Spanish ingredients Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

June 9, 2010 by Janey

May 29, 2010 –That Saturday was a productive day going around different furniture shops and looking (and measuring and budgeting) at different pieces to go with my living room project. I didn’t realize how fun it is to talk interior design with Bubba –he’s so hands on when it comes to these things. We went around Hemady, Pioneer, Greenhills looking at buffet tables, console tables, sofa sets, and other accent pieces.

It’s been quite a long time since Bubba and I went around Greenhills and since we were there already, we took the chance to check out the “tiangge” stalls as well and shop. Greenhills is near my place but traffic can get quite heavy inside the complex and parking is a strain, so we stay off the area. It was a good shopping day as I was able to buy a tube top (PHP 500), black leggings (PHP 250), two ballet shoes (PHP 700), a nice dress top (PHP450) and Nike Free 5.0 running shoes (PHP 4,495).

It was a long day but Bubba wanted to end that day on a great note. He’s been planning to take me out on a date and he finally decided to schedule it that evening. I hesitated and suggested that we eat dinner at home instead since I was feeling a bit tired (besides the fact that my hair smells like the sun and shirt smells like sweat). After a few more prodding, I gave in and off to Makati we went.

The car turned up at La Tienda’s parking space. I hesitated to go out because I was wearing Fit Flops and shorts. I know certain restaurants (like La Tienda) have dress codes especially on weekends. I asked the doorman first and he said it was okay so I didn’t change anymore.

Walk into the front door and delight in the ambience of a dimly lit Spanish restaurant with red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and matching napkins, wooden accents, bull-fighting framed photos and decorative plates on the wall. While waiting for Bubba to finish ordering, I took a quick trip to their in-house delicatessen

On the Table

Chorizo Frito PHP 210

Fried Spanish sausage –tasty but on the salty side, supposedly one of the better tapas to order at La Tienda

Escalivada con Achoa y Queso sobre Pan Tostado PHP 280

Roasted Vegetables: Eggplant, Red Bell Peppers, Anchovies and Cheese –another tapa that you shouldn’t miss to order

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Chuleton PHP 2,150 (PHP 425/100 grams)

It was the steak that was the highlight of this dinner date for me (okay, plus Bubba’s adoring chinky eyes). One of the best steaks I’ve tasted in Manila is not found on a focused steakhouse. It’s at a Spanish restaurant called La Tienda. I was pleasantly surprised how the steak gratified my meaty cravings. I think we had it cooked in medium doneness. The delicious steak was quite tender –glistening with appropriate grease and seemingly lightly salted while being cooked.

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Chuleton basically means “large chop.” I was taken aback a bit that Bubba ordered 500 grams of Chuleton for both of us. I would have settled for 300 grams since this wasn’t really a steak place. But one bite after the other made me realize that I want more and more of the steak. The natural flavor of the meat was truly incredible. When somebody asks me where to get good steak in Manila, I’d be sure to include La Tienda on my list now of places to go to.

Paella Mixta de la Tienda PHP 575

Chicken, pork, Spanish sausage, seafood

Paellas (Spanish Rice)

La Paella was first prepared in the 19th century in the region of La Abufera outsde Valencia, Spain. The secret of the Paella lies in the unique texture of the grain after cooking. The grain is loose, dry and soft at the same time. The next priority is the flavor from the huge range of ingredients, which puts a stop to any conversation.

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La Tienda’s Paella Mixta de la Tienda was a bit runny for me but it was delicious nonetheless. I like dry toasty scrumptious paella but even if La Tienda’s version was a little wet for my taste, I really like the generous topping of chicken, pork, sausage, shrimps, clams, squid, beans, egg, artichokes, fresh pepper and saffron. And it’s a pretty huge serving –good for 3-4 persons.

Sangria x 2 (per glass) PHP 98

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It was also nice to have live music from the Trio of gentlemen. La Tienda is a surefire restuarant to go to for authentic and palatable Spanish cuisine. Surely, there will be a repeat visit of La Tienda. Both Bubba and I enjoyed the food and ambience tremendously. And up to this day, I cannot forget about the steak.