It’s always an interesting experience finding restaurants that offer something that will take you on a culinary journey. Recently, we experienced Colonial Spanish dishes on a different level in Cazuela. It was executed with influences from various countries like Latin America, Asia and Afrida. In fact, this hidden gem resto gave a refreshing take on Spanish dishes that may be familiar to most Filipinos.
Why hidden gem?
Well, because the location of this food haven of Spanish cuisine is in the heart of Ortigas Center Business District along the side of Sapphire Road. It’s not that easy to find but I assure you that this place is definitely worth to visit.
Ambiance
It’s a two-storey restaurant that has a Dali-like painting adorning its walls, map of the old world, patches of colorful Machuca tiles, cup lanterns, vintage-like wrought iron chandeliers, and wine shelves. Cazuela has that cozy bohemian feel, fit for a relaxing an after work dining.
It can accommodate a total of 60 pax. Events and exclusive functions are also welcome. Aside from that, it can also bring the party to you through their delicious cocktails and tapas catering service.
Food
We started off our Cazuela eat experience with the Pollo Pinchos. It includes five frilled chicken skewers served with flour tortilla with two different sauces which are great to be served with alcoholic drinks.
Another dish we tried is Callos, which is made up of stewed ox trip in tomato sauce. Delicious and flavorful enough for another cup of rice. Good for one hungry tummy or for two who want to sample other dishes.
We also had a Zarzuela de marisco. It is made of assorted seafood in rich shrimp broth.
One of the best dishes of our Cazuela, the beef salpicao! It is made of garlic beef tenderloin topped with onion rings. The taste is really good that’s why you must not miss this when you dine here especially if you’re into spicy delicacies.
Another appetizing treat of cazuela is Trio Ceviche composed of ceviche of shrimp, baby squid and tuna.
If you’re craving for some longanisa, then you must try this delicious Tababla d Longganisa which is a trio of home-made sausages such as garlic, spicy and hamonado with a flour tortilla and some marinated cheese. This dishes can definitely be shared for two.
Aside from the Longganisa, we also savor for Pasta Negra. It composed of squid, mussels, manila clams and shrimps in squid ink. Upon tasting it, I can say that it was tasty and not oily. The shrimps compliment the pasta very well.
Next is Cazuela’s Escalivada, a vegetarian-friendly dish of roasted eggplant, zucchini, peppers and onions in olive oil and served on grilled bread.
If salads are your thing, try their Orange and Crispy Duck Salad! Here, you’ll get a huge serving of shredded crispy duck, cashew nuts and kesong puti tossed in citrus vinaigrette. Every ingredient tasted really fresh and each had various textures, which made it more enjoyable to eat.
A trip at Cazuela is not complete without tasting their Braised Beef Con Vino y Xocolate. This is braised Angus short ribs in rich red wine and chocolate sauce. I guess this one is my favorites among the other dishes that we have tried. The dish comes off as tender, flavorful and juicy.
We also tried their new item named Tacos de Lengua. It’s a homemade flour topped with pico de gallo, white cheese, cabbage, and pickled shallots. It tasted really good and it will definitely fill up your hungry tummy if you’re looking for a little snack.
For the dessert, we had three various cake which is Kesong Puti Cheesecake, Gypsy Cake and Tablea Chocolate Cake. All of them are tasty but Kesong Puti Cheesecake is the best for me. I love the velvety base up to its solid tasty crust. The distinct of kesong puti and meringue on top is just perfect. The heavy goodness of this cake will surely haunt you for a couple of days.
Next is Cazuela’s Churros which is served with two various dips. It was fried just right and chocolate dip is not too sweet, just perfect for my taste.
Lastly, they gave us complimentary food which is popcorn, nothing is special for this one.`
Overall, Cazuela definitely knows how a Spanish Colonial Cuisine should be and how to present them which is to make your mouth water beyond your control. Each dish is good for sharing but when it comes to dessert, I don’t think I want to share it with anyone because I want the whole order for myself, that’s how it’s good.
So if you happen to be near Ortigas and in the mood for Spanish flavors, then this restaurant is good enough. The price points here are definitely are just right.
More Info about Cazuela in Sapphire Bloc
Location: G/F The Sapphire Bloc,Sapphire Road,Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CazuelaManila
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cazuelamanila
Phone nos: (02) 590 5460 or (0995) 5510424.
Operating Hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 am to 12:00 midnight
Thurs – Sunday: 10:00 am to 2:00 am
