Coming from consecutive Chinese gatherings, I just had to take a break from that cuisine and plunge into a different one. Perhaps, Spanish cuisine is the answer to that.

There’s a new Spanish restaurant in Eastwood City, where O and I spent our ‘Saturdate’ dinner. Named Cafe Enye, a modern Spanish restaurant with a twist, looked promising for its catchy menu items. Cafe Enye is a busy restaurant with operating hours from 7 in the morning until 1 in the morning. Since it’s within the BPO community of Eastwood, the peak hours are unpredictable on weekdays.

We parked in Eastwood Mall because I initially thought the location was also inside. I was a bit surprised they chose a spot not too close to the crowd. For a first-timer, it isn’t eye-catching from the outside, as it is situated at the ground floor of Excelsior Bldg. Although when I walked closer and stepped inside, my sight were calmed by the relaxed yet quirky mood of the space.

I thought I’d escape Chinese cuisine but this Enye Callos Buns reminded me of Tim Ho Wan’s BBQ Pork Buns. I absolutely love the Spanish version, similar to its flaky and soft buns with generous amount of classic callos inside. A new way of enjoying Callos, these buns is a smart creation of Cafe Enye.

A pleasing crispy marinated chicken Bechamel Croquettes sitting on top of its own sauce, surrounded with crispy garlic slices. Pollo Croquettas warmed me up positively on what to expect in the restaurant. It isn’t just a plain good croquettas, but an addicting one.

Cafe Enye brought in the Lechon Carbonara to wow us. Using the word lechon or mojo chicharrones as the main attraction, it definitely elevated the favorite carbonara pasta of the majority. I overheard one couple reading the menu, it was Lechon Carbonara that caught their attention.

Carbonara isn’t normally my choice when choosing my pasta dish. White sauce is the least for me. But then, the taste of classic Carbonara was made better with slices of lechon enhancing the whole dish.

A classic Spanish stew, Callos Ala Casa is 6-hour slow cooked stewed tripe, potatoes, olives, and chorizo topped with homemade Mojo Chicharrones, that attractive chunks of pork meat you spot on the dish. Exactly what callos should taste like, only with the extra meat.

The evening became merrier for us with Fish Mojo Skewers around. Two sticks of citrus marinated chicken skewers, served with Enye rice. The sauces complemented the fish, cilantro yogurt and Harissa with Latin salsa all over.

As of today, there are only 2 desserts Cafe Enye offers. One is Creme Catalan, classic vanilla and orange zest infused custard topped with fresh fruits. In other terms, it is creme brulée on a bigger plate. What’s interesting was the obvious zest of orange sliding in my tongue each bite. If sweetness kills you, take a sip from a shot of espresso.

Round-shaped homemade light churros best to be dipped in dulce de leche red egg and/or tsokolate peanut butter dips. I prefer mixing both! Haha! Chouxros with Dulce de Leche Cream is also a dessert ideal for sharing or even for take-away.

The interiors interest people my age. For a Spanish restaurant, it looks more informal, away from the traditional Spanish classic feel. Like its food, it tries to be fun by not being too extreme about it. The decor and furniture are not standard. They are assorted and playful, which makes the place more comfortable for diners.

For intimate private events, you could host in this hipster function room with yellow mood lights.

The logo of Cafe Enye made of colorful ceramic cups.

What do you think of Cafe Enye in Eastwood?

Share with me your thoughts! 🙂

Cheers,

Location: G/F Excelsior Bldg. Eastwood Ave., Libis, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Operating Hours: 7:00AM-1:00AM

Contact: (+632) 671-3230

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2015enye/