Bizu Patisserie and Bistro, Greenhills & Makati, Philippines
Last Visit: Sep 2008
OVERALL
It is true that I tend to write reviews on larger and more established restaurant. They are usually more consistent and easier to write about. There are exceptions though, and Bizu is one of them. It's got a couple cafes at Greenhills and Greenbelt and also a few bakery stands in the malls, and the cafes are quite small. Nevetheless, they deliver big and outstanding food, especially if you are looking for some european taste in the middle of an Asian metropolis. You might not find the most authentic French patisserie experience, but you will not be disappointed with the overall quality.
FOOD 
A quick looks at the menu you'd find that this is a bit more than an imitation French bistro. It has Filipino and Italian food too - most notably a pretty good Filipino all-you-can-eat breakfast. I tried it too and I would say it's spectacular - you can get similar kind of stuff at Max's.
What's really 
impressive is how well they prepare the French and Italian classics. We've tried the appetizers, salads and croques, all of which are pretty close to a true european taste (despite of messing up on the bread that they used for the croque, definitely too soft). Even more impressive are the entrees - especially the osso buco and braised lamb shank. Filipino beef and lamb entrees are typically not the 
easiest to swallow and digest, but Bizu turned this problem into a slow-braised art work that actually taste "powerful". I don't know why I'm using this word, but the smell, texture and spices were really all too outstanding to ignore.
Finally there are the desserts - WOW! You cannot miss them because once you walk into the cafe, they are sitting gracefully in a beautiful display that will for sure catch your eyesight. They are beautiful and also great-tasting. You must beware of one thing - they are not your typically soft-as-sponge Asian desserts that you'll find everywhere in Manila (like the sasrival or ensaymada), but they are pretty dense and hard, i.e. FULL of taste of their main ingredient whether it's chocolate, nuts or fruit. You do not want to miss the desserts, else you might as well not come in!! They are supposed to specialize in macarons, but I personally don't think they were that special - maybe just because it's not a common dessert in Philippines.
SERVICE
Just like most of the restaurants in Philippines, Bizu has extremely friendly and courteous staff who's simply not that efficient and responsive. The waiters are competent - I mean they do get the food in front of you, but don't expect them to deliver what you ordered in front of you if there is more than just one person eating and you have to remind them to clean up the empty plates. Forget about getting your bill quickly - this is one thing that'll make you feel like you're right in Europe!!
AMBIENCE
Bizu tried very hard to create a modern and smart cafe. It's overall very nicely done inside out and it does have a Parisien street bistro feel to it. Of course the Yahoo (company) colors bothered me a bit at first because I used to work in an office previously occupied by Yahoo, but interestingly enough it actually complements their food - particularly the desserts - quite nicely. All the decorations and furnitures are well laid out to create a cozy yet elegant atmosphere.
VALUE
People come to Manila or Philippines to find good deals - it's quite understandable. Therefore, they inevitably will get sticker shock when they see the prices on the menu. "ARE WE BACK TO THE US OR EUROPE", they ask. But if you've been around long enough, you'd know that in Manila, or any other developing country, you have to pay a premium for the feeling that you're not in a developing country. This is not only true for restaurant but just about any other experience in shopping, accommodation, recreations, etc. Bizu is not overly pricey compared to restaurants that cater towards similar clientele, but for sure you can find far better deals in Manila if you are looking for value.
BOTTOMLINE
American and European visitors, if you are homesick and want to have a true taste of the delicate and sophicated West in Manila (not the burgers and pub side of things), try Bizu and you won't be disappointed. The food and ambience will leave a pleasant taste in your mouth. OH BTW, do not leave without having a dessert that will REALLY make you miss home.
BTW
I've been to both Greenbelt and Greenhills location, and frankly I think the Greenbelt location has slightly better food than Greenhills. Desserts are the same, probably because they came out from the same kitchen. Let me know if you have any personal experience on this difference.
