A Spanish Evening at Alqueria Tapas, Paellas Y Bistecas

Cangrejo con Jamon Serrano, Pata de Cochinillo, Pescado Al Horno, Paella Valenciana...classic Iberian flavors for an indulgent Spanish evening at Alqueria Tapas, Paellas Y Bistecas. 

Alqueria Tapas, Paellas Y Bistecas brings the flavors of authentic Spanish cuisine with its extensive menu, from starters to mains and desserts. A taste of Spain, right here at Alqueria Tapas, Paellas Y Bistecas...

The Spanish-themed Alqueria Tapas, Paellas Y Bistecas, located at the new Mega Fashion Hall, is the latest dining concept from the Sumo Sam Group of Restaurants headed by Marvin Agustin, Ricky Laudico, and Raymund Magdaluyo, adding to their growing portfolio of restaurants. 

As more guests arrived, Executive Chef Chris Oronce and his team fire up the kitchen for the dinner service. With extensive experience gained from stints in the US, Executive Chef Chris Oronce recreates authentic Spanish classics with his masterful touch, in full view at Alqueria's open kitchen layout.  

Inspired by the Spanish word for farmhouse, Alqueria's cuisine is rustic and comforting, with hearty and rich flavors. Our Spanish feast began with Alqueria's elegantly plated Cangrejo con Jamon Serrano (P 250), tender crab meat wrapped in premium Spanish ham with a dash of brown butter. The subtle and delicate flavors of the succulent crab meat are punctuated by the sharp and bold notes of the premium Jamon Serrano for balanced flavors.

Next, Alqueria's Salpicao (P 445) was served, fork-tender cubes of imported tenderloin marinated with garlic, Spanish paprika, and olive oil. The beef is incredibly tender, and the nutty garlic and olive oil adds layers of rich notes to the dish, bursting with flavor in every bite. Don't forget to dip some bread into that rich olive oil with garlic...

Queso Fundido (P 210), a rich and creamy Manchego cheese dip with pimientos and jalapeno served with thin, crisp spiced chips, rounds out the starters. The creaminess of the Spanish Manchego is tempered by the pimientos and jalapenos, with its pronounced sharp notes. Alqueria offers even more appetizing starters, but it was time to sample the signature mains...

The impressive Pata de Cochinillo (P 888), a tender 21-day old suckling pig ham slow-roasted until perfectly crisp served with grilled sweet corn and homemade signature sauce, kicks off the signature mains at Alqueria. The pork is tender and juicy, with a light and crisp layer of crackling for contrasting textures.

A delectable crunch is heard every time you slice the pork, releasing a sweet and fragrant aroma. The subtle flavors of the pork leaves a buttery mouth feel, and the homemade sauce completes the flavors.

A variety of fresh seafood are also available at Alqueria, including the Pescado Al Horno, baked Lapu-Lapu marinated in white wine, olive oil, herbs and lemon juice and served on a wooden platter with fresh herbs.

The sweet and briny notes of the fish melt in your mouth, with the subtle hints of herbs weaving in for a rich medley of flavors. The flavors are fresh, clean, rustic and comforting. Other baked fish selections include Salmon (P 735/180g), Tuna (P 550/180g), and Red Snapper (P 670/300g) are also available. Then, Chef Chris Oronce pulled out a pair of aces up his sleeves for the evening's lavish dinner...

Alqueria's signature Porterhouse, a massive slab of premium beef served on a wooden board, with a side of buttered vegetables...just can't get any better than that.

Tender, juicy and perfectly grilled, and great as is, with bold beefy flavors. The tender beef, with just a thin layer of fat for flavor, should satisfy any serious beef craving. In true Spanish fashion, the steaks are served with the beef as the star, uncomplicated and without too many sauces to mask the dish. And that's the way I like my steaks.

No Spanish feast is complete without paella, and Alqueria offers a range of choices. The Paella Valenciana Grande (P 560 Small/P 910 Medium/P 1,480 Large), the classic Spanish dish with soft and fluffy rice simmered in saffron-infused stock loaded with clams, plump mussels, shrimps, chicken, chorizo, peppers, and green peas, adds a celebratory note to our dinner at Alqueria. 

The varied and distinct flavors blend seamlessly in this dish, as the rice absorb all the different notes releasing rich flavors in each spoonful. Rich, rustic, comforting and authentic, it's the taste of Spain on a dish. 

Cap your Spanish feast with one of Alqueria's indulgent desserts, like the Manchego Cheesecake (P 280), a rich and indulgent blend of manchego cheese and cream cheese, drizzled with melted Manchego cheese...

...or the Crema Catalana (P 138), a traditional Iberian classic made with custard and caramel sauce, best paired with a robust cup of freshly brewed coffee. You can also indulge in Alqueria's Churros con Chocolate (more on Alqueria's Churros con Chocolate here on my previous post at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2015/07/food-news-churros-con-chocolate-at-half.html), another of Alqueria's specialties.

Looking for a taste of Spain? Head on over to Alqueria Tapas, Paellas Y Bistecas for an authentic Spanish feast...

Alqueria Tapas, Paellas Y Bistecas is located at the 3rd Floor of Mega Fashion Hall, Building D, SM Megamall or call +63916-506-2659 for inquiries and reservations.

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