WOODEN SPOON

Our friends in Manila have introduced a few delightful new entries in the food scene on this visit, one of them is the Wooden Spoon. The group operates 2 outlets, the one we went to, tucked away at the Power Plant Mall in the huge Rockwell Estate, is the latest addition.

The brainchild behind this wonderful 'Pinoy Food with a Twist' concept is Chef Sandy Daza who, together with his late Mother the renowned Chef Nora Daza built the brand.The matriarch was a legend in the country's culinary history. Besides the fame of the Filipino Food Cookbook for compatriots overseas, she brought Pinoy cooking to France. Aux lles Philippines was their restaurant in Paris where she partnered with 2-Star Michelin Chef Jacques Marniere. Apparently Chef Sandy Daza was groomed in that environment. Their logo is in reference to the wooden spoons frequently used at their highly rated cooking shows.      

The following are the 'must trys' ... I did and they are indeed what they are ... 'must trys'

Adobo Flakes     deep fried shredded pork with a garlic mayo dip
Crab Pancit         fresh crab meat in a creamy egg sauce over rice vermicelli noodles
Kare Kare           traditionally an oxtail dish but it is with lean beef
Stuffed Pechay   cabbage rolls with chopped Tinapa (smoked fish) in coconut sauce
Fiesta Rice          rice fried with a beautiful mix of flavored ingredients

The restaurant is totally unassuming, located at the basement food court alongside a strip of other cuisines. There is no mention of fusion anywhere despite their French heritage. The food is honest Pinoy but the 'Twist' made a tasty difference. Yes, Wooden Spoon is a 'must try'.

WOODEN SPOON  (63) 917 882 7594
Power Plant Mall
Rockwell Makati City Manila