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From refreshing starters to hearty mains, The Wholesome Table's summer dishes are sure to nourish the body, without compromising on taste and deliciousness

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A Wholesomely Delicious Summer

Danah Gutierrez

<p>As the summer months rage on, many restaurants are unveiling their new seasonal menus, and<strong> The Wholesome Table</strong> is no exception. The <strong>Bianca Araneta-Elizalde</strong>-owned restaurant has built its reputation on using only the freshest and most natural ingredients, and their summer menu is no different. From refreshing starters to hearty mains, The Wholesome Table&#x27;s summer dishes are sure to nourish the body, without compromising on taste and deliciousness.</p><div><br/></div><p>One of the staple dishes they recommend for the summer is the <strong>Watermelon and Feta Salad</strong>. This light and refreshing dish features juicy chunks of watermelon, tangy feta cheese, crisp kale, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It&#x27;s the perfect starter on a hot summer day, and the combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to tantalize your taste buds. For something cheesy, another staple is the <strong>Burrata</strong>, served with crisped bread is the ultimate appetizer, with rich and creamy burrata with micro greens, roasted tomatoes and balsamic glaze. It’s sweet, tangy, and salty, the trifecta of happiness on the palate. If you are craving for a Mediterranean flavor, opt for the <strong>Hummus</strong> dip instead, freshly made from well-seasoned, blended chickpeas, the texture is smooth and creamy, you’ll surely spread for seconds.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/96036d6d-491b-4bc3-b289-0ef058e52831_2023-05-03 11.23.25.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Wholesome staples you’ll enjoy this summer: Burrata, Watermelon &amp; Feta Salad, and Hummus</span></span></span></div><p>For refreshing Asian dishes, the <strong>Summer Spring Rolls</strong> (P420) are super yummy, totally fresh, and very nutritious. Small portions of cucumber, mango, glass noodles, shrimp, and chicken breast are beautifully wrapped in rice paper for a colorful plate, served with sweet, sour and salty nuoc cham dipping sauce; while the <strong>Nasi Goreng</strong> (P490) is a filling main dish with perfectly-grilled and flavorful chicken satay, with sweet-soy fried rice, served with spicy sambal oelek sauce. BBQ lovers will also rejoice at the addition of the <strong>Hickory BBQ Pork Ribs</strong> (P1290) and Hickory BBQ Chicken (half chicken, P830). Tender juicy racks of sous-vided &amp; grilled pork ribs and tender, succulent chopped chicken are bathed in the classic, smokey flavor of hickory, bringing a Southern twist to the menu. Served with tarty and creamy potato salad and grilled corn on the cob, these platters are perfect for sharing with your favorite foodies.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/0b29b6e9-08b6-4de9-9755-107c6799797a_2023-05-03 11.23.47.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Summer Spring Rolls, Hickory BBQ Pork Ribs, Nasi Goreng, &amp; Horchata French Toast</span></span></span></div><p>But it&#x27;s not just the main dishes that have gotten a summer makeover at The Wholesome Table. The restaurant&#x27;s beverage menu has also been updated to include a couple of cool drinks that are perfect for sipping on a hot day. The <strong>Be Fresh</strong> (P190) is a standout (and my personal favorite), featuring fresh pineapple, coconut cream, mint, spirulina, and raw cane sugar blended together for a cool and invigorating drink. <strong>Be Tropical</strong> (P280) is another option that’s a mixture of orange, pineapple, banana, mango, vanilla, almond milk, maca, chia seeds, sweetened with raw cane sugar for a filling summer smoothie.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/4b6c63c6-5e8d-46b0-a138-d5d429fe8544_2023-05-03 11.23.37.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Be Fresh</span></span></span></div><p>And of course, it wouldn&#x27;t be a complete summer menu without a few breakfast items. The Wholesome Table&#x27;s sunrise-inspired dishes include the <strong>Full English Breakfast </strong>(P440), served with bacon, baked beans, sourdough toast, truffled pesto, and scrambled eggs; the <strong>Homemade Corned-Beef</strong>, served with sauerkraut, eggs of any style, with option to get roasted potatoes (P550), or garlic rice (P480); and my ultimate favorite, the <strong>Horchata French Toast</strong> (P340) made with sourdough french toast, drizzled with rich dulce de leche, topped with torched bananas, whipped cream and toasted cashew nuts—now that’s a good morning for me. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/aa2d3fa3-31e0-403d-bcc9-f2182f629d4b_2023-05-03 11.23.32.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The Wholesome Table, BGC, Taguig</span></span></span></div><p>Owner, Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, is truly at the top of her game as an innovative restaurateur, but let’s not forget that she’s switching hats between being a mother as well. “I try my best to balance my time between work and raising my family by setting aside specific hours in the day to work, usually while my kids are in school. As much as possible, I try not to schedule anything during weekends which is dedicated to time with my family. I also delegate a lot and work with an amazing team that really helps get the job done.” Sometimes, she enjoys the sweet spot where she can bond with her kids while working on The Wholesome Table. “There’s never been anything on the menu that hasn’t gone through several taste tests with me and my family.” </p><div><br/></div><p>As for her challenges, Bianca walks the tightrope as she admittedly finds it difficult to balance both roles, like “knowing when I have to put down my phone and focus on my children’s needs.” Bianca shares. </p><div><br/></div><p>Overall, the fulfillment of getting to do both is worth it. “There is fulfillment in showing my daughters that women can have it both—we can be dedicated, hands-on moms, and still find success with business. It’s a great example for them, especially because I have daughters. I’m hoping they are inspired by what I do, since I do it all for them, too.” </p><div><br/></div><p>Bianca’s heart and soul is reflected by her brand—from the amazing food to their farmhouse-inspired interiors and airy ambiance, everything aims to delight customers. No wonder many patrons come to celebrate, work, and collaborate while dining at the establishment. Their staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to serve with warmth and eagerness, too. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/d36881ef-e758-49de-8147-30d989984a7f_bianca.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Bianca with her daughters, Isabeli, Alesi, Sienna and Samira </span></span></span></div><p>In a world where many restaurants rely on processed and artificial ingredients, The Wholesome Table&#x27;s commitment to using only the freshest and most natural food choices continues to elevate healthy and hearty eating for their customers, all thanks to a beautiful mama who wants to share her soul food with the rest of the metro. </p><div><br/></div><div><em>Date your mom (and the rest of your closest ones) to some delectably good dishes this season! Visit The Wholesome Table at any of their Manila branches: Greenbelt, Salcedo, and BGC. Follow them on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thewholesometable" target="_blank">@thewholesometable</a></em></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/food/the-ultimate-list/editor-s-picks-best-cakes-and-pies-for-summer-2023/35549" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Editor’s Picks: 10 Best Cakes &amp; Pies Perfect For Summer</a></div>