M(eat) the new kids on the Eastwood food block

MANILA, Philippines — Well-known as a 24/7 destination for all things food and entertainment, Eastwood Mall welcomes 4 exciting restaurants to its current selection.

Gone are the days where Eastwood would be visited for its Walk of Fame and bustling nightlife alone. Awarded twice (in 2010 and 2012) as the best shopping center of the year by the Philippine Retailer’s Association, Eastwood Mall has become a go-to for those not just working and living in the area, but even for those living in Libis’ neighboring cities.

Shopping and entertainment aside, it’s Eastwood’s plethora of dining options that keep people coming back for more – and the mall ups the ante with the introduction of 4 more into its fold.

From KBBQ to cheesy cuisine, these new restaurants are guaranteed to sate those cravings and give your old Eastwood favorites a run for their money.

JinJoo Korean Grill

K-pop isn’t the only thing that’s taking the country by storm—it’s clear from walking into JinJoo that South Korean cuisine is riding the Hallyu as well. Past its cheery teal-painted doors, the impressive amount of restaurant patrons is only the second to greet you after the enticing scents and sounds of meat grilling away on the burners built into every table.

The Eastwood Citywalk branch is the second to open after the success of JinJoo’s first in SM Aura, and it’s clear that the dining concept is a hit among the Libis crowd as well.

After having sent its chefs all the way to South Korea to learn recipes first-hand, it’s clear that JinJoo has mastered not just Korean flavors but has also tweaked it to better cater to the Filipino palate.

The 8 Flavor samgyeopsal (P1,560) is a winning option when it comes to sharing, paired with banchan and eaten with lettuce wraps, while a 4 Flavors option (P1,360) is also available for those who want to make room for other items on the menu like the Budae Jjigae (P940), Dwaeji Galbi (P420), or Chadolbaegi (P550).

Individual meals are also available in the form of Bokkeumbap, or rice bowls, topped with bulgogi, dolsot haemul or spicy seafood, or dolsot kimchi (P350). 

A must-try, however, is their Cheese Deung Galbi (P950): mouth-watering, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs cooked in mozzarella cheese and served with complementary-paired sides.

Pro-tip: Treat yourself to some soju to go with any of their dishes, and make sure to come early on a weekend as JinJoo only takes reservations for weekdays.

JinJoo Korean Grill, G/F of Eastwood Citywalk, between McDonald’s and Yellow Cab Pizza

Livestock

There’s really no better way to the Filipino’s heart than some crispy fried pork and a good, refreshing drink. Enter Livestock, a testament to its owners love affair with pork.

Their crispy pata (P650) has already made a name for itself as one of, if not the best, in Manila. It’s a reputation well-earned as the cut is deep-fried to perfection, and is so tender it takes nothing more than a wooden popsicle stick to halve it. It’s seasoned so well that it doesn’t overwhelm the true flavors of the meat.

You can’t go wrong with ordering that or the Livestock Crackling Pork Belly (P320 for 300g, P520 for 500g, P945 for 1kg), a savory, melt-in-your-mouth option that is perfectly paired with their Salted Egg Rice (P98 for single, P298 for sharing).

Knock it all back with their patented Guy and a Hoe cocktail (P515), a matched set of drinks made with martini, Hoegaarden, Beringer, rose syrup and guava juice, served in kitschy custom-made glasses, or get a little more daring and try their Mangorita (P750)—Manille calamansi liqueur mixed with tequila and green and ripe mango, garnished with (believe it or not but definitely try it for yourself) bagoong.

Livestock, 2/F Veranda, Eastwood Mall

Pound by Todd English

Dining at Pound is always an exercise in indulgence: aesthetic interiors that are a harmonious mix of retro and rustic, and meal presentations that are truly a feast for the eyes, as well as the stomach—all without, strangely, breaking the bank.

Whether you choose to treat yourself to the famous Foie Gras Burger (P700) or choose one of the less costly but just as sumptuous burgers like the Portobello Mushroom Sliders or the Amsterdam Burger (P280), Pound is sure to become your new go-to burger joint.

Make sure to save room for some of the sides, like the Risotto Tater Tots (P75) and Bacon Poutine (P210), which are meals in and of themselves and still good for sharing.

They’ve recently added pastas to their menu, and for those of you looking for some rice, their Sizzling Pound Moco (P180) is served with garlic rice and a sunny-side up egg, along with the option to have it with 25g of foie gras (P430).

Pound is all about the details, from the excellent music selection that amps up the ambiance to the polished chrome glasses. Make sure to ask the staff about the secret menu, too.

Pro-tip: The Eastwood branch has $1 Dollar Deals to celebrate their opening, but the promo is only available until May. Get menu items like the TE Sliders, Goat Cheese Salad, Onion Cube and Pound Pomodoro for just P50 while you can.

Pound by Todd English, 2/F Veranda, Eastwood Mall

Tori Chizu

You may think you know Japanese food, but that only means you have yet to try Tori Chizu. A fast-food concept that proudly displays its love for cheese in its name and interiors, the restaurant is just as quirky as its menu.

Tori Chizu specializes in Doria, or Japanese Baked Rice—a healthier option for those out there who are tired of greasy fast food fare but aren’t willing to sacrifice the indulgence and delight of consuming it in the first place.

The Beef Yakiniku (P175) and signature TC Original Chicken Teriyaki (P145) are safe options to try as an introduction, but those a little more gastronomically adventurous should go ahead and order the Kani Takoyaki or Spicy Tomato Shrimp (P155)—all served in sizzling skillets and baked to golden brown perfection with ample helpings of butter and cheese.

They also have crunchy, umami-style fried chicken available in set meals (P89 for 1 piece, P145 for two pieces) and racks (P195 for 3 pieces, P375 for 6, P495 for 8).

Another must try is their Mazēmen, or no broth ramen (P115) served with bacon and egg, as well as their twist on the classic hamburger called their Hambagu Sandwich (P105, P125 with cheese), a house patty with tomato and coleslaw in between toasted slices of buttered white bread and paired with fries.

Tori Chizu, Located at the G/F of Eastwood Citywalk.

Happy eating! – Rappler.com

Alexis Betia has led many past lives, including but not restricted to writing riveting content for brand and web platforms, managing and editing for web and print, and maybe (probably) even as a ne’er-do-well during the French Renaissance. Her current incarnation is as a freelance writer for film, events, and web. Talk to her about the Oxford comma (or anything under the sun, really) at alexis.betia@gmail.com.