Feel Right At Home with the Comforting Spanish Mediterranean Flavors of Sala Martinez at Streetscape in Shangri-La Edsa Plaza

From Valencia to Manila via Siargao, the storied culinary journey of Chef Luis Martinez continues with the opening of another restaurant at Streetscape in Shangri-La Edsa Plaza. Come on in and feel right at home at Sala Martinez...

Nostalgic memories of home are served and plated at the newest restaurant from The Nikkei Group and Chef Luis Martinez at Sala Martinez with its repertoire of traditional and comforting Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine. Think of the new location as an extension of the Valencian chef's home where hearty Spanish staples teases and warms the palate like a comforting hug replicating the mood and vibe of Terraza Martinez in BGC and Alma Poblacion in Makati (for more on Alma Poblacion, see my earlier post The Soul of Spanish and Mediterranean Cuisine Shines at Alma Restaurant Poblacion from early this year). This time, Chef Luis Martinez brings his extensive menu of classic Spanish flavors along with interesting and creative spins to Mandaluyong in the rejuvenated Streetscape of Shangri-La Edsa Plaza.  

The new Streetscape of Shangri-La Edsa Plaza presents exciting new options for dining with its stellar cast of restaurants. And just in time for the holidays too, placing it high up on the list of the metro's culinary destinations once more. 

One of the countless must-try restaurants at Streetscape has to be Sala Martinez where Chef Luis Martinez promises an elevated and inspired take on Spanish cuisine. What began as simple and rustic yet hearty Spanish fare back in his original Siargao restaurant has evolved into an exquisite and refined expression of his culinary roots first with Terraza Martinez in BGC followed by Alma Poblacion in Makati and now Sala Martinez for a remarkable and continuing story. A serendipitous encounter with The Nikkei Group opened up possibilities and a new chapter for Chef Luis Martinez after the devastating effects of the global pandemic and Typhoon Odette which threatened to end the story right there. Four years later, one passionate chef's journey continues at Sala Martinez... 

The opening of Sala Martinez at Streetscape is a story of resilience and nostalgia where Chef Luis Martinez recreates the flavors of his hometown Valencia. His adventures in the kitchen began at the tender age of 7 when he mastered the family's cherished Paella Valenciana recipe igniting a passionate love for the culinary arts. This honest and sincere love for food is the inspiration behind the success of Terraza Martinez and Alma Poblacion, and now at Sala Martinez. 

Sala Martinez is located right across Nikkei, the flagship concept from The Nikkei Group. And this means diners can cross-order from both restaurants for an indulgent and unique dining experience. 

Inside Sala Martinez, the semi-open kitchen fires up for the lunch service... 

...as your complimentary warm fresh-baked ciabatta with tart tomato salsa is served. 

A refreshing tipple before a sumptuous meal sets the mood at Sala Martinez with its tempting array of handcrafted cocktails like the Agua de Valencia (P 495-Glass/P 1,295-Carafe good for 2-3), a vibrant concoction with its blend of gin, vodka, cava and freshly squeezed orange juice that transports you to sunny Valencia with just a few sips. Or the Mezcal Sour (P 695) made with mezcal, cardamom, infused gin, Maraschino liqueur, sugar syrup, egg white, aromatic bitters and cardamom seeds. 

Tasty bites arrived in the form of Carpaccio de Pulpo (P 620) with fork-tender cold cuts of octopus drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and wine vinegar topped with vegetables, lemon zest, freshly ground pepper and cilantro leaves. Masterfully executed, the thinly sliced octopus drapes the palate with a succulent burst of briny sweetness smoothened by the extra virgin olive oil punctuated by the bold hints of wine vinegar and lemon. The delicate weave of contrasting notes come together perfectly with each bite. It's classic flavors like this that brings the rich flavors of Valencia and the Mediterranean coast to the table at Sala Martinez. 

