local ingredients – Jellybeans in the City

Unwrapping Togetherness: Locavore’s Holiday Handaan

Embrace the spirit of the season with Locavore’s festive handaan, redefining your Noche Buena classics. Dive into the warmth of cherished holiday memories as Locavore crafts an expanded menu and exclusive dishes, promising a celebration that captures the essence of Filipino Christmas traditions.

Crafting Culinary Connections

“At Locavore, we believe good food brings people together, and great food enhances the experience,” shares Mikel Zaguirre, Chef and Locavore Co-founder. This holiday season, Locavore aims to share joy and warmth through specially crafted dishes, combining the nostalgia of at-home handaans with a modern twist.

Gourmet Filipino Noche Buena

For a memorable family feast, indulge in Locavore’s Estancia-exclusive menu. Delight in succulent Bulalo Pintxos and Bistek Pintxos, paired with housemade Bagnet Chips for a crispy, zesty treat even the kids will savor. Elevate the experience with the crowd-favorite Bagnet Buro Mustasa, featuring roasted bone marrow, pickled Labanos, and Pares Jam.

Sip and Savor

Locavore introduces new gin-based fruity cocktails for the titas and titos at the table. From the lively Hardin to the fiery Antibayotiko, each Filipino fusion cocktail is designed to have you dancing the night away. Don’t miss the Melona high ball, a vodka-based spritzer for a refreshing kick.

Shared Moments, Lasting Memories

“We believe that great food has the power to bring people closer, to create lasting memories,” says Zaguirre. Locavore’s expanded menu is currently available at the Estancia branch and will soon be served at Locavore BGC, Eastwood, and S Maison branches.

Finding Joy Together

Celebrate the holidays at various Locavore branches across Manila. Whether at Brixton Barrio Kapitolyo, Forbestown Taguig, Valero St. Makati, or SM City Bacoor, Locavore ensures your festive moments are filled with good food and laughter. For added convenience, order your Locavore favorites through Grab Food and Pickaroo.

About Locavore

Founded by a group of friends passionate about food, Locavore offers a unique take on classic Filipino staples. Using locally produced ingredients, Locavore combines tradition with a playful and modern twist, bringing people together through the joy of shared meals.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Indulge Your Senses: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Dine at AMAH Restaurant

There’s a culinary haven nestled inside AFPOVAI Village in Taguig. This hidden gem is not your typical dining spot. AMAH Restaurant is a place where heirloom recipes meet modern palates, and where the comfort of home blends seamlessly with the sophistication of a rooftop restaurant.

Here are seven irresistible reasons why a visit to AMAH should be on your dining bucket list:

1. A Hidden Gem with a View

As you wander through the charming streets of AFPOVAI Village, you might stumble upon an unassuming beige private residence. But there’s a secret behind those walls. Look for the small round sign that proudly displays “Amah” in bold red letters. Come inside, and you’ll be warmly welcomed into the home of Chef Jose Villareal, an up-and-coming culinary genius studying at Enderun College. The adventure begins as the staff guides you to the rooftop of the house, where the actual restaurant awaits.

And on this rooftop, with the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves of lush foliage, the mesmerizing panorama of Taguig and Makati cityscapes, illuminated by the glittering city lights stretches before you. It’s a hidden oasis, a serene escape from the bustling city below.

2. Outdoor Dining Oasis

While AMAH offers indoor seating, the outdoor option is the way to go to elevate your dining experience. There, surrounded by lush greenery, or illuminated by Chinese lanterns with a soft, warm glow, you have an intimate and romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for a memorable meal.

3. The Story Behind AMAH

Behind every great restaurant, there’s a story that makes it even more special. AMAH, as its name suggests, is named after the founder’s beloved grandmother. But it’s more than just a name; it’s a tribute to the traditions and memories that have shaped Filipino culinary heritage. What started as a creative outlet and real-world experience for budding chefs during the height of the pandemic has blossomed into a must-visit culinary destination. By October 2022, the restaurant gained accreditation from Enderun College as an establishment where its students can undergo their on-the-job training.

4. Locally-Sourced Ingredients

At AMAH, it’s not just about serving mouthwatering dishes; it’s about supporting local communities and celebrating Filipino flavors. They take pride in sourcing their ingredients locally, from different corners of the Philippines. This commitment to local produce infuses each dish with a unique and authentic touch, blending age-old recipes with contemporary culinary techniques.

