Viva Mexico!
To the rest of the world, Cinco de Mayo (a holiday that celebrates the Mexican victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862) is perhaps the biggest Mexican celebration there is, often mistaken as the country’s Independence Day. But in reality, our amigos and amigas from the south of the American border celebrate liberation from centuries of Spanish rule in September.
And celebrate was exactly what the Latin American community here in Manila did at Hacienda last month with an El Grito (symbolizing
El Grito de Dolores, or the Cry of Dolores, which started the liberation of Mexico) party. Newly opened in Forbestown in BGC and serving Mexican comfort food, Hacienda is embraced by all those who love everything and anything authentic as carnitas on soft corn tortilla tacos. Nothing gives more satisfaction to the owner and operators of the restaurant than to hear the words “this reminds me of home.” I love the appetizers (get the chicken wings) and the carne asada!
Hacienda was born out of the passion and desire of Steve Mills, who runs the restaurant with his wife Liza Tan. The menu was developed by their good friend from Toronto, chef Francisco Alejandri, originally from León. Other business partners are George Royeca, Lloyd Lim, Day Cabuhat, Rico Robles, Dru Baltazar, Ron Gibson, Laureen Uy, Aryan Magat and Steven and Cristina Carl. Mexican Ambassador Gerardo Lozano Arredondo, his wife Mariza and son Gerardo Jr. were also present at the party. Emmanuel Mariachi band entertained guests with lively music. Guests enjoyed Cointreau Margarita carafes, Dos Equis cervezas and, obviously, tequila! In abundance that night was Ocho, one of the few tequilas that is still made the old-fashioned way. (Check out Hacienda at Unit F121 Forbes Town Road, Forbes Wood Heights Retail, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For inquiries and reservations, call 625-4727.)