Mendokoro Ramen

Manila's in the moment gastronomic indulgence is Japanese ramen.  With more than a dozen establishments springing like mushrooms in the city, foodies can't seem to get enough to delight their appetites.  The latest name to open its doors is Mendokoro. Located in the current on the radar scene(Salcedo village where hotspots such as Elbert's steakroom, Reidel, Lulu, Toby's Estate, Wildflour, Gino's, La Creperie and Hooch and the recently opened Pablo hold their playground).

Mendokoro is a modern Japanese ramen place with simple yet well made interiors.  Metal and wood is designed in minimalist aesthetics surrounding an open kitchen right at the center of the restaurant. Designed by Noel Bernardo( who's projects in include Republic in NY, most Elite Concepts HK restos) and his design firm EC Studio, one gets to feel the atmosphere as if they were transported to the land of the rising sun. Beauty is in the art of simplicity wherein the study of design and space becomes ultra chic. A variety of neutral tones unfold a refreshing and cool visual perspective highlighted by shadow play.

As soon as you enter, one is welcomed and easily assisted to the counter to order and get a number(yes due to the number of seats available).  Having a concise menu, one is rest assured that everything in it has been gastronomically curated.  Waiting didn't take long as we came in early before lunch. As soon as were seated, the queue outside was quite long.  This author or the super spicy ramen and ordered extra pork plus egg on the side.  Love the explosion of spice and flavors that weren't overpowering.  The pork was cooked well, the noodles seemed like it was the best in town while the egg was divine. The overall dining experience was fantastic!  Simple, quick an without the fuss and flash. Great ambience and good food is simply the best.  Mendokoro is on dry run until February and is open Monday to Saturdays for lunch 11:30am while dinner starts at 630pm with limited bowls until full operation.  A must-go for everyone but make sure to come early, no reservations and special treatments.

Amazing space.

Art of design.

Light and shade.

Linear perspective.

Lightscape.

Earth calling.

Not so ordinary.

Spice of life.

The best noodles in town.

Love pork.

Waiting game.

Stick it out.

Table setting.

Turning Japanese with Rita Nazareno.

We are located at the GF of V Corporate Center, on Soliman St. Salcedo Village Makati. 

Tel. 215-1751

Life of Pie

The Mall of Asia area in Manila is growing by the minute.  Establishments are opening so quickly and soon the entire area would be the next Makati and bring back the glory days of the Manila area.  

Pizza has become a favorite comfort food of Filipinos.  Aside from the fastfood chains all over the country,  there are a handful of heart warming pizzerias. Much talked about since late last year, is the current talk of the town - Project Pie.  The menu provides two choices with your pizza, one is a choice from three classic types and the other is to create your own.  The dough is fresh and you can see it being done in front of your eyes.  From the crust, the next step is the base sauce which is either red or white. Then comes the showcase of toppings ranging from a variety of cheese, meat, vegetables and spices.  Create your own masterpiece and load up as much as you can( this comes with an additional cost per topping).  If you opt for three classic offerings, your pizza will cost you only P285.  To top it all, one can have German beer or Chilean wine to go with. Cheap treat for a worthy meal but be mindful of the crowd- to date its still quite full at any time. Cheers!

Southern Comfort

Food is one of the best things in life.  The art of preparing a dish or meal is a masterpiece.  Recently took a trip to somewhere close to Alabang and found this quaint resto that's becoming a favorite-The Farm.  It isn't related to the popular wellness center in San Benito, its a secret restaurant well hidden near Alabang hills.  The menu consists mainly of limited speciality steaks, burgers, pasta and Filipino dishes that are all gourmet style. Indulge to your appetites desire without guilt since this dining place boasts of its certified organic grass-fed beef. Love the bone marrow and burger with avocado which was beyond any gastronomic delightful.  On a seperate occasion, got the chance to try the mouth watering choriburger which is a major must-try. And to top it all off,  for dessert, the mango cheesecake and choco salted caramel cupcake was ultimately perfection.  The Farm offers a list of health conscious treats that one won't feel guilty of after every meal.  They also serve fresh thirst quenching drinks that are quite healthy-liscious. It also is a deli that sells packed meat stuff you can stock in your fridge.  The inviting countryside like atmosphere is chill as one can have hours and hours of conversation with friends.  From Manila on weekends it would take 30-45mins to get there but definitely worth the trip.

The Farm Resto

One Legacy Place, Don Jesus Blvd., Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City

Rambla!

In the Philippines, opening late last year is one of current favs for lounging and dining-Rambla. As the food culture begins to trace back its cultural roots in terms of cuisine, the latest tapas resto bar finds its home at the ground floor of the Joya building in Rockwell Center, Makati.  From the owners of the locally renowned Las Flores, comes a new dining experience that offers modern Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine under head chef Pepe Lopez.  The latest chow haven is buzzing town with its delectable menu of special mouthwatering offerings that are more than just a delight to the senses.  Reinventing Catalan fused with Mediterranean cuisine is the aesthetic behind Rambla through contemporary gastronomic influences that can be viewed through their open kitchen.  One can see how their food is actually prepared which is definitely a treat to the foodies out there.  Though the menu isn't extensive, one is assured that each dish is uniquely special made with the best ingredients, cooked and prepared well without being overwhelming.  You can definitely pig out without getting full since everything is pleasantly bite size.  Topping this author's list of must-try are any of the salads and the burger. They also have a good selection of wines and specialty drinks that compliment each course. Desserts are definitely a must try as it highlights your meal with the perfect sweet surrender. 

Rambla's well designed interiors displays a contemporary fusion of old and new world charm.  The awesome industrial incantation is highlighted by an interesting interplay of detailings and lighting.  Metal, leather and wood seemingly form a beautiful design tapestry that's definitely fixture perfect. The cozy and unintimidating atmosphere is a place where one can lounge and have a decent conversation.  To date, its one of the current scene to be scene so be prepared to bump into a celebrity or TV personality.  If you're one who's not into crowds, its best to come before peak hours.

Rambla is at G/F, Joya Bldg., 

Rockwell, Makati City; tel. 8236468.  

Open daily from 11:30am -3pm, 

6pm onwards.

Birthday Feast

My associate Bang Martinez recently treated us to a gastronomic feast at the newly opened Donosti at the Fort.  One of the more stealth and chic restaurants in Manila as of the moment is the current  talk of the town.  After making several visits last year, this foodie habitué has been consistently at the top of my list in terms of food, service and ambiance.  Love the casual and relaxed feel of the place as it channels unpretentious and laid back atmosphere beyond all that flash.

 The fab menu boasts of a delightful list of tapas and entrees to fill even the most discerning of tastes.  From the appetizers to paellas to meaty dishes, one's palette is filled with authentic and well cooked offerings of Basque cuisine to fill your hearts desire. Croquettas, chorizos and jamon Iberico are must for starters matched with their best selling sangria. A gastronomic haven, one can't enough is the Angulas and shrimp in garlic to go with their homemade bread. While for the main attraction we had the unforgettable sea bass, chicken and tenderloin dishes that simply melts in your mouth.  Though the price range is fairly above average, one is rest assured of the freshness and  by the quality of imported ingredients they put into every offering with no preservatives.  

One can chill, relax and enjoy the moment at Donosti.  Never mind who's at the next table, besides you'll be busy enjoying the food, drinks and more importantly conversations with your company.  Enjoy!

Donosti Pintxos y Tapas is located at

NAC Bldg, Block 3, Lot 2 32nd St., Bonifacio Global City,Taguig
Metro Manila, Philippines.