AkrotiriAkrotiri Modern Eurasian CuisineAlabangEurasian CuisineEVENTSFoodFood PornFood ReviewSouth Eats
Eurasian gastronomic experience at Akrotiri
With
our very discerning palate cultivated from exposure to varied local, foreign,
and progressive cooking concepts, Filipinos are constantly craving for fresh
culinary adventures. The passionate
foodie in each one of us is always on the lookout for a delicious treat. Don’t
look now but there’s a new restaurant in Alabang which offers gastronomic
experience that has fused together diverse coastal food cultures from all over
the world - Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine.
Conveniently
located in Commerce Center, Filinvest City in Alabang, which is fast becoming a
true foodie’s paradise, Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine is a fab place where you
can treat your taste buds with its dizzying array of foods to choose from.
Last
June 1, 2018, Akrotiri hold the Akrotiri VIP Blogger’s Night and we were
treated to some of the best culinary styles and dietary dialects found in
different coastlines. But we did not only get to taste Akrotiri’s mouthwatering
offerings, as we also took part in fun activities, and of course, personally
met the people that brought about this unique Eurasian culinary concept. That
night, after Akrotiri’s story was shared through an audio-visual presentation, Akrotiri
General Manager, David Jones, shared, “We
wanted to bring our knowledge to the Philippines and use all the incredible
food that’s in the East and blended it with the West.”
Furthermore,
he said that, “Akrotini’s offerings
reflect the Mediterranean classics, mainly Greek and other European influences
but at the same time, we’ve localized the taste to create a new flavor. One can
call it ‘fusion’, but we feel that ‘EurAsian’ highlights what we represent—an
amalgamation of influences that have strong ties with the Philippine food
culture.”
A feast
of specialty menu was offered as part of Akrotiri’s comprehensive food
choices—a classic Greek heritage of Mediterranean triad themes that overlap
with Malay, Oriental, and European influences.
As
we oohed and aahed at the feast presented to us and the menu items that were
exhibited separately and plated attractively, we learned that Akrotiri’s Menu
is co-conceptualized by Chef Luca Maffei, an Italian chef with intricate taste
to flavours and fusion. Chef Luca masterfully re-imagined Akrotiri’s food,
bringing the blissful flavours of Asia and Euro-Greek cultures to our local cuisine.
So,
what do you think are the best menu items that I got to taste? Here’s
my top ten picks. That many, you might ask, but this list has been
trimmed down already as I flitted back and forth to the buffet table presented for the event-goer’s delight and indulgence.
First
on my list is the (1) 24 Hour Pork Belly. Served with a side of kimchi alongside chunks of
pineapple which just points to the tenderness of the pork.
The next biggest
highlights of the night are the (2) Grilled Prawns Tamarind
Dressing and Greens and the (3) Chocolate
Garden Mosaiko. I tried copying the dessert when I got home, thinking
it’s just crushed and powdery cookies but I can’t seem to capture its light and
airy taste that is heavy and sweet once you melt it in your mouth. Whatever, I
can always go back to Akrotiri for this. Anyway, the prawns and the Mosaiko need
no words to describe how blissfully delicious they are.
For starters, you should try the (4) Watermelon Feta whose combination is just perfect and sweet.
If you love the idea of a seafood feast, then
you will like the (5) Seafood Tagliatelle with Clams, Mussels, Prawns, Squid, and
Tomatoes. It tastes of the sea and herb garden all at once.
If
you are like me and can’t turn down a burger whenever its on the menu then the (6) Wagyu
Burger with Cheese, Shitake Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, and Rustic Fries is
the best. Whoever thought off this Rustic Fries, I must say thank you and can I
have more, please.
Lovers
of curry can’t possibly pass up the (7)
Prawn Tom Yun and Curry Soup, a creamy curry!
Looking for
something with a little more local flavor? Try the (8) Adobo Octopus that
pairs greatly with the mashed eggplant.
If you want a
taste of traditional Sinigang or close to it but with the most succulent meat
of all time, have Akrotiri’s popular dish of the (9) Eurasian Sour Soup.
Love
chowing down a steak, you come to the right place just to have this (10) Wagyu Skirt-Steak that is so mouth-watering
and juicy.
Also
showcased are the Shell Fish Sauté with Clams, Mussels, Prawns, Squid, and
Tomato, and Souvlaki Skewers for the soup entries. The mezze (appetizers)
line-up includes the Sisig Tacos and the Tradito maya maya. For the mains, the
Wagyu Skirt Steak with Spicy Chilli Jam, Roasted Vegetables, and Paprika Aioli,
as well as the Angus Tenderloin and Rustic Chicken Teriyaki were part of the
highlights, while the Tiramisu is another of the Akrotiri’s dessert offerings.
We
also had our fill from Akrotiri’s wide selection of wines, spirits, and beer,
as well as carefully curated cocktails that collectively reflect Akrotiri’s
distinct coastal blending ethos. Specialty drinks like Pimm’s and Lemonade is my top pick.
Some of the water being served has unique blends infused with different
flavors.
When you’re at Akrotiri, you shouldn’t miss that prominent shelf of the
famous Jameson whiskey frames one side the back-bar display and gives rise to a
multitude of Irish blends and single malts. Carrying on the island whisky theme
you will see single malt scotch from island distilleries while the Japanese
also are represented showing the fusion of drinking cultures around the world.
Too bad, we didn’t get to try the Manhattans and Martinis that can be
seen being shaken up behind the bar with even coffee being used to create the
Espresso Martini. Traditional drinks from British Isles are also served with
people tucking in to Bloody Marys. A Tequila Sunrise and the mysterious Dark
and Stormy are resting on the bar waiting to be brought to the table. A
surprising selection of Gin is on display with some creative combos such as a Rose
Gin with dried chili, Gin Mare with mango and pepper and Portobello Road Gin
with summer fruits.
Akrotiri’s signature libations are all made with quality ingredients
that surely hit the right spots.
“Metro Manila is an emerging market for
restaurants and we wanted to present something new, yet still familiar to the
Filipino palate. Using local ingredients and principles plays a vital role in
bringing to life our concept of showcasing global coastal food cultures through
dishes that remain close to home,” said Akrotiri Head Chef, Ereyca
Trinidad.
Weaving
together the different flavors found on different coastal food cultures all
over the world and presenting them as delicious gastronomic offerings makes Akrotiri
a unique destination that delivers an exciting culinary experience that will
surely indulge every type of Filipino diner.
Akrotiri
Modern Eurasian Cuisine is open from 11AM daily. Visit them
at Unit 103 G/F Commerce Center Alabang, Commerce Avenue corner Filinvest
Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, or log in to www.akrotiri.ph
and PR@akrotiri.ph
for more information.
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