Old world Spain is much more complex, even complicated with multiple layers in its rich tapestry of traditions, history and culture than you think. There is more to Spain than well, Spanish food. Take Catalan cuisine for example from Barcelona. And now you can experience authentic Catalan flavors at El Born...
Shaped by history, geography and the abundance of fresh and natural produce from the Mediterranean, Catalan cuisine is one of Europe's culinary secrets. Named after the trendy neighborhood in Barcelona, El Born at Mitsukoshi Mall in Bonifacio Global City takes your palate on a flavorful journey to the famed northeastern corner of Spain with its own unique culinary heritage. Besides Castillan, Galician and Basque, Catalan is the fourth official language of Spain with its own distinct history and culture. And that includes an equally rich culinary tradition infused with the flavors and produce of Italy, France and the Mediterranean. Helmed by Chef David Amoros, El Born is his own little spot of home where flavors from his native Catalan come to life in the metro...
Spanish cuisine at Mitsukoshi BGC isn't a common find, rarer still is experiencing authentic Catalan dishes prepared by a true blue Catalan from Barcelona. And that's just one of many pleasant surprises at El Born...
Located at the second level of Mitsukoshi BGC, a casual bar outside the entrance tempts you with a refreshing tipple before your Catalan feast at El Born. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of libations to get you in the groove and open up your palate for Chef David's Catalan specialties.
As you enter the restaurant, the open kitchen with its impressive Josper Grill already teases your appetite for Chef David's Catalan feast. A self-taught chef, David's own journey inside the kitchen began by chance and quite late which only proves you can always reinvent yourself and follow your passion. But he always did have a passion for food. Chef David worked at various restaurants back in Barcelona and soon developed his own culinary style and philosophy with the dream of owning his own restaurant. A proud advocate of Slow Food International promoting small local producers, Chef David's own restaurant in Barcelona soon became a landmark in the city with his inventive selection of tapas attracting Michelin starred chefs and celebrities.
"Great cooking comes from the heart and soul" is what drives Chef David in preparing each of his dishes at El Born, revealing colorful stories and memories of his journey.
The sights and sounds from the open kitchen are just part of the vibrant weave of experiences at El Born but if you prefer a secluded spot, no problem. The casual yet elegant interiors of the restaurant also offers private dining areas for more intimate gatherings.
Naming the restaurant after Barcelona's vibrant neighborhood also seemed right, after all the winding streets of Barcelona isn't just home. It's where Chef David first met Ivone, his wife and partner in the kitchen. Together, they explore local and familiar Catalan flavors with a refreshed perspective and a shared advocacy for organic and sustainable produce. The couple's journey to Manila presents a new chapter in their continuing story, retold and enjoyed with his sumptuous dishes.
It's been said many times before that good food can transport you to a far off place or time, and El Born is your gateway to sunny Catalan. Chef David then headed back to the kitchen for our Catalan feast...
...and our memorable evening at El Born began with their welcome cocktail. The Pomada de Menorca (P 350) is a soothing gin-based cocktail with lemon and crushed ice...
...followed by the refreshingly crisp Catalan Cava Raventos Blanc De Nit 2020 Conco Del Riu. El Born offers a wide selection of beverages from organic kombucha to natural fruit juices, imported and local craft beer, classic cocktails and mixed drinks like Sangria and Agua de Valencia.
Chef David began our flavorful Catalan journey with the La Burrata (P 1,220), a classic burrata salad with garden fresh crisp greens drizzled with pesto. The fresh and clean notes of the salad greens are perfectly complemented by the indulgent and silky smooth richness of the burrata with the equally rich and nutty notes of pesto for that elegant finish. Off the bat, the Italian and Mediterranean influences in Catalan cuisine become apparent in the first course of our sumptuous feast at El Born.
Chef David then served the comfortingly familiar Croquetas Caseras De Pollo (P 320) or homemade chicken croquettes masterfully executed with its contrasting play on textures and rich flavors.
A popular staple in both Spanish and Catalan cuisine, Chef David faithfully recreates a taste of home with the buttery soft and crisp ball-shaped croquettes.
If you love the Croquetas Caseras De Pollo by Chef David, you'll definitely love his Croquetas Caseras De Pollo Con Trufa (P 380) infused with the lavish flavors of indulgent black truffle adding a lingering depth of flavor with each bite.
Barcelona's famed stuffed potato, the La Bomba De La Barceloneta (P 405) is another must-try at El Born. Delicately deep-fried for its golden brown finish, the savory and oversized croquette is aptly named delivering a flavorful burst of richness from the spicy pork, salsa tomato and aioli.
The complex layers of contrasting flavors and textures complement the other in a seamless weave...
...with the bold and punchy notes of the gentle soothing heat from the spicy pork tempered by the creamy aioli and vibrant finish of the tart tomato salsa.
