EVERYTHING FROM EVERYWHERE ALL IN ONE PLACE: UPTOWN BONIFACIO
The world is eagerly reopening, and aren’t we all just raring for the excitement of something new? Uptown Bonifacio, Megaworld’s premier township in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, has a feast of fresh experiences waiting with its new and moderately priced restaurants that gives you a little of everything from everywhere all in one easily walkable space.
Randy’s Donuts in Uptown Parade (GF). The first Philippine branch of the iconic Los Angeles, California donut joint has reopened! If you haven’t yet, grab a taste (or a dozen) of their large, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth, world-famous donuts. Enjoy your treat inside their sunny modern diner-themed shop with coffee like the Randy Dandy, their take on the caramel macchiato, or grab a box from their takeaway kiosk outside. There’s a donut for everyone with the joint’s four flavor categories. Have a classic like the chocolate iced cake. Get a deluxe pink raised with sprinkles or a fancy strawberry jelly filled. Or go all out with the premium donuts generously covered in Froot Loops, crushed Oreo, or M&Ms.
Secret Kitchen at 4/F Food Hall in Uptown Mall. Secret Kitchen serves up Marvin Agustin’s famous roasted piglet masterpiece in mealsized portions you can enjoy as a well-deserved individual treat. They have a streamlined menu highlighting the cochinillo with three variations of Cochi Plates that include a side salad and bone soup. Pair up the roasted pork with buttered garlic rice, sweet and spicy noodles, or both. There’s also a Cochi Salad and baked goods, like Kerot Cake and Ubae Overload. You can also order a whole suckling pig at least a day in advance and pick it up for takeaway.
Nikkei Robata in Uptown Ritz. This newly opened Nikkei concept takes on the robata, the traditional Japanese method of grilling over charcoal that leaves meats and seafood juicy and infused with a savory smoky flavor. Nikkei favorites are still on the menu, but the new stars include the robata steak and black cod with spicy shiso ponzu. Try the seared scallops with buttery uni sauce and the yakitori platter that includes the delectable Esguerra Kurobuta pork belly.
At Nikkei Robata, you can go from dinner to drinks, because they also have a full bar list that includes a selection of sake. Their cozy and elegant interior has a modern Zen vibe that is perfect for an intimate get-together.
Wicked Dogs in Uptown Parade (2F). Plucked from the heart of Poblacion in Makati, this hip specialty hotdog joint is a welcome spice in the Fort Bonifacio scene. They serve all manners of hot dog, from the classic chili cheese dog to a bánh mì-inspired hot dog bun to a Wasabi Dog. All their hotdog flavors are available in burger form too! At night, Wicked Dogs turns from thriving to throbbing as the bar welcomes a growing crowd of regulars. Wicked Dogs also has live music nights and open mic comedy nights.
Wicked Dogs Uptown retains the edgy look of the Poblacion branch that makes it feel like a warm and welcoming tambayan. If you’ve ever wanted a home bar, this is the place for you.
Perrochiko in Uptown Parade (GF). At Perrochiko, food is not just an escape but an actual Spanish-Latino vacation. The spacious and elegant interior of the newest Spanish restaurant in town reflects it too, with tropical foliage and velvety seating designed for groups. It’s perfect for family meals, but it’s also perfect wine and chika with the ladies. There is a full bar in the corner that’s open all day, but Perrochiko is ultimately all about leaving you with a satisfied tummy.
Their menu offerings are guaranteed to send you to your happy place. They have a variety of tapas with several kinds of croquetas, Catalanstyle paellas, a wide selection of charcuteria, aside from mains and desserts that are sure to become instant hits. Try the divine seared goat cheese salad with strawberry vinaigrette for starters and get the Iberian pork glazed with a sweet pineapple sauce as one of your main dishes.
Salt & Ice in Uptown Parade (GF). Fresh oysters flown in from Aklan paired with craft cocktails? Yes, please. This newly opened restobar is a veritable tour of flavors. Enjoy the oysters in eight styles: oyster tempura, oyster mornay, oyster parmigiana, oyster spinach and malunggay, oyster bacon and cheese, and oyster Kilpatrick. Salt & Ice’s distinctly international menu features a mix of starters like edamame beans, chicken satay skewers, and steak tartare. It has main dishes like sea urchin pasta and their 1.5kg Tomahawk steak, followed by desserts like a Ferrero Rocher sundae and crème brûlée.
Their signature cocktails are not to be missed. They have drinks like the Kiss Kiss, which combines Remy Martin, absinthe, and hazelnut. The Hajimaru is a blend of Roku, Campari, strawberry, and Sakura. Make sure to order the 36th Street drink, which is a blend of Sailor Jerry Rum, mango, macadamia, and milk and an ode to Salt & Ice’s Uptown Bonifacio address, so you’ll keep coming back!