From humble beginnings as a catering company and commissary kitchen, Neil’s Kitchen, owned by Benilde Marketing Management alumnus Chef Neil Ramos, has now extended its modern take of Filipino cuisine as another branch at Top of the Glo, Makati.
Ramos decided to put emphasis on Filipino comfort food with his own unique style by conceptualizing it into a modern Filipino food with a twist. In an interview with The Benildean, Ramos said he wanted to “take a spin on the Filipino dishes we normally grew up eating in different generations” with the dishes present in the restaurant.
Established in January 2015, Neil’s Kitchen serves Filipino dishes with contemporary twists. Aside from the feeling of nostalgia with every bite, celebrities like Lea Salonga, Piolo Pascual, and Martin Nievera are regulars as the restaurant satisfies one’s hunger with its scrumptious servings of food and aesthetically pleasing designs that remind customers of “home.”
With his intention to display fun and playful interpretation to his dishes, Chef Ramos redesigned a bit of the Filipino cuisine’s name, ingredients, flavours, and plate serving itself.
Neil’s Kitchen is known for having five versions of Sinigang—”Sinigang Paella with Grilled Pork Belly” (Php 395), “Wagyu Beef Sinigang (Gyudon Style)” (Php 495), “Concert King’s Salmon Sinigang” (P695), “Grilled Salmon in Miso Sinigang” (Php 695), and “Sinigang Noodle Soup” (Php 325).” Every dish has the taste of bringing back the memories of origin without having to erase its core essence.
As one would walk in, there are endearing motivational quotes plastered on the walls—something to reflect on as one enjoys his meal. Diners feel home’s comfort as the restaurant has a “My Father’s Bookstore” section filled with self-development books to science fiction books; complementing the black-and-white designs and alluring scent of foods preparing to cook.
Other well-known specialty dishes are “Ohh-La-Laing” (Php 450) that tastes divine with the shrimp patty; ever-favorite “Adobo Project” (Php 450); the meat tenderness of “BBQ Pork Belly with Java Rice” (Php 395); and the fancy dipping of “Grilled Chicken & Crispy Pork Dinuguan Fondue” (Php 395).
The “Ayala Alabang “AA” Batchoy” (Php 295), “Baked C-sig” (Php 395), and “Triple T” Tortang Talong Tower” (Php 350) dishes are also a must-try!
Additionally, there are delectable desserts such as “Fried Suman with Mango & Chocnut” (Php 250), “Puto Bumbong with Buco Jelly and Taro Coconut” (Php 250) that cleanses one’s palate after eating the filling meals.
Neil’s Kitchen is located in Westgate, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. It is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. or until 10 p.m. (Friday and Saturday). Customers can also check out the new branch at the Top of the Glo, Makati from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Photos by Martin Uy and Vince Zarate
