A Taste of Spain in the Metro: ArroZeria Manila's New Dishes

"As close as you can get to eating Paella in Spain..."

A bold promise, and a firm commitment behind every dish at ArroZeria Manila. Chef Chele Gonzalez and his team at ArroZeria Manila are passionate about rice, and at ArroZeria Manila, rice remains the hero. This is experienced and savored in each and every authentic paella dish served at ArroZeria, using the finest and freshest ingredients prepared in the Spanish tradition. 

Chefs Chele Gonzalez, Ivan Saiz, and Keith Fresnido, the same team behind Vask and Gallery Vask, presents rice as the hero at ArroZeria, bringing you as close as you can get to eating paella in Spain. The cuisine at ArroZeria is simpler, rustic, and comforting at affordable prices, with the same high quality as Vask.  

ArroZeria Manila's culinary approach is based on sourcing the freshest locally sustainable ingredients by supporting local farm communities for high quality cuisine with authentic flavors. This commitment included closely collaborating with IRRI in sourcing a local rice variety that matches the Spanish bomba rice.

And after several journeys to the Ifugao province, ArroZeria Manila is the only establishment in the metro using the local Ifugao Tinawon rice for all its signature paellas. The best local produce for rich classic Spanish flavors. Arrozeria Manila prides itself in serving authentic arroces, with a wide range of the iconic Spanish Paella, including the soupy Caldoso, the saucy Meloso, noodle variants like the classic Fideua, creamy risottos, the egg-crust Arroz Con Costra and the rich and creamy Arroz Gratinado, each prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients in the traditional Spanish style (for more on ArroZeria Manila's wide range of authentic Spanish tapas and signature dishes, check out my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2015/01/paella-tomahawk-and-cuajada-al.html). Start with a refreshing La Guapa (P 250/P 875), a soothing rose sangria to get you in the groove in no time, and the perfect beverage to pair with ArroZeria's signature dishes. And new dishes...

...like the Salpicon de Pulpo (P 370), tender marinated octopus in a mildly sweet and smoky capsicum and onion vinaigrette. The octopus is soft and tender, with a briny sweetness that pairs well with the sweet smokiness of the capsicum and sharpness of the onions for contrasting flavors. The flavors are fresh and clean, just what you'd expect with the freshest ingredients, masterfully executed at ArroZeria Manila.

Next, ArroZeria Manila's new Lengua Frita (P 380), deep-fried Angus ox-tongue coated in bechamel and served with creamy tartar sauce, was served. The soft and tender texture of the Angus ox-tongue, with its mild notes, contrast with the crisp outer layer for a delectable play on textures. Add some creamy tartar sauce to complete the flavors, and go for another piece...

Then, ArroZeria's signature tapas were served, with the Txipirones Rellenos (P 275), tender stuffed squid in a white wine and capsicum sauce with rich and rustic notes...

...and the satisfying Albondigas Con Champinones (P 375), a flavorful duo of beef and pork meatballs in rich button mushroom sauce and rustic potatoes. Both dishes delivered traditional Spanish flavors to complete our round of appetizers before the mains...

Then, the first of two new paella dishes arrived, starting with the Arroz Gratinado Longaniza (P 600 good for 2-3 diners), a moist paella with the rich flavors of house-made longaniza, the mild sweetness of brocolli, and creamy aioli gratin. The bold notes of the homemade local pork sausages adds a layer of distinct flavor to the dish, tempered by the creamy aioli and the moist and fluffy rice for balanced flavors. The dish is finished under a broiler, blending all the ingredients with a moist finish. And the flavors do pop out with every spoonful. The new variant is a welcome addition to ArroZeria's growing menu, providing even more options to choose from at ArroZeria.

The Fideua Callos (P 500-12" good for 2-3/P 950-15" good for 4-5/P 1,450-18" good for 6-8), made with thin noodles and callos, with pork, tripe, and garbanzos, is another exciting blend of familiar flavors combining for a new and exciting dish. The thin, moist noodles absorb all the richness of the callos, with chunks of tender pork and tripe adding both texture and flavor to this playfully inventive dish. I've always enjoyed callos, and this dish is both a novel and refreshing way to rediscover familiar flavors.

Rounding out our feast is ArroZeria's signature Paella Valenciana (P 590-12" good for 2-3/P 1,130-15" good for 4-5/P 1,720-18" good for 6-8), a traditional paella with chicken, green and white beans, and rosemary. You have the option to have it served the traditional Spanish way which is al dente and thin, or the local way which is wet and thin while still maintaining the authentic flavors of Spanish paellas. With over fifteen authentic paella variants to choose from, including a variety of al dente and thin or wet and thin paellas, soupy caldosos, melosos, fideuas, risottos, arroz con costra and arroz gratinado, there's always something new to try and discover, bringing you as close as you can get to Spain.

End your dining experience on a sweet note with ArroZeria's signature desserts, like the Tarta de Chocolate (P 195, L), a moist chocolate tart topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate crumbs; the Torrija de Coco Caramelizada (P 195, R), a soft caramelized coconut brioche with pineapple sorbet...

...the Calamansi Semifrio (P 225, L), a calamansi semifreddo laid on sweet mango sauce and topped with mint jelly; and the Tocinillo del Cielo (P 250, R), soft and creamy egg yolk flan with raspberry foam, yogurt, lime, and modena vinegar reduction. Or go for a comforting rice dessert, the Arroz Con Leche, a caramelized rice pudding.   

More than a shared history and culinary heritage with Spain, at ArroZeria Manila, each dish tells a flavorful story representing the comforting dishes that both Chefs Chele and Ivan grew up with, as well as the local ingredients and communities that produce them. And this is what makes ArroZeria Manila special. You too can go on a rich culinary journey with traditional and comforting Spanish flavors, and Chefs Chele, Ivan, and Keith will gladly take you on a flavorful ride...only at ArroZeria Manila.

ArroZeria Manila is located at the 4th Floor of the new Century City Mall along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City or call 894-1796 for inquiries and table reservations or email at info@arrozeria.com. For more updates, follow ArroZeria Manila on Instagram @arrozeriaMNL and Facebook @arrozeriamnl.

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