At Organico Gourmet, organic food is the focus and it’s paying off. This newest humble foodie destination restaurant right at Luna Mencias Street, Mandaluyong just had its soft opening launch last July 18, 2015, Saturday. Its primary mission, as I see it, is to serve food that’s equally delicious and healthy, embodying the “farm to table” concept through novel flavors and combinations.
Chef Mark Bernardino, my co-guest reviewer at Pop Talk, invited me here for a taste test as he warmly introduced creatively prepared organic food to our palates. The dishes were interesting without being odd, all made with fresh and high quality ingredients that quickly translated to recipes that are amazing and truly original. Branching out beyond conventional, Organico Gourmet caters to eco-conscious customers who want to experience dining with wholesome dishes on the menu.
Review of Organico Gourmet (Luna Mencias, Mandaluyong)
Ambiance: ★★★★★
Dictating the mood initially were herbs grown on pots by the door, but the real showstopper must be the homey environment we easily recognized upon entrance.
Entering Organico Gourmet was like stepping into someone else’s home with an adorable garden-fresh backdrop of grass and ornaments consistent to their green vibe. On its soft opening day, a buffet setting was arranged and the outlook of the tables was well done. Classy and not stuffy, the overall ambiance of this restaurant is qualified for an excellent Sunday brunch with friends and family. It’s a cheery, modern place—quite kitchy.
Wooden fixtures looked sturdy, lending the space a lived-in feel and exuding a grown-up charm. Also lining the interior were small details displayed on racks against the muted wall. Words like “LOVE,” LAUGH,” and “RELAX” add up to a big effect as they’re great reminders on how to live life happily. But what commanded our attention for the most part was the chandelier made out of mason jars.
This chandelier provided a flattering light across the dining room and did a good job at capturing our gaze for a while. It was a spectacle to behold! 🙂
Here you get a front row access to some items that are sorely missing in regular supermarkets. Organico Gourmet also sells organic juices, snacks, vegetables, condiments, milk, and other treats you can enjoy at home.
Food: ★★★★★
Appetizers
Topped with light and savory tinapa mousse, the mini pancakes were soft, fluffy and adorable. I loved that this version did not consist of the usual maple syrup and butter, yet the pancakes remained aromatic and yummy. Gone within five seconds from the plate to my stomach!
The Garlic Croquettes offered rich mashed potatoes gushing out of the crisp breadcrumb coating. Both the Asian Salad and Papaya Salad had enough bold dressings, roasted sesame and calamansi vinaigrette respectively, to brighten them up. Rhythmic thumps of summery colors marked the beat.
Soups
My hands-down favorite was the Three Mushroom Cream Soup made of shimeji, enoki, and shiitake. Much more impressive than it looked, texture was smooth and velvety, smell was intoxicatingly delicious, and taste possessed that familiar mild sweetness and nuttiness of mushrooms.
With smoked bacon stock as base, the Minestra Italiana could just be a strong candidate of a bowl of soup you’d want to get during those lazy days. We thought of it as a tomato-based macaroni soup that’s able to sooth and heal the body for an extra boost—minus the creaminess.
Mains
In brown and green flecks, the Buttered Parsley Rice was quite subtle and earthy. Parsley tasted sort of like celery, and I was glad that the rice, however not too plain, didn’t compete with the flavors of the other viands we paired with it.
Cooked al dente, the Three Mushroom Cream Pasta packed a good punch of delicate mushrooms. The rivaling Bolognese Organico Gourmet didn’t sleep on flavor either; the red meat-based sauce gave a solid run of heartiness that’s far from bland.
With a highly reduced stock-like sauce, the Whole Roasted Chicken with Demi was a keeper. Though it wasn’t as big, plump and juicy as the conventional chicken that’s treated with antibiotics and whatnot, it burst with real and natural roasted chicken flavor.
Made from beef shanks and bone marrows, the Bulalo Steak was a great house specialty that’s not to be missed. Seriously, the tenderness of the beef belonged to a whole different league when compared to those you’d find in a typical Filipino restaurant. Slow-cooked for six hours, this bulalo steak really deserves to receive a culinary critical love from diners.
