Let's Eat July Issue by Tammy Mendoza

JULY 2018

Eat, , h g u a l and love at

OrtigasMalls

LET'S EAT — July 2018

Greenhills Mall

Nothing beats the feeling of finally ending “long time no sees.” Such intimate and special celebrations must be matched with steaming international flavors at Greenhills, the first-ever shopping complex in Metro Manila. Location: Greenhills Mall, Ortigas Avenue, San Juan City greenhillsofficial @greenhillsph 721-0572

WILDFLOUR CAFE + BAKERY

CHICKEN AND BISCUITS Aside from specialty pastries, the crispy and juicy Southern fried chicken, accompanied by homemade biscuits, can also delight the entire family.

Location: Ground Floor, OSquare 1, Wilson Street corner Ortigas Avenue Price range for a family of four: P2,000 For reservations, call 775-3543

GRINGO

LEMON GARLIC BUTTER CRAB Prepare your heart, stomach and clean hands! The Tex-Mex restaurant guarantees macho Lemon Garlic Butter Crabs.

GRINGO BABY BACK RIBS Eat Baby Back Ribs with joy! The rib, with Gringo’s secret rub, is so tender you wouldn’t need a knife to devour it!

Location: Ground Floor, OSquare 2, Ortigas Avenue corner Wilson Street Price range for a family of four: P1,300 For reservations, call (0917) 111-8882

BLUE POSTS BOILING CRABS AND SHRIMPS

SEAFOOD CHOICES It’s time to be adventurous and messy with the family! Seafood lovers must try any freshly caught seafood (crab, shrimp, mussels), cooking style (boiled, garlic fried, sambal, garlic lemon butter sauce, in salted egg) and regular, mild, super spicy spiciness level at the well-loved restaurant.

Location: 2nd ﬂoor, OSquare 1, Wilson Street corner Ortigas Avenue Price range for a family of four: P1,500 For reservations, call 246-9069 ext. 717

FROM BEING AN ICONIC MALL, GREENHILLS HAS UPGRADED INTO A HAVEN FOR FOODIES AND AFICIONADOS LOOKING FOR FRESH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL BRANDS. 2

PLATTER OF SASHIMI AND SUSHI Taste the authentic 1923 flavor of Japanese cuisine with a Sashimi Platter (salmon, tuna, white meat fish, and the day’s chef choice) or Sushi Platter (salmon, white meat fish, and the day’s chef choice.)

KAMAMESHI Taste the iconic and historical Kamameshi, (tori teri, buta, gyu), which is served in a hot Traditional iron pot.

Location: Ground Floor, N. Western Street, Greenhills Price Range for a family of four: P2,000

MUSSELS AND FRIES An interesting and surprisingly enjoyable combination of baguette, French fries and fresh local mussels is made more heartening by garlic, parsley butter, and white wine.

KAMAMESHI TOWN HONTEN

LET'S EAT — July 2018

For reservations, call 570-3242

SAMGYEOPMASARAP 8

Location: 2nd Floor, Connecticut Arcade Price range for a family of four: P2,000

ARROZ ÉCIJA

BRINGHE SA TINTA PUSIT Apart from enjoying purely Filipino conversations with the jolly staff, Bringhe sa Tinta Pusit topped with crispy Kalamares from XO 46’s sister restaurant will not disappoint.

BAGNET ILOCOS Even if you’re staying in Manila, you’ll never miss the taste of Ilocos with the extra crispy bagnet with lechon sauce and anato sauce on the side.

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UNLIMITED BBQ Families who love eat-all-you-can Korean food will enjoy unlimited everything –- from pork, beef, and beef rib barbecue to side dishes (pickled radish, pickled onion, fish cake, marble potatoes, kimchi, sweetened anchovy, sautéed sayote and bean sprouts).

Location: Ground Floor, Connecticut Arcade Price range for a family of four: P2,000

DISTRICT 8

PATA For a night out with the big boys, opt for the soft-on-the-inside and crispy on the outside pata, accompanied with pickled red apples, traditional soy sauce and vinegar with shallots.

