Cafe de Bonifacio: A Revolutionary Filipino Cuisine

There is a new restaurant that some blogger friends and I tried a few days ago -- Cafe de Bonifacio, located at the Podium.

Taking inspiration from their youthful days of activism, two friends (one with Molave and the other with Kabataang Makabayan) put up Cafe de Bonifacio. The restaurant's logo sports a sun which is very similar to the one found on Andres Bonifacio's personal flag. And several of its signature dishes bear names from the Katipunan era.

Initially I thought that their cuisine was an Asian fusion, much like some other restos I've tried. But Alfredo Wenceslao, Managing Director of Cafe de Bonifacio, corrected us and said it's basically a Filipino cuisine with a 'revolutionary' twist. He introduced us to the chef whose specialty is Roti (and you will find lots of Roti dishes, both in the main dish list and dessert) and the chef told us they scouted around for the different spices that would give a different take on each of the Filipino dishes.

Alfredo Wenceslao (right) with Cafe de Bonifacio's chef

Juned was already there when I arrived but the others were still stuck in traffic so to while away the time, I ordered a unique beverage called Mango and Basil Cooler, a fusion of green mangoes and fresh basil leaves. I did not really know how basil leaves, added to a fresh fruit drink, would taste but it sounded healthy so I went for it. Surprisingly, my palate liked the basil touch to the drink and it's just a perfect summer-y drink.

Mango and Basil Cooler (PhP 95)

Here are the dishes our tummies went through that night.

Ensaladang Talong was a smokey eggplant tossed in with other fresh veggies and mixed with a special vinaigrette dressing. A slice of salted egg added a touch on top.

Ensaladang Talong (PhP 140)

Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge

On the second floor of the Commercenter Building at Bonifacio Global City is Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge. Unlike other food outlets that you often find because it is visible and popular, Relik falls under the realm of "best-kept food hideaways".

If your type of decor is the homey-comfy, rustic type, you will take to Relik Tapas. Their cuisine is Spanish-Mediterranean comfort food consisting of modern tapas. Urban and retro designs are found all over. Walls hold vintage items that include wooden tennis rackets, vinyl records and framed pictures from the 50s and 60s. Tasteful antique-like table lamps hang on chains on one side of the restaurant.

There is a private non-smoking room that can be used for executive lunches and meetings.

Private non-smoking room

We were introduced to Relik Tapas' Executive Chef, Chef Benjo Tuason who was trained in Australia.

Chef Benjo Tuason and the managing partners Patricia Cortez,
Timo Roxas-Chua and Ryan Ordonez

During the event attended by bloggers, this was what we were served. I did note that their menu contained many healthy choices, which is great for me as I always try to discover the healthier offerings of every restaurant.

Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Creme Fraiche

One of my favorite soup choices is pumpkin soup and Relik Tapas' Roasted Pumpkin Soup is one of the best and tastiest I have ever tried.