Hola! Do you love croquetas, paella, empanada and tortillas? You think you know everything about Spanish dishes, but you have no idea. So many exciting and yummy dishes here at LA PICARA that could surprise you in so many “twist-ted”, delicious, and unexpected ways.
La Picara means ‘The Naughty’ and I think is what best describes this restaurant. A Spanish restaurant that wants to break out of the mold. A restaurant who wants to champion original Spanish dishes but in an extraordinary and somewhat ‘mischievous’ method, a method that will suprise you in so many ways.
And now, for our FAB review.
(F)ood:
Clearly they have the passion that wants only the best, so they flew in a Spanish chef who’s eye is full of the same level of passion and love for his country’s food. I was so lucky and happy to be able to taste their best dishes.
TAPAS (small appetizers or small snacks)
Socarrat Roll
The best part of the paella, the tutong part!, with a yummy gambas al ajillo. No more scraping under the pan! Love it!
Tortilla de Bacalao
Deconstructed cod tortilla with potato foam & crunchy onion bits.
Patatas Bravas
Like potato tots with salsa brava and aoili. The look was totally unfamiliar but the taste is like you are eating sloppy fries but with a much yummy sophisticated sauce
Pulpo
Flash grilled sous vide octopus served with potato foam & crunchy onion bits. I am not a fan of octopus but this one’s a winner since the octopus is tender and works well with the potato foam, but I might say that it’s not like a potato foam but more of a light delicious mashed potato.
Kimchi Croquetas
I love the thought coming into this dish! It’s a croqueta + nigiri in one! Love the salmon sashimi on top of a mildly spiced crunchy kimchi croqueta.
Croqueyaki
Croquetas topped with jamon! super delightful to eat this, I can finish the whole plate.
Sisig Pibil Tacos
The perfect fusion of Spain and The Philippines on a taco! Super great presentation of this taco while the taste was even more superb with that flavorful sisig ang crunchy taco! Super love this dish!
THUG PAELLAS (a Spanish dish consisting of rice cooked with vegetables and/or seafood or meat)
Fideua De Cochino
A Fideua is similar to a paella but with noodles instead of rice. The dish tasted like beef with noodles, a little oily but I love it! I can eat it like a viand on rice.
Chili Crab Paella
Yummy paella with soft shell crab tempura. The tempura was crispy and the paella was superb with all that tutong, yummy!
DESSERTS
Arroz con Leche
This is a dessert that I could say is close to Filipinos since it uses ripe mangoes that are caramelized and with some cashew crumbs
Puto Flan de Queso
Three desserts in one, what could you ask for more?
LAS CHACINAS (or the cold meats}
Mouse Trap
The dish was literally presented like a cheese on a clean mousetrap, with your choice of cheese (Manchego Semi Curado, Roncari Blue Cheese, Caña de Cabra) with Raspberry coulis. A playful take on cheese and wine. Definitely would love to pair it with wine of just much these cheese with some crackers.
FRESH AND CHEEKY
Burrata
Super love this dish as we are served with caramelized tomato, burrata with green pesto & migas (crumbs?) and enjoyed with homemade crackers. Tasty, fresh and flavorful that I couldn’t get enough of this dish, I could eat this all day!
We also tried their drinks and you should too especially the Fresa Flamingo and the Violeta if you want to be the envy of the party.
(A)MBIENCE:
The first thing I said when I entered was, “Wow!”. I was like in a tropical oasis hidden in the concrete jungle called BGC with all the luscious green plants, which are by the way, real plants. The handpainted walls that screamed being playful while the colors spell out relaxation. The bold colors of the murals were cool to the eyes and the interiors feel like in a resort with all the muted browns of the fixtures blended clearly with the plush green seats. The dining dishes were also in with the fun theme, by sprucing thr tables with the fable sets from West Elm. Truly, a perfect haven for all those who would want to relax and feel at home but still keep the cheery vibe. The design was well thought off with the customers really in mind. Love it!
(B)UTLER SERVICE:
The servers and waiters were nice and attentive enough to bring in our requests. The food were served hot off the grill and fast.
It was a very relaxing afternoon indeed with the tropical ambience and a delicious list of Spanish dishes with-a-twist here at La Picara BGC!
Location:Level 2, One Bonifacio High Street Mall High Street, corner, 5th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila
To know more information about La Picara follow them on their social media accounts:
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LaPicaraPH
INSTAGRAM: @lapicaraph