One of the unexpected surprises that day at Sala Martinez has to be the Oreja de Cerdo Plancha (P 450) or grilled pork ears with traditional Spanish mery sauce and a drizzle of roasted lemon. The grilled pork ears have a delectably light and delicate crispness that will have you going for another bite, guaranteed. 

We've all enjoyed pork ears before often with its familiar tough and chewy bite but not the Oreja de Cerdo Plancha by Chef Luis Martinez. Perfectly crisp, each bite just leads to another. The contrasting textures from the crisp outer layer to the cartilage release a deep savory richness tempered by the tart and clean notes of the lemon. But it's the delicate texture of the pork ears that makes this dish special, allowing you to experience the pure and clean flavors of the savory pork. And you'll definitely go for another after that first bite. 

The elegantly plated Magret de Pato (P 1,200) or grilled duck breast on silky smooth mashed potato puree with Padron peppers, cherry tomatoes and red berries coulis first feeds the eyes before the palate. The dish reflects the refined elegance of the Valencian chef's evolving culinary style consistent with the aim of elevating the dining experience at Sala Martinez. 

That first bite gets you hooked almost immediately with the juicy slices of duck breast releasing its savory richness pairing well with the smooth puree of mashed potatoes balanced by the sharpness of the red berries coulis, cherry tomatoes and sweet smoky Padron peppers. It's a lavish expression of indulgent notes and textures on a plate for one of many flavorful highlights at Sala Martinez. 

Fresh from the oven, Sala Martinez presented a true Valencian tradition... 

...with the Arroz al Horno "Signature Sala Rice" (P 1,950). Drawing inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of Valencia, Chef Luis Martinez offers nine paellas and arroces or rice dishes on the menu at Sala Martinez each one prepared in the classic and traditional Valencian style. Note that it takes 35 minutes for each order, but it's well worth the wait. 

The Arroz al Horno "Signature Sala Rice" with Iberian pork ribs, pork pata, Butifara, blood sausage, thin and wide slices of potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, garlic and bomba rice is one solid rendition guaranteed to satisfy any appetite or craving with a variety of savory pork on soft rice. Thinner and noticeably more moist with a consistency almost resembling a risotto, the Arroz al Horno "Signature Sala Rice" stays true to Valencian tradition. Each spoonful brings layers of flavorful richness to warm the palate. And Chef Luis Martinez knows his paella, after all it's the dish he's mastered as a child back home. 

To complement the richness of the Arroz al Horno "Signature Sala Rice," the aptly named Clear As Day is the perfect libation with its blend of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, sugar syrup, aromatic bitters, fresh milk, lemon juice and ginger ale garnished with gold flakes. Light, smooth and easy with refreshingly clean notes, I just found a new cocktail fave at Sala Martinez. 

For dessert, the Flan de Huevo y Caramelo (P 320) is the perfect sweet ending to a sumptuous meal at Sala Martinez. The milky egg flan is thicker and denser than the usual leche flan we all know with an indulgent and lingering sweetness. Served with a side of whipped cream and thin caramel crisps, the Flan de Huevo y Caramelo is a level up your usual flan. 

Each dish served at Sala Martinez comes straight off a page from the ongoing culinary journey of the former vet turned chef who's found a home in the Philippines. The refined elegance of each dish from plating and presentation to flavors and textures reflects an insightful glimpse of one man's passion for food and his roots intricately showcased every day at Sala Martinez. And it's stories like this that makes Sala Martinez even more special.  

A bold shot of Bombon (P 180) with espresso and condensed milk ties everything together for a memorable dining experience at Sala Martinez.  

Shangri-La Edsa Plaza is back on your list of dining destinations with the redesigned Streetscape and mouthwatering array of tempting options. One of these must-try options is Sala Martinez. Step inside and feel right at home, now on soft opening at Streetscape. 

Sala Martinez is located at Level 1, Main Wing, Streetscape, Shangri-La Mall, Mandaluyong City. You can also visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/people/Terraza-Martinez/ and https://www.instagram.com/salamartinez_/ for more information and updates or call 0956 485 4618 for inquiries and reservations. 

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