Some Of Our Favorite Restaurants From The Past Year
Now that the holidays are upon us, we look back at the year that was. From steak to pasta to Thai and neo-Korean, here are some places that made our stomachs growl.
1) Mulberry Door by nawwtTy’s kitchen
It specializes in easy, low-key gourmet comfort food, which patrons can enjoy in a relaxed and homey atmosphere—think hanging plants and lights, chandeliers and cozy couches. Customers can enjoy their favorite dishes and house signature cocktails either at the Mulberry Corner, the Mulberry lounge, or around elegant walnut tables. There is also an al fresco area lined with tables leading to the Forbes Town Mall for additional seating. Must tries are Matteo’s Lamb Burger with Homemade Taro Chips, Apple & Q-Chorizo Salpicao, and Prawn Crabfat Linguini.
Ground Floor, 8 Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
2) Kushikatsu Daruma
A kushikatsu is a Japanese delicacy comprised of deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. Those who are unsure of what to order can try their sets. Their Beginner Level set includes 9 sticks: the classic kushikatsu, prawns, chicken with garlic, chikuwa, tsukane (chicken meatballs), tonkatsu (porkloin), leeks, potato, and camambert cheese. The Advanced Level includes 11 sticks: the classic kushikatsu, chicken heart, chicken intestine, pork intestine, chicken gizzard, garlic, lady finger, gyoza, white onion, leeks, and tonkatsu. These are served with a special sauce that’s regularly flown in from Osaka to Manila in order to guarantee an authentic Kushikatsu experience. For hygiene purposes, bear in mind, “No double dipping!”
Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
3) Tamarind: Taste of Issan Thai
The resto explores the different regions of Thailand and brings it to the Filipino tables, keeping the cuisines as authentic as possible through its Thai chefs. Expect favorites like the pad thais, currys, and the tom yums. The green papaya salad is paired with grilled chicken, perfect for those on a diet. Those looking for Thai comfort food can order their well-loved Tom Yum, or its cousin, Tom Klong Goong Kan Kram, which has the same sour and spicy flavor, but milder.
G/F SM North Edsa, The Block; 5th Floor, SM Aura Premier
4) Industrie Food Loft
The 300 sq. m. indoor food loft has 12 unique food concepts and a beverage bar, each with distinct, tasteful offerings. Hoka offers modern Japanese cuisine such as Spicy Shake Roll and Volcano Maki. Opster’s elevates classic Ilonggo breakfast dishes (try their Kansi and Adobo Flakes). The Broken Oven by The Olive Treat takes simple dishes to gourmet level, like PB+C Sandwich, which is an homage to their bestselling dish, Slow Roasted Pork Belly. Krates by Kopi Roti is a new wave of the Singaporean coffee classic, with its signature drinks—Redeye, and Strawberry and Chocolate. LokLok is a hip streetfood haven, serving a variety of tasty skewers. At Buns & Bros, every burger is sure to surprise your taste buds, like The Assassin, which has a combination of Japanese flavors—miso, wasabi, nori—that blend together in between its roasted black sesame bun. Noonchi offers cross cultural eating experience with pan-Asian comfort, like Bulgogi Cheesesteak. Chicken lovers will adore The Pullet’s unique take on fried chicken and French fries. A fusion of Portuguese and Filipino flavors come together in Tornado’s Peri-Peri Chicken. Niku Niku gives you the power to customize your own NikuBox. Prime Shack MNL takes pride in using the freshest seafood and meat in creating winning gastronomic combinations. Manila Creamery takes Filipino dessert to a whole new level with genuine Italian gelato—made by Filipinos for Filipinos.
Second Floor, City Golf Plaza, Julia Vargas Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City
This article was orginally published in Working Mom. Changes have been made for Metro.Style.
