It might be easy to forget that Dr. Wine is a bistro serving straight-up delicious, no-fuss French cuisine.
It’s long been a place where the gorgeous and the well-dressed gather to unwind, after all. Its Poblacion location has a relaxed ambience courtesy of its rooftop, and in its BGC outpost, Dr. Wine pulses with a kind of energy that attracts business execs, startup owners, and the cosmopolitan crowd. That’s not mentioning its extensive drinks list.
But Chef Marc Silvestre of Dr. Wine BGC makes sure the food isn’t ignored.
The chicken live mousse (P495), cheese board (P990) and charcuterie platter (P900) from the deli counter as well as the steak tartare (1280) and the wagyu beef burger (P790) will impress as much as they will satisfy.
If you want a good meal and don’t want to think, feel free to proceed and order these dependable-reliables, available in both branches.
But on a random Thursday in November, Silvestre pointed us to other, location-exclusive items on the menu he thinks best represent Dr. Wine BGC.
The amberjack hamachi crudo (P640) — slices of raw amberjack fish on a bed of fermented cold tomato consomme is an unlikely stunner. It’s fresh and light, with a little lift that’s bound to open up your senses. The tiger prawn bisque (P590) meanwhile is a heavy soup that’s good, yes, but more enjoyable at the end, when playfully mopped and finished with the bread it is served with. Order the pan seared foie gras and Hokkaido scallop (P1190) if you’re craving foie but aren’t in the mood for its usual heavy-handedness.
For mains, Silvestre served the 36-hour lamb shank moroccan tagine that reflects the Moroccan influences of the French. It’s hot, it’s hearty, and provides the counter-balance to the lightness and the lift of the previous dishes.
Dr. Wine BGC is a two-storey affair with bar and couch seatings. If you’re looking to have a proper meal, head up to the second floor where it is quiet and intimate. Low lighting and the walls of wine set the mood just fine.
Apart from an extensive dinner menu, Dr. Wine BGC has a lunch menu, weekend brunch specials, and breakfast items, which Silvestre likes best. His favorite is coming into the Dr. Wine early in the morning and having a quiet cup of coffee before taking on the demands of the day.
Silvestre has been with Dr. Wine BGC since it opened in 2021. Before that, the Spanish native was commanding the culinary adventures of guests at Siargao’s high-end resort Nay Palad. Silvestre was trained in restaurants including El Teller de Can Rea, Masana, and Meadowood in Napa Valley, where he learned discipline, technique, and flexibility — all of which he thoroughly puts on display at the excellent Dr. Wine. — LA, GMA Integrated News
Dr. Wine BGC, Parklane, Forbestown Road, BGC. +639177152807 reservation.drwinebgc@gmail.com
Dining and Cooking