Mary Grace — Restaurant in Makati

Overpriced and disappointing experience – three issues in one visit

I had high expectations, because the prices are relatively high and the menu looks very appealing, but unfortunately, I experienced three major disappointments during just one visit.

First, I ordered a cappuccino with an extra shot. The regular cappuccino (which includes two shots) was reasonably priced at 158 pesos. However, the extra shot alone was charged at 138 pesos – the same as a full double-shot espresso in a cup, which also costs 138 pesos. That pricing makes absolutely no sense and feels like a rip-off, Other premium cafés in the same area, an extra shot costs just a fraction. When I asked the manager if this was an error or some kind of joke she simply said she couldn’t do anything about it. Well, that’s customer service at its finest – especially when facing a justified complaint.

Second, I tried their “Frankfurt Crown Cake” (Frankfurter Kranz), which was a big letdown. It was nothing like the original. The cake itself was dry and hard, and the cream was stiff – clearly designed more for long shelf life in the display case than for actual enjoyment – the kind of taste experience that should justify a premium-priced slice of cake.

Lastly, we ordered the summer squash soup in two sizes: regular and small. The waitress mentioned the small portion was 94 pesos and “about half” the regular amount. In reality, the small bowl was barely 25% of the regular portion – just enough for a taste. While the soup itself was good, the portion size was a disappointment and not...

THE PLACE. If you like open spaces, this has a really great place inside the mall. It is not a crowded place, and you can still enjoy your meal even if you are eating literally in the middle of the mall. For me the single tables are just too close to each other, I didn't feel comfortable eating while the lady to my left side in another table facing me looks at me from time to time. Still, the place feels cozy and elegant.

THE PRICE. It is an upscale place. The reason being is their food.

THE FOOD. I ordered grilled fish sandwich and Mary Grace Hot Chocolate. I like the taste of both, but I like the Hot Chocolate especially. It was the thickest hot chocolate I ever had in my entire life. I certainly will order it everytime I get to their place. I also ordered a to-go tiramisu cake. It was okay, but too sweet of a tiramisu for me. I always expect tiramisu to be least sweet.

If you intend to eat a variety of food, they have limited choices. They have more of pastries and pasta. Overall, I think they have...

I ordered Vongole pasta, and it costs 398 pesos and when the vongole pasta came, the clams were way over cooked there is no meat left.

So I sent the clams back to the kitchen (and started with their pasta first). The manager came to me at least 3 times not understanding what’s wrong with the clams, and they decided to tell me that these are how clams are whether undercooked or overcooked.

So when I asked for undercooked clams they asked me if I told the waiter earlier that I wanted the clams undercooked. (Almost flaring up here).

Too difficult to explain to the manager of the restaurant, so I asked if they can give me prawns instead.

So the waiter said ok, they agreed they won’t charge me for the prawns, but when the prawns came, they served the prawns to me undercooked.

I was too tired to wait further as my friends have finished their lunch so I packed the food back to the hotel to be reheated so I can eat.

Conclusion, don’t order the...