Why is that so? I’ve heard it from a friend a few months ago, then I decided to try it out with another group of friends, then I wanted to come back again with another set of friends, and then my family, and then some more. So, what makes you into a raving fan of such restaurants?
Here are the three unsolicited secrets (or not-so-secret) ingredients to what makes a restaurant fly. Based on my endless tummy adventures and the search of the good life out there in food.
First Ingredient : Cheeky Ambiance
Bold, playful & amusing as notes from its definition suggests, the interior of Neil’s kitchen will keep your sights busy. The entrance sets the mood right away, like you’re going up the hole from Alice in Wonderland.
Foodie quotes are all over the place which serves a feast for the eyes while you wait for your food. The most popular would be the “count the memories, not the calories” one where most would take a photo next to their new life quote.
I like bright & airy, which is exactly what this place exudes. This was taken around 11am. Good time for a quiet lunch since by 12nn, the place will be filling with people.
On this interesting counter you will see the best sellers of Chef Neil. Sinigang Paella with grilled pork belly, Crab Fat Palabok, and Chorizo Paella with Callos, just to name a few.
Second Ingredient : Passion for good food
If you have passion, then every step in your journey will lead you to a great restaurant. Becoming a chef is a plus factor, but Chef Neil didn’t start with the restaurant right away. He did catering first for a few years and only when his customers clamored that he open a resto, did he do so. What was once served in catered events is now made open to more people.
With that passion comes a continued refinement of what is served, like asking what customers want and being open to adding that while still putting in what makes you unique as a chef. So here, Neil’s Kitchen has added another round of best-sellers for your taking.
Tokwa & Seafood (Php 395) gives a refreshing twist to the usual tokwa appetizer with fish, squid and a whole range of other spices in it.
Beach House Nachos (Php 185 solo / Php Grande 350) is a treat for the eyes with its colors and flavors. The salsa that comes with it is a perfect on the crunch.
The Black Palabok (Php 350) is one gourmet merienda that is a treat for your senses. Offshooting from the Paella Negra bestseller, this dish packs in taste in every bite. Look at how thick & creamy the sauce is.
Who could go wrong with BBQ Pork Belly with Java Rice (Php 395).
The Southern Beef Bulalo (Php 395) is a winner. It comes in a small bowl with deep flavours of beef cooked for hours and the delicious bone marrow too.
The Sweet Corn Maja BB Special (Php 195) has maja, corn, binatog on it. Talk about pinoy desserts at its best.
The Fried Suman, Mangga & Chocnut (Php 250) speaks for itself. With coco milk on the side it is a favorite because of the awesome mix of warm suman on the bottom, mixed with cold mango jelly on top, and chocnuts that add texture. Its amazing, anyone going to Neil’s kitchen should try this.
Third Ingredient : Something Different.
As if the first two didn’t make Neil’s Kitchen stand out already, book lovers will love that there is a bookstore too inside. My Father’s Bookstore by beauty queen Miriam Quiambao features different inspirational books on the following topics :
Love / Marriage / Relationships
Life / Health / Bios
Leadership / Apologetics
Children’s Graphic Novels
Parenting / Family
Food / Travel
There’s probably a book for everyone here seeking for some real answers to life. You could just lose yourself browsing through them.
So there you’ve got it, great ambiance, passion for good food and something different like a bookstore in a restaurant is the secret sauce to why I want to keep coming back here. And here’s wishing that you would too.
When In Manila, people who love to eat are always the best people, don’t you agree? 🙂
With Chef Neil whom you may catch going out to the dining area to personally greet you.
Neil’s Kitchen
Westgate Center Filinvest, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa City
Tel +632-710-8962 / +63 928524-7404 / +63 917830-0190
Email : neils.kitchen@yahoo.com
Facebook : Neil’s Kitchen
Instagram : NeilsKitchen
#NeilsKitchenPh
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Just around the corner nearby is some great Thai cusine at Just Thai, Molito. Check out the article here.
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