My bestfriend and I were dismayed when upon strolling in Rockwell, we found out C2 restaurant was replaced by another Asian – oriented restaurant. We adored their Rellenong Alimasag. It one was one of those rare tasty crab dish that can be availed at an affordable budget and good proportions.
My companion told me we might have bought jinx to our fave seafood restaurants because a similar scenario happened to Guilly’s in Glorietta 5. Our beloved crab dishes seem to elude us.
It was raining that day. I was craving for some seafood soup and was on the verge of settling with Kenny Roger’s seafood chowder. Lo and behold, my peripheral vision lighted upon Crustacia, hidden within a corner of Rockwell’s second floor.
By the name itself, we thought of seafood, if not crab – oriented cuisine. The gigantic menu by its doors didn’t let us down. There was a menu portion for crab specialties.
Needless to say, we found crab heaven.
The high ceilings, some lighted wall panels, plant murals and amazing looking fixtures, look very modern and contemporary. Soft and comfortable grown and green chairs accentuate the restaurant’s warm colors. The ambiance is very low – key and relaxing, with matching soothing music to put you at ease for cozy dining. The place looks perfect for a comfortable dinner after a busy day at work.
I’m not sure if it is the “trend” nowadays for gigantic menus. I wouldn’t complain for giant, delectable pictures although it makes it hard to discuss food selections for the meal.
Buko Shake and Ripe Mango
For our drinks, we ordered are usual fruit favorites. Although I think my companion would have preferred the actual coconut shell on her table. Yea, she wants her coconut that fresh.
The manga shake is delicious but I think they used an almost over ripe fruit. Still good though.
Seafood Chowder
Submerge your taste buds to the gifts of the sea. Be careful though, this is quite spicy for people with low – spice tolerance like me. But hey, if my taste buds were able to take it, others can to. The spice factor contributes to the play of flavors in the soup.
Mussels with Mango Shallots
An absolute favorite. A warning, we were not prepared for the “spike” of wooziness we got afterwards. We weren’t able to ask what was in this appetizer but we’re sure there was added alcohol content. Nevertheless, it was very delicious. I would had gotten another order if I didn’t feel so woozy.
Thai Bagoong Rice
We didn’t expect the rice to be indeed in hefty, sharing proportions. On its own, this rice is a meal in itself. I may consider it a good alternative for yang-chow rice.
Male 1 kilo Crab Maritess, with garlic bits in olive oil
The star of the evening. Be prepared to shell out money for their crabs. Depending on what crab you ordered, cost depends on grams. We got ours in 1 kilo. It was worth the money. It was big, full of meat and very, very tasty.
The staff were also very efficient and helpful. Our female server offered to crack the crab and do the digging of meat for us. Even when we declined the offer, she was adamant. I guess she saw my companion’s hesitancy to do the digging on her own. Our server did say she knows how hard it is to appreciate crab sometimes when you have to do the hard work. So she settled to do the work for us. Good call.
All in all, we love this restaurant. It is now our new seafood haven. We will definitely come back for more. 