Cupcakes and banana pudding are great, but there’s more to explore at One Bonifacio High Street (BHS), “the M Bakery building.” Super joined the One BHS Eats food crawl organized by Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet and here are our discoveries.
La Pícara—This modern tropical restaurant with Cuban vibe offers Spanish flavors—and daily happy hour. Start off with the Sisig Pibil Tacos served on bamboo and Kimchi Croquetas. Don’t miss the paella done the traditional way—thin with some tutong. These are best paired with the La Pícara sangria, Estrella Galicia beer or the novelty cocktail Halo Halo.
Boteyju—The Japanese restaurant for our Osaka cravings. Hero dishes are the Moonlight okonomiyaki with fried egg (the “moon”), the six-flavor All Star Takoyaki, and the Pork Paitan Tonkotsu Ramen with slices of tender char siu. Boteyju also serves Japanese curry, teppanyaki tempura and rice bowls. Save space for the Honey Toast with vanilla ice cream and Warabimochi Sundae.
Nikkei Nama Bar—Sushi roll, ceviche, salmon belly, yakitori, matcha ice cream, sake, wine and coffee—Nikkei is the Japanese-Peruvian place with something for everyone.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse— Wolfgang steak is like steak in Imax—it’s immersive and expensive, but you can have it a bit cheaper at daytime. Set Brunch includes starters (soup, salad or oysters), entrée (steak and eggs!), sides (steak rice, creamed spinach, broccoli), dessert (New York-style cheesecake) and a mimosa. Make it more chic by reserving a table by the window.
Chateau 1771—Chef Vicky Pacheco offers European cuisine at Chateau 1771. Specialties include Scallops Au Gratin, Butterflied Queen Prawns, Beef Osso Buco and Potence beef flambéed with brandy. The Juicery bar lets you have your drinks minus the cleanup.
Emack & Bolio—This Boston ice-cream house serves rock-and-roll-inspired flavors: Serious Chocolate Addiction, Deep Purple Chip, Grasshopper Pie, Space Cake that can be customized with over-the-top waffle cones dipped in cereal and chocolates. Try the Philippine Fantasy smoothie with guava juice, mango, banana and yogurt.
Malongo Atelier Barista—This café serves premium organic coffee, croissants and crepes. Malongo carries blends from Mexico, Congo, Cuba and Jamaica which can be had as an espresso, cold brew or siphon coffee. Tea lovers can have a Frappé with vanilla ice cream and Sparkling Jasmine Tea. Have the breakfast set of coffee and pastry (croissant, cinnamon roll or pain au chocolat) for P165.
M Bakery—It’s the best time to visit M Bakery before the holiday rush. A New York icon, M Bakery (aka Magnolia Bakery in the US) has delighted Filipinos with glorious cupcakes, banana pudding, pies and cheesecakes. We like the classics, but have you tried the Blueberry Jamboree pecan shortbread and Mocha Icebox Cake?
Food District Signatures on 5th—One BHS recently opened Food District Signatures on 5th, a food hall for affordable choices. Check out Zark’s Burgers, Nolita, Le Chon, Aburi X, Inihaw X, Pepper Lunch Express, Hawker Chan, Turks, Chatime, plus a Potato Corner for our fries fix.