ROAST CHICKEN The slow-cooked and pugon-roasted chicken is marinated with soy sauce, honey, paprika and butter. It is served with three homemade sauces (Harissa Mayo, Salsa Verde or Sour Cream).

Location: G-Strip, Connecticut Street corner Ortigas Avenue Price range for a family of three: P2,000 For reservations, call 426-9808

LET'S EAT — July 2018

Tiendesitas While it’s nice to head home and sleep after spending an entire day hunched over school or oﬃce work, it’s more comforting and relaxing to know how each other’s day was. Spice up the conversation over a quick bite at Tiendesitas at Ortigas East.

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Location: Ortigas East, Ortigas corner E. Rodriguez Avenues (C-5), Pasig City tiendesitas @tiendesitasph 635-5680

MASIL CHARCOAL GRILL RESTAURANT

SET-B The warm greeting of annyeonghaseyo is a beginning of festive and gastronomic dining experience. Masil’s Premium Set B includes delightfully marinated and non-marinated beef and pork barbecue and famed Korean side dishes.

AYSEE

PAPAITAN BAKA Among the roster of meals that will satisfy the family’s Filipino food cravings is Aysee’s steaming Papaitan Baka, which is served in a traditional stainless steel pot.

Location: 2nd Floor, Food Village Price range for a family of four: P600 For reservations, call 703-2549

Location: Ground Floor, Building A Price range for a family of four: P3,300 For reservations, call 246-9069 ext. 753 2

SISIG WITH EGG The family’s very own sisig recipe is handed down and improved by several generations and is now served on a sizzling hot plate at Tiendesita’s food village.

MANGAN TAYO

BULALO A bowl of hot beef stew made extra rich by fresh yellow corn, green beans, cabbage and Baguio pechay.

PARTY BOX Choices of nine, 15, or 21 tasty pieces of juicy, crispy old-fashioned fried chicken accompanied with the creamy and buttery gravy.

PIGAR PIGAR A popular Ilocano street food, made with deepfried thin beef slices and onion, can now be tasted by every Filipino family.

Location: Ground Floor, Building A Price range for a family of four: 1,200 For reservations, call 650-5866

Location: 2nd Floor, Food Village Price range for a family of four: P600

GABRIELE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

9 ANTIPASTI DI MONTAGNA Bite and let a plate with Italian cold cuts of honey ham, prosciutto, and salami melt in your mouth while you sip a glass of wine.

FARIÑAS ILOCOS EMPANADA 6

SALTED EGG PANCIT 08 BAGNET AND ILOCOS EMPANADA Aside from its famed well-stuﬀed Ilocos Empanada, the Ilocano restaurant is also known for its homemade noodles, which is exclusively made for Fariñas. The crispy bagnet, salted egg, and fresh vegetables topping complement the appetizing pancit. Location: 2nd Floor, Food Village Price range for a family of four: P600

MATRICIANA PASTA Boiling at the corner of Tiendesitas is Gabriele’s traditional Italian Matriciana pasta, ﬂavored with bacon, special spices and tomato sauce made from scratch. Location: Ground Floor, Building A Price range for a family of four: P1,500 For reservations, call (0949) 323-7817 or (0915) 531-5728

TOM SAWYER

CHICKEN BREAST SANDWICH Tasty boneless chicken breast embraced with pickles and a slice of melted cheese, smothered with a secret sauce in a butter-toasted sesame bun; comes with a side of French fries.

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LET'S EAT — July 2018

Estancia

Nestled in Pasig –- dubbed as the Metro’s top food destination –- is Estancia at Capitol Commons. Here, Ortigas & Company has curated a spectrum of delightful restaurants, ideal for families with various food cravings. Location: Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City estanciaph @estanciaph

02 633-1580

MOTORINO

The Filipino-favorite galunggong is made extra ﬂavorful as it is topped with browned garlic. 6

SOPRESSATA PICCANTE The Italian restaurant’s Sopressata Piccante hugs diners’ tummies with its freshly made dough, topped with mozzarella, spicy sausage, garlic and chili, and carefully baked in a brick oven. FRUTTI DI MARE The pasta — made while you wait — is ﬂavored with marinara sauce, cured anchovy, clam, squid, shrimp, pepper, basil, garlic, olive oil and white wine.

