A day after the Michelin Guide announced its list, the stars aligned and the star dust settled the following morning as the local dining scene celebrated a significant milestone with culinary professionals enjoying the much deserved recognition. Familiar and expected names made it to the list while some surprisingly didn't. As with all creative endeavors, there will be opposing viewpoints. Taste is after all subjective. But after all is said and done, no one can deny it's impact on the country's evolving restaurant landscape that's finally recognized on the global stage with the release of the Michelin Guide for the Philippines. In the end, this is a win for the local food community. And to honor the first ever inaugural class of local restaurants with the enviable nod of approval from Michelin, we'll be featuring a few of the chosen establishments on the blog celebrating each recognition as a win toward moving the local dining experience forward...
The country's rich and diverse culinary landscape is now on the global dining map with the release of the Philippine edition of the celebrated and much coveted Michelin Guide. One Two-Star establishment, eight One-Star restaurants, twenty-five Michelin Bib Gourmand picks and seventy-four Michelin Selected dining destinations worthy of the recognition. It's an impressive haul no matter how you look at it. While others lamented the limited scope covering "Manila and environs and Cebu," it still is a comprehensive list reflecting value and comforting cuisine all the way to casual and fine dining concepts. Despite the omissions and somewhat limited regional scope, the inaugural listing still represents the very best of Manila and Cebu. And these include all seventy-four Michelin Selected restaurants like MaMaCiTa BGC. "Celebrated for their quality cuisine, Michelin Selected restaurants showcase culinary creativity and consistency," and you'll find all that served with each dish along Forbestown Road with the specialty Mexican offerings at MaMaCiTa BGC...
Anchored on authentic Mexican cuisine, the Michelin Guide recognizes all cuisines masterfully executed with the freshest and finest ingredients. From the same group behind Dr. Wine in both Makati's Poblacion and Bonifacio Global City, MaMaCiTa BGC reflects the same meticulous attention to detail from the stylized Día de Muertos inspired theme down to its sumptuous cuisine and tequila-driven libations.
I first sampled the culinary prowess of MaMaCiTa BGC helmed by Chef Charles Montañez during the Aussie Lamb Caravan media rollout and was impressed with his rendition of Lamb Birria Tacos (see more on my post, All Aboard The Aussie Lamb Caravan By Meat And Livestock Australia For A Savory And Flavorful Ride At Participating Restaurants from a few months back late this year). Using tender and juicy Australian lamb leg simmered for hours with mulato chilies and served with salsa tomatillo, quesillo and a bowl of lamb chipotle consommé, each bite delivered a savory burst of flavorful richness. That first bite was more than enough to convince you of a return visit. And soon. At the bar, you'll find a tempting array of cocktail options for the perfect tipple before the hearty Mexican feast...
...or simply indulge in a soothing Very Berry Iced Tea (P 250) to open up the palate. The rich vibrant notes soothes the palate with each sip, just in time for the first dish...
...with the Aguachile De Camaron (P 690) or literally "chili water," a fresh seafood dish similar to the traditional ceviche with succulent shrimps, coconut habanero leche tigre, chile biquinho, onions, corn, herbs and achiote oil.
A dish like this demands only the freshest of ingredients to deliver clean yet rich flavors. The briny sweetness from the shrimps drapes the palate with each bite announced by a fresh snap complemented by the creamy habanero "tiger's milk" with the distinct notes of sweet corn and herbs adding to the medley of flavors. The mild sharpness of the onions and chilies cuts through the richness for that elegantly balanced finish smoothened by the achiote oil. The lavish plating with its bright colors tempts the eyes before the palate, with that first bite effectively sealing the deal. It's the perfect start to your Mexican feast at MaMaCiTa BGC.
Tacos are a beloved street food staple in Mexico, and MaMaCiTa BGC offers some of the very best in the metro. Impressed with their limited run Lamb Birria Tacos for the Aussie Lamb Caravan promotion, the specialty tacos at MaMaCiTa BGC just had to be on the table...