The Tartar De Atun (P 575) served with lightly crisp Pane Carasau or Sardinian flatbread takes you to the Mediterranean coast of Catalan with its fresh, clean and briny sweetness with each bite. Chef David keeps it pure and simple, retaining the natural flavors of the tuna draping the palate with its freshness. Freshness is, after all, flavor too.
And that uniquely Spanish innovation called the Josper Grill? You can experience its distinct flavors in the savory serving of Mejillones "Al Josper" (P 800) from Chef David's menu at El Born. A charcoal grill and oven, the Josper Grill transforms the usual steamed mussels with just a hint of fragrant smoky notes for elegantly layered flavors complementing the briny and succulent shellfish. But its the "signature sauce" of Chef David that beautifully ties everything together with its deep and fresh tartness.
A bite of the plump mussels brings fresh flavors to the palate with a whisper of smokiness from the Josper Grill while the "signature sauce" completes the experience. Tediously and patiently simmered low and slow for hours, the sauce is infused and concentrated with a lavish richness. Grab a piece of sourdough toast and mop up the sauce. That's heart and soul, from Chef David's kitchen to your table. This one is high on my list of personal picks from El Born.
The Carpaccio De Pulpo (P 850) is another familiar staple from the Iberian peninsula and Chef David adds his own elegant culinary style for yet another hearty seafood dish at El Born.
Masterfully grilled, the fork-tender octopus on truffle potato parmentier is another love letter from Catalan by Chef David at El Born. The fresh briny notes of the succulent pulpo comes through with each bite, smoothened by the soft and buttery truffle potato parmentier.
In between bites, Chef David teases the palate with his Anchoas Con Mantequilla (P 395) or anchovy with smoked butter on toasted artisan bread. The sharp briny flavor of the fresh anchovy is layered with the rich notes of the smoked butter for another deep dive into Chef David's culinary journey.
The day's freshest catch from the bountiful waters of the Mediterranean is the inspiration for Chef David's next dish, the Lubina Al Horno (P 1,280) or baked seabass with potatoes. The delicate flavors of the seabass with its buttery texture simply seasoned with herbs is another masterful play on subtle, nuanced yet rich notes. Each bite of the sweet, buttery and melt-in-your-mouth seabass enriched with its medley of fresh herbs and fragrant smoky hints is pure elegance in its deceptive simplicity.
Catalan cuisine is born from the sea and land, and Chef David completes your flavorful journey with the Arroz De Carne Iberica (P 1,550). Unlike the usual Spanish paella, the texture and consistency of the Catalan arroz is similar to Italian risotto. Soft and lusciously moist, each spoonful delivers deep savory notes from the pork warming the palate like a comforting hug.
And this is where the fine distinction and nuanced differences in Catalan cuisine slowly emerges. The Italian influence becomes evident as well as tart and vibrant Mediterranean hints in many Catalan dishes. Most Catalans enjoy a crisp socarrat on the bottom just like a Spanish paella, so have a chat with Chef David for his recommendation.
A Catalan red wine, the M.S.B. "Aura" 2019 Montsant completes the traditional pairing at El Born.
Fresh off the Josper Grill, the savory finale was then served...
...with the Pollo Al Josper (P 905). The special oven and grill using charcoal designed for use indoors spins its magic with a perfectly roasted and juicy dish from Chef David. Fragrant and aromatic, the Pollo Al Josper isn't a complicated dish, but the flavors are full on, honest and unrestrained. Simply romanced by the flames of the Josper Grill, the Pollo Al Josper is as traditional as it gets, and one more personal pick on my list.
The many savory dishes from the Josper Grill are easily some of the highlights at El Born, transforming the usual into a memorable dining experience by Chef David.
Chef David served the perfect sweet ending with his El Born Cheesecake (P 350), a decadent Catalan dessert to complete the experience at El Born, best paired with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. One bite and one is remined of the Burnt Basque Cheesecake, another classic from the Iberian peninsula. Imagine a sinfully smooth and creamy filling made from premium cheese on a delectable crust. That calls for another bite, don't you think?
The differences between Catalan and Spanish cuisine are both subtle and pronounced, refreshingly new and different yet familiar with hints of Italian and vibrant Mediterranean notes. A shared history adequately prepares one's palate for Catalan cuisine, but it's the colorful stories from Chef David and Ivone's journey that make the experience at El Born even more special.
You can find Spanish restaurants all over the metro, but Catalan cuisine from the heart and soul has a home in Bonifacio Global City. And you'll find it at El Born...
El Born is located at the 2nd Floor of Mitsukoshi Mall, 8th Avenue corner 36th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila. You may call 0917 316 9129 for inquiries and reservations or visit their FB Page an IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/elbornbgc and https://www.instagram.com/elborn.ph/ for more updates and information.
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