(SPOT.ph) If you didn’t already know, here at SPOT.ph, we love food. You need it to live, but we find that there are some dishes that go well past the virtue of necessity. While others content themselves with a deep fryer and the usual salt and pepper, there are some who make—or at least try to make—an art out of it, with delicious displays and even yummier flavors. We believe those that go above and beyond their duty deserve necessary recognition. So here are our top picks among the dishes we ate throughout October.
Holy Smokes’ Beef Brisket
Holy Smokes offers an array of different barbecues, but the one that stands out is their Beef Brisket. This meat dish cuts like butter and melts into a burst of juiciness with each and every bite. Their assortment of sauces also adds a different dimension, allowing you to explore loads of different flavors.
Holy Smokes is at 5834 Matilde corner Jacobo Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City.
Apero’s Smoke Roasted Duck Porchetta
If you like your duck soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, Apero’s Smoke Roasted Duck Porchetta is the dish for you. The even distribution of skin and meat ensures that there is a pleasant balance to the textures in every piece.
Apero is at Corinthian Hills, Temple Drive, Quezon City.
Providore’s Zucchini Pecorino Fries
French fries are as addicting as can be. We should know—we’ve tried our fair share. But Providore changed the french fry game by making theirs out of zucchini. This perfectly crisp finger food goes perfectly with its buttermilk ranch dip and that fresh touch of lemon that gives it the right amount of acidity.
Providore is at G/F SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City.
Cartel’s Roast Beef Sandwich
Cartel’s Roast Beef Sandwich truly deserves a spot on their very concise menu. Beautifully roasted beef, made in-house, complemented by carefully roasted peppers is the perfect filling for their soft but crisp buns.
Cartel is at 119 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.
Tittos's Beef Barbacoa Tacos
Tittos' fun Latin-American vibe is so strong you can taste it—especially in the Beef Barbacoa Tacos. Slow-cooked chunks of beef belly are punctuated with crunchy, chicharon-like bites of indulgent, toasted fat. The house-made black tortilla is the perfect foil.
Tittos is at 16 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
Spicy Sriracha Burger at Denny’s
Sriracha lovers will love this incredibly spicy sinful burger. The hand-pressed beef patty is seasoned with Sriracha, then topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and pickled jalapenos. Everything comes together with creamy Sriracha sauce and a beautiful toasted brioche bun. Best of all? Denny’s is open 24 hours!
Denny’s is at 9th Avenue corner 38th Street, Uptown Parade, Uptown Bonifacio.
Taperia Poblacion’s Pugon Lechon of Pork Belly
Chef Ariel Manuel’s playful tapas restaurant features the chef's creative takes on Spanish-inspired favorites ("Shallow Spanish," in his words), but it's the Pugon Lechon of Pork Belly that's sure to catch your eye the moment you step inside. Perfectly crackly outside and succulent inside, it hardly needs any of the house-made sauce it's served with.
Taperia Poblacion is at 2/F Six Axis Center, 4347 B. Valdez Street, Poblacion, Makati City.
Dojo Dairy’s Black Sesame Ice Cream
If you're in for some creamy indulgence in unusual flavors, head for Dojo Dairy's new stall in Greenhills. Your tastebuds will be intrigued by their Black Sesame, Wasabi, and Blue Cheese.
Dojo Dairy is at Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City; Little Tokyo, Legazpi Village, Makati City; and Mega Fashion Hall, Mandaluyong City.
8 Cuts' Party Spaghetti
When you've had your fill of the burgers (and maybe even some of those onion rings), try 8 Cuts's Party Spaghetti. It's a trip back to your childhood with slightly sweet tomato sauce drizzled with grated egg "cheese" and served with some garlic-butter buns.
See a list of 8 Cuts branches
Ippudo’s Kuro Ramen
This limited-edition black ramen is sure to spice up your ramen cravings. Thick, chewy noodles simmered in tonkotsu broth infused with black pepper and spicy garlic topped with BBQ pork, spring onions and blended miso paste. Have a taste of the Torched Gyutan Don and Seafood Okonomiyaki while you're at it, since they won't be around for long.
See a list of Ippudo branches