By: Aira Julie Gianan
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As the legendary French chef, restauranteur, and culinary writer, Auguste Escoffier once said, “Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness”. I couldn’t agree more!
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Located at the heart of Molito Lifestyle Centre in Alabang, Muntinlupa City is a rustic Latin American restaurant. The name Alegria Cantina is derived from the Portuguese word for “joy” or “happiness”. It manifests in their tagline “SAVOUR JOY, SIP HAPPINESS,” which captures the essence of their concepts — vibrant, light, and joyful. Alegria Cantina is highly regarded as Alabang’s best low-key restobar, operating among another branch situated outside the city. In Bonifacio Global City is where the early stages of the business took root as the restaurant was first established in the area. Believe me when I say that trying their food will change your life! If you are looking for something remarkable, like a genuine modern fusion of Latin, European, and Asian cuisine, then Alegria Cantina is one of the best places to go to.
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Before arriving at Alegria Cantina, I set no expectations, having internalized that I will be there not as a reviewer, but just as a plain customer. As I was with The Red Chronicles, it was a great experience because I got to share good food, the ambiance, and had a chance to ask about their overall experience as well.
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Alegria Cantina’s customers are diverse and that they crave to unwind after a hectic day at work and school. Politicians and law students, just to name a few, prefer Alegria Cantina go-to’s for nights of wining and dining. I totally agree because it radiates an ambiance made to chill, unwind, and relax.
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Their menu offers a plethora of mouth-watering options, from snacks, share slides, woodfired, and afters. The chefs take great care in selecting the best quality ingredients for their dishes. The team’s favorite is the cauliflower takoyaki. It is not your typical fried, round dough ball with octopus fillings, rather it is woodfired, cauliflower-dressed with miso glaze, drizzled with Japanese mayo, mango salsa, bonito flakes, fried onions, charcoal onion crumble, and spring onions—flavorful, but not overpowering. We were speechless after our first bite! The sauces satiate like no other in that it gives a diverse taste. It was able to stimulate our buds with their blend of flavors combined with a pleasant aroma, making it an addictive snack. It is perfectly paired with either a bottle of beer or a glass of Sangria.
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In the afters section, fresas con crema is our ultimate favorite! A white chocolate mousse with fresh strawberries, coated with red glaze and sesame seeds. According to the chef, they built it to look like a strawberry that is surrounded by vanilla crumble sponge, chantilly, basil, strawberry compote, plus a thirty-day fermented strawberry consomme.
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Alegria Cantina also offers an exclusive 10% discount to ALL San Beda College Alabang students and alumni! You may also visit Alegria’s BGC branch at 4F C3 Annex, Uniqlo Bldg., 7th Ave. Corner 30th St. Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.