Purple Feet rocked Manila’s restaurant scene in 2008 when they introduced freestyle cooking where you pick your food, whether beef, pork, seafood, chicken or vegetable, even an option for wild boar, rabbit or ostrich, or a combination of those, and instruct the kitchen on your preference of cooking. You can tell them to surprise you or ask them to prepare it sweet, savory, saucy or any way that fits your fancy. Imagine, telling the chef what to do in the kitchen. You don’t see that every day –unless you’re probably at Purple Feet every day.
Since I’ve heard of this unusual and somewhat exciting concept, I’ve been intrigued. I never found the chance to visit these past years until last February when I visited Purple Feet with my friend, ZP, otherwise known as Carlos.
Initially, it was ZP who invited me out for some wine-tasting evening. He said it was a long overdue catch-up dinner and he’s taking me out for my birthday. I was so excited to bond with him that night only to find out when he told me through YM that the “wine-tasting” thing or promotion was over the day before. He got free coupons or something from a trade or travel fair only to find out the date expired on him so he was on the brink of canceling that evening’s plan –or at least that’s how he sounded like when his dismay got the best of him.
Anyway for a person who values time and schedule a LOT (yet loves spontaneous and random events as well, ye I’m a walking contradiction sometimes), I dislike canceled plans so much. But I didn’t mind so much with this one since I could go to our Small Group instead that same Wednesday… although having blocked it off a week prior made me look forward to it already, honestly speaking. It’s the eve of his birthday after all. I’ve already set out to surprise him with a birthday cake to mark the occasion.
After a few chats, ZP and I decided to just push through with dinner anyway. But instead of celebrating MY post-birthday dinner, I secretly decided to celebrate his and treat him to dinner. I didn’t have time to mull over where to eat (since that night was supposed to be his plan) so I decided to consult my list of restaurants I’ve been meaning to try and stick to whatever first comes to mind. Therefore, Purple Feet.
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Thinking of what to wish
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His smile looked like one of his HS photos.
Parking was easy in front of Wine Depot along Nicanor Garcia street. Fronting Purple Feet is actually Wine Depot. You’ll pass first the wine racks and mini-deli before the restaurant with an open kitchen is revealed. There is also a dining area outside, at the back of the restaurant, which feels like you’re dining amidst a small private garden. The neutral walls outline the scribbled messages from visiting winemakers.
Janey of Between Bites and Carlos of FoodieManila
If you want to deviate from the freestyle cooking, or if you’re already REALLY hungry that your brains can’t function, you can have an easier job of just pointing what you like in their “set menu” or their daily specials on the blackboard.
On the Table
Jalapeño Poppers PHP 250
The Jalapeño poppers were a delight to eat but it did pack some heat. The crusty exterior gently opens up as you bite into it and reveals cream with freshly chopped Jalapeños. This can be a fantastic bar chow paired with cold draft beer.
Ribs Fingers with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce PHP 450
Lacking in other colors, the rib fingers almost drowned against the black serving plate, except for the alfalfa sprouts garnishing its top. Despite being the darkest rib meat I’ve seen, it was so soft and tender that it made me happy ordering this appetizer. The Jack Daniel BBQ sauce was rich and had hints of bourbon. Its richness complemented the heat from the Jalapeño starters.
Soup of the Day – Seafood Bisque with French Bread PHP 450
ZP’s order, I tasted it but wasn’t particularly impressed by it, especially after seeing its price tag. Twas probably one of the most expensive soup I tried.
Callos PHP 500
Purple Feet’s version of Spanish tripe stew was extremely dark in color that it was hard to identify what the components were. It was quite tasty, albeit a bit on the salty side that night. I did enjoy soaking the bread in the callos but wished there were more of the tripe.
Pan Seared Norwegian Salmon on Risotto PHP 650
Pan-seared Norwegian Salmon drizzled with a shrimp-based sauce. I found it a bit weird to taste shrimp on salmon but hey, ZP enjoyed it to bits. The fish was just done right without being overcooked and the risotto was superb.
It was almost like a feast that was in front of us and it’s the perfect mood to anticipate Carlos’ birthday. The ambience was so private and off the usual path that made it all the more special. And special occasions like this one, you can’t pass having the celebrant miss blowing his cake.
Happy Happy Bee-day Carlos!!! 😉 Hope twas a memorable salubong!!!
Purple Feet really stands apart from the rest of what the Manila restaurant scene has to offer. I’m not sure though about the consistencies of their dishes, especially if most of them were ordered freestyle, then they are whipped up on a whim. As for the regular dishes, the Jalapeño poppers and rib fingers made a mark in my mind that took me a while to forget.
Chef Marco Legasto at Purple Feet
#217 Nicanor Garcia (formerly Reposo St.)
Bel-Air, Makati City
(632) 897-3220, +632 897 8167
Purple Feet Album
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Photo Courtesy:
Carlos Palma of www.FoodieManila.com
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Recent Table Guest