Location: Lower Ground Floor, South Wing Price range for a family of four: P1,500 For reservations, call 638-3994

GINATAANG SANTOL The rich and thick peanut-based sauce complements the Kare Kare Classic, served with bagoong on the side. While you wait for the meal, the XO 46 crew will introduce the “full Filipino dining experience,” serving diﬀerent complimentary pica-pica options such as puto and cornic, before and after meal.

Location: Camino Verde Road, Capitol Commons Price range for a family of four: P1,300 For reservations, call 632-0008

RATED GG You’ll surely thank its witty name for tricking you into ordering the meal.

ESTANCIA IS JOINING THE RACE OF DELIGHTFUL RESTAURANTS IN THE AREA WITH ITS EXCITING NEW TAKE ON INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS.

CHURCHILL BAR

PAN STYLE NACHOS TOPPED WITH CHILI CON CARNE For a laidback Friday night out with the family, be bold and get surprised as you dip and munch the tortilla chips with chili con carne and the combined guacamole, sour cream, chopped jalapeño and hot cheese sauce in one pan.

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INTERNATIONAL CHEESE BOARD SELECTION Unwind in the bar with a glass of wine and a variety of princely slices of select cheese.

Location: Ground Floor, North Wing Price range for a family of four: P1,500

Location: Lower Ground Floor, South Wing Price Range for a family of four: P1,300 For reservations, call 532-1652

SENTRO 1771

Diners will ﬁrst have a taste test of the broth, giving them the freedom to adjust the saltiness and sourness, elevating the taste with every sip of the sinigang.

XO 46 BISTRO FILIPINO

KARE KARE CLASSIC Truly extraordinary is the Filipino restaurant’s Ginataang Santol. The exciting and unique dish allows each ingredient –- minced cotton fruit, coconut cream, meat and shrimp –- to shine as taste explodes in your mouth.

SINIGANG NA CORNED BEEF With tender corned beef short plate, boneless beef shanks in tamarind broth, and vegetables, the dish truly deserves to be the Specialty of the House.

HIGHLANDS STEAKHOUSE

CAJUN GRILLED SALMON FILLET Although the plating of gently grilled Salmon with Pomme Paille and fresh ratatouille are too beautiful for the eyes, you wouldn’t regret devouring every bit of the main course. FULL RACK BABY BACK RIBS The perfect-for-sharing all-time favorite

07 Baby Back Ribs are generously ﬂavored with Highlands’ signature dry rub. Location: Ground Floor, North Wing Price range for a family of four: P2,300 For reservations, call 532-2324

LET'S EAT — July 2018

PHOTOS BY GABBY CANTERO

Genki WORDS BY SPANKY HIZON ENRIQUEZ

Sushi

Take a ride on a Shinkanshen bullet train. Deﬆination: Spectacular Sushi!!!

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LET'S EAT — July 2018

ids these days. They really have it so good. All the conveniences, all the gadgets, all the connectivity, all the gourmet choices available to them, anytime and anywhere. Case in point: Japanese food. When I was a child, my generation basically had two choices for tempura and all other delights Japanese. Oh, let me be clear, I’m not complaining, because Kimpura and Kamameshi House were really quite special and unforgettable,

and today, decades later, they’re still around and still serving excellent dishes. But I recall that trips to these restaurants back then were major excursions, never casual decisions. And as such, they were always special occasions. These days? Japanese dishes --- from ramen to sushi and everything in between --- can be found in every single mall and food court in the Philippines. So the decision point for families now is not whether or not to dine on Japanese food, but the question is: where? More and more, the answer will come not from the parents, but from the discriminating palates of their children. And when it comes to Japanese? The kids’ clamor, more often than not, is for Genki Sushi. It’s a super fun restaurant concept that could only have come from Japan; ultra-high tech presentation meets classic cooking techniques. The most striking aspect of Genki Sushi is the ordering/ serving system. Menu selection is made via

