A tasteful mix of eclectic dishes and patchwork decor
MANILA, Philippines - Tucked away on the corner of Scout Gandia and Tomas Morato in Quezon City is a quirky, cozy space where Western-Italian cuisine meets home-cooked Filipino flair.
Upon entering the arched blue doorway, similar to the one in The Hobbit, The Frazzled Cook welcomes diners with elegantly mismatched tables and chairs, light-hued wallpaper and shelves of charming knick-knacks collected from different parts of the world. Did I mention they use stainless Hello Kitty cutlery? The place is snug and well-lit, best for catching up with friends and perfect for a laidback kind of weekend family lunch. There’s nothing too fancy or pretentious about it, but it feels familiar.
Under new and extended management, The Frazzled Cook founder Zzlleenn Lee and chef Jennilyn Dy Siong are joined by Jerrinah Cheng and Levina Choa. As the restaurant relocated to the center of dining culture in northeastern Manila, the young team reimagined and transformed a house into a thriving dining place.
The walls were refurbished and some rooms were retained. More accent lighting was added but the homey atmosphere was kept. A yellow-and-black hardwood sign was planted on the front garage. And The Frazzled Cook reopened for business.
Diners can reserve a room to get more privacy, or to feel like they’re hanging out at a friend’s house. When it comes to specialties, the restaurant has quite a lot to offer. For a sweet start, try the sizzling squid in barbecue sauce, with just the right combination of sweetness and crunch, and a familiar Filipino tang. For the main course, seafood paella is recommended; it’s best for sharing. Also served in generous portions is the truffle pasta with white sauce, bacon, mushroom, and cheese. It has a rich, lingering taste.
Satisfy your palate with The Frazzled Cook’s upscale version of a Spanish favorite, Wagyu salpicao, sautéed Wagyu beef cubes with garlic and mushroom. It’s best paired with mashed potatoes. Cap off the meal with pancake a la mode. Drizzled with cinnamon syrup, the pancake is crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside. It goes well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., The Frazzled Cook couples delectable dishes with a relaxed ambience. It’s that home-cooked goodness and welcoming atmosphere that keep diners coming back to this new dining destination in Quezon City.
