Canteen's neighborhood treat
When good friends Jem Raymun-do, Philip Gosiaco and chefs Fernando Aracama, Al Lazaro and Jerome Valencia got together, they managed to cook up a cool urban venue where excellent comfort food is served in an environment that is as hip as hip can be.
Nestled in the middle of Makati’s business and high-rise residential district, Canteen shares a space with Trilogy Boutique, the equally popular clothing and lifestyle store owned and managed by the Herrera siblings Jon, Vicky and Rosario.
With an entire floor filled with apparel, books, accessories, and a long row of white tables that quickly fills up with customers wanting a bite or two, the place has an attractive and youthful vibe that makes one want to stay and mingle with its metropolitan crowd.
Like any good neighborhood café, Canteen offers an array of bestsellers like the miso-glazed mahi-mahi, the lemongrass beef, and the crispy chicken cutlets with sake ginger dip — simple, direct-to-the-point home-cooked meals that define the phrase “comfort food.”
Add to that list the chop-chop roasted chicken salad — a tangy mix of healthy greens, yummy meat and crispy wanton bits.
Ultimate must-haves are the home-made Chocnut ice cream, an original recipe by Chef Fernando, and the “Trailer Park Monte Cristo” fried Reese’s peanut butter & jelly sandwich, a personal favorite best served with coffee.
Since it first opened in June 2009, Canteen has attracted a steady stream of loyal customers that have grown acquainted with each other. A good place to hang out in, Canteen provides a familiar, cozy atmosphere where good comfort food is appreciated and enjoyed.
Trilogy Boutique & Canteen is located at 110 Alvion Center, Rada Street, Legaspi Village, Makati. Tel (02) 338-2891.
