Written by: Din M. Villafuerte

Good food is at the heart of every occasion, from first dates and anniversaries to birthdays and relationship milestones.

Pinoys, especially, love gastronomic affairs and expressing their fondness for their beloved through the most delectable feasts. It’s unthinkable to mark a special moment without filling our tummies with yummy, scrumptious fare.

For those still racking their brains on where to set their S.O.’s hearts aflutter this Valentine’s Day, Alabang West Parade has a slew of choices that offer good food and that cozy and intimate mood. A favorite community destination in the south when it comes to dining and lifestyle pursuits, Alabang West Parade is nestled within Megaworld’s 62-hectare Alabang West township, situated on Daang Hari Road in Las Piñas City.

Brotzeit

For a bit of a Valentine buzz, reserve a table at Brotzeit. Known for its extensive selection of German beers and true Bavarian cuisine, the bar and restaurant is rolling out its exclusive Schneider Weisse Love Beer just for the month of love.

The seasonal wheat beer has a golden color and both floral and fruity characteristics. Partner your Love Beer with the Brotzeit Wurstplatte Zum Teilen, a platter of its signature sausages, the Schweinshaxn or the crispy, oven-roasted pork knuckle or Brezn, their pretzel.

Ippon Yari

If you’re craving for a taste of Japan, head to Alabang West Parade’s second level where you will find Ippon Yari Japanese Restaurant. They have sushi, tempura, gyoza, katsu, curry and just about every Japanese dish you’d want to impress your date with. Cruise your way to your lover’s heart with the Sashimi Hachimori, a sashimi boat composed of tuna, chutoro, salmon, ika, hirame and shimaaji.

Brick Wood

Around the corner is Brick Wood, a homegrown bistro which specializes in Mexican and American fusion. Bestsellers are the Brick Wood Back Ribs, Oven-Roast Tex-Mex Chicken, Angus T-Bone Steak, New York-Neapolitan-style pizzas and Mexican Ranch Salad.

Wari Wari

Wariwari is another homegrown brand that you shouldn’t miss. It offers a fusion of Asian flavors cast as comfort food, as described by Wariwari’s chef  Con Cabrera. Make sure to order the Beef Bulgogi Taco, Kinilaw Tostada and Salmon Aburi Bowl.  Wash it down with the Roasted Horchata or the Purple Cocktail, a mix of butterfly pea tea, bourbon and lemon.

Bad Bird x Tsuke-men

Sometimes, life throws a curveball even on Valentine’s Day, a day you’d like everything to be smooth sailing. You’re craving for some umami fried chicken but the love of your life is in the mood for tsukemen. No worries, Bad Bird x Tsuke-men are here to save the day—and a brewing LQ on V-Day.

Aside from everyone’s favorite Umami Fried Chicken, other must-tries from Bad Bird Café. The nutty aroma of the Japanese coffee chain’s special blend welcomes you as soon as you step inside the cafe, enough to perk you up. Kick things off with the Kori Kohi, coffee ice cubes served with warm milk and sugar syrup on the side. UCC’s Mixed Berries French Toast is a good match for their special blend coffees.

If you’re looking for something are the Fried Chicken Sandwich, Umami Chicken Skin (we can’t get enough of this, seriously), BB Fresh Corn and Hush Puppies. Tsuke-men favorites, meanwhile, are the Tonkotsu, Tantanmen, Karaage, Tempura and Gyokai.

UCC Park Café

Early risers and brekkie lovers would delight in UCC Park Café. The nutty aroma of the Japanese coffee chain’s special blend  welcomes you as soon as you step  inside the cafe, enough to perk  you up. Kick things off with the  Kori Kohi, coffee ice cubes served  with warm milk and sugar syrup  on the side. UCC’s Mixed Berries  French Toast is a good match  for their special blend coffees.  If you’re looking for something more filling, go for the breakfast meals, all of which come with UCC’s house blend coffee.

Solita’s Bakehouse

The story of Solita’s Bakehouse is filled with love and is as heartwarming as its cakes and pastries. The brainchild of sisters Kathy De Los Reyes-Carredo and Tanya De Los Reyes-Lloren with their mom Tessie, the family-owned bakeshop is named after their grandmother Solita who loved to cook and delight the family with her heavenly baked creations. 

It isn’t a surprise then that Solita’s headliners are its Classic Ensaymada, Mocha Praline and Profiterole, all of which come from precious heritage recipes that Kathy and Tanya’s grandmother developed. If you’re craving a twist to the classics, go for the Dark Chocolate Ensaymada, Nutella and Torched 3-Cheese Ensaymadas. Those in the mood for Korean grill can indulge in Urban Seoul. A classic café date is also ideal at Starbucks; and if looking to take home sweet treats and pastries, guests can head over to Hearty Bread and Butternut Bakery.

Opening soon is Italian restaurant Mama Lou’s, set to serve their homey Italian dishes and their signature craft beer BrauBass.

Alabang West Parade is conveniently located next to Alabang’s exclusive communities and first-rate golf courses. It is a short drive from Makati’s central business district and Bonifacio Global City via the South Luzon Expressway. It is less than half an hour away as well from Imus and Bacoor in Cavite. 

ADVT.