A great way to balance the meal of course is to get seafood entrees. I’m happy to recommend Organico Gourmet’s Pan-grilled Salmon with Dill Cream Sauce. The salmon was a bit dry (maybe because it was cut from the less fatty part of the fish) but benefited from the dill cream sauce that worked an interesting combo. Slightly tangy, the Grilled Prawns were fresh and delectable, as the sauce sang a chorus of passion fruit and butter. Ah, transcendent!
Drink
The Pineapple Mint was not too sweet or tart. It was an epic blend of juices that’s great for the digestive system. Pretty in sheer yellow, it was refreshing, hydrating, and cleansing.
Desserts
Highlights of the desserts section must be the Sweet Potato S’mores and the Kapeng Organiko Pana Cotta. Just like a traditional s’more, the Sweet Potato S’mores did have the textural elements of crunchy, soft, and ooey-gooey. Kapeng Organiko Pana Cotta (cooked cream) was another funky mash-up that led me to believe that organic coffee granules, when softly solidified, could taste like heaven. This simple dessert was a multi-faceted celebration of coffee and whipped cream, indeed.
So there you go! A transformative organic dining awaits at this newest foodie paradise in Mandaluyong. Organico Gourmet serves imaginatively delicious flavor bombs presented in a great setting. If this one is right up your alley, make sure to like their Facebook page to check out more updates and be notified when their grand opening will be (hint: next month). 🙂
Operations schedule: Monday to Sunday, 10:30am to 9:00pm
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
WOW Bulalo steak.. now I’m craving..
btw mind me asking.. are you using your new camera na? or still the dslr? mukang good the photos naman ah!!! nicely done dear. see you soon
It’s the new camera na. 🙂 I’m glad that the prime lens did a good job in making the bokeh I want the background to achieve. The kit lens alone won’t suffice. Thanks, Jeng!
I am so completely obsessed with all of the amazing foods you have shown here. I have to say that I was a little hungry when I popped on this post but now I am utterly famished! hahaha
It’s a feast for your eyes and imagination. 🙂
This place looks really cool! I’d love to try it out. All the photos of the food look very unique and tasty.
Fresh, local and just flat-out good, this restaurant serves food that might just be the newest foodie magnet for the health-conscious folks. I especially appreciate the cozy space.
This is a good looking restaurant. All of its aesthetic touches are very zen and natural. They complete the restaurant’s mission of serving fresh food with great tastes. We have similar restaurants in the states. If you’re ever in Washington, DC, check out Founding Farmers and if you’re ever in Atlanta, GA, try The Loving Hut. If I’m ever in the area, I will make a point of stopping by.
Sure! 🙂 Entering Organico Gourmet was almost like stepping into an Impressionist painting, with an adorable green vibes dictating the mood throughout.
I am so sad that is restaurant is no where near me. OMG! the food looks wonderful and I love that they have their own herb garden and I like that food is fresh and simply made. This is awesome place, thank you for sharing.
Don’t worry, you can write this on your bucket list of restaurants to visit next time and practice early planning. 😛 Welcome!
I love the ambiance and the food looks delicious. I also love what they din in the interior. There’s something interesting about an old house converted into a restaurant. There is this feeling that the house itself has many stories to tell.
Yeah, another interesting angle, if you will, is that this restaurant dishes up classics but focuses on earth-friendly cuisine. Plus, it has a store and garden wrapped into one hybrid.
What a seemingly beautiful place. Would love to have something like this here in South Florida. And, the food looks amazing.
As always, contemporary interior and great service contribute to a wonderful experience. Trust that this joint has passing marks on that. Spending a special occasion here is not out of the question.
I would like to congratulate the people behind this resto! Organic food is now the gaining popularity because of the adverse effects of fast food. Going green is really the way to go. That resto really looks great. I just hope that the price is affordable.
Yup, it’s a pretty nice idea and transforming it into a real business will raise the bar up high for others to follow suit. The menu is not yet released as of date. We’re all excited to know about the prices, too. 🙂
Oh my gosh all of this food looks amazing!! I would love to be able to enjoy a place like this. The whole place looks like it would be an amazing place to visit and enjoy the food.
I’m sure that you will enjoy your dining experience here. 🙂 Their creative grub is sublime but I hope it’s not too pricey or gimmicky.
I love the decor of this place! Sometimes I think the decor contributes to how much I love eating somewhere. All of the food looks amazing! I would love to have somewhere like this in the Atlanta area to enjoy!
Me too. The decors speak volumes of originality and quirkiness. Love it!
