food and the restaurant's bestseller is the Homemade Corned Beef with onions and potatoes.
Mains
The Roast Beef in Mushroom Sauce, my personal favorite at Forget Me Not, is also a bestseller at Cafe Perene. Sharing the spotlight is the Barbecue Pork Ribs.
Other mouthwatering dishes to try are the Stuffed Chicken Breast with spinach, cheese and bacon, the family recipe Buffalo Wings, the Salisbury Steak, and the Milkfish with Mango Cream Sauce.
Pasta and Sandwiches
Cafe Perene bakes their own bread and makes their own pasta.
I'm not a burger person but when I tasted the FMN burger, I was very certain my husband will love it. I was supposed to order for a take out but I missed out the last call for orders.
No rice diet? Well, you can still enjoy the roast beef in a sandwich. It's a bit messy to eat though. Oh wait, are you skipping on carbs? How can you resist the potato fries on the side?
Cafe Perene's bestseller is lasagna and they recommend you to try the slightly spicy Penne Arabiatta. They also have the kids favorite Bolognese with Meatballs and the white sauce king Carbonara. I was served their handmade Ravioli with spinach and ricotta cheese.
Do you still have room for dessert?
When stressed, eat dessert! Well, we can always come up with an excuse or two to have a guiltless indulgence of our favorite cake. I love Forget Me Not's Carrot Cake because I'd like to convince myself that it's the healthier choice (aside from the fact that it's delish!). Last night, I had a bite of all the cakes served!
Whether you are on a date, or with family and friends, Cafe Perene's cozy ambiance will set you on the right mood.
Visit Cafe Perene, a homegrown restaurant and a pioneer of the Lilac Food Strip in Marikina, known for their delicious comfort food and homey experience at the ground floor of Ayala Malls Feliz.