Wine and dine as the Españols do at BCN by Las Flores, the newest Spanish concept of the Bistro Group/Bistronomia (the same group that brings us Rambla, La Lola, and Tomatito among others). This 100-plus-seater restaurant located at S Maison is a spin-off of the popular Las Flores restaurant.
Upon entrance, guests are easily transported to the colorful city of Barcelona with street map décor on the wall, wooden elements, and a paper mache pop art display reminiscent of a small store near Plaza Sant Jaume, famous for its iconic paper mache giants. Guests can also take a look at the restaurant's impressive collection of wine bottles from Spain and around the world. They have over a hundred wine bottles hanging up their cellar!
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Spanish Chef Alfredo Rodriguez who hails from Barcelona is the one responsible for making sure each dish remains authentic. “Indulging in BCN’s food is eating what the locals eat. Food is done quite differently here, but all in the spirit of authentic Catalan cuisine,” Chef Alfredo says. Below is a peek at what you can expect from this Spanish restaurant.
Begin your Spanish feast with some Hand-cut Bellota Ham Leg, 48 months (P1,600/50g; P3,200/100g). Spanish Chef Alfredo Rodriguez says the traditional way of eating it is with chopped tomatoes on top of warm bread. Feel free to savor the jamón on its own too! It may not be an authentic Spanish dish but the Salmon Tartar (P650) is definitely a hit, it is cubed fresh salmon perfectly laced truffle oil. Scoop some of the salmon with a the cassava slivers and crab roe and indulge in the unique flavor combination.
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Seafood is bountiful at BCN by Las Flores. Take for example the Imported Sea Bass 1kg (P5,995) dish that has olive oil, sherry vinegar, wine, piquillo pepper, and a generous amount of garlic. This plate of fish is an easy crowd pleaser! You can also order the Grilled Octopus (P995) for sharing that is as simple as it can get, drizzled with just some extra virgin olive oil and paprika.
If you think it won't get any better, there's the Whole Maine Lobster Rice (P3,750) that is prepared similar to that of paella. It is a serving of charcoal-baked bomba rice that tastes so sinful because it is cooked with their rich housemade stock, topped with a vibrant whole Maine lobster with plump meat. Each bite is so addictive, one spoonful isn't just enough!
Moving on to meatier territory, BCN by Las Flores boasts of their USDA Prime Rib Eye, T-Bone and other dry and wet-aged steaks. If you're coming with the whole family, the Spanish Dry Aged Rib Eye (P7,895) would be perfect to share. It isn't the usual steak we're used to — it has less fat, has a meatier bite to it and the flavor is just divine. It is served with a side of homemade chimichurri. While you're at it, ask the servers which glass of red wine would go well with this!
Done with the savories? There's always room for dessert! Order the Charcoal Grilled Pineapple (P375) which is a plate of grilled pineapple, flambeed Grand Manier and a scoop of coconut ice cream that goes perfectly with everything. If you prefer something warm and fluffy, the Caramelized Warm Brioche (P275) does wonder. Fresh brioche is soaked in milk giving off a cloud-like texture and served with a side of Kahlua-flavored caramel and tiramisu ice cream. The feast at BCN by Las Flores definitely left us in a food coma, but we're not complaining!
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BCN by Las Flores is located at Level 2, S Maison, Marina Way, Pasay City. Operating hours is Monday to Thursday from 11am to 10pm; Friday to Saturday from 11am to 11pm and Sunday from 10am to 10pm.
