BUENO TAPAS AND WINE: A TASTE OF SPAIN IN BGC

Since its establishment in 2017 at The Grove by Rockwell, Bueno Tapas & Wine has captured the hearts of diners who crave authentic Spanish cuisine. With its second branch opening in Bonifacio Global City in December 2023, this Spanish dining destination continues to thrive under the vision of Executive Chef Kennedy Alfonso and Melvin Uy, co-managing partner of Garlic & Peppermill Food Company that also launched Tartufo Ristorante.

"It's, you know, honestly because we were colonized for 300 years," Chef Kennedy told Esquire Philippines when asked why Filipinos are drawn to Spanish cuisine. And it couldn't be more true. We do love our estofado, lechon, relleno, and the tomato-based afritada-menudo-mechado-kalderata combo that can be confusing to the untrained eye. But the chef said that the secret to making Bueno Tapas & Wine a unique Spanish restaurant lies in the story behind its dishes.

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Bueno Tapas & Wine's Signature Dishes and Unique Flavors

"There are dishes that are really, I can call mine because I put a lot of story behind it," Chef Kennedy explains in a one-on-one interview. Trained in San Sebastian, Spain, he designed a menu that highlights authentic Spanish flavors by sourcing up to 90% of the restaurant's ingredients in Spain.

Chicharron (P890)

Croquetas de Manchego (P390)

"What makes it unique is that some of the restaurants here, Spanish restaurants particularly, don't serve that kind of dish. For example, Estofado de Res. It's a Catalan-based beef. When I was in Spain, I stumbled upon this very quaint restaurant. It was really cold afternoon, so I had to order a glass of white wine, and then I chose this particular dish. It's a Catalan-based beef. And then, the first time I tried it, it brought back a lot of familiarity, the feeling of home. That's when I knew that I had to really bring this experience back here in the Philippines. So what makes it unique is actually those little touches to the dishes that I offer. These are dishes that you cannot easily find in other restaurants as well."

True enough, among the standout menu items at Bueno Tapas is the Estofado de Res, a Catalan-inspired beef stew slow-braised for eight hours.

Gambas Al Ajillo (P590)

The Gambas Al Ajillo, another of the chef's personal favorites, features shrimp sautéed in olive oil, garlic, and chili. It's a simple yet indulgent dish perfect for pairing with crusty bread.

"It's so easy to eat, to enjoy, right? All you have to do is just dip your bread there in olive oil, and then you're good to go. I mean, it's just really good with a glass of white wine," he said.

Then there's the Paella Iberico, made with the prized black-hoofed Iberico pig.

"I was able to get the ingredients because it's so hard to find. It's a special kind of pork in Spain," the chef added.

Paella Iberico (P1,250)

Bueno’s menu is rounded out by innovative options like the Arroz Meloso de Rabo de Toro, a risotto-style paella made with oxtail, and the decadent Biscoff Tarta de Queso, a cheesecake with, well, Biscoff. Most of the dishes scrimp on the seasoning to highlight the ingredients, but we can attest to how the Biscoff Tarta de Queso indulges in the sweetness of speculoos cookies, creamy milk, and orange liquor.

Arroz Meloso de Rabo de Toro (P1,150)

Biscoff Tarta de Queso (P420)

The Dining Experience: More Than Just Food

For Chef Kennedy, the dining experience at Bueno Tapas is as important as the food itself.

"Filipinos nowadays are not just looking for good food, but rather the moment they set foot in a restaurant, they should be able to feel something magical. The question would be, what would make this restaurant summon me from my own table to their table? So these are the things that we understand," he explained.

Bueno Tapas has what it calls a "Reverse Happy Hour" from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Bueno achieves this with its casual yet refined atmosphere, attentive service, and focus on consistency.

"How do we make it special? So number one, consistency when it comes to delivering our food. Number two, we give special attention to our customers in terms of service. And then number three, we are very much aware of our price point. So with this type of experience, with this type of ambiance, with this type of food, you can actually get your money's worth, so to speak," Chef Kennedy added.

Bueno Tapas is, obviously, a wine restaurant, so don't skip the sangria.

Plus, there's the fact that Bueno Tapas may be a wine restaurant with one side boasting a glass shelf filled with bottles upon bottles of reds and whites, but it's still "very casual dining."

"We didn’t plan to open a restaurant at first, but our love for food and wine drove us to create a place that honors Spanish culinary traditions," said Uy in a press statement.

More than a place to dine, Bueno Tapas & Wine hopes to be a celebration of Spanish culture and cuisine. Its thoughtful menu and warm hospitality make it a haven for those seeking a memorable meal. Whether you're savoring a classic paella, dipping bread into gambas, or indulging in a cheesecake, every bite at Bueno transports you to Spain while staying connected to Filipino sensibilities.

Bueno Tapas & Wine is at One Maridien, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The first branch is at Retail Row, The Grove by Rockwell, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Ugong, Pasig City.

2024-11-30T00:07:36Z