Standout Newcomers: 8 New Restaurants to Try this March
Mar 7, 2016 • Shen Mascariñas
4. Taqueria 101
Via zomato.com
101 Dona Soledad Avenue, Better Living Village, Don Bosco, Paranaque City
0917 722 5225 | Facebook
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 3pm to 1am
The genius brains behind famed Locavore created a new food spot that southerners are already freaking out about. Tacqueria 101 is a passion project by Chef Mikel Zaguirre and his family, which is apparent in the handmade dish components, exciting flavor combinations and warm service. Whether you’re from the south or not, you have to try the taco joint’s innovative take on Mexican cuisine.
For appetizers, the Nacho Fundido and Elote won’t disappoint. Follow it up with their Oxtail Soft Taco, Tacqueria Burger and Hanger Steak. Finish strong with the Churro Popcorn or the Sizzling Banana Pudding (or both).
3. Pound by Todd English
B3 Bonifacio High Street, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
(02) 617 8633, 0977 858 8633 | Facebook
Open everyday from 11am to 11pm
Budget for two – P800
At Pound, an elegant restaurant reminiscent of the ‘20s Prohibition era serves as the ironic background for trying to fit delectable burgers in your mouth with some ounce of grace. You can pretend to be a classy lady or gentleman, and use forks and knives for as long as you can. After the first bite of the Pound Burger, however, it won’t be a surprise if you roll up your sleeves, put your napkin on your chest and get dirty.
How else can you fully enjoy a beef patty with foie gras and foie gras mousse, caramelized and crispy onions, mustard relish, lettuce and tomato? If you’re more of a chicken sandwich kind of foodie, then the T.E. Crispy Chicken Sliders will make your belly happy. As for sides, the Truffle Risotto Tater Tots and Tempura French Beans will definitely complete your meal.
2. Un Cuenca
Molito Commercial Complex, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
(02) 815 4811 | Facebook
Open everyday from 11am to 10pm
Budget for two – P1,200
Missed the fantastic fine-dining at Lolo Dad’s? The delicious magic of Chef Ariel Manuel is finally back in the form of Un Cuenca. This time the focus is on Spanish cuisine, featuring premium ingredients that are simply prepared, but done very well. Un Cuenca specializes in cochinillo, a smoky and crisp Pugon lechon, so a visit isn’t complete without trying that dish. For other sure-pleasers, get the gambas, boquerones and angulas.
1. Atelier Vivanda
U-A8 Forbes Town Center, Forbes Town Road, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
(02) 848 2632, 0918 848 2632 | Facebook | Website
Open everyday from 6:30pm to 12mn
Budget for two – P5,000
If you have a special occasion coming up this March, a feast at Atelier Vivanda is absolutely the perfect place to celebrate it. Treat yourself to the expertise of Akrame Benallal, a French chef that earned his first Michelin star just six months after his restaurant opening and got his second star just a year later.
Experience the classic combination of meat and potatoes in its most moan-inducing form. Their smoked beef aged for 50 days, for example, sets the casual dining spot miles apart from similar restaurants.
Spotted other new kids on the Manila culinary block? Sound off below with your awesome finds!
