(SPOT.ph) Remember back in the good ol’ days when we were told by our parents to eat healthily and we’d just scrunch our noses and say, “yuck”? Life was so much simpler back then. We also had a fairly limited view of what it meant to eat healthy, our childhoods consist of your usual fruits and vegetables that are often added to familiar comforting dishes like sinigang and nilaga—when in fact, nourishing yourself doesn't have to mean depriving your taste buds of flavor. There are cuisines like Greek and Persian, for example, that naturally err toward the light side while tasting vivacious as can be. Witness to our culinary growth are Santé by Zig and Meraki by Oh My Greek, two new restaurant concepts that promote good health, wellness, and elevated cuisine.
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Looking for a healthy restaurant? Here’s how Santé and Meraki are elevating healthy eating:
Though located in a small space in MOA Square, Santé and Meraki (as they are lovingly called by the owners) make use of all available space by having an open kitchen concept which helps complete the dining experience. Guests are able to watch the talented chefs prepare the delectable treats available. Another shared attribute of the two restaurants is that customers are encouraged to cross-order from both establishments wherein white plated dishes are identified as that from Santé while Meraki favors black.
In French, Santé means health and is often used as a greeting to toast to wellness. While most of us equate wellness to yoga sessions and juice cleanses, Santé offers a more wholesome approach by means of healthy breakfast options. They open as early as 9 a.m., during which you can enjoy a light and whimsical brekkie with their Signature Mini Croissant Cereal (P340) that has homemade mini croissants and fresh strawberries served with T2 Tea-infused Very Berry milk.
A heavier alternative before foraging the mall sales would be the Mushroom & Truffle Sourdough (P425) made from fresh mushrooms drizzled with truffle oil and topped with fresh parsley. The sourdough is made in-house and offers the right crunch and base for the mushroom and truffle combo.
Not to be left out of the breakfast game, Meraki offers their own sourdough combo with their Smashed Avocado (P365) which has halloumi cheese and poached eggs layered on top of their bread. At first glance, you might think that the white bits in between the poached egg and avocado are chicken given their look and texture but you’ll be surprised to find that yup, it is cheese, one that has a strong salty taste that serves as a good wake-up call in the morning.
Lunch hour is another experience altogether with simple but elevated dishes that you wouldn’t otherwise think to try. Experience depth and contrast with the Chicken Marsala (P490), featuring a moist fillet of chicken breast with cream and Marsala wine. If it’s not chicken you’re craving, order the Salmon Tzatziki (P640) which is lightly pan-seared and served with crunchy asparagus and fresh thyme.
Beef and meat lovers need not worry as both Santé and Meraki offer something for you to enjoy. A traditional but comforting dish, the Beef Pot Pie (P610) is reminiscent of your grandmother’s homecooked recipe with a well-balanced combination of beef, potatoes, carrots, and red wine. Plus, cracking into the flaky puff pastry gives a textural contrast to the dish. The Filet Mignon (P730), on the other hand, is a juicy and perfectly cooked medium-rare steak with herb butter, olive tapenade, and grated cured egg yolk, drizzled with peppercorn sauce.
Santé and Meraki is at MOA Square, Seashell Lane, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay. For more information, visit Santé’s Facebook Page and Meraki’s Facebook Page.
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