Imagine a variety of dishes such as Crispy Fried Chicken, Aligue Shrimp Tacos, Greek Salad, Sizzling Steak and Beef Biryani, not to mention a cocktail bar, under one roof at the newly opened food hub, the South District in Muntinlupa City.
South District, the latest dining destination south of Manila, is located on the fourth floor of Madison Galeries, a quaint boutique mall in Alabang Hills that opened last September. It offers fine food and good vibes on that side of the town.
“We are trying to establish a new hangout spot near residential areas,” Joel Rustia, president of Madison Galeries, says. “A place where people can relax and feel better after a long, tiring day at work.”
Target villages around the community mall include Hillsborough, Alabang Hills, Alabang 400, Kalipayan Homes and Pacific Malayan, to name some. Ayala Alabang is just a few kilometers away.
Coming from South Luzon Expressway, one can take either the Sucat or Alabang exit and then weave through traffic going to Madison Galeries. You can’t miss it because it’s right next to the huge Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church.
Delicious 7
The South District is a hole-in-the-wall food hub that has a cozy, relaxing ambience matched with a variety of gastronomic treats from seven food stalls.
Bronx Fried Chicken serves big, boneless fried chicken with tasty flavors inspired by the streets of New York’s Bronx borough: the delightfully extra-crunchy “Notorious” and the crispy, beer-battered “Brewsky.”
“The Bronx Fried Chicken focuses on the concept of big and boneless, which is currently our tagline seen in our stall,” says Keana Rustia, who owns the chicken stall and is also marketing supervisor of the South District and Madison Galeries.
“What makes us different,” she adds, “is our variation of unique sauces like taco cheese, Sriracha ketchup, and others, all made from scratch. Customers are so amazed by the size of the chicken and the deep, bold flavor.”
Keana, 20, manages Bronx with her two siblings, Tara, 21, and Gilly, 17.
Diners who prefer a fusion of Filipino and Mexican flavors may want to try Dos Bandidos, which has a complete line-up of interesting fillings for tacos, quesadillas and burritos—aligue shrimp, lechon, beef pares, chicken inasal, crispy adobo flakes, and chorizo topped with chicharon.
It also serves Queso de Bomba, croquettes filled with quezo de bola.
Dos Bandidos is run and managed by good buddies, chefs Luigi Muhlach and Mike Gelacio.
“I have a passion for Mexican food,” Muhlach says. “I put a Pinoy twist to make it more exciting and flavorful.”
For meat lovers, Chef T! has Roast Beef and a wide range of sizzling favorites.
Meanwhile, Tix Mix serves flavorful Arabic, Indian
and Persian fare in generous servings—hummus, falafel, shawarma, kebab and biryani.
Detoxifying juices
Juju Eats has detoxifying juices and smoothies, as well as healthy salads, wraps, sandwiches and pastas.
Liquid Luck, a cocktail bar, provides a wide selection of drinks including soda, coffee, wine and other alcoholic drinks.
Soon to open is Nolita that offers New York-style pizzas and buffalo wings.
About 100 diners can fit in The South District, including its al fresco area. It boasts a contemporary and elegant look that feels comfortable and upscale. It’s designed by Chat Fores (who also did Gramercy 71, and Hall in the Wall at Century City Mall).
The communal dining hall has an industrial vibe, but detailed with chic fixings and a cozy mix of tables and chairs, from high bar stools to leatherette couches. The homey and fun ambiance is suited for team lunches, post-work drinks, weekend hangout sessions, and even Sunday dining.
South District is at Madison Galeries, 398 Don Jesus Blvd., Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa; open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-12 mn, Friday and Saturday.
