My other friends are all praises for Orient Pearl, a restaurant that serves Filipino and Chinese cuisines. So expectations ran high as me and my other friends headed downtown to check out the place. We didn’t know where it was exactly so we asked around. We found out that Orient Pearl sits at the second floor of an old building, just a stone throw from Corniche Building in Balad.

To get to the restaurant we had to take the elevator which was pretty scary as it was nearing dilapidation. When the doors opened, the first thing that met our eyes was a long, eerie-looking hallway that would have scared me away if I were alone. A few strides away from the lift revealed the entrance to restaurant. A sigh of relief. Finally.

The place was dimly-lighted and quiet, a perfect combination for a relaxing ambience. Well, it was relaxing until the people a few table from ours availed of the free videoke and sang their hearts out. We had practically no choice but to endure their off keys and off timings. But without that, the place would’ve been a perfect getaway from the city noises.

Anyhow, the table we opted to occupy was overlooking the highway. The seats were pretty comfortable. When we had settled, we ordered beef tepanyaki, pancit bihon (rice stick noodles), sizzling seafood, a bowl of rice and a pitcher of iced tea.

After 20 minutes or so, the food was served. It marked the beginning of my disappointments. The pancit bihon was a bit cold and looked dry. The taste was so-so. Bluntly put, it wasnt something you would gladly pay for.

The sizzling seafood wasnt any better either considering that it was recommended. It was sizzling hot alright but it’s all that. It didnt even look appetizing to begin with. The taste further proved that it was nothing extraordinary. And the dip? Soy sauce. Just a simple soy sauce, thats all. The dish sadly fell way short of expectations. It only looked good on paper.

The beef tepanyaki somehow saved what could’ve been a disastrous dinner. Although it was a bit spicy and I’m no fan of such dishes, I found it delicious. The beef was juicy and tender. The sauce was quite tasty. My companions loved it, too.

Another saving grace was the iced tea. I just so loved it! Of all the various iced teas I’ve tried, this one takes the cake for me. It has this very distinct flavor and a very nice after taste. The waiter told us that a tinge of vanilla and orange extracts were added to the concoction. Whoever pitched that idea did a great job.

All in all, it wasn’t a very nice first time dining experience at Orient Pearl. But I’m giving it one more chance. My friends had asked me to try the other dishes they found yummy. I obliged. I shall go back there one of these days.

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This post was submitted by Resty.

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