The Great Eatscape at SM Aura Premier: A Return to Comforting Classics at Providore

It's been said so many times before, dining becomes an even more memorable experience when the distinct notes of a dish triggers an emotion or a fond memory, transporting you back to a time when simple, comforting flavors simply meant good times...

It's that yearning to return to comforting flavors that inspired Raintree Restaurants' newest dining concept, Providore, at SM Aura Premier. Providore was one of the featured dining establishments in the recently held The Great Eatscape at SM Aura Premier, a series of food crawls in collaboration with Forkspoonmanila at SM Aura Premier. Read on and take a peek at Providore's classic offerings...

Drawing inspiration from retro counters, delis, and luncheonettes of bygone days, Providore takes the classic culinary throwback to the next level with its wide range of rustic and authentic American and home-style Filipino dishes, from chicken dinners to bacon tocino and everything in between. 

Providore is a coffee bar and bistro offering cakes and pastries and even kitchen provisions. Inside Providore, the aroma of freshly baked bread tempts you to stay awhile, and the wide array of curated artisanal products at the retail section brings out the urge to go on a shopping spree of tasty treats...

In the meantime, why not indulge with Providore's Fountain Specialties like the Raspberry Arnold Palmer (P 150), brewed iced tea with fresh lemonade and raspberry syrup; the Providore Punch (P 175), with watermelon, pineapple and passionfruit topped with cherry; or the Calamansi Lychee Cooler (P 120)...

...or go all-out with the decadent Providore Caffe Affogato (P 195), with frozen custard and a bold shot of espresso topped with hazelnut syrup. After a few refreshing sips, it's time to eat. Providore's Deli offerings include the Crispy Seafood Mayo Roll (P 375), with the bright notes of fresh lemon and dill complementing the romaine lettuce, remoulade sauce, and creamy mayo seafood filling, capped by the buttery richness of a freshly-baked brioche roll. Fresh and clean, uncluttered flavors, just the way it should be, the Crispy Seafood Mayo Roll is completed by the freshly fried chips for a light yet satisfying meal. Providore offers other savory sandiches, like the Fried Chicken Sandwich (P 295), the Roasted Turkey Club (P 375), the Cheeseburger Classique (P 375), the Decadent Bone Marrow Burger (P 450), and the Providore Pastrami Melt (P 320). 

Providore also serves up sumptuous Bistro Plates, comforting meals like the Winner Winner Chicken Dinner (P 320), with perfectly crisp fried chicken served with buttered corn and French beans, creamy mashed potatoes topped with rich sausage gravy, and a rustic smoked bacon & cheddar biscuit. Tender and juicy on the inside, with a light a delicate crispness on the outside, contrasting textures that make this dinner a winner. Paired with the mashed potatoes draped in sausage gravy and the homestyle biscuit, this is definitely a must-try dish at Providore. Providore's other equally satisfying Bistro Plates include the Chicken a la Kiev (P 295), Macaroni Pimiento 4 Cheese Gratin (P 395), Italian Sausage & Beef Meatball Bucatini Pasta (P 375), Seafood and Rice Skillet (P 420), Salmon Grill Plate (P 595), Grilled "Truck Stop" Pork Steak (P 595), and Grilled Pepper & Herb Beef Shortribs (P 495). 

Providore's breakfast all-day menu adds yet another comforting layer of good vibes, with tasty dishes like the Pure Filipino (P 295), a range of all-day breakfast meals with your choice of Bacon Tocino, Pastrami Tapa, Daing na Bangus in Olive Oil and Capers, and Alaminos, Hamonado & Vigan Longanisa, all served with Providore's garlic fried rice, 2 eggs, housemade atchara and infused vinegar dip. And there's nothing like bacon for perfect starts, any time of day. Providore's Bacon Tocino delivers everything you love about bacon, a thick slab of pork belly with rich and smoky hints layered with the familiar sweetness of a home-style tocino marinade, and it works.

Providore's Big Boy (P 375) guarantees another perfect start to your day with housemade sausage patty and crispy bacon, served with breakfast potatoes topped with a delicately poached egg draped in creamy Hollandaise sauce, with French toast and maple bacon syrup, all in one platter. The French toast is soft with a light crispness, just perfect with the maple bacon syrup. Other breakfast dishes include the Crab & Avocado Egg Toastie (P 320), Omelette & Salad with your choice of chorizo, ricotta, spinach, or smoked salmon and cream cheese (P 375), and the Thick Cut Nutella "Babka" French Toast (P 250). Breakfast any time of day, I can stay here all day...

Classic local flavors add yet another comforting layer to Providore's extensive menu, with the wittingly named The "You're Gonna Need Extra Rice" BBQ Plate (P 320) topping my list of favorites. Soft and fluffy fried rice paired with your choice of tender chicken or pork skewers with extra BBQ sauce and tart atchara, what's not to love? Unlike the usual skewered pork or chicken barbecue, Providore's BBQ is soft, tender and juicy, sliding easily off the skewer. And it's aptly named. You'll definitely need extra rice. Other local favorites from The Filipino Table at Providore include the Lechon Kawali Cracklins' (P 295), Lola's Beef Sinigang (P 375), Salmon Belly Guava Sinigang (P 350), Steel Plate Cooked Garlic Butter "Salpicao" Steak (P 395), US Beef & Oxtail Kare-Kare (P 450), Bone Marrow Beef Adobo (P 375), Spicy Crab Laing (P 275), and Tinapa Mango Stew (P 150).

Providore's repertoire of comforting dishes is highlighted once more with their Merienda Plates, light snacks that's big on flavor. Not to be missed is Providore's Tokwa & Baboy (P 195), with crispy tofu and pork mask topped with fresh spring onions, chili, garlic, and red onions in a sharp soy-vinegar sauce and served in a coupe glass. The richness of the pork is perfectly tempered by the sharp notes of the red onion and chili, capped by the special sauce to complete the flavors. Great as is, even better when paired with Providore's other merienda fare, like the Pancit Palabok (P 295), Arroz Caldo (P 195), Mami Molo (P 295), Dinuguan & Puto (P 275), Fresh Lumpia (P 195), and A Crispy Fried Big Lumpia (P 175).

That day, a batch of freshly-baked biscuits with maple bacon syrup added to our sumptuous lunch preview, reinforcing the concept of pure, simple, and uncomplicated comfort food at Providore. Providore's freshly-baked treats include Pastel Pies & Salad with your choice of creamy chicken & wild mushroom or beef & potato Japanese curry (P 250), Soup in Bread Bowls with bacon clam chowder, steakhouse chili or seafood cioppino (P 295), the Cast-Iron Garlic Parsley Dinner Rolls (P 175), and the Pastry Board, an assortment of the day's freshly baked treats (P 275-3 kinds/P 375-5 kinds).

Breakfast all-day, savory meals, and merienda, Providore completes the feast with their Dessert Plates,  an equally extensive selection of indulgent treats. Like the Coconut Cream Tres Leches (P 295), a sinful dessert stuffed with macapuno topped with dessicated coconut and tres leches cream, perfect with Providore's Cafe Latte (P 140).

Breakfast, lunch, merienda, dinner, dessert...Providore's got it covered. Housemade, made from scratch, freshly baked, Providore takes us back to a time when uncomplicated good food always meant good times. Those days are back...at Providore.

Providore is located at the Upper Ground Floor, SM Aura Premier, C5 corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City or call (02) 752-5678 for more information and inquiries.

Dude for Food is now on Facebook and Instagram, check out the FB Page and IG Feed for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and "Follow" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB and IG widgets on the right sidebar.