5 Alabang Restaurants for the Foodie Millennial

While most people from “the North” (Manila, Makati, Quezon City) hate commuting to “the South,” several cool places like The Bellevue Manila, Molito, and Alabang Town Center are sometimes reason enough for them to spend that extra toll fee.

Millennials are all about experience, and with the rise of themed restaurants and specialty food hubs around the metro, the South is not backing down without putting up a fight. Here’s a list of 5 restaurants that would definitely win the foodie millennial’s heart.

 1. Mr. Roboto

 “Let’s Volt in!” is probably what you’d be screaming once you get to this restaurant. Remember the good ol’ days and relive your childhood fantasies as one of the crews of Voltes V, Daimos, and even Mazinger Z. Established by millennials who grew up with their parent’s 80’s music, you will surely have a trip down memory lane with their Japanese robot themed restaurant and awesome Japanese food.

2. Ramen Yushoken

We’re sure you’ve seen how decadent food is prepared in animes—steaming noodles with beef toppings, glowing as it is served and always presented in contrast to a shining background. Yes, I’m talking about the food our favorite anime characters love to devour—ramen. If the Voltes V dream isn’t enough to quench your millennial trip, go down on some real goodness at Ramen Yushoken and see the realization of that anime food fantasy.


3. Exchange Alley Coffee House

Apart from restaurants, shopping centers, and hotels in Alabang, the South is also known for specialty coffee houses. And if there’s one thing we millennials are known for, it’s our love for adventure, photos, and caffeine (I might be stereotyping a bit here. LOL). Expect nothing but a good dose of caffeine with their freshly roasted, ground, and brewed beans everyday. And not just that, they also serve meticulously cooked food that is sure to win your hearts and stomachs.

 4. Neil’s Kitchen

Millennials love collaboration—especially if it’s a collaboration of good flavors worked into an ingenious dish. Neil’s Kitchen is probably one of the most visited restaurants in Alabang with its genius take on Filipino food. Imagine a marriage of traditional Pinoy food and modern cuisine techniques, neatly served in a platter. Sinigang Paella with Grilled Pork Belly and Bagoong Paella with Kare-kare are two of their most ordered dishes. Talk about putting a twist to your typical Pinoy fiesta staple food.

5. Vue Bar

Everybody loves a good party, especially if it comes with a 360 view of urban skyline. Vue Bar provides serves as a much needed breather from the heaving scenes of the city. Not only that, they also serve kikiam, fish balls, and chicken balls—all the street food we loved munching on during our high school recess. The Vue Bar is located at the 22nd Floor of The Bellevue Manila’s Tower Wing. Check out their newly revamped website and you might even score deals with their latest promos.

How to Make the Most of a 24-hour Layover in Makati City

Let’s say you’re on a layover in Manila and you’ve booked a stay at The Mini Suites Eton Tower in Makati, what do you do with your extra time? While layovers provide you an opportunity to squeeze in a short side-trip in big cities, you sometimes end up being swamped with a ton of options for activities. Here’s a short list to help you make sure you spend more of your time actually enjoying Makati, and not wasting it all on deciding where to go.


1. IMMERSE IN CULTURE

Hit two birds with one stone by paying a visit to Ayala Museum. Connected to shopping complexes, this well-curated museum not only brings you closer to the center of the city, but also to the heart of Filipino culture. It features an extensive display of Philippine contemporary art and pre-colonial archaeological artifacts that are sure to give you a substantial knowledge about the country and its history.

2. QUAINT COFFEE HUBS


There are a lot of themed restaurants and coffee shops around Metro Manila, but being in Makati, you don’t really have to go far. Shops such as Mudpie Haven, Habitual Coffe, and Caffe Bene offer quaint places to just relax in the middle of the bustling city. Their contemporary interiors and premium coffees are definitely a breath of fresh air from the typical Starbucks-type coffee shop.

3. POCKETS OF GREEN


While Makati looks highly urbanized with its towering skyscrapers and busy streets, it doesn’t forget your need for a dose of nature and greenery. Scattered around the Central Business District are parks that allow you to be in the heart of the city while doing away with the unwanted heat and pollution. One of the most famous parks, the Ayala Triangle, also doubles as an events place in Makati where free performances are sometimes available. It also provides food options with a variety of restaurants within the park’s vicinity.


 4. AN ENERGETIC NIGHTLIFE


One of the things Makati is most known of is its vibrant scenes once the daylight retires. This city is peppered with a variety of options for a night out. Dine a-la Great Gatsby in the classy halls of The Penthouse 8747, or have a taste of Asian cuisine while partying at Buddha Bar. Really, the options are almost limitless. From clubs to pubs, laid-back jamming sessions to exhilarating parties, you will never run out of things to do in Makati at night.


 5. RETIRE IN FULL COMFORT


There’s no better way to cap off the day than a restful sleep. Get fully energized before you take on another long flight to your final destination and book a room in one of Makati’s favorite accommodations. While many options are available around the area, among the top choices for travelers is The Mini Suites Eton Tower Makati. Returning guests rave about its rooms’ neatness and affordability. Check their newly launched website for promos and packages.