Boom! Pao! Right In The Kisser!

Ryan Smith, Jr.
Apr 21, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Apr 22, 2020

My dining experience at Asian Fusion restaurant, Pao by Paul Qui.

While checking on one of my former sushi chef, I found myself at dinner at Pao by Paul Qui in the Faena Hotel. The menu features modern Asian cuisine that is packed with flavor. I started my meal with an amuse-bouche of roasted butternut squash with walnuts, which was quickly followed by my first course of Kinilaw and Fried Chicken with Roasted Banana Ketchup.

Next, was the stand out of the meal, the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Carpaccio. Thin, beautifully marbled beef bathe in a warm bone marrow broth, accented with Yuzu Kosho, provided a bright, zesty kick against the rich, buttery Waygu adorning the plate. The dish was garnished with Truffle Karokke, providing both an aromatic, crisp textural component as you would otherwise forget to chew as the velvety beef melted in your mouth coating your tongue with it's mouthwatering flavor. This dish provided a wonderful marriage of flavors that won't be easily forgotten.

My main course was a Sisig Rice packed with crispy pork in several forms, garlic and black vinegar giving it bursts of flavor. The tender, fatty pork belly provided a juicy contrast to the crisp, airy chicharrones that were embedded throughout the dish. The creamy yolk brought the dish together while combining with the black vinegar as a makeshift vinaigrette providing the sauce for the rice. I paired it with a glass of Sancerre to compliment out my meal.

I ended with Pao's take on a Rice Krispie coated in chocolate and paired with Bosenberry sorbet. I had such a wonderful time as both the service and the food was top notch. The server was knowledgeable and attentive without being intrusive, allowing me to enjoy my meal in a comfortable atmosphere. I'll definitely be stopping by again to check out the other offerings on the menu.