Cover (Photo: Courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant)
(Photo: Courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant)
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At chef Kennedy Alfonso’s Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant, the hallmarks of Spanish cuisine are delivered in deliciously comforting splendour
Like Filipinos, the people of Spain celebrate their love for food in striking fashion. Be it in their varied regional cuisine or the social culture this transpires across the country, the Spanish take pride in this all-compelling charm that infallibly has us reaching and returning for more.
Chef Kennedy Alfonso has, over many instances, returned to the rich culinary scenes of Madrid, Barcelona and San Sebastian, where he first witnessed the diverse flavours and styles of Iberian food through rigorous courses and training. Eventually, his fascination and mastery of the cuisine urged him to take off his corporate hat for a chef's toque—and in 2017, he opened the doors of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant to offer delectable bites of Spain in the metro.
See also: 'Fondly Remembering Spain': Where to See Phyllis Zaballero's Works in Manila
Above Paella de Mariscos (Photo: Courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant)
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Above Salmon al Horno (Photo: Courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant)
Paella de Mariscos (Photo: Courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant)
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“It was evident to me that I wanted to bring back my experiences in Madrid, Barcelona and San Sebastian through creating a downhome ambience where authentic Spanish cooking is celebrated,” the chef says. Thus at Bueno’s cosy flagship address in Pasig, the menu has been carefully crafted with considerations to the availability of authentic, high-quality ingredients and the preferences of the Filipino palate.
Above Sous Vide Duck Confit (Photo: Courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant)
Above Pulpo a la Gallega (Photo: Courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant)
Sous Vide Duck Confit (Photo: Courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant)
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Accustomed to harvesting different produce and concocting his own recipes since his childhood in Antipolo, Alfonso generously incorporates the styles and flavours many Filipinos have grown up with, such as stewed dishes, savoury sauces, grilled seafood and the like.
This translates into signature delights that can only be found at Bueno, including the arroz meloso de rabo de buey, which showcases hearty oxtail atop a creamy risotto, and the paella de cochinillo con truffa, which presents oven-roasted pork belly on the truffled Spanish classic. “Paella just gives so much colour and depth to consuming grains, it elevates the whole experience,” muses Alfonso. “I’d say, there’s no better way to sate your appetite. You get the best of both worlds with its unparalleled flavour!”
See also: Where To Order The Best Paella In Metro Manila 2022
Above Arroz Meloso de Rabo de Buey (Photo: Courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant)
Above Paella de Cochinillo con Trufa (Photo: Courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant)
Arroz Meloso de Rabo de Buey (Photo: Courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant)
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While Alfonso’s inventive creations may traverse slightly beyond traditional, what Bueno ultimately and undeniably fosters is a mirror of Spain’s own food customs—where human connection remains the staple and focus of every meal.
The chef notes, “The dishes on our menu should be ones that I would never get tired of cooking and serving my family. They should always bring a smile to any type of gathering.” After the challenges spurred by the pandemic in recent years, Bueno continues to thrive because of its people, from its dedicated staff to the partners and customers who share in their love for authentic and extraordinary Spanish tastes.
With another branch opening in Bonifacio Global City soon, Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant will certainly always have you back for more.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
