MAKATI CITY — On the fifth floor of a nondescript office building in Makati lies a sanctuary that defies traditional labels. It is not a café, nor is it a conventional restaurant. In the words of its creators, The Lost Islands is, first and foremost, an experience. Serving as the flagship space for the Lost Islands Center for Kape (LICK), this innovative venue at Karrivin Studios is the vision of certified water sommelier and LICK director Sly Samonte. Here, he has curated a seven-course tasting menu that transcends the boundaries of a standard coffee service.
An Expedition of Local Flavors
Titled "Philippine Forests Are Delicious," the menu is a curated exploration of flavors endemic to the Philippine archipelago. It serves as a sensory expedition across beaches, mountains, plains, and the familiar warmth of a Filipino home. Sly’s team, led by The Lost Islands manager Marcus Espiritu, dedicated nearly a year to refining this itinerary. They aimed to highlight the Philippine ecosystem and the ingredients it offers, noting that both locals and visitors frequently take these indigenous treasures for granted.
A Revelatory Seven-Course Narrative
The menu unfolds as a sequence of meticulously crafted beverages, each intended to be a revelation. The experience begins with Cadlao Lagoon, an immersive tea that sets an elegant, refreshing tone. This is followed by the Heritage Horchata, which surprises guests with its luxurious, creamy texture achieved entirely without dairy, featuring a delicate aromatic lift from dahon ng laurel. The journey continues with a coffee flight where guests are challenged to identify three distinct sets of Philippine Arabica beans, served both as pour-overs and unfiltered to highlight the dramatic shifts in aroma and profile. Another highlight is the Modern Sikwate, a playful, elevated reimagining of the classic Filipino hot chocolate. The subsequent courses continue this narrative, transforming familiar local ingredients into complex and unexpected flavor profiles.
An Invitation to Cultural Connection
The Lost Islands is designed for those seeking a profound connection to the natural bounty of the Philippines. Whether you are an adventurous foodie or a traveler looking to engage with local culture on a deeper level, this tasting menu promises a transformative journey. Reservations for the seven-course experience can be made through Instagram at @thelostislands.ks.
