Cover Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador

They say the best way to celebrate success is with those who made it possible—here's how Txoko Asador has done it in style

Though it feels like a lifetime ago, March 2020 will likely be etched in our minds forever. The looming pandemic had announced its long-haul stay, and the world had ground to a perceptible halt. Txoko Asador, from the proprietors of Bar Pintxos, had just opened its doors in Legazpi Village—a mere 13 days before the first lockdown went into effect. 

Like many others, they feared the worst. The pandemic had not been kind to both newcomers and old-timers in the culinary scene, especially with capacity restrictions and health concerns bearing down on the industry. Perhaps what they hadn’t quite anticipated then was the incredible friendships that would blossom at the Spanish establishment, the very cornerstone of their resilience and success more than three years later. 

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Above H. E. Miguel Utray and H. E. Álvaro Jara with partners and guests (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)

Because of this, Txoko Asador proudly stands today, gracing our community with exquisite Spanish fare and hospitality. To express their appreciation and gratitude for the support that carried them through challenging times, the restaurant recently hosted an intimate celebration with loyal patrons and friends. Marked by a luscious 10-course dinner, live music, and Spanish wines care of Boca Juan Filipinas, the evening pulled everyone into the asador’s distinctive ambience and embrace.

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Paella Setas (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Above Paella Setas (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
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Cecina de Wagyu (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Above Cecina de Wagyu (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Paella Setas (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Cecina de Wagyu (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
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Above DOT Sec. Christina Frasco and Cong. Duke Frasco (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
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Above Magsy Concepcion and Mariana Zobel de Ayala (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)

Greeted by the partners of Txoko Asador upon entering, guests gathered for pinxtos and drinks in an inviting cocktail area before making their way to the elegantly appointed long tables. A palpable warmth, the sound of laughter, and the clinking of glasses filled the air, especially as co-founder and restaurateur Carlo Calma Lorenzana expressed their heartfelt thanks to patrons who have become more like family.

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Dinner was likewise a family-style service, with the restaurant’s staff bringing out platters of each dish and serving them individually on each plate. Its undeniable highlight was the divine seafood fare done Asador-style, reminiscent of how they are prepared in Spain. This further solidified Txoko Asador's well-earned standing as the premier spot to relish Spanish-inspired seafood dishes in the metro today. 

Completing the evening's menu was a marvellous spread of Txoko Asador specialities and beloved crowd favourites, from flavourful appetisers like their anchoas and pan con tomate y jamón, to sumptuous renditions of paella, Iberico, and more.

The evening couldn’t end on a higher note, leaving everyone eager for the exciting journey that lies ahead for Txoko Asador. 

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Photo 1 of 15 Txoko partners: Dennis Pamintuan, Bobby Tenchavez, Randy Libre, Tinchu Gonzalez, Magsy Concepcion, Carlo Calma Lorenzana (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Photo 2 of 15 Morcilla (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Photo 3 of 15 Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador
Photo 4 of 15 Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador
Photo 5 of 15 Secreto Iberico (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Photo 6 of 15 Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador
Photo 7 of 15 Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador
Photo 8 of 15 Alcachofa (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Photo 9 of 15 Pintxos (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Photo 10 of 15 Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador
Photo 11 of 15 Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador
Photo 12 of 15 Arroz Cangrejo (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Photo 13 of 15 Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador
Photo 14 of 15 Anchoas (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Photo 15 of 15 H.E. Ricardo Bocalandro with his wife, Maria Elena, and other guests (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Morcilla (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Secreto Iberico (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Alcachofa (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Pintxos (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Arroz Cangrejo (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)
Anchoas (Photo: Courtesy of Txoko Asador)

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Mac Fabella
Contributing Writer, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

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.