Blackbird Fly at Ayala Triangle, Makati

I love the movie “I Am Sam” and the fact that throughout the movie, they used cover versions of Beatles songs. One of the songs I love in their soundtrack is Blackbird, which could actually be a song about the civil rights movement.

“Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise.”

Another Blackbird is grabbing my attention and can get me singing all dining service long. Formerly The Library at Ayala Triangle in Makati, Blackbird is the newest restaurant of Chef Colin Mackay of Sala, Sala Bistro and People Palace fame. But prior to being “formerly The Library,” it was “formerly Manila International Airport” back in the day.

The very spot is the same location as the Neilson Tower that’s why the restaurant draws its inspiration from an aviation concept. Even the menu supposedly is inspired by the aviation tower with international flights, carrying European and Asian-influenced dishes.

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There is a bar and lounge fronting the restaurant and a hallway leads you to the main dining area with a beautiful winding staircase as a focal point leading to a second floor for dining and private functions.

There is also an al fresco area which has a second bar outside.

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The view from top will also show that Blackbird actually looks like a motored bird, an airplane-shaped restaurant with a cockpit, left and right wings. There are two clocks on display, one is Manila time and other set to California time. It reminds me of my clocks at home which are set Manila and Paris.

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Hands down, Blackbird has to be one of the top three most beautiful and interesting dining destinations in Manila. If you’re looking for a date place to impress a date or celebrate with a loved one, your layover should be at Blackbird.

On the Table

Grilled Octopus, Cucumber Pickle, Sesame Soy P580

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Flat Iron Steak, Kimchi, Green Onion and Ginger, Lettuce, Hot Sauce P980

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Lamb Rendang, Fried Egg, Pickles, Rice P760

Delicious with a punctuation mark

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Portobello Mushroom, Asparagus, Fontina, Truffle Oil Lasagna P560

This was also a spectacular dish, except for one tiny thing. Email me if you’re curious to know.

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Prawn Scotch Eggs, Betel Leaves, Coconut Chili Sambal P280

One of my favorite dishes on the table, there’s artistry in texture, flavor and the plating.

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Apple Nougatine Tart, Burnt Butter Ice Cream P340

All 6 dishes were well-executed, albeit I feel too much on the safe side but never a bad thing since the presentation, quality and taste are all careful and reliable to satisfy immensely and seen with a gentle push on vision and creative play.