13 days to X'mas: Hold get-togethers at Grace Park, Din Tai Fung

MANILA – Looking for a place for a Christmas get-together with your friends? It’s hard to go wrong with these two restaurants.

GRACE PARK

This restaurant at One Rockwell in Makati City is one of the dining concepts of Margarita Fores, who was hailed early this year as the Best Female Chef in Asia.

Locally sourced and organic ingredients are the star of the show at Grace Park, which serves anything from modern Filipino dishes to Italian specialties and comfort food favorites. 

For a value-for-money deal, visit Grace Park on a weekday and order the Farmhouse Meals, a combination of two dishes (soup and salad, soup and sandwich, salad and pasta, and soup and main dish) with coffee or tea. Prices start at P450++.

Budget: At least P500 per person

Must-try dishes: Triple Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Dumaguete Butter Chicken, Lamb Adobo Rice, Fettuccine with Fried Organic Egg and Truffle Cream

For reservations, call (02) 843-7275 or visit the restaurant’s Facebook page.

DIN TAI FUNG

The popular Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung can now accommodate more diners with its second branch in Metro Manila.

Located just across Central Square mall at Bonifacio High Street Central in Taguig, the second branch of Din Tai Fung has a much bigger space and features the works of two local artists.

The dishes, as always, are affordable yet top-notch. Aside from the soup-filled dumplings or xiao long bao, Din Tai Fung also has a variety of meat and seafood dishes, noodles and rice offerings that are sure to please.

Budget: At least P300 per person

Must-try dishes: Foie Gras and Chicken Xiao Long Bao, Truffle and Pork Xiao Long Bao, Salted Egg Yolk Squid, Hot Garlic Spareribs, Dry Noodles with Spicy Shrimp and Pork Wontons, Shredded Pork Fried Rice, Choco Lava Xiao Long Bao

For reservations, call (02) 809-1865. Din Tai Fung’s first Philippine branch is located at SM Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong City.