Churrasco
(SPOT.ph) This isn't your first time to hear the word "empingao." Jon Favreau and John Leguizamo's characters used it frequenly in 2014's Chef to describe their Cubanos. Now, it's a restaurant: EMPINGAO!—yes, all uppercase letters and with an exclamation point—is at 5739 P. Burgos Street corner San Lucas Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati. It opens today, April 22, 3 p.m.
Nacho Bombs
Street vibe
Chef Kel Zaguirre of Locavore and Taqueria 101 fame helms the kitchen so you can be sure that the flavors are definitely empingao—that's "amazing" in Cuban-Spanish. Expect a meat-heavy Latin-American menu with Chef Kel's usual cool and modern touch. They have items such as Nacho Bombs, Salmon Tacos, Chorito a la Chalaca (steamed mussels with pico de gallo, moho, buttered corn, and white truffle oil), Cubano sandwiches, Elena Ruz sandwiches (Cuban turkey sandwich), and Frita (a burger with a half-chorizo, half-beef patty).
Don't miss out on the churrasco either. EMPINGAO! is flaunting grilled pork belly, chicken thigh fillets, lamb chops, and beef hanging tender.
Who else can't wait for 3 p.m.?
Photos courtesy of Katrina Veloso