Organico Gourmet is an awesome place to be. The place to be for organic lovers too! Love to visit them soon!
Kudos to the chefs and all staff for doing things right. Surprise yourself with some playful twists of food on the menu. 🙂 They provide some wonderful and unexpected taste combinations as well.
In our area we are having a lot more of these small types of restaurants or markets poppin up with organic. We have the local Chattanooga Market each Sunday where so much fresh produce can be purchased, all locally grown, some organic. I love having the choices they offer.
Glad to know. 🙂 Dishes from fresh and local ingredients are favored by some people, so having the food here done up in that regard will sound ideal for its target customers.
I really admire you as a blogger and as a foodtography person. You really capture every details and information are well received. Congrats and more power Rochkirstin, we(FBW) are so proud of you!
Thanks, Pal Raine! Your comment is much appreciated. 🙂
What a great review! This seems like the place I would really like to visit with friends! I love the design and eco friendly interior, but most of all, I love what you highlighted with the foods and now I am hungry!
Thanks, Joanne! 🙂 The ambiance was energetic yet intimate, as the people making up the staff were hip and friendly. The great presentation of food drew crowds like moth to light. 🙂
I saw this last night and was surprised that you are publishing an article for this new restaurant. I plan to visit it and because of this information my appetite to visit it soon grew stronger thanks you.
Yay! I hope you’ll enjoy dining here, Orly. 🙂
The place is so cozy and relaxing. The foods are interesting too. How about the prices sis, they said it’s expensive if made in organic ingredients.
Usually organic food are expected to be more expensive. The menu isn’t out yet so I have no way of telling you the answer right now. Next time! 🙂
This one is a great restaurant, I hope to see more branches in the malls for health conscious ones and to encourage families to enjoy good food. Kids nowadays only eat junk food, it is time to educate them about the importance of going back to basics.
Ah yes, families with kids are more drawn to visiting malls and seeing stuff that’s available there. I think getting creative with promotions is another way of spreading good info about the importance of keeping a good diet. 🙂
Those are pretty high marks. I hope to eat there someday. I want to have a massive dose of flavor bombs. 😉 Your post makes me wanna go to Mandaluyong right now. 😉
Haha thanks, Carlo. I’ll take that as a compliment.
I wanna try the Pineapple Mint so bad right now considering I am down with the flu.
Oh yes, it’s a must-try. However, try to ask if you can have it without ice. Get well.
As my present doctors advised, Go organic daw ako. nice review roch and dapat siguro makapunta riyan.
Thanks, Papa Leng. Bring your entire family here. 🙂 They can set up longer tables for larger groups! They are also open to accept special/private events.
I love the ambiance here. Good to hear that nowadays, people invest their money to organic foods.
Yeah, I guess that since more people are getting sick now and are starting to realize that choice of food affects the health largely, the decision is to go with organic food or go vegetarian.
The place and the food looks good. I would love to do food review and travel soon. Your site is really cool.
Thanks, Mark. 🙂 It will be cool if you can also drop by one time and try their cuisine. Just be a little bit earlier than dining peak hours since parking slots are limited.
what a lovely chandelier you got there. i have some diy crafts on my blog, i’ll try to make a version of this next month. very inspiring. Thanks!
Yup, if only I can bring home that chandelier…. 😛 Kidding! Hey, show me your finished product soon.
Hi Roch!
It’s been a while since I last visited here, and writing more articles helped me get a steady stream of traffic. Thank you!
Amazing review and beautiful photos, as always. I’m now craving to visit Organico Gourmet after hearing about your thoughts on the place.
Can’t wait for your next post!
Cheers,
Jay
Hi Chef Jay! You’re always welcome. I’ll be happy to share more tips to grow your readership. Come try this restaurant and maybe write a review about the food as well. 🙂
The decors and furniture give the ambiance a homey feeling. And the foods, they all look delicious to me. 🙂
Yeah, each piece of the decor looked really interesting. This colorful space exudes a light and positive vibe. 🙂
The place has a really elegant look. It’s nice to see that there are now organic food options. There’s just one restaurant in Dela Costa that offers organic food. They also have great food choices here and also much healthier.
Hmmm I haven’t been to the dining scene in Dela Costa but surely I’m interested to also find out what leisurely nourishing dishes they offer. 🙂