5. Heirloom Recipes with a Twist

Chef Jose Villareal and co-chef Gab Escalambre II serve as the culinary masterminds behind AMAH’s refreshed menu. They’ve taken beloved heirloom Filipino-Chinese recipes and given them a fresh twist. Among the exciting items on offer are:

House Chips (Php80). Thin potato slices, delicately flavored with garlic and scallion.

Siu Mai (Php300). A delectable pork and prawn siu mai dumpling served with house-made chili oil.

Pork Tofu (Php280). Golden fried tofu crowned with ground pork, chives, chili oil, and garlic.

Kinilaw (Php320). A Filipino ceviche made with amberjack, coconut, and etag.

Steamed Fish (Php350). Steamed seasonal fish wrapped in perilla leaves on a bed of black bean sauce.

Soy Chicken (Php550). Chicken roulade paired with taro gratin and drizzled with a flavorful chicken jus.

Palabok Php400). Rice noodles coated in a savory sauce made from pork, prawn, fried garlic, and chili oil.

Char Shiu (Php500). Smoked pork belly served with fluffy bao buns.

Fried Rice (Php350). Day-old rice fried with garlic and tossed with carrots and scrambled egg.

Seasonal Fruit Pie Php200). A heavenly treat featuring seasonal fruit jam (like guyabano) encased in lard pastry.

Calamansi Tart (Php250). Dive into a delightful calamansi custard nestled on a graham cracker crust.

Corn Ice Cream (Php200). Savor the unique flavors of roast corn, milk skin, and caramel in this sweet indulgence.

6. Pet-Friendly Atmosphere

Pet lovers will be happy to know that AMAH welcomes your furry companions with open arms. The owners, avid pet lovers themselves, have created a pet-friendly environment. Just remember to bring along your pets’ diapers to ensure a comfortable dining experience for everyone. Enjoy a meal with your four-legged friends in tow.

7. Celebrate Special Occasions

AMAH isn’t just a place for casual dining; it’s a venue to celebrate life’s milestones. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a company eat-out, or a special celebration, AMAH has you covered. They offer venue booking and custom catering services tailored to your needs, ensuring your special moments are truly memorable.

Clearly, AMAH offers more than just food; it’s an experience that indulges your senses. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in heirloom recipes with a twist, all while surrounded by the enchanting ambiance of this rooftop oasis.

So, what are you waiting for? Book a table, celebrate life’s milestones, and discover the culinary magic that awaits at AMAH. It’s time to embark on a gastronomic adventure that promises to leave you craving for more.

Amah Restaurant is located at 27 F. Segundo Street, Phase 4, AFPOVAI, Taguig City, open Tuesdays to Wednesdays from 5pm to 10pm and Fridays to Mondays from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 10pm.

To know more about its regular menu, visit its website or follow Amah on Facebook and Instagram. To reserve your table, call +63 998 9721198 or +63 917 5101368, or visit heirloomamah.com/reserveme.

Disclosure: Together with fellow content creators, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant.

Check out my previous post on AMAH Restaurant:

Amah Restaurant’s student-chefs collaborate with Chef Donovan Cooke on a 14-course gourmet dinner

Delightful takes on Filipino food: Locavore Kitchen + Drinks, Eastwood City

If you’re on the lookout for a place that beautifully reinvents Filipino cuisine, where the heartwarming flavors of home-cooked Filipino dishes intertwine with a dash of innovation, well, nestled in the vibrant Eastwood City neighborhood, is your ultimate destination for an unforgettable dining experience that brings classic Filipino flavors to new heights.

That is Locavore Kitchen + Drinks.

History and Mission

The story of Locavore is one of culinary passion and a commitment to reinventing Filipino cuisine. Four couples, including the dynamic Speedy and Alta Lyttle, teamed up with the daring and talented chef Kel Zagguire. Their vision? To take the comforting essence of home-cooked Filipino food and transform classic staples into something that appeals to a broader and more diverse palate.

Locavore’s journey began along Brixton Street in Kapitolyo, Pasig City, becoming a haven for locals in search of a community bistro within months of opening. With its playful and unique menu that still stays within the essence of straightforward Filipino flavors, Locavore became the place where you can enjoy “Filipino food you wouldn’t be able to eat at home.”