1 Hana Sushi 2 Sushi Desserts 3 Kousoku Express Train System 4 Spam Tamago 5 Genki Sushi SM Aura Interiors 6 Chicken Wings Taberu Layu 7 Genki Sushi Selection

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LET'S EAT — July 2018

a sophisticated iPad program, which is definitely an interesting and interactive attraction for kids, but it actually has two specific purposes: first, it eliminates the need for a server to take orders, so it’s faster and more accurate. Second, since it’s all digital, it’s incredibly efficient. Notifications go straight to the kitchen, where the dishes are prepared only upon receipt of the orders, and then, and here’s the irresistibly entertaining part: the orders are delivered with a whoosh via the “Kousoku Express Train System” that runs alongside all the restaurant’s tables. Inspired by Japan’s iconic bullet trains, the sushi travels speedily down the tracks, and comes to a full stop directly in front of the awestruck smiling guests. The whole system, from selection to delivery, in ten minutes or less. When Genki opened its flagship branch in the country in 2015, I have to admit, I was more amazed by the system than by the sushi. But three years later, there are now five restaurants in the growing chain, with a sixth, in the Megamall Atrium, scheduled to open in July. And Genki is now absolutely one of my top destinations for legitimate, authentic, and creative sushi in Metro Manila. When the first outlet in Bonifacio Stopover opened, the menu seemed basic and limited. But these days? There are over 50 unique and wonderful Nigiri, Gunkan, Temaki, and Seared Sushi varieties, as well as a fine selection of first class Sashimi. I’m particularly enamored with Shrimp Garlic Butter Sushi, which tastes exactly like prawns cooked in butter… with vinegared rice underneath; it’s a bite of savory sushi heaven. Then there’s the mini Spam Musubi: a perfectly portioned crisp slice of Spam topped by a sweetish Tamago. Sweet and Salty together in perfect harmony. And that Hana

Sushi? The freshest “fatty” salmon hugging a teaspoonful of rice, the whole, topped with an almost iridescent fish roe, such a gorgeously composed sushi creation. A meal at Genki won’t be complete without green tea, and every table has a small pot of premium matcha powder, and there’s a hot water dispenser tableside. So drink all you can, and it’s absolutely free. A generous Genki gesture. I love it! Oh, and kids? Don’t miss the playful new desserts, “sushi” made of ice cream, candy, and cake. They’re great for your parents too. So Moms and Dads, next time your children crave for Japanese, just show them a picture or a video of the “sushi train”, give yourselves a quick congratulatory wink, and head on down to the nearest Genki restaurant. You’ll enjoy the ride!

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Genki Sushi is located at Bonifacio Stopover, UP Town Center, Ayala on the 30th, SM Aura, SM North EDSA, and SM Megamall (July 2018)

WORDS BY SPANKY HIZON ENRQUEZ

God save the Pizza! The United Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite slices of happiness have arrived in the Philippines. PHOTOS BY GABBY CANTERO

Pizza Express 01 9

izza has been called the “Perfect Food”. And for good reason: a slice of pizza typically contains vitamins from tomatoes, proteins in the form of meat or seafood, and of course, dairy, from all that melted cheese! All the key food groups, represented on one convenient wedge, which, by the way, supplies those essential carbs too. Please take note, however, that I did not mention sugars, or to be more specific: fruit. I’m not a big fan --- well to be completely honest --- I abhor pineapples on pizza, but I digress. That’s another story for another day. Our story today is about the most popular pizza

in a country that’s more known for fish & chips and bangers & mash. That’s right, the United Kingdom’s most popular pizza chain, with over 500 branches, has opened its very first outpost in the Philippines. Pizza Express has been around since Beatlemania. The very first restaurant opened in London’s Soho district in 1965. Its founder, Peter Boizot, had a passion for the pie, and he travelled all over Italy in the early 1960s, tasting the best that country had to offer. Mr. Boizot was inspired to recreate the pizzas he fell for: hand tossed, handcrafted pizzas made from scratch with

