MANILA, Philippines – The Sapphire Bloc at the Ortigas central business district not only alters the cityscape’s skyline with its stunning Art Deco architecture, but also revamps the gastronomic experience at the metropolis’ famed lifestyle district.
Developed by Robinsons Residences, the high-rise master-planned development will give homeowners as well as the professionals and urbanites in the area a taste of the authentic city lifestyle. One of the ways the condominium does this is through its very own epicurean hub that is designed to give a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
Complementing The Sapphire Bloc’s lifestyle perks and enviable location, its all-ground level retail area will host some of the newest gourmet restaurants in the Philippine food scene. Two of the newly opened bistros are the Moonshine Public Urban Bar (PUB) and The Stockpile.
The Moonshine PUB is continuously gaining popularity for its unique cocktail concoctions and modernized renditions of classic Filipino favorites. Its menu and concept are derived from the current decade’s ingenuity and creativity.
“We are very proud to be celebrating our Filipino roots by serving the traditional cuisines with a bit of the distinct taste and feel of the times,” explains chef Jehrad Dolino, the pub’s chef and one of its restaurateurs.
As expected, the pub’s lavish touch of familiarity seasoned by its own brand of distinction has been warmly received from the beginning. Patrons and guests have also expressed approval for the pub’s great location which practically puts it at the epicentre of the Ortigas lifestyle district.
One of the increasingly sought-after favorite is the lamb shank caldereta that boasts a huge slab of lamb cooked for 12 hours to achieve a level of tenderness that falls off the bone. Its flavorful sauce is garnished with quail eggs, olives, peas, carrots and spices.
Other specialties include the angus beef sisig, tokwa’t bagnet belly and the 500g pork belly platter that live up to their namesake and even more with the use of premium ingredients to let the scrumptious flavors shine. For the cocktails, the signature Hand Grenade and caramel beer can steal the show, but putting up an equal fight include refreshments such as the sage-kissed Grape Hooch, crowd-pleasing beer mojito and the breezy jungle juice.
Another recently opened bistro, The Stockpile, concocts its own version of western comfort food like pizzas and pastas. The freshest ingredients are used, and the dishes make perfect pairings with the sundry of drinks available at its all day open bar.
The Stockpile’s grand opening saw a star-studded cast as celebrity guests, owners and partners graced the event. Cousins Gabby and Geoff Eigenmann led the opening of their business venture, along with Cherie Gil and Michael de Mesa.
Some signature dishes served during the launch are the porchetta and papaya salad, the Sunshine Pizza with Cabanatuan longganisa, braised beef and grilled cheese dip with truffle, achiote and aligue rice, the restaurant’s spin to longganisa paella, among others.
The Stockpile owners and restaurateurs have been appreciative of its partnership with Robinsons Residences. “The Sapphire Bloc provides an elegant lifestyle with the comfort and variety of modern indulgences,” notes Tanya Chua, co-owner of Stockpile. “More than being the same in terms of ideals and target market, Robinsons Residences has been very supportive and accommodating of what its tenants have to offer to its homeowners and patrons,” says Chua.
For information, call the 636-0888, 0925-333-3333, or visit www.robinsonsresidences.com and www.facebook.com/RobResidences.