Nest by URBN and Relik’s Benjo Tuason: 10 things to try

MANILA, Philippines – Nest is the newest from chef Benjo Tuason, who also created the menu at URBN Bar and Kitchen and Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge. The food, according to Benjo: “Asian influences with Western techniques.” 

Nest Manila is located right beside Raven at Roofdeck W Fifth Avenue Building, 5th Avenue, corner 32nd Street in Bonifacio Global City,Taguig.

There are many different options, from spicy grilled shrimp salad, to fillet of salmon, to beef Rigatoni, to buffalo chicken popcorn, to Reese’s sansrival cake, and more.  

The alcoholic drinks are a highlight and take up two pages of the menu, with their signature cocktails being the bestsellers. Various wines, vodka, champagne, and tequila are available as well.

The setting of Nest is garden-themed, with couches, high-standing tables and chairs, typical-sized tables and chairs, a bar, and a DJ’s booth (for music on some nights) surrounding the environment.

Here are 10 things to try at Nest:

Starters:

Beetroot carpaccio (P300)

Feta cheese, a citrus element, candied walnuts, and garlic confit. The salad was fresh and juicy because of the toppings and the confit is a great complement to the dish. Nest’s Beetroot Carpaccio won’t fill you up, but is an ideal appetizer.

Foie gras and mushrooms (P550)

Along with the key ingredients, there are croutons, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, and the perfect poached egg. It’s expensive, but worth a try.

Ham and eggs (P250)

The name of the meal sounds simple, but it has many ingredients: jamon serrano, the same beautifully poached egg you’d find in the foie gras dish, pea and mint salad, parmesan cheese, and truffle oil. 

Mains:

Rack of lamb (P950)

Nest’s Rack of Lamb, topped with herb and mustard glaze and cooked medium-rare, isn’t as easy to cut as steaks, but is as juicy and tasty once you take your first bite. The asparagus and smoked eggplant are great replacements for the usual rice and rolls. 

Half chili BBQ chicken (P325)

Nest’s Half Chili BBQ Chicken is the smartest meal to order for those on a budget. The potatoes and bacon and lemon slaw are the perfect complements.

5-spice roast pork belly (P250)

Another cost-friendly order is this pork meal, which is made up of kurobuta pork belly, soy and garlic udon-flavored noodles, and sesame cucumber relish. Like the lamb, the pork is also cooked medium-rare but is much easier to cut. The noodles remain the highlight of this dish. 

Dessert:

Reese’s sans rival cake (P200)

The entire cake consists of peanut butter cream and chocolate ganache. When mixed with the chocolate syrup, this dessert becomes even more flavorful. 

Chocolate textures cake (P200)

This dessert comprises of different layers: chocolate marquise, raspberry coulis, fudge brownies, and a strawberry at the top. It’s going to be an instant favorite for any chocolate fanatic upon their first bite, and an ideal order for those who seek different elements and tastes in their dessert.

Donuts and dips (P200)

This was my personal favorite from the desserts. The donut is simple and showered in sugar, but it’s the dips – peanut butter cream, salted caramel, and strawberry jam – that make each bite different and extra special. Mixing two or all three of the dips for one bite is pretty good, too.

Cocktail:

Smokin’ (P414)

This cocktail is made up of different mixtures: laphroaig, single malt scotch, coconut syrup, honey, and lime. – Rappler.com