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New Poblacion joint brings Siargao closer to the metro with seafood-centric dishes
If you’ve been to Siargao during the time when the pandemic was slowly easing its way out of the country, then you’ll probably know Alma.
Alma was established on the island in 2020 at a time when most restaurants were closed. It was one of the go-to hotspots in the Surfing Capital of the Philippines until Typhoon Odette wreaked havoc, causing the joint to close its doors in its peak year in 2021.
Three years after the unfortunate incident, Alma is now ready to welcome new and old guests in its soon-to-reopen spot in Siargao, as well as its brand-new branch in Poblacion.
Tucked in the calmer side of Makati’s hippest block, Alma in Poblacion offers seafood-centric Spanish flavors and flair interweaving with Siargao’s local produce. The restaurant oozes laid-back beach vibes, with an intimate seating capacity of 44 people.
Helmed by Chef Luis Martinez, the genius behind BGC’s Terreza Martinez, the dishes in Alma spotlighted the chef’s creativity with seafood and other Spanish cuisine favorites like paella and innovative croquetas.
Here are some of the dishes not to miss when visiting Alma in Poblacion.
For appetizers, the Hamachi Crudo (P560) is a fun and fresh dish to get you started. Served on a cold plate, fine slices of yellowtail sashimi are flavored with extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and freshly ground black pepper.
For a bit of adventure on the plate, the Black Tempura Barramundi (P550) is a play on flavors, with three pieces of barramundi balls fried to perfection in squid-ink tempura batter, topped with a generous dollop of piquillo or red pepper sauce.
Much like the rest of Spanish restaurants in the metro, a hot pan of paella is the main event and a top-of-mind choice for the main course.
What stands out in Alma's paella selection is the Black Seafood Paella & Fried Baby Squid (P720). The dish brings the rich seafood flair to one’s plate, with flavors coming straight from its key ingredient, squid ink, adding natural saltiness to the dish to complement the savory notes of calamari. You can always squeeze a slice of lemon if you prefer a little sourness.
A meal is only complete with dessert, and Alma comes prepared with its unique sweet offerings. The Roasted Caramelized Pumpkin (P220), for one, is just the right dish to conclude your meal on a high note. It features a slice of caramelized roasted pumpkin cosplaying as a cake served with a perfect scoop of cinnamon ice cream.
As for the drinks, the beautiful bar situated right in the middle of the restaurant offers classic cocktails and specialty drinks, including Blood Orange Margarita (P495), Alma Mula (P420), Alma Old Fashioned (P650), and Sangria Roja (P595), among others.
Alma Poblacion is located at 5887 Fermina, cor. Enriquez, Poblacion, Makati City. It’s open daily from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight.
— CDC, GMA Integrated News