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only the freshest and finest ingredients. So he brought home a second-hand pizza oven, and more importantly, he convinced an experienced pizza chef – the first “pizzalolo” of Pizza Express – to come home with him. And so, they made pizzas. And made more, and millions more over the past half century. Over fifty years on, the original dough and their signature tomato sauce recipes have remained exactly the same. Nothing’s changed, except that Pizza Express is now present all across Europe, the Middle East, and now, Asia. Yeah yeah yeah! Our country’s first Pizza Express is located in what I consider to be the epicenter of the Uptown Mall in BGC, right smack in the middle of the ground floor, impossible to miss and difficult to ignore, especially when the Pizzalolos are tossing their dough high up in the air. The restaurant, a circular affair, is cozy and very family friendly. The chairs, comfortable, and the tables, quite spacious… the better to place more pizzas on, is my educated guess. And you’ll want to order more than one, trust me. I have three favorites, and I honestly can’t say which one is

LET'S EAT — July 2018

1 Romana Pizzas: Liguria and Le Rose 2 Baked Pizza Dough Balls 3 Pizza Prep Kitchen Area 4 Crispy Pizza Crust Close-up 5 Classic Pizza : Fiorentina 6 Pizza Express’ Expert Chefs: The Pizzalolos 7 The Big Bad Brownie

my numero uno. First up, from the selection of “Romana” pizzas – crispier 06 --- the “Le Rose”, with Calabrese sausages and Pancetta, and thinner crusts a.k.a. Italian Bacon: it’s the meatstravaganza for pork lovers… and really, who isn’t? Second, what I call the “Breakfast Pizza”, made with a classic Neapolitan dough base: the “Fiorentina”, spinach and olives, garlic oil and parmesan cheese, crowned with a sunny side up egg. It’s simple and rich and and rustic and uncomplicated, but completely satisfying. Third, but not the least, is the cheesiest of them all, the “Lava” pizza: generous scoops of creamy burrata mozzarella, complemented by fragrant basil leaves, and topped with black olives and cherry tomatoes. Italy’s flag, honored in a magnificent tricolor pizza. Ask for the wine list, by all means, or have a beer. Pizza, after all, the perfect food, is even more perfect paired with a red, a white, or an ice cold brew. Don’t forget to say “Cheers!”, or better yet, “Cin Cin!”

Pizza Express is located at G/F Uptown Mall, BGC. (02) 791 4385.

LET'S EAT — July 2018

WORDS BY SPANKY HIZON ENRIQUEZ

GELÁRE

PHOTOS BY GABBY CANTERO

Dessert comes firﬆ at this cool new Auﬆralian import... but save space for wonderful waffles and fried chicken.

LET'S EAT — July 2018

02 he simplest things still bring me the most joy. For example, a scoop of ice cream. Unadorned, no need for sprinkles or sauces, on a cone. Or a platter of fried chicken, the crisp skin still hot to the touch, fresh off the fryer. Waffles… crunchy outside, pillowy inside, slathered with butter, drenched in syrup. Food, for me, are anchors to my childhood. Those were less complicated times, surely. My earliest memories, always happy ones, and most of them involve my mom and dad — me as a toddler, feeling safe and secure under their protection. Many of them revolve around my folks and my brother and sister, and three wonderful ladies who were always cooking in their kitchens: my Lola Sally, Ninang Cora, and our family’s Mary Poppins, Apo Cion. The case of characters would change, but good old comfort food was always the common denominator in my memories. The simplest dishes, really, but served with love. I’m guessing that’s why I felt a little tingle, and unbidden, smiled widely the first time I entered Geláre. All my beloved childhood favorites, all in one place. Nothing fancy here, and no need for them to be. It’s a café dedicated to dessert, and all the good things that go along with them. There’s a long row of flavors, and yes, you can sample them all as you try to make up your mind. I have to warn you though: it won’t be an easy choice. There are just too many guilty pleasures, 24 in total, that will tempt you. Pralines and Cream. White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle. Honey Malt Crunch. Banana Caramel Swirl. Jamaican Chocolate. Not your usual American selections, right? That’s because Geláre is a 32-year old Australian institution that was founded in Perth, way back in 1986. It’s since expanded to more than 50 locations all over Australia and South East Asia. And I’m very happy that they landed in Philippine shores recently. All the frozen delights are flown in regularly from Down Under, and all the ice

