The Chef Behind Siargao's Alma Is Bringing His Spanish-Mediterranean Cooking to BGC

(SPOT.ph) Siargao is a mecca of dining spots spanning a variety of genres and cuisines—and covering the realm of Spanish-Mediterranean fare is the dining spot dubbed Alma. This neighborhood restaurant (which as of writing, is temporarily closed) dishes out vibrant yet hearty plates of tapas, paella, and meaty mains care of Chef Luis Martinez—who definitely knows the cuisine by heart. Martinez grew up in Valencia, Spain, and mastered the art of cooking paella valenciana (a dish emblematic of his hometown!) as early as seven years old—and he'll soon be bringing his A-game to our part of the country at Terraza Martinez, which opens at Shangri-La the Fort tomorrow, September 29.

Also read: 10 Great Places for Paella in Manila

Put Terraza Martinez on your list of Spanish-food must-visits:

With our history and similar love for communal meals, it's no surprise Spanish food remains a timeless fave in these parts. And the cuisine shines at Terraza Martinez—which highlights the bright, soulful flavors of the Spanish-Mediterranean region, with techniques that stay true to tradition and ingredients that highlight the best of the changing seasons.

Similar to Alma, the restaurant covers the Spanish bases of tapas, paellas, mains, boozy sips, and more; there's plenty to be had here. Start your flavor fiesta with Bombas de Salmon Curado y Trufa (cured salmon and truffle profiteroles, P580), Vieiras a la Plancha (seared scallops, P495), or Rabo de Cerdo Fritos (fried Esguerra Farms Kurobuta pork tail, P325) before moving to the Paella de Vaca (P1,250), a party-in-a-pan with U.S. hanging tender, wild mushrooms, artichokes, and bone marrow.

Definitely save room for their mains; make it a meal with the Presa Ibérica de Cerdo (P995), or seared Iberico loin with truffled mashed potatoes, or the Pescado del Dia (P920), or grilled catch of the day. Both entrees are best taken with the Sangria Roja (P595) that stars Malbec, Hennessy VS, raspberries, cinnamon, citrus, and mint leaves. Don't forget dessert, either. Their menu features a  Chocolate Coulant (P350) a.k.a. chocolate souffle matched with mixed berries and salted caramel ice cream for pizzazz.

Doors open tomorrow, September 29—but you can book a table as early as now via the website of their mother restaurant group, the Nikkei Group.

Terraza Martinez will be at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila is at 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City. For more information, check out Terraza Martinez's Instagram page.

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