AFTER A quick walk through Runway Manila – the pedestrian bridge connecting the NAIA 3 airport terminal to Resorts World Manila – one sees the façade of the Manila Life Café, a sight that sure to give visitors to the capital a good first impression. The restaurant’s contemporary interior, with walls adorned with photos depicting Manila’s everyday scenarios and painted road maps, gives guests a glimpse of the city.

Manila Life Café, located at the fourth floor of NAIA Terminal 3, opened its doors to guests on Oct. 16.

A Marriot Hotel reception counter is situated at the front of the restaurant where hotel guests can check-in and from there take a quick ride on a shuttle to the hotel, said Manila Marriot Hotel director of marketing communications, Michelle Garcia.

THE COUNTRY’S BEST FLAVORS
Manila Life Café’s menu is all about serving classic Filipino dishes and flavors with a twist.

The selection ranges from innovative appetizers (Manila Street Food Platter, sisig nachos, and grilled chicken inasal salad), to All Day Breakfast, Mama’s Comfort Bowls (rice meals), and Manila Tacos and Burgers, to desserts (mango sago and purple yam roll). Refreshments include signature drinks and local craft beers by Crazy Carabao Brewing with exotic names like Tarsier, Tough Tuko, and Exit Wounds.

Sous chef Bonn Reyes said that the restaurant aims to introduce Filipino flavors to foreigners and give Filipinos a twist on popular dishes. He cited the innovative way their nachos are served with sisig (a dish made with chopped pig’s face) instead of ground beef, and the Crispy Chicken Burger containing the inasal (barbecue) flavor from crust to interior.

The dishes are meant for sharing. “We put value to their (customer’s) money. [The dishes are] for sharing because Filipinos like to share,” Mr. Reyes said.

A special dish called It Takes Gutz Homemade Bam-I – a recipe by actress Ruffa Guitierrez – piques locals’ curiosity. Mr. Reyes explained that during the Chef’s Conference last August, there was a competition between all the executive chefs of Asia Pacific who were partnered with a celebrity or a reporter, with the celebrity tasked with teaching a dish to his or her partner chef. Ms. Gutierrez’ dish won from the selection of 30 dishes.

Manila Life Café will change the dishes in its menu every six months, but best-sellers will remain for guests to enjoy.

The restaurant also offers homemade pastries, locally sourced coffee beans, and souvenir items for guests who would like to take Filipino treats on their flight and for guests who are looking for pasalubong (gift) items.

Manila Life Café is an airport must-try as departing guests would have delectable local goods to take home with them and arriving guests would be welcomed by the taste and flavors of home.

Manila Life Café is located at the 4/F, NAIA Terminal 3. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Michelle Anne P. Soliman

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