As can be gleaned from Gary Cruz' photos, Intramuros is a visual delight. I forgot I was in El Camino Real. I thought I was in a zen-inspired metro restaurant in Manila, Bangkok or Singapore. There is an airiness that complements whispered conversations as well as vivacious chatter, and some across-the-floor Beyonce'd free-range.

Salo-Salo succeeds in connecting people, intersecting interests and welcoming cultural exchange. As diverse as my table composition was, we had food talk, food talk and more food talk. It's like gathering for a family meal and the food is the novelty. Suddenly we became gourmet diners, food critics, Trader Joes, Whole Foodies and farmer's marketeers.

The Tell-Me panelists served to balance the food emotionalism. Alas, we were enlightened with their professional experiences. 

Wish you were there.