(Mad for) Garlic lovers rejoice

MANILA, Philippines - Garlic has long been known for its various health benefits. Considered as the most powerful root plant known, it has been proven to be effective against cancer, coronary artery diseases, and infections. It can help in lowering cholesterol and even reduces the risk of developing several types of cancer including those of the gastrointestinal tract.

Health benefits aside, there are those of course, who enjoy eating their meals with a healthy serving of garlic whether roasted, steamed, fried, or sometimes, even raw. So for those who suddenly find themselves craving for a tasty garlic meal need not look far with the opening of Mad for Garlic at W Global Center in Bonifacio Global City.

Established 13 years ago in Korea, Mad for Garlic is actually an Italian Wine Bistro that serves pizza, pasta, salads, rice dishes, risotto and steaks. Wine bottles decorate the interiors while garlic-shaped lamps and even actual garlic wreathes not only stave off vampires, but actually give the place—and the dining atmosphere—a certain aesthetic distinctiveness.

As for the dishes, everything is infused with garlic in one way or another, some a little bit more potent than others. Everything is Italian-inspired but they’ve been somewhat Korean-ized or garlic-fied.

The aptly-named Dracula Killer, an entree of soft buttered garlic bread served with garlic cooked in olive oil and anchovies, is a good way to start.

Follow it up with the Tutto Mushroom Salad, which features three kinds of mushroom along with grilled red pepper, asparagus, and arugula topped with Teriyaki sauce.

The Zuppa di Pesce is for those who are looking for an early kick of spice. Made of a special spicy soup of with a variety of seafood, it goes well with garlic bread sticks.

An early personal favorite is the Garlic Snowing Pizza, a thin crust pizza made with the Mad for Garlic Special Sauce and topped with shrimps, diced pineapples, and crunchy fried sliced garlic.

Even the dessert, the Garlic Sprinkle Gelato, is a very pleasant surprise. It is, you guessed it right, garlic ice cream served with a garlic cookie.

The drink menu is a mix of fruit shakes, beers, coffee, soda and tea.  But there’s also the “Signature Ades” that consist of Lemon_Ade, Orange_Ade, Yuja_Ade, and the highly-recommended Wine_Ade that just goes well with the dishes we tried. 

Archie Rodriguez, president and CEO of Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc., the local partner of Mad for Garlic recommends diners to come in and try the different dishes.

GRCI CFO Griffith Go, Chef Winkee Chong, CRCI President and CEO Archie Rodriguez, Mad for Garlic Senior Operations Director Joie Arvesu, and GRCI Vice Chairman Manuel Zubiri

“If there’s something you don’t like, after you’ve tried it, tell the manager and they will replace it with something else. Explore the menu,” says Rodriguez.

Mad for Garlic also offers a good selection of wines in tune with the Italian-style dishes.

“In general, we would recommend dry, sweet wine for our spicy and garlicky menu.  Our white wine selections would also go very well with the cheese platter,” says Rodriguez. “One will find that Italian dishes served here at Mad for Garlic not only stand out because of garlic, but because they are uniquely flavoured.”

Mad for Garlic is open from 11 am to 11 pm from Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. from Friday to Saturday.