A Taste of Spain: An "Alqueria Tapas, Paellas y Bistecas" Review

If you’ve read some of my food reviews you’ll probably have an idea of how extra-appreciative I am of Filipino food. I lalalove Filipino dishes and with this comes the recognition that our local cuisine has been heavily influenced by different cultures and traditions. Some of our well-loved dishes for example, like Afritada, Caldereta, Paella, and the oh so sinfully delicious Lechon has a strong Spanish influence.

Alqueria would be one of the must-visit restaurants if you’re craving for authentic Spanish cuisine. In case you’re wondering,  “Alqueria” is an old Spanish term that refers to a type of farmhouse resembling a small castle and once served as home to many rural families in Spain.

I visited Alqueria at megamall to have a taste of their specialties (I’ve been hearing a lot about their paella), and boy was it a feast!

Quesadilla

(Queso Quesadilla,  Pollo al Ajillo Quesadilla, Mechada Quesadilla, Chorizo Quesadilla, Carnitas Quesadilla, Vegetable Quesadilla)

If it was up to me, I'd name this the "Millenium Fal-quesadilla!

You can tell that Alqueria takes pride in their quesadilla given the variety of “flavors” that they offer.  They may all look the same from the outside, but what makes each variety distinct is the playful mix of meat and vegetables sandwiched inside the tortilla. Since I’m borderline carnivore, I liked the Mechada and Carnitas Quesadillas the best.

Alqueria Overload

Which one would you pick first?

If you want to get a feel first of what Alqeria has to offer, the Alqueia Overload may ba a good choice for starters. It is a selection of Alqueria’s finest Tapas, together with unlimited sangria, wine, and beers. The best part is that you can have this for only Php 358.00 on Happy Hour (2 – 7pm) - if you’re in the mood for alcohol that early, that is.

LUNCH SPECIALS (Solo) for only Php370! Served with Sopa de Ajo, Chorizo Rice and Iced Tea from 10AM-2PM

Chicharones Solo

It was easy for me to love the chicharones because it was reminiscent of my favorite bagnet and yes, chicharon. You’ll be served with huge chunks of crispy pork cracklings which are just too hard to resist. I think I may have gobbled up more than I should.

Pollo Al Ajillo Solo

Fried chicken is always a good idea, especially when it’s finished off with white wine. I guess the reason why I loved the Pollo Al Ajillo Solo, is that after the chicken thigh was fried, it was then sautéed in generous amounts of garlic and olive oil.

Mechada Solo

Give me a menu and I’d naturally gravitate towards anything that has “ribs” in its description. Those chunks of braised shortribs can date my chorizo rice anytime.

Chorizo Solo

Alqueria takes pride in their homemade chorizo, so it’s only natural that they’d have a dish dedicated to this bestseller. If you ask me this would be a great brunch idea.

Carnitas Solo

I’m starting to think that Alqueria is carnivore heaven! If I’m not mistaken, this is the same carnitas that I tasted in their quesadilla, and I must say that pairing it with rice is a great idea.

Paella

Of course, I wouldn’t pass the chance to have  bite of Alqueria’s famous paella. The dish was topped with variety of seafood and as expected, the rice itself was thick and rich with flavor. Paella can be had on its own but this time, I experimented a bit and had my Paella with the lunch specials. Yum!

Now on to my favorite part – the Postres aka desserts!

Churros

3pcs (Classic: Php138/Chocolate: Php158)

5pcs (Classic: Php158/Chocolate: Php198)

10pcs (Classic: Php228/Chocolate: Php298)

With the popularity of churros lately, I’m glad that this was one of our dessert options. Long churros sticks are serve together with Valor chocolate dip. I was happy that it was still warm when served, giving us that "crunchy on the outside, soft inside" sensation.

Manchego Cheesecake – Php 230.00

I’m not  a huge fan of cheese but I surprisingly still enjoyed this one. Cheesecake was made more…well…cheesy with manchego and cream cheeses. Yummy with a buttery taste, just like how manchego should be.

Crema Catalana – Php 138.00

The menu says that this is “A classic Spanish dessert made with custard and caramel sauce” but if you ask me, I’d say it’s leche flan prepared like crème brulee. My favorite dessert that night.

Of course, I didn't pass the chance to have a sip of their Sangria (Php 298.00)

The Cinnamon Iced Tea (Php 98.00) would be perfect for a sweet-tooth like me.

***

Alqueria, opened in January 2014, and is another new and exciting concept under the SumoSam Group of Restaurants founded by Marvin Agustin, Ricky Laudico and Raymund Magdaluyo. The trio have also partnered with Charo Santos, Liz Uy, Mylene Dizon and Agot Isidro for this business venture.

The authentic Spanish food and cozy interiors should make Alqueria perfect for families and those looking to have a place to unwind.

Alqueria Restaurante

3^rd floor of Mega Fashion Hall, Building D, SM Megamall.

For reservations and inquiries, you can text or call +639165062659