Ever wondered where Boqueria in SM Mega Fashion Hall moved to?
I was saddened to find out that my favorite Paella Con Queso Manchego is no longer in Megamall when I saw the sign Alqueria, instead of Boqueria. “Nooooo!” my mind’s reaction. Until I found out that wasn’t the case. Boqueria didn’t move elsewhere but only changed its name to Alqueria.
The Spanish term Alqueria refers to a type of farmhouse that resembles a small castle and once served as home to many rural families in Spain. Today, Alquerias have been converted into social gathering places.
The Spanish-themed restaurant is owned by restauranteur and celebrity Marvin Agustin, Ricky Laudico and Raymund Magdaluyo, under the SumoSam Group of Restaurants. The power trio have also included Charo Santos, Liz Uy, Mylene Dizon and Agot Isidro to this food business venture.
Alqueria deserves your attention if you don’t mind dousing your get-together with tapas, paella, steak and churros. I don’t mind. Haha! The sound of these Spanish cuisines translates to happiness in my tummy! And this is why my fingers are itching to type my Alqueria food diary with you.
The Food:
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| Gambas Al Ajillo (Php 375) Rate: 4/5 |
The hot kitchen brought in a small skillet of Gambas Al Ajillo and that was the start of gluttony on our table. Fresh white river shrimps sautéed in olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes and paprika finished with white wine and butter. Don’t forget to scrape off the garlic and olive oil together for your toast.
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| Coca (Php 315) Rate: 3/5 |
Coca, Spanish pizza with caramelized onions, olives, tomato confit, and anchovies was almost a perfect starter. It only fell short because of the stiff pita bread used. There was an added struggle in biting off a slice of pizza.
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| Pan Con Quesos (Php 265) Rate: 4/5 |
The afternoon brightened, thanks to Pan Con Quesos. Pressed mini sandwiches with manchego and medium cheddar cheese. While waiting for your paella, grilled cheese enthusiast in you should swing by for this sandwich too!
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| Skirt Steak (Php 1,310) Rate: 4/5 |
Hold your horses for the paella and ensure you order Alqueria steaks, which are imported and wet aged to get that pleasant texture and flavor. Doneness of steak are customized to your preference. Bring your amigos and amigas, Alqueria steaks are portioned for sharing, served with house salad, your choice of 1 side dish and sauce.
Sauces: chimichurri, salsa picante, crema with goat cheese, romesco, and herbed yoghurt.
Skirt Steak, 500 grams of wagyu from Margaret Farms, looked so sexy lying on its wooden tray. A group of sides – pesto sauce, tomato and onion salsa, roasted garlic and thick cut wedges – supplements the steak for perkier flavors.
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| Prime Rib Eye (Php 2,030) Rate: 5/5 |
Alqueria gussied us with their Prime Rib Eye. Truly a stunner where everyone’s faces were wowed by the tenderness and simplicity of this black angus (300g) USDA prime grade steak. I’m rating it 5 out of 5 for a reason, for you to try it!
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| Paella Con Mechada (Php 950) Rate: 5/5 |
It took a while for me to realize I ate over a cup of Paella Con Mechada. Rice cooked with sofrito and simmered in saffron-infused stock and pomodoro topped with braised shortribs, grilled tomatoes and confit tomatoes. Bad vibes that occurred minutes before our lunch was suddenly erased by the happiness this paella brought. Even if I didn’t get burnt edges I was hoping for, the real prize for the tastebuds is the flavor itself. Maybe next time I can request for a pan with burnt edges.
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| Paella Negra S (Php 545) M (Php 825) L (Php 1,480) Rate: 4/5 |
Seafood dominated Paella Negra. Rice simmered in squid stock and topped with clams and shrimps. I don’t mind messing up my mouth with black ink and smile at you. 😉 Totally part of the experience in every Paella Negra. I was half-hearted with this paella though. It’s either the flavors of Paella Con Mechada was too strong or Paella Negra lacked the fierce squid ink taste I was looking for.
For Alqueria’s paella, my votes are highly for Paella Con Queso Manchego and Paella Con Mechada.
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| Lengua Estofada (Php 470) Rate: 4/5 |
The approach of Lengua Estofada won’t scare non-tongue eaters. :p The fork tenderness of imported ox tongue with mushroom, potatoes and a dash of red wine has its unique way to impress.
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| Canonigo (Php 218) Rate: 4/5 |
You need an above average sweet tongue to appreciate Canonigo. A Filipino version of the French dessert “ile flottante or oeufs a la neige. This is baked meringue with caramel and candied bananas we are talking about.
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| Turon Con Chocolate (Php 88) Rate: 5/5 |
My chocolate addiction was awakened when I heard the chocolates used in Alqueria are Valor Chocolates. The Filipino favorite dessert roll, Turon Con Chocolate, filled with banana langka filling is not an exception with Valor chocolate dip on the side. A more mellow and less sweet dessert seemed more appropriate to my not-too sweet taste.
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| Churros Rate: 5/5 |
Last but not least, you cannot run to your next meeting without taking home Alqueria’s freshly made classic Chrurros! Also with Valor chocolate dip, the gorgeous fried crunchy dough pastry strongly competes with other churros in the market. A must-have to wrap up your Alqueria dining.
The Ambiance:
The first thing I loved about the interiors – the chairs! Tight seat and back cushions create a comfortable feel in a modern Spanish home. Rectangular candle-looking chandeliers and caged chandeliers add drama to every angle.
To enter the inner space by the window, where more seats are, you’ll pass by the open kitchen and a display of Valor chocolates and other imported items for sale.
Have you tried Alqueria?
Share with me your thoughts! 🙂
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Pray, Eat and Love.
Cheers,
The Food Scout
Location: 3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Operating Hours: 10:00AM-10:00PM
Contact: (+63 916) 506-2659
Budget: PHP600++
Rate:
| Food | 9/10 |
| Ambiance | 9/10 |
| Service | 8/10 |
| Cost | 8/10 |
| Overall | 8.5/10 |
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