...with the trio of Carnitas (P 240), Carne Asada (P 240) and Camarones (P 240)...
...paired with the Mango Habanero Sauce for that enticingly sweet layer of flavor with just a hint of soothing heat from the chilies. MaMaCiTa BGC offers a full selection of condiments, dips and sauces, simply ask the server.
The savory Carne Asada with fork-tender grilled beef, pickled onions and cilantro packs full-on flavors with the colorful sauces and other ingredients complementing the delectable play on contrasting notes and textures...
...with the Mango Habanero Sauce for the perfect finish bringing out even more flavors. Savory, sweet and mildly spicy topped with fresh ingredients, the pickled onions tempers the savory richness while the cilantro brings freshness with each bite.
The Carnitas with juicy pork belly and shoulder, fresh onions, cilantro and Salsa Taquera is another savory rendition highlighted by the mild and subtle savory sweetness of pork.
Each bite seemingly builds on the previous bite adding layers of flavorful richness to the palate. The fresh onions and cilantro complements without overwhelming the delicate notes of the pork and soon another tasty bite is well on its way.
Changing things up, the Camarones offers yet another expression of the beloved Mexican staple with plump shrimps, Salsa Macha, fresh and crisp cabbage and onions. The bold briny notes of the succulent shrimps comes through followed by the sharpness of the Salsa Macha, fresh onions and cilantro.
MaMaCiTa BGC offers 8 savory renditions of tacos with each variant bringing a fresh set of unique flavors with their own sauces and cast of vegetables like the Chicken Barbacoa (P 240), Berenjena (P 240) with fried eggplant and refried beans, Baja Fish (P 240), Campechano (P 240) with steak and Mexican chorizo and the Gobernador (P 480-2pcs) with prawns and roasted green peppers. The Camarones brings a lighter yet hearty blend of fresh flavors should you decide on a seafood alternative.
Then, there's the Prime Beef Short Ribs Con Mole (P 2,450) with slabs of fork-tender slices of USDA St. Helens Bone-In Short Rib, pickled vegetables or escabeche on thick and savory mole made from a complex blend of chilies and chocolate.
The hearty dish brings a colorful weave of contrasting flavors anchored on the beefy richness of the tender short ribs made even richer by the thick mole and pickled vegetables beautifully plated in a bowl. A bite of the tender beef draped in rich mole followed by the pickled vegetables comes together perfectly for a burst of vibrant and deep notes. From the starter to the tacos and main dish, MaMaCiTa BGC recreates the festive vibe of authentic Mexican flavors.
The dish is paired with a bowl of Mexican Rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
And for dessert, let's do Churros (P 350 for 3 pcs).
Dusted with cinnamon, the Churros at MaMaCiTa BGC has that familiar delicate crispness on the edges but with a denser and even chewier consistency inside for hearty and indulgent bites paired with extra-thick chocolate dip. And that's how you cap your Mexican feast at MaMaCiTa BGC.
The Michelin Guide aptly describes MaMaCiTa BGC as a "slice of Mexico in the heart of Manila." Just opened early this year, the Michelin Selected recognition is both impressive and a sign of even better things yet to come. And it's a win for the for the local restaurant scene that needs to be celebrated and inspire others to keep raising the bar and bring the dining experience to the next level. Earning the nod from the Michelin Guide is one thing, and the real challenge is maintaining the rating with consistency. But one more bite of the churros is enough to tell you that the kitchen at MaMaCiTa BGC has it all down pat. At MaMaCiTa BGC, stay a while after your meal and indulge in a few rounds of refreshing cocktails. And do raise a toast for MaMaCiTa BGC and all the restaurants included in the inaugural list of the Michelin Guide...
MamaCiTa BGC is located at Forbestown Road, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila. You can also visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/p/MaMaCiTa-BGC and https://www.instagram.com/mamacita.bgc/ for more information and updates or call 09171345995 for 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Got something to share? I'd love to hear from you...