With its location, quality of offerings, and price point Taperia Poblacion should be your neighborhood go-to
A third of renowned Chef Ariel Manuel’s foray into the continually evolving Poblacion scene, Taperia Poblacion has largely remained under the radar in its two years of existence, albeit undeservedly so.
Considering the location, price point, and the quality of offerings those in the know have come to expect from any Chef Ariel brand, it escapes me why Taperia has continued to sit by the shadows of its more ostentatious brethren.
Perhaps it’s the inconspicuous building, Chef Ariel’s marketing disinclination, or just an aesthetic lack of hipness often more important to Poblacion denizens.
Whichever the case may be, they’re sorely missing out.
Taking a step back for the finer things
An idea born from his Spanish holiday hangover a couple of years back, and first lit in a tapas venture in Alabang, Taperia’s straightforward tapas-pintxos-callos formula is part of Chef Ariel’s entry into a phase of his career where the idea is to allow people to be able to afford fine food.
Anyone who’s dined at a Chef Ariel Manuel establishment would know that superb quality and preparation is to be expected (as is showcased in Taperia’s Gambas – cooked in olive oil and garlic instead of liquid seasoning). And while a quick look at the menu may suggest a leaning towards authentic Spanish tapas, it’s not what Taperia is, nor what it strives to be.
Instead, Taperia harkens back to a time when life took on a slower pace, allowing for more enjoyment of the finer things – and taking the time to prepare those delicately fine things. And that’s exactly what happens in the kitchen.
Expat recommends
Start things off with the Fried Jamon and Manchego Cheese (P60/piece) – highly addictive, the flamed manchego cheese that wraps the delicately fried jamon is the perfect canapé to kickstart your Taperia experience.
You could also double up with the Smoked Salmon and Egg Pimiento (P55/piece) to perfectly set your palate as you move up Chef Ariel’s curated Taperia menu.
The Pugon Lechon (PhP415 – brick oven roasted pork belly) is referred to by some as the house specialty, although it’s easy to think it’s just one of many.
A personal favorite is the Arroz en su Tinta (PhP440 – squid, shrimps, mussels and scallops) – Chef Ariel refuses to call it paella, but when it’s done this well, semantics matter not.
Taperia Poblacion is one of those dining establishments that allow you to pick anything off the menu and absolutely not go wrong, blindfolded or not – as whether you order the Lamb Aceitunas (PhP425 – Lamb Breast with Tapenade), Gambas with Almonds (PhP395 – Pimenton Shrimps in Garlic and Olive Oil), Sopa de Lentijas (PhP195 – Pugon Lechon, Jamon, Chorizo, and Chicharon) – everything’s guaranteed to hit the spot; and feasted on collectively, results in a dining experience that births plans for a return visit.
There’s an easy vibe in Taperia typically absent in dining outfits that serve food this good, proven by the fact that ordering off the three menus (The Sippery, and Bistro Manuel) is no problem.
If you’re the type whose intention for heading to the area is for a “Pob Crawl,” Taperia and its kin, The Sippery, make for an ideal pregame venue. Perhaps the most affordable San Miguel Beer in Poblacion, it’s also home to a slew of beer grub crafted by Chef Ariel.
Add to that the friendly price points, and you’re bound to head upstairs to personally extend your compliments to the chef.
Taperia Poblacion is located at Six Axis Center, 4347 B. Valdez St., Poblacion Makati. For more information, contact (02) 871-8566.
 
By TIMOTHY JAY IBAY