New executive chef, Chito Flores, previously of Makati’s fine-dine resto La Vigne, does the expected fine job of dishing out a continental menu as flavorful as its namesake. Feast on a Cilantro-style Seafood Bouillabaisse, a generous mahi fillet sliver topped with squid, prawns, and mussels, swimming in a rich seafood-flavored soup; or a Cilantro-crusted Beef Tenderloin served with a satiny vodka-coriander sauce and ginger-laced potatoes dauphinoise.

Next, try the Cilantro’s Ceviche Shot, a martini glass bristling with fresh raw tanigue, chopped tomatoes and bellpeppers cooked in garlic-spiced vinegar.

For an indulging main course, sample their smoky-flavored Grilled Baby Prawns with a saffron-based sauce, served on top of a creamy Risotto Milanese.

The bar was formerly Kiko’s Music & Wine Bar, serving Filipino and international dishes. Though they’ve retained Filipino favorites, such as their Crispy Pata and Sinigang soup, wave adieu to the charming old-fashioned Filipiñiana motif of wicker chairs and rattan-paneled walls.

Lotus Garden Hotel is currently renovating Kiko’s. Soon, enter a hard-hitting sports bar, with the deafening cracks of a pool table and televised games. College Basketball fanatics have been known to crowd the former music lounge to cheer their favorite teams on. In a few weeks, they can cheer in the ambience of a heady bar, without the sacrifice of good food. Alternatively, one can enjoy the bar’s OTB, from Tuesday to Sunday, which lures business and political bigwigs alike.

Though named after the now closed Cilantro Bar, Lotus Garden Hotel’s new hangout is from the same people behind the successful wedding big gun Ibarra’s. With this in mind, and passionate Chef Chito Flores at the helm, lavishing his food with attention, Cilantro Bar is definitely something to look forward to. - Joseph Tanchee