Before the holiday rush truly kicks in, sink your teeth into Poblacion’s latest smash burgers then take your party trays to go

Smash burgers and cocktails all in one place

Everyone knows there’s a lot to love about Poblacion so it’s quite nice to discover that the boys behind Nolita Joe’s came out with another surprisingly fun venture that’s just as spirited as its New York inspiration.

Dubbed Scratch and Dumbo, the dual-concept experience literally right next to Nolita Joe’s sees managing partners Marco and Joey Viray and Patrick Santos take New York’s smash burgers and speakeasies onto the streets of Poblacion.

“With Scratch, we offer a straightforward yet exceptional New York burger experience, while Dumbo provides a lively spot for creative cocktails,” says Marco Viray.

“We wanted to bring a taste of New York’s food and nightlife culture to Poblacion,” says Marco. “With Scratch, we offer a straightforward yet exceptional New York burger experience, while Dumbo provides a lively spot for creative cocktails.”

And that’s where the double concept truly shines.

Scratch intends to occupy a larger space in Makati’s smash burger segment with creations from food industry veteran Mikko Reyes such as the signature double patty smash burger slathered with cheddar and house-made “scratch” sauce, onions and pickles, and sandwiched in between made-from-scratch potato buns. There’s also a hot chicken sandwich that has a spicy and sharp kick from the spiced oil and blue cheese sauce. Pair these with their fries version (or just the plain twister and crinkle cut fries) and you’re good for the night.

On the flip side, Dumbo unfurls in its daring intimacy and focus on tequila-based cocktails courtesy of The Spirits Library’s Jaz San Juan. “Our cocktails are inspired by D.U.M.B.O. (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) itself, from its famous landmarks to pop culture references,” says San Juan. Cases in point: a mezcal-enhanced amaretto sour that’s an ode to Ella Fitzgerald and a “Guason Stairs” drink inspired by the famous steps where Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker danced.

To top it all off, the interior itself designed by Regina Santos is no snooze-fest either with a restless urban energy that makes eating a smash burger while sipping a cocktail feel a little extra special.—Eric Nicole Salta

Scratch and Dumbo are open Tuesday to Sunday from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The doctor has a new menu

Since 2016, Poblacion’s Dr. Wine has been a go-to for lovers of quality tipples—whether cocktails or wine—and great French food. To maintain their high standards, founder Vincent Landais regularly updates the menu, now introducing around a dozen new dishes to try.

Highlights on the latest menu include starters like Camembert d’Isigny Rôti, a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese found near the chef’s French hometown. Another must-try is the Porchetta Provençale, with its perfectly crispy texture that satisfies any craving for a savory pork crunch. The main course selection features superior classics such as the tender Boeuf Bourguignon and the flavorful Pavé de Saumon Sauce Gribiche.

Landais describes their offerings as a “true reflection of the French gastronomic tradition… prepared with authenticity.”—Lala Singian

Mix and match over 200 dishes for your party tray selection

Now is the time to think about all the holiday parties you have lined up. But if you’re like me who doesn’t really cook but still enjoys serving good food to family and friends, then these food trays are our best bets—literally.

Family-owned business FoodTray2Go has been in the business of sharing their home-cooked heirloom recipes since 1956 at reasonable prices. The family selection has since blossomed to over 200 dishes catering to every palate and every setting like households, offices, and cafeterias across the city.

The fact that the selection is quite extensive means that the options are virtually endless but don’t miss the tenderloin salpicao, chicken teriyaki, sisig, baked cheese garlic prawns, and crispy kangkong with garlic mayo dip.

FoodTray2Go offers Asian and Western cuisine that’s further subdivided into their respective food categories, which can be served for groups of five all the way up to 20 and even individual packed meals. The fact that the selection is quite extensive means that the options are virtually endless but don’t miss the tenderloin salpicao, chicken teriyaki, sisig, baked cheese garlic prawns, and crispy kangkong with garlic mayo dip.

Or, simply choose from the thematic packages—Filipino salu-salo, Korean/Japanese cravings, or Chinese lauriat, anyone?—Eric Nicole Salta

Visit www.foodtray2go.com for more information or email [email protected]

Elias and A Mano: Let’s not forget our global victories, too

Many local food brands and personalities are taking big strides on the global stage the last couple of months.

Crosta Pizzeria led the way with its 12th place finish on the 50 Top Pizza World list, effectively making it one of the best pizzas in the world. Alongside it is A Mano, the brainchild of restaurateur Amado Forés, who not only jumped from their previous 96th ranking to now 70th in the world but also winning the Pastificio di Martino Award 2024 (“Best Pasta Proposal”) in recognition of the best pasta program in the world.

According to Albert Sapere, co-director of 50 Top Pizza, it is given to restaurants that make pasta “to perfection.” A Mano also won the same award for the Asia-Pacific region in May 2024.

“Also amazing was getting nominated for Best Pasta Proposal 2024 alongside other regions like Europe and North America—and actually winning! It’s an incredible feeling for me and the whole team to be recognized on this level not just for our pizza but for our pasta program as well,” says Forés.

Elsewhere, Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits also brought recognition to the country with resounding wins at the 2024 Asia Beer Championship held in Singapore on Sept. 10 and 11. The small brewery made big waves and stood out among 13 countries and more than 800 beer entries by winning the coveted Lallemand Brewing Champion Small Sized Brewery of Asia and the Philippines Country Champion for the third year in a row.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as the three-time Country Champion Brewery of the Philippines,” says Raoul Masangcay, brewer and co-founder of Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits. “This is a testament to our team’s unwavering passion and dedication. Despite the challenges of brewing in the Philippines, we have continued to push boundaries, perfect our craft, and deliver world-class beer.”—Eric Nicole Salta