What's it like: having a four-course meal 150 feet up in the air for Dinner in the Sky

It’s all about the experience.

If food is simply what you’re after, then any renowned restaurant would do. But Dinner in the Sky is not just all about food. It's a thrilling new dining experience — included in Forbes Magazine's list of the world's Top 10 Most Unusual Restaurants — available in Metro Manila until May 21.

READ: 5 things to expect from Dinner in the Sky Philippines

After registration, guests will take a short walk to the Esplanade where the dinner will take off.

Guests will be required to “check-in” an hour before the session, register and sign a waiver, wait for your turn to be seated on the table, put on a harness, and then lift off before you get your first bite. It all sounds tedious but it’s actually pretty easy.

At the registration, guests will have access to the VIP lounge where you can unwind with some drinks like soda or wine. Then, you’ll take a short walk to the Esplanade where you’ll also get a nice view of the Manila Bay. Once you spot the crane, you might feel some butterflies in your stomach, especially if you have fear of heights, but don't worry, you’ll get over it once all the excitement sets in.

Taking culinary heights to a new level

Chef Hylton Le Roux preparing the food right in front of me!

Each seating can accommodate 22 guests and I thought Lady Luck was on my side since I got one of the best seats in the house — just in front of the chef where the center of the action is.

Chef Hylton Le Roux of Waterside was the featured chef that evening and he made us feel at home with his welcoming smiles and chitchat. I hardly felt the crane hoisting us up since I was preoccupied with the setting; Solaire was in front of me and Manila Bay was behind me.

It was only when we reached the 150-feet level and then I looked down that I felt fear set in.

Good thing I wore jeans, sneakers, and a ponytail. No wardrobe malfunction to worry about! The top thing in my worry list is my mobile phone, which is why I had to grasp it with my two hands every time I would take pictures.

That said, nobody will be able to resist capturing this unbelievable dining moment.

They say that with the sky dining experience, you’ll get to focus more on your food since you’re strapped to your seat and wouldn’t be able to easily get up and go to the restroom or have a cigarette break.

The first course was Tuna Tiradito

In my experience, I was too preoccupied taking snapshots of everything: myself, the view, to the chef, and the beautifully plated dishes.

The entire four-course meal was served in an hour. I would’ve wanted more time to relish the food and the whole experience, but we were 150 feet up. I made do with the time we had and enjoyed the mouthwatering meal.

It began with Tuna Tiradito, which had aji amarillo paste, lime pickled red radish, cassava crunch, and some micro greens. It was a nice play on colors and textures and if it were any indication of the dining experience, I’d say it was the perfect starter.

The second course was Anticuchos de pollo. Yep, we were as high as the Solaire building

The second course came shortly, Anticuchos de pollo, tamarind habanero glaze, mojo verde, baby beetroot, and crispy cancha corn. The combination of tastes was superb—smokey taste from the chicken, a bit of sourness and spice from the glaze, and a hint of sweetness from the beetroot.

Diners have a couple of options for the main course and I chose the Mexican adobo spice Atlantic salmon served with red quinoa, edamame, Huancaina cream, and chili corn salsa.

Mexican adobo spice Atlantic salmon for my main course

The fish was perfectly seared with some obvious charring on the skin and the outside. The corn relish added delicious texture and taste, and the quinoa made it even more filling.

My seatmate went for the Cuban-style slow cooked pork belly and I heard her say that it was so tender when she first sliced through it. In between bites, we all squeezed in some selfies, and even the chef was accommodating enough to take photos with us.

Although the seats don’t offer a lot of flexibility, guests can swivel and even recline them a little—just enough to take a decent photograph.

We just had to take a selfie with the chef!

To end the meal, Chef Hylton Le Roux presented us with the ingredients that included dulce de leche cheesecake dome, praline, chocolate texture, candied popcorn, meringue, which we had the pleasure of plating ourselves.

It was a fun and interactive dessert that distracted us from the height we’re at. Soon after, the dinner is over. I was still finishing my dessert as the crane brought us down. We were safe and sound on the ground, and I actually wished we were back up even just for a few more minutes.

This experience is truly one for the books! — LA, GMA News

Dinner in the Sky will be until May 21. Esplanade, Solaire Resort and Casino, Entertainment City, Parañaque City. Website. Email.