Posh brunching at Providore, SM Aura

Every year, around Christmastime, I make it a point to meet up with a group of former work buddies.  Despite the distances wrought by new jobs or workplace assignments, I’m glad we are able to get together to reminisce about past shenanigans as well as exchange updates on our lives.

For this year’s gathering, we decided on Providore in SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City being the most accessible place to most of us.

Part of the Raintree group of restaurants, Providore simply defies description.  You might say that, consistent with its name, it provides something for everyone.  Hankering for a caffeine fix? It has a coffee bar.  Hungry for a satisfying yet no fuss meal?  It also serves a bistro.  Want to enjoy your dining experience outside?  It also offers al fresco dining.  Want to bring home some goodies?  It has a retail area that sells locally produced artisanal items.

Providore’s premises have a bright and light feel: you are welcomed by the sight of fully stocked shelves and displays of various food items produced by local communities that the restaurant supports.

The dining area has a posh yet relaxed vibe, accented by artfully displayed fresh breads, pastries and produce: a perfect backdrop for long conversations and photo opps among friends.

For our brunch, our group ordered dishes from a varied assortment of cuisines:

Mushroom Risotto Balls (Php295).  Battered and deep-friend wild mushrooms and olives served with a creamy gorgonzola and bleu cheese dip.  I’m not a fan of olives but the mushroom balls have a rich earthy taste that whet my appetite for more.

Cast Iron Steak and Chili Fries (Php350). Large fries topped with grilled steak bits and served with crema cheddar, jalapenos and red onions.

Steel Plate Cooked Garlic Butter Salpicao Steak (Php475).  Tender pieces of US grade beef  cooked in olive oil to medium doneness and served with roasted garlic, sauteed onions and a sliver of rich butter.

Salmon Belly Guava Sinigang (Php375).  It has a deliciously sour broth that can really warm your heart and belly on a rainy day.  Its been upgraded to include cherry tomatoes and french beans among its more familiar ingredients such as mustasa and radish.

Providore Callos (Php420).  The traditional callos made of ox tripe, chorizo and garbanzos, flavored roasted pimientos and served with rice pilaf.

Warm Brownie Skillet (Php250).  Our dessert was a rich fudgy brownie baked in a skillet, topped with mantecado ice cream and salted dulce de leche, drizzled with chocolate sauce and sprinkled with sliced almonds; a delectable end to our meal.

Our group had a tasty repast amidst picture-perfect yet comfortable surroundings, another memorable get-together in a truly remarkable venue.

Plus, since two of us who are Zomato Gold members unlocked our privilege in this restaurant, two of the dishes we ordered were free!

Providore is located at Ground Floor, SM Aura Premier, C5 Road Corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, open daily from 8am to 10pm.  For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 8029448 or +63 917 8338277.

Want to score a similar discount? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks. All you have to do is sign up for a Zomato Gold membership here as soon as slots open. (They tend to get snatched up pretty quickly so be sure to sign up as soon as slots become available.) Use my code JELLYB to get 20% off the membership fee.

Don’t have the time to visit the resto? You’ll be happy to know that Providore delivers to nearby areas via Honestbee.