It's been three years since Restaurant Tapenade opened as the all-day dining restaurant of Discovery Primea in Makati. And like many of the well established restaurants in the metro, it has evolved its food offerings that showcase the culinary creativity of its kitchen, led by Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco, and to bring something new to the plate (and palate) of regular patrons. Tapenade still encompasses the rich tapestry of flavors of the Mediterranean, and its complete menu revamp features all-new dishes that take up over 80 percent of the menu.
Don't know where to begin with all the new food choices at Tapenade? Here's a list of must-try dishes in the Mediterranean restaurant — round up friends and family for this one, as these big meals are perfect for sharing!
Starters:
Begin your feast with some flavorful seafood appetizers like Angry Mussels with Chorizo & Toast (P390) served over grilled homemade ciabatta you can use to mop up the tasty tomato broth, classic Moroccan Gambas (P490) bathing in a combination of aromatic spices and cilantro, and succulent Cebu Bay Scallops al Ajillo & Toast (P390) that is a personal favorite. The plump local scallops are pan-roasted with brown butter, garlic, and parsley, a luscious mix that needs to be scooped up with even more grilled ciabatta.
Craving meat? Start off with Tortilla Menorquina (P290) topped with slices of cured sausage (Sobrasada de Menorca), or go for Tapenade's Seared Lamb Riblets alla Piastra (P490) with the meat flavorful rather than gamey, and served with Sicilian pumpkin, cool lemon ricotta, and mint. Their Mushrooms, Ham & Eggs (P340) sounds so simple and yet is highly recommended. Slippery, chewy mushrooms are cooked with prosciutto ham, topped with fried quail eggs and finished with a dash of truffle oil. These are all just for your round one — save some space for your heavy carbs and mains.
Pasta and Pizza:
If you're stark-raving hungry, there's no better way to stuff yourself than with pizza and pasta — requisite carbs in the form of crisp and chewy crust, al dente noodles, both loaded with an assortment of flavorful toppings to suit whatever mood you're in. If you're going the classic, comforting route, order their Slow-roasted Mushrooms Pizza (P490) and Pepperoni Calabrese (P490), which are refined versions of old favorites mushroom and cheese, and pepperoni pizza. Try out a more interesting seafood pasta dish with Penne al Pulpo (P490) that combines braised octopus with bone marrow, or go light and easy with Spaghetti Con Sarde (P460) with cherry tomatoes and Davao goat ricotta.
Pizzas at Tapenade are stone-baked and always hand-crafted fresh, and if you drop by on a Tuesday, it's #TreatTuesday so you get 50% off on the restaurant's signature pizzas! This offer is available all day, every Tuesday, both for dine-in and take-home orders.
Mediterranean Mains and Flavorful Rice Dishes:
Dig in deeper into their Meditteranean flavors and spices as you move forward into main entrées like the tender Porcini Rib Eye (P3,800) good for sharing and the sweet and spicy Baby Back Ribs Diavola (P790) that's even more enjoyable when eaten with your hands for that finger-licking goodness. The Spanish Callos a la Madrilena (P480) is excellent and a classic, and is begging to be paired with fluffy white rice, but don't fill yourself up too much yet, because there are more rice dishes to try. There's the Seafood Paella (P790) studded with squids, shrimps, mussels, fish, and clams; and the luscious Risotto Al Nero (P480) — a squid ink risotto topped with big chunks of pan-roasted calamari. Every big spoonful is perfect with just a little squeeze of lemon.
Desserts
For a sweet ending to your meal at Restaurant Tapenade, let your tastebuds travel to Spain, Turkey, Italy, and other Mediterranean destinations by having some dessert. The Turkish Baklava (P260) is a crowd pleaser, the thin layers of flaky phyllo pastry holding together chopped nuts laced with butter and syrup. Sesame Crema Catalana (P290), their version of crema catalana, a Spanish custard dessert, has a unique texture and taste because of their special ingredient–tahini. For something more familiar and down-home comforting, dig into their jar of Tiramisu (P280), cool and delightfully sweet in every spoonful.
While you are in Restaurant Tapenade, don't forget to also visit the famous Salad Room that has been a crowd favorite for its delicious offering beyond salad greens! You can have unlimited returns to this special room that houses a local and imported produce, charcuterie, cheeses, and fresh seafood. The Salad Room is available daily for P780/person, and at every Thursday rolls its price back at P620/person.
Restaurant Tapenade is located at the ground floor of Discovery Primea, Ayala Avenue, Makati, and is is open daily for breakfast (from 6:30 to 10:30am), lunch (11:30am to 2:30pm), and dinner (6 to 11:30pm). For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 955.8888. Visit www.discoveryprimea.com, and follow Discovery Primea on Facebook (/DiscoveryPrimeaMakati) and Instagram (@discoveryprimea) for more information.
