Canned Goodness: Garde Manger's New Enlatados

Fresh, pure and clean flavors. Who knew you can enjoy so much flavor right out of a can? 

Drawing inspiration from a recent trip to Spain, Chef Miko Aspiras shares his take on classic Spanish tapas, Enlatados, with his Curry Smoked Mussels in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Smoked Pulpo in Olive Oil at Garde Manger. The freshest salads, seafood, spring rolls and now, Enlatados. Chef Miko Aspiras continues to amaze...

At Garde Manger, the freshest salads can be a meal in itself, and Chef Miko Aspiras takes the lead in transforming this consumer mindset with fresh salad creations (for more on Garde Manger at Hole in the Wall, see my previous post here). Along with his Enlatados is a new salad dish infused with distinct local flavors...

The Adobo Flakes Salad, fresh greens with crisp pork adobo flakes in a sharp vinaigrette, a refreshing salad with the savory notes of adobo. The mild minty sweetness of the salad greens pair well with subtle salty hint of the adobo flakes, punctuated by the bite of the onions and tart cherry tomatoes for multiple layers of clean flavors. It's yet another salad dish that's a complete meal in itself, with the adobo flakes adding that flavorful punch. Just like Garde Manger's Sisig Rilettes Salad (more on Garde Manger's salads on my previous post here), the addition of adobo flakes makes this a hearty and comforting dish. As with all of its dishes, freshness remains the main ingredient, with its simple, clean, and uncomplicated flavors.

The new salad dish is a welcome addition to Garde Manger's expanding line of salads, like the Marinated Watermelon Salad (P 255) with feta and pistachios drizzled with a sharp balsamic citrus dressing, a personal favorite.

Then, there's Garde Manger's fresh seafood from the raw bar, like the Fresh Oysters (P 315-3 pcs/P 550-6 pcs), each with a different topping like Shoyu Wasabi, Chimichurri, Gin Lime, and Pickled Apples...

...sweet and briny, with each bite delivering the flavors of the ocean, capped by the distinct notes of the different toppings.The sharpness of the Shoyu Wasabi, the nutty chimichurri, the citrusy gin lime and the sweet and tart pickled apples gently compliment without overpowering the clean and delicate flavors of the fresh oysters.

Indulge in more seafood with Garde Manger's Fruits of the Ocean Ceviche (P 275), a sumptuous bowl of assorted seafood in lime and vinegar with fresh herbs. The fresh clams and chunks of tuna are sweet, contrasting with the bold notes of the lime and vinegar for balanced flavors.

A pair of fresh rolls round up the signature fresh and clean flavors at Garde Manger, with the Thai Mango Shrimp (P 200) served with coconut basil dip...

...and the Mu-shu Sesame Chicken (P 200) with chili hoisin dip. The paper-thin wrappers have a soft and chewy texture, holding its form all the way to the last bite. 

Then, Chef Miko Aspiras presented his new Enlatados, delicate seafood packed in oil with fresh herbs. Served with chips, Garde Manger's Enlatados presents a whole new way of enjoying seafood. The inventive canning technique not only preserves the richness, but results in deeper, more concentrated flavors.

The Smoked Pulpo in Olive Oil, tender chunks of smoked octopus with marble potatoes and herbs, weaves delicate flavors in a seamless blend. From the sweet and mildly briny notes of the octopus, the subtle smoky hint, and the rich and nutty flavor of the olive oil, Garde Manger's Smoked Pulpo in Olive Oil is a refreshingly new flavor experience creatively presented with a tin can.  

Garde Manger's Curry Smoked Mussels in Extra Virgin Olive Oil combines fresh seafood with a soothing layer of mild heat from the curry, served with a side of chips.

The plump and succulent mussels are sweet, absorbing the complex curry spices punctuated by the tart tomatoes and peppers. The pair of new dishes offer a unique taste of classic seafood with a Spanish twist, pairing perfectly with Garde Manger's salads, rolls and seafood dishes. Fresh, clean flavors with an innovative spin, the new Enlatados at Garde Manger is definitely a must-try. Visit Garde Manger at Hole in the Wall and discover even more flavorful surprises. And find out why Chef Miko Aspiras continues to amaze...

Garde Manger is located at Hole in the Wall, 4th Floor, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Baranggay Poblacion, Makati City or call 801-1230 for inquiries.

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