Porchetta with Black Truffle Rice
The Filipino Christmas—the longest celebration of the holiday season in the world—dwells in one’s heart, and in one’s palate. No matter the burdens of the day, Filipinos everywhere look forward to Christmas, its scent, sight, sound, and spirit. And one of the places in the city where this is most palpable today is at Rockwell, at Taupe at Balmori Suites’ Chef’s Table.
Taupe, known for its reimagined Filipino cuisine, has a pop-up run at Rockwell until January 5, serving a la carte cuisine (there are also set menus) especially prepared by renowned chef, Francis “Kiko” Tolentino to bring the joy and nostalgia of Filipino Christmas.
Chef Francis Tolentino, whose dishes at Taupe BGC has developed a growing and loyal following, has become known for repurposing the flavor, the tastes and ingredients from his Filipino childhood into the dictates of today’s modern palate—yet not esoteric, but always accessible, tastes.
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For the Christmas pop-up run at Balmori, Tolentino has prepared Filipino Christmas cuisine with a twist, and the dishes are good for family sharing.
Lobster Pistacio Bisque Pasta
Codfish with grapes and kamias salsa
For instance, he has tweaked the old favorite cochinillo, serving it with smoked liver sauce, the Cochinillo Con Tres Salsa. There’s Beef Estofado on Coconut Rice. Also on the menu—Lobster Pistachio Brisque Pasta, Porchetta with Black Truffle Rice, Codfish with Grapes Salsa, Ube Halaya Oat Milk, Mixed Seafood Okoy, Burnt Tamarillo Cheesecake.
Beef Estofado on Coconut Rice
Mixed Seafood Okoy
Ube Halaya Oat Milk
Burnt Tamarillo Cheesecake with Hot Chocolate Sauce
Taupe also has the classic bibingka reimagined.
The Christmas à la carte menu is in collaboration with PWX wines and spirits.
On December 22 is a Season’s Serenade—live music by Stages Sessions the weekend before Christmas, an evening of festive music and the warmth and elegance of fine dining.
On December 31 is New Year Countdown when guests can enjoy the Taupe holiday menu with free-flowing champagne, curated by PWX, and welcome the dawn of a new year.