Unique Approach to Filipino Cuisine

At the core of Locavore’s identity lies an unyielding dedication to employing exclusively fresh, locally sourced ingredients, nurtured and cultivated by nearby farmers and growers. This devotion extends to fostering strong relationships within the local agricultural community, resulting in every mouthful being not just audacious and adventurous, but also naturally organic and environmentally sustainable. This holistic approach stands as a heartwarming gesture of reciprocity, echoing their commitment to empowering local businesses and embracing a more connected culinary ecosystem.

My Family’s Brunch Experience

One fine Sunday morning, after the family has attended mass, brunch seemed like a great idea. Given the fam’s developing taste for foodie adventures, we decided to dine at Locavore’s Eastwood branch.

In this restaurant with a chic hispter vibe, we found modernity and creativity in equal measure. The sleek interior design set the stage for an extraordinary meal. Its high ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of natural light give a sense of spaciousness. For diners who prefer to enjoy their meal in the open air, Locavore offers an al fresco dining area where they can savor their food amidst the relaxed atmosphere of Eastwood’s surroundings.

For our Sunday brunch, the fam and I feasted on:

Salted Egg Chips (Php445). A tantalizing creation of thinly sliced taro coated in salted egg puree, topped with quesong puti and a zesty salsa, serving as a great start to our meal!

Boneless Lechon Belly (Php800). A nod to Cebu’s finest, served with pinakurat vinegar and bagoong, complemented by pickled cucumber.

Sizzling Sinigang (Php680). Locavore’s most famous dish, boasting tender beef cubes and vegetables served sour and garlicky on a sizzling plate. This is definitely a family favorite and not a dish to be missed!

Dining at Locavore is an experience that encapsulates the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine while weaving in innovative twists. So, whether you’re seeking something entirely different or yearning to rediscover a beloved favorite, Locavore is the answer. Gather your loved ones and embark on a culinary journey that tickles both your imagination and palate.

Head over to Locavore Kitchen + Drinks at Ground Floor 1880 Eastwood Ave Building, Eastwod City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 5120159.

Other Locavore branches are located at:

10 Brixton Street, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City (+63 917 6842014)
Ground Floor, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Oranbo, Pasig City (+63 917 7742023)
Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (Tel: +63 917 5742017)
Ground Level, Three Central, Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati (Tel: +63 917 1782018)
Ground Level, S’Maison, Seaside Blvd, Pasay (Tel: +63 917 8472747)
Upper Ground, SM Bacoor, Bgy Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway corner Tirona Highway, Bacoor, Cavite (Tel: +63 917 1472022)

To stay updated on its menu and offers, follow Locavore Kitchen & Drinks on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Locavore:

C lassic Filipino dishes with a twist at Locavore, Kapitolyo

Not your ordinary Filipino food at Locavore, BGC

Amah Restaurant’s student-chefs collaborate with Chef Donovan Cooke on a 14-course gourmet dinner

We often hear of restaurants referred to as “hidden gems,” those little-known or undiscovered dining spots that offers exceptional food, service, or ambiance that is worth discovering.

Often tucked away in some out-of-the-way location, these spots may be hard to find but but once discovered, they offer a unique and unforgettable dining experience that makes them stand out from other more well-known restaurants.

It’s no wonder then that foodies like me are always on the lookout for hidden gems; aside from the delicious and unique eats, we greatly enjoy the feeling discovering a hidden treasure that is not widely known, and we take pride in sharing our discovery with others who share our passion for great food.

One such discovery is Amah Restaurant in Taguig City.

A quarantine venture

Amah Restaurant was founded by Chef Jose Villarreal, a young culinary prodigy who parlayed his childhood interest in cuisines into a budding career as a chef. While on lockdown in 2020, he and his classmates at the prestigious Enderun Colleges set about gaining real-world experience in their field by launching their own food business headquartered in Jose’s family home in Taguig.

From researching, test cooking and initially selling food products online, Jose and his team eventually opened AMAH Restaurant, named after his maternal grandmother, situated at the roof deck of his family home in 2021. By October 2022, the restaurant gained accreditation from Enderun Colleges as an establishment where its students can undergo their on-the-job training.

Amah Restaurant is known for its heirloom Filipino-Chinese dishes with a twist such as Sisig Stuffed Chicken Wings, Smoked Char Siu Pork Belly with Bao Buns and Bibingka Cheesecake. These delicacies are prepared by the young chefs who made it a point to use local ingredients and put their own unique twists to heirloom recipes.

The restaurant also treats its patrons to a breathtaking view of the Makati and BGC cityscapes. Sunsets were definitely amazing on the upper roofdeck, making it a favorite for engagement proposals, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

A dream collaboration

Chef Jose recently led his team of fellow student-chefs for a dream collaboration with Chef Donovan Cooke from Melbourne, Australia on a two-night dinner event which featured 14 specially-curated gourmet courses from Chef Donovan’s menu. These dishes were prepared by Chef Jose and his Amah team under the supervision of Chef Donovan himself.

Chef Donovan is known for his exceptional culinary skills and his extensive experience in the fine dining industry. He has worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants around the world and gained recognition for his expertise in seafood as well as for his innovative and creative approach to cooking, which combines classic French techniques with modern Australian flavors.

“This was such an honor for Amah and a great treat for our clientele,” Chef Jose shared. “We were so excited to have had the opportunity to work in the same kitchen as Chef Donovan and to have him guide us as we prepared dishes he developed. It was definitely a major milestone for all of us at Amah. And our guests for those two nights were so lucky for the experience that was in store.”

Chef Donovan Cooke was just as excited about the dinner event. “These young chefs are very dedicated and passionate about their craft. They could have taken it easy during the pandemic, found an excuse to just lay around and rest like many of us did during the lockdowns. But they forged ahead because they’re all determined to continue learning and honing their talents. It was my privilege to be one of their mentors, to encourage them as they make their marks in the business.”

A symphony of flavors

The 14-course dinner took Amah Restaurant’s guests on an exciting flavor journey, with each dish thoughtfully designed to showcase the interplay of ingredients.

The meal startsedwith a refreshing Chilled Oyster Truffle Soup with cos lettuce, followed by the delicate balance of Mud Crab with pomelo, coriander, and ginger. The Torched Sardines with escabeche olive offered a burst of smoky and umami flavors, while the Seared Spiced Tuna with Watercress, pickled mushroom, and truffle dressing offered a combination of spice and earthy notes.

The dinner progressed with the richness of the Mussels Mariniere with parsley and white wine sauce, and the Baby Squid with Pear, Parma Ham, and olive oil emulsion that offered a delightful play of sweet and savory flavors. The Grilled Octopus with Piperade and Spanish chorizo brought a smoky touch to the table, while the Slow Roast Free Range Chicken with celery heart and sauce Bois Bourdain offers a comforting and savory indulgence.

The Hibachi Grilled King Prawn with asparagus and shellfish citrus vinaigrette added a burst of freshness, while the Curry Roast Mahi-Mahi with cauliflower, capers, raisins, and apple offered a unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The Spiced Roast Duck with fig compote and spice jus brought a depth of flavors with its combination of sweet and savory notes, while the Braised Beef Shin with balsamic onion and bordelaise sauce offered a rich and succulent experience.

The meal came to a close with the delightful Mango and Almond Cake with Mango Salad and Banana Passionfruit Sorbet, followed by the Spiced Pineapple with Pain Perdu and gingerbread ice cream, offering a sweet and tangy finale to the flavor journey.

To fully appreciate the intricacies of each dish, diners were encouraged to savor each bite, to allow the flavors to linger on the palate while taking note of the unique combinations of ingredients, the textures, and the subtle nuances of flavors that Chef Jose and his team have masterfully crafted. Each dish tells a story, a culmination of culinary expertise and creativity, meant to be savored and enjoyed to the fullest.

After successfully executing a challenging 14-course menu in collaboration with Chef Donovan Cooke, it’s clear that Chef Jose Villareal and his team of student-chefs from Amah Restaurant are ready to take the local food scene by storm. This unique culinary experience allowed them to showcase their skills and creativity in the kitchen, while learning from a master chef like Donovan Cooke.

It sure is exciting to anticipate what more these enterprising young restaurateurs will be able to come up with in the future with the hidden gem Amah Restaurant as the backdrop for these culinary adventures!

Amah Restaurant is located at 27 F. Segundo Street, Phase 4, AFPOVAI, Taguig City, open Tuesdays to Fridays from 5pm to 10pm and Saturdays to Sundays from 10am to 10pm.

To know more about its regular menu, visit its website or follow Amah on Facebook and Instagram. To reserve your table, call +63 998 9721198 or +63 917 5101368, or visit heirloomamah.com/reserveme.

Disclosure: Together with fellow content creators, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to us at no cost.