HUNGRY FOR MORE
Vanderlust Bistro + Patisserie offers the curious eater a taste of continental Europe
Metro Manila offers a variety of cuisines, but more often than not, those of us who are more experimental with food aren’t sure where to look. For the adventurous eater, Vanderlust Bistro + Patisserie in The Podium will save the day. Offering you the best of continental European cuisine and pastries, every dish contains a delightful surprise.
“My wife and I actually conceptualized everything during our honeymoon, where we were vacationing for over a month,” shares Mark Anthony Tan, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Valerie. He explains that rather than focusing on one particular cuisine, the two found their inspiration from a variety of countries such as Italy, Spain and Germany. “We want Filipinos to know what European food tastes like so we’re not afraid to add ingredients they’re not as familiar with,” he adds. It certainly seems as if this approach—presenting customers with the unfamiliar—is working; this happens to be Vanderlust’s second branch, with the first one opening along Tomas Morato three years ago.
The couple teamed up with Chef Mitchie Sison, owner and executive chef of Signatures by Miel Consultancy, to create innovative European dishes that surpass ones Filipinos would typically expect. While Mark Anthony admits that he doesn’t exactly cook, he was very much involved with the creation of the menu. “This menu has actually been revised a few times by my wife and me over time,” he shares as he presents to us the restaurant’s bestsellers.
First on the list was their Sopa de Tomapepino, a filling sun ripened tomato soup with cool cucumber bits. It was hearty and flavorful—the makings of your next favorite comfort food. This was paired with Arancini al Margherita— Italian risotto balls that were stuffed with mozzarella and topped with pesto sauce and parmesan cheese. Trying the both of them will leave you wanting more from their wide-ranging menu.
According to Mark Anthony, Vanderlust’s pastas are also popular among customers. He then brings out the classic Cacio E Pepe, a simple yet unforgettable Italian dish with sauce made of cheese and pepper. If you want something meatier, on the other hand, go for their Ragù della Nonna (Grandmother’s Ragu), which will bring back warm memories of home-cooked meals. This is something you will certainly enjoy, from your first bite to the remaining chunks of slightly charred beef.
Filipinos like their meat, so it would come as no surprise that other bestsellers would include beef and pork dishes. The first, Osso Buco Milanese, is a specialty that is made of the following ingredients that may just make your mouth water after reading them: beef braised in white wine, beef broth, and risotto garnished with gremolata. One of Anthony’s personal favorites is a pork dish, the Schweinekotelett with Mustard Cream Sauce. The pork chop, which was inspired by the famous German Schweinshaxe, pairs perfectly well with its slightly sweet, tangy sauce.
Mark Anthony knows all too well that no experience at Vanderlast is complete without trying one of their sumptuous desserts. One of these is their version of Schneeball, a 300-year-old German pastry. Before you eat it, you will be required to smash the dessert with a wooden hammer to break it into bite-sized pieces to share (or to eat all for yourself if you wish).
With every bite of Vanderlust’s dishes, you are instantly transported to Europe. Who knew it was a lot closer to home than expected?
Vanderlust Bistro + Patisserie is located at L5, The Podium, 18 ADB Ave, Ortigas Business Center, Mandaluyong. Tel (2) 871 7314.