Street Food, Comforting Dishes and Wine Without The Drama At Planet Grapes

"All of it?" asked our friendly server Kim with a surprised smile. "Very good, sir. Let me just repeat your order. The Street Food Platter, Gambas and Chorizo, Spaghettini and Meatballs, Grilled Norwegian Salmon, Grilled Pork Chop and Sapin Sapin with Salted Egg Sauce. And Pinot Noir to start. I'll be right back..."

It was, after all, Easter. And it was more than enough reason to celebrate with some good food and wine on a Sunday afternoon. And we were hungry. When Kim offered her recommendations based on their bestsellers, we just nodded in approval. Comforting flavors paired with wine, without the drama. At Planet Grapes...

Planet Grapes is an innovative yet intimate upscale wine resto-bar that makes wine and wine-pairing accessible, without the fuss and fanfare with a relaxed and casual vibe. And why not. Enjoying wine with a meal doesn't have to be complicated. Where else can you find comforting and familiar street food that pairs well with wine? It's a novel concept that just makes wine so much more enjoyable. And fun. And you make your own rules. For serious wine enthusiasts, the well-informed staff of Planet Grapes are up to the task in suggesting a more traditional wine pairing with their wide selection of fine wines (for more on Planet Grapes, see my previous post, Discover Diverse Flavors with South African Wines at Planet Grapes). Kim recommended the soft yet elegant Intrepid Pinot Noir from New Zealand with its refreshing notes of red cherries, raspberries and plums with just a whisper of pepper hints for a mild and smooth finish. And according to Kim, the Pinot Noir also pairs well with the starters...

...with the signature Gambas and Chorizo and popular Street Food Platter of Planet Grapes. The inclusion of inventive local dishes with a modern spin reflects the modern culinary style of Planet Grapes, making wine pairing so much more exciting.

The Gambas and Chorizo (P 450) recreates the classic tapas favorite with succulent shrimps sauteed in olive oil draped in nutty garlic confit, cherry tomatoes and Spanish chorizo for fresh and vibrant flavors. Try dipping the bread on the rich sauce for intense garlic notes, followed by another bite of the plump shrimp capped by a sip of Pinot Noir. And you're on your way to a cool kind of wine pairing at Planet Grapes.

Street food meets wine at Planet Grapes with the Street Food Platter (P 395) with skewers of Chorizo de Cebu, Vigan Longganisa, Garlic Bangus Longganisa, crisp Chicken skin, deep-fried Kwek-Kwek and Squid Balls. And yes, these nostalgic bites paired so well with a glass of Pinot Noir. It's what makes Planet Grapes different and so much fun, infusing familiar local dishes in its menu.

The Spaghettini and Meatballs (P 315) is a rustic and homestyle pasta even Paulie and his crew would approve, with three large all-beef meatballs slow-braised in rich tomato sauce topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs that's perfect with a Merlot blend. The juicy and flavorful meatballs deliver a savory richness followed by a delectable tartness from the tomatoes, and perfectly finished by the sharp notes of the parmesan. Meatballs on a Sunday, just can't get better than that. 

For salmon lovers, the Grilled Norwegian Salmon (P 665) of Planet Grapes does not disappoint. Delicately seasoned with salt and pepper and drizzled with fresh salsa verde, the buttery notes of the salmon come through with hints of smokiness from the grill for fresh and clean flavors. The dish comes with a side of hearty middle-eastern style kamut salad. Pair it with a refreshing and crisp Sauvignon Blanc and enjoy. 

But it's the Grilled Pork Chop (P 390) that adds that casual and homestyle vibe to a late Sunday afternoon lunch at Planet Grapes. Tender and juicy, the French-cut pork chop is perfectly grilled with its delicate outer charred layer adding even more flavor with each bite. Great with a glass of Pinot Noir. 

Enjoy your Grilled Pork Chop with a bowl of Salted Egg and Chorizo Rice (P 75) to complete the meal. This one's good on its own, with the rich flavors of salted duck egg tempered by the sharp notes of the chorizo. But it gets a whole lot better with the Grilled Pork Chop. Trust me. 

The playful and quirky culinary style of Planet Grapes is reflected in many of its signature desserts, including this Sapin-Sapin with Salted Egg Sauce (P 215), a trio of glutinous rice cakes with jackfruit and purple yam topped with the rich and creamy salted egg sauce for an indulgent finish. Pair this creatively inspired dessert with a glass of Semillon Muscadelle. Perfect. 

Go on your own wine pairing adventure, from starters to mains and desserts, at Planet Grapes and enjoy wine without the drama. Go by the glass and sample your way through a whole world of wines your way, with your own rules. At Planet Grapes...

Planet Grapes is located at Unit GD 103, North Wing, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Edsa corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City or call 531-8207 for inquiries and more information. 

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