Satinka Naturals Bistro & Cafe: A Healthy Haven in Makati

Makati, being the major business district of the country is synonymous to fast paced lifestyle.  Everybody seems to be always moving in a hurry trying to beat time.  My recent discovery along Chino Roces St. Cor. Malugay is such an irony to its busy surroundings.  

As I was waiting for the green light at this Intersection, The name of the place " SATINKA NATURALS" caught my attention.  Initially, I thought they were selling beauty products, but I got a glimpse of tables and chairs as I drove off.  They were in fact, also a restaurant serving organic and healthy dishes.

I was not disappointed on my first visit.  The interiors were nothing fancy, with furniture made from reclaimed wood.  Displayed on one corner are home care products also made from natural organic raw materials.  A board displaying the daily specials is next to it, but you can always rely on their menu for the regular offering.  

Basil Crusted Baked Chicken

I was able to try the Basil Crusted Baked Chicken, which was served with a spicy salsa and mountain rice, complemented with a pumpkin soup and fresh green salad. For a meal that costs a little more than two hundred pesos, It was worth it.  I was so happy with the food that I went back again a few minutes later with a friend for another meal and dessert.

They have a wide selection of beverages, from freshly brewed teas and coffee.  I got myself the mango mint juice which was naturally sweetened.

As I was eating, I suddenly felt the world slowing down with the soothing music and the comforting food.  It's a relaxing and filling escape in the city.  A perfect way to end the busy day!

By the way, the name SATINKA, might come across as an exotic foreign sounding name, but its actually the compressed Talagalog words, "SA ATIN KA".

Visit their FB page for more details:
SATINKA NATURALS
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Satinka-Naturals/239244612921980?sk=timeline

Bite Contemporary Cuisine, Filipino Food Re-invented

It was the payday weekend traffic that lured us into visiting the restaurant.  We were stuck along Yakal St. and the well lit establishment caught our attention.  I remember visiting the same place formerly known as Villa Cafe, its predecessor and was skeptic thinking that it may still be expensive, at least on my standards.

Based on my research, the restaurant is now owned and operated by Chef Jam Melchor, who also co owned Villa, but gave it a more modern upgrade.  I love the improvement in the interiors, keeping the  colours simple replacing the damask upholstered chair to grey and the play of accent lighting.

I love the chairs and the play of warm accent lighting!

What's even more admirable about the place is the fact that they are using the best, healthy, homegrown, local ingredients and dishes,  re-introducing them to diners in a contemporary and creative way. For this visit, we tried the Pinoy Pizzaladerie and Bacon Shiitake Truffle Linguine.  We are reserving their specialties for our next visit, when we're really hungry.

The Salty Kesong Puti, cuts the creaminess of the sauce and the Shiitake and bacon provided flavour and texture.

This Pinoy version of the Italian favourite is a bit sweet from the Longganisa and reminded me of Bibingka (Rice Cakes) because of the addition of Salted Eggs.

We ordered ourselves a 2 glasses of the house merlot while waiting for our meals and the traffic to subside.  With servings enough for 2-3 persons, our less than 1 thousand bill was worth every peso.