LET'S EAT — July 2018

1 Raspberry Sorbet 2 Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles 3 Nutella Treat Sundae 4 Classic Waffle with Fresh Cream 5 Chicken Poppers 6 Mango Mango and Merry Berries Smoothies 7 Gelare Interiors

creams and sorbets are generously served using Geláre’s signature pyramid –shaped scoop. More often than not, I’m forced, in the most voluntary way, to get two scoops here: one of the unique ice cream flavors, and inevitably, surely, the Lychee Lane sorbet. It’s a snowy symphony that precisely captures the taste and texture of my #1 favorite childhood Chinese restaurant dessert. Geláre’s version makes me swoon, and gives me pleasure on an almost spiritual level. It’s a stunning creation. But that sorbet, pardon the icy analogy, is literally, just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much more to love in Geláre, and that’s why it’s one of the few places that I actually plan return visits to even before I leave. 06 Their all-day breakfast waffles, always baked to order, paired with tasty Buttermilk Fried Chicken thighs or topped with a couple of decadently luscious Eggs Benedicts. Don’t dare miss their ultra thick double scoop milkshakes and silky fresh fruit smoothies. They have damn good coffee too. I could go on and on, but I’m writing this at 1:30 in the morning, and I’m actually salivating just reading my own words. I’ll have to stop here. But I’ll continue tomorrow, that’s for sure. And I’ll be at Geláre of course, as I must, to get my fix of awesome Aussie treats, served with a side of sweet childhood memories.

Gelare is located at 3/F Uptown Mall, BGC and at G/F Solenad 3, Nuvali

LET'S EAT — July 2018

Deliciously warm hug for the cold, rainy season By MICHAELA TANGAN

IMAGINE this: you have been awakened from a deep restful sleep by the whispering cool wind. The sky is gray even if it’s already noon. You’re wearing your old yet comfy pajama bottoms and loose shirt. It’s one of those days when the cozy warmth of the bed holds you back, hugging you and begging you to stay a little bit longer. Now, there are only two things that will make the imagery more perfect: warm drinks and meals and the company of your loved ones. And on wet, cold and cuddly days, you cannot deny that nothing warms your heart and your tummy better than delightful simmering food. As you open your eyes, let Gerry’s, the home of delicious Filipino food, light up the dream in your heart. NO PLACE LIKE HOME You want a piping-hot bowl of real beef soup, but the cool temperature is enveloping your body, hindering you from the leaving the comforts of your home. With Gerry’s, you can get the best of both worlds. All you have to do is reach the phone and punch in 332-1111 for a hassle-free delivery. It’s available from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. And just like a hero, Gerry’s team will bring right on your doorstep all-time-favorite rainy season meals of your choice: hot Nilagang Bulalo, mouthwatering Sinigang na Boneless Bangus, hearty Sinigang na Hipon or irresistible Sinigang na Baboy. WORTH THE TRIP When the sun is also feeling lazy, it’s actually an opportunity to go for a spontaneous trip or long drive. Without a second thought, Gerry’s is the best place to be. With hundreds of branches, you will find Gerry’s in your favorite spots in the city or countryside. Fall in love all over again with the view of Taal Lake in the background. While holding your partner’s hand, let a hot cappuccino embrace your tummy for an upcoming gastronomic journey. If you prefer watching the city lights come to life while the raindrops blur the window, various Gerry’s in town will also welcome you like an old friend. A hot bowl of delectable Beef Kare-kare would complement moments like this. With the homey ambiance inside every Gerry’s, your family will surely enjoy the alltime favorites such as Sizzling Sisig, Inihaw na Pusit and Chopsuey. Now that the rainy season has arrived, you deserve to be with your loved ones. To enjoy the best comforting meals and discover more heart- and belly-warming feast, visit www.gerrysgrill.com. 15