The premium dining-casual setting outfit toasts to a year of food and libation innovation
Privatus Dining, Pasig’s hidden artisanal restaurant for guests seeking superb bespoke food and libations in a casual atmosphere, recently celebrated its first anniversary with an unparalleled menu that is described as revolutionary, contemporary and imaginative.
With an uncomplicated premise: premium dining made more accessible and casual, Executive Chef and owner AJ Reyes kicked off Privatus’ first anniversary festivities with an audacious lineup of gustatory treats, which included distinct delicacies like Balut Gem Soup (a flavorful balut broth with glazed fertilized duck served in its shell); and Ox Cerveaux Butter on Grilled Bread (charcoal grilled rustic bread topped with creamy ox cerveaux butter, smoked sisig, and arugula).

The process
It was a showcase of what has made Privatus a unique dining destination in just its first year. Like its Modern Kare-Kare, which is their interpretation of contemporary kare-kare made with grilled beef shank, seared ox tongue, ox tripe, and served with peanut sauce, black miso, and ox tail adlai; the Lechon de Leche (slow-cooked roasted pig, quarter served with sauce and vegetables fried rice); and Pulled Pork Pizza topped with Mexican pulled pork, mole sauce, corn, pickled chili, cilantro sauce, and tortilla chips – which are among their other offerings.
“The development of this menu is a creative process. My team and I wanted to create Filipino dishes with fusion techniques that will absolutely stand out yet taste divine. This time it’s all about coming up with new ingredients combinations. I was inspired to create a menu that takes food to the next level,” Chef AJ Reyes said.

Other must try’s
In just a year of operations, Privatus has already created a following with renowned dishes like The Kraken – a striking sight to behold of charred octopus served with black garlic sauce and pickled seaweed, and Squash Blossoms –exquisite crispy blossoms filled with fluffy seafood stuffing and uni mayo.
And it’s one that promises to get even bigger, with new items that includes, the deliciously rich Radical Lasagna (a signature classic lasagna made with slow-cooked beef and bone marrow mixed with three luscious sauces – tomato, cheese, and pesto, and layered in fresh, homemade pasta); and the Pork and Salmon Sinuglaw – a Filipino-Western version of ceviche with grilled pork belly tossed with raw salmon, grilled vegetables, and cilantro sauce.
Every Privatus indulgence is best capped off by daringly decadent desserts like Tamales Blanca (torched tamales-style coconut custard served with popcorn ice cream); and Ripe Banana Cream Pie (a banana cream pie stuffed inside a ripened banana peel and topped with an incredibly delicious edible soil).

Food and libation innovation
And, with the heightened awareness and appreciation for local craft brews, Privatus also marked its first year by forming a partnership with Monkey Eagle Brewery, in celebration the local craft beer movement.
“Our brands complement each other. We are aligned when it comes to our respective craft as well as the quality and innovation of our products – food, libations, and craft beer,” shared Monkey Eagle Brewery Founder and Brewer Noreen Lao.
“Monkey Eagle Brewery aims to provide premium quality craft beer. Our brewers received the best education abroad and applied their knowledge to our products, divulged Monkey Eagle Brewery Marketing and Sales Head Ricardo Lopa III.

“Aside from the quality of our ingredients and the best German-made brewing equipment, our standards for quality and consistency sets us apart from others.”
Monkey Eagle Brewery produces four distinct beers – Saison Farmhouse Ale, Blue Wheatch American Pale Wheat Ale, Burning Matt Pale Ale, and Potion 28 IPA. These are available and sold in Privatus Dining, and the Monkey Eagle Brewery in Tagaytay.
Privatus Dining is located at #8 F. Legaspi St., Barangay Maybunga, Pasig City; for more information, call (02) 907-5457 or (0917) 629-7453; email reservations@privatus.ph, info@privatus.ph or visit www.privatus.ph. Follow their Facebook and Instagram page @privatusmanila
 
By VIA BAROMA