July 2023 Dining Radar: Bibio wine bar in Poblacion, new menus by Toyo Eatery and Metronome, and more

Chef Charles Montañez invites chefs Jorge Mendez, Nicco Santos, Quenee Vilar, and Miko Calo to present a 10-hands taco event like no other, presenting four unique tacos emblematic of their culinary flair. Happening tomorrow, Tuesday the 4th of July, at Alegria Manila, the affair accepts walk-ins only with only the first 100 guests will be accommodated. Doors open at 9pm!

See the menu here: Five top chefs join forces for taco night this July 4 at Alegria Manila

The Westin Manila, a new wellness-focused hotel in Mandaluyong, launches its new chef collaboration series CuiSCENE with Mimi Vergara-Tupas, the Davao-based raw vegan chef and restaurateur behind Clean Cafe. Happening on July 11 at Seasonal Tastes, the four-course dinner will be 100 per cent plant-based, paired with biodynamic wines. In addition, Vergara-Tupas will also be hosting a demo class on July 8!

Last month, the hotel also launched its new Eat Well menu, available at the Seasonal Tastes, the Lobby Lounge, and through in-room dining. Focused on wholesome ingredients that don’t skimp on flavour, the dishes are also flexible in portion sizes to best suit your nutritional needs. The everything vegan lox is a speciality of executive chef Rej Casanova, made with smoked carrots, soybean curd, cucumber, and red onion on a bagel toast.

In case you missed it: Tatler’s ultimate plant-based guide for vegans and vegetarians in the Philippines

French restaurant Metronome launches into the second half of 2023 with an all-new tasting menu, featuring fresh dishes exclusive to the experience. From a hazelnut gnocchi with pork consomme to a slow-roasted pigeon that marries French techniques and Filipino flavours, each dish is a strong testament to chef Miko Calo’s unique perspective and meticulous technique.

Related: Chef Miko Calo launches a new tasting menu at Metronome

Poblacion’s newest watering hole takes the form of a natural wine bar, fortified by a lean but thoughtful selection of cocktails and small plates for sharing. Open Mondays to Saturdays, 5pm onwards, Bibio is a casual hangout perfect for spirited conversations over sophisticated yet unfussy bites that anyone can enjoy, like mortadella with mozzarella and mascarpone, carbonara, and bread pudding.

Read more: Au Naturel: Chie Gatchalian On Why Natural Wines Are Perfect for the Tropics, Asian Food, and Any Time of Day

Toyo Eatery is back in business post-renovations and doubles down with two dining experiences—first, a brand-new 8-course tasting menu with two seatings at 8pm and 8.30pm; and second, a kamayan feast, an entirely new format for the modern Filipino restaurant. Served family style for their first seatings every 6pm, the family-style kamayan set-up invites guests to get their hands dirty, picking through dishes like halabos an hipon, inihaw na pusit, and pinrotiong pata, a favourite from the Orosa pop-up.

In case you missed it: “Toyo Eatery has proven that you can be at the top of the game without compromising integrity” – Stephan Duhesme on sustainable fine dining

Elbert Cuenca’s comfort food specialities are now in one Salcedo Village address. Stop by the Eighties-inspired restaurant to tuck into pizzas fresh from the oven, handmade pasta, classic sandwiches (and cheesesteaks!), and other hearty mains.

Read more: Etiquette tips: How to voice complaints about a restaurant

Best known for his Greek restaurants Cyma and Souv!, chef Robby