Tag: Rockwellist Recommends

While the community quarantine has undoubtedly brought out our inner Michelin-star chef, there’s no denying that some days we just miss restaurant dining. As much as it is about the food, much that we crave for is all about the experience — the warm welcome of the restaurant staff, the ambiance, the flurry of aromas wafting through the air, the sound of shuffling cutlery and porcelain, and the culinary showcase itself — a whole sensory experience that can’t easily be replicated at home.

Dining out has become quite the novel thing these days, and rightfully so with health and safety in mind, but for those days when you want to treat yourself or a few family and friends, let us be your respite for these times with these restaurants:

THE TEST KITCHEN

During the different phases of lockdown, we’ve seen a whole range of menu items from The Test Kitchen – from breads to pastas to take out kits – they’ve done it with the demands of the time at heart. Of course, nothing compares to watching your dishes come to life from their open kitchen, or see cured meats carved right before your eyes so you’ll be pleased to know they’re accepting dine in and they even have a mezzanine area for your small private gatherings of up to 10 people.

TEPPAN OKOCHI

Trips to Japan may have to wait for a little longer but to keep those cravings at bay, allow us to take your tastebuds to Osaka with Teppan Okochi. With some of their fresh ingredients being flown directly from Japan, you’ll be in for an authentic Japanese treat!

The food prep is a show itself so seat yourself by their teppanyaki counter to witness the chefs skillfully create each flavorful dish. Get the best out of your visit by trying Chef Okochi’s Course menu, or go for the Chef’s Recommendation menu which offers whatever’s in season in Japan. They also boast a nice selection of sake, wines, premium spirits and Japanese whisky to cap your meal.

MAMOU

You’ve probably had a steak or two while cooped up at home but there’s something about Mamou’s signature Dry-Aged steaks and the crowd-favorite Lorenzo’s Truffle Cream Pasta that aches coming back to.   Just the thought of that well-seared, perfectly-crusted steak would make your heart race.  After all it’s been consistently on Manila’s best steak list for a reason. 

And if you’re still a little bit hesitant about indoor dining, the best part is that you can enjoy them streetside, under the Rockwell lights at the Lopez Drive! 

HEALTHY SHABU SHABU and CHAMPION HOTPOT

There’s nothing more comforting than a steaming hot bowl of soup especially since it’s a little bit more chilly this time of the year. So a shabu-shabu affair with the family is truly a heartwarming way to celebrate the holidays.

If you want something familiar and simple, Healthy Shabu-Shabu is now open for dine-in at Power Plant Mall. Choose from their different set menus which covers both meat, seafood and vegetable sets.

Or perhaps you want something with a twist. Try Champion Hotpot at Santolan Town Plaza in San Juan and their selection of hotpot soup bases which includes laksa, chicken coconut, and the quintessentially Filipino sinigang.  Did we mention that this is buffet-style so you can eat to your heart’s content? Fret not as their buffet is assisted; someone from their team will be going with you to get the items from the counters so you don’t have to worry about others touching the items.

Whatever you fancy, we’ve made sure that our stringent health and safety protocols are followed so that you can leisurely enjoy your time out with friends and family. Happy dining! .

To make sure your Valentine’s weekend this year is a safe, sweet, and enjoyable one, Rockwell has come up with restaurant recommendations — whether you’re spending the day with your significant other, a group of friends, or the whole family, pets included. After all, the fastest way to anyone’s heart is through the stomach.

Table for two? We’ve got you!

What better way to set the mood for an unforgettable Valentine experience than with a lobster-and-steak dinner date at Mamou Too? Their fresh Maine lobster and dry-aged T-Bone steak make an utterly flavorful, romantic meal. Keep things intimate and at the same time interesting, through conversations over wine or refreshing cocktails like their mimosas and frozen margaritas. 

Add an extra dose of excitement to your love life and your taste buds by discovering The Test Kitchen’s degustation. Special tasting menus for lunch and dinner await you on Valentine’s Day. 

Since international travel won’t happen anytime soon, why not have a taste of Asian Mediterranean flavors at Made Nice? Here’s an unexpected pairing — Vongole pasta with their best-selling octopus dish. Make the day even sweeter by topping it off with their scrumptious Tres Leches cake. 

Spice things up with a Spanish date night at Rambla. Choice wines and modern tapas, together with a relaxed atmosphere, perfectly match the spirited vibe you desire.

For your friendly Valentine 

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love. Barcino, Nikkei, and Draft are popular for their laid back ambiance. Their exciting cuisines, thirst-quenching sangria mixes, Peruvian-Japanese inspired drinks, and ice-cold draft beers, are best consumed with friends. 

You can’t go wrong with Italian on Valentine’s Day. Head on over to a mano for fresh hand-made pizza and pasta with your constants. But if you’re up for reimagined local specialties, sample Grace Park’s easy, yet tasty meal. This will definitely give you and your friends a delightful time. 

The family that eats together… 

We know everyone’s been missing those big family reunions, but you can still celebrate in small ways with your nearest and dearest, through Filipino comfort food. Treat your loved ones to favorite desserts like Via Mare’s bibingka, halo-halo, and puto bumbong after lunch! 

Should you wish to stroll in the mall for some Valentine’s gifts afterwards, we recommend Cafe Mary Grace’s grilled ensaymada and hot chocolate for your post-shopping merienda. You can also grab a bite of Mesa’s must-try crispy leche flan, or sip into sweetness with Shi Lin’s iced Taiwan milk tea. 

If you’d like to plan your day ahead, have some authentic teppanyaki as you’re in for a surprise on Valentine’s Day! The Book-A-Visit feature on The Rockwellist mobile app guarantees a sure seat at Teppan Okochi. This is also available for Power Plant Mall restaurants like The Grid, Din Tai Fung, Phat Pho, Manam, Ooma, 8 Cuts, Chili’s, Shi Lin, and Cafe Mediterranean. Download the app and book now before seats run out! 

Now if you’re longing for one of the best ramens in the metro, Ippudo’s Shiromaru, Akamaru, and Karakamen have you covered.

To complete the Rockwell Valentine’s experience, enjoy musical performances by RJ Jimenez, Jino Labitigan, Dee Cruz, Anne Clerigo, Charm & Charl, Lance Busa, and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, from February 12 to 14, as Rockwell goes streetside at the Lopez Drive. 

Reserve now through these restaurants’ contact details:

*? Allows pets inside the restaurant as long as they’re placed in carriers. 

* has the Book-A-Visit feature on the Rockwellist mobile app

Learn more on Power Plant Mall’s Facebook and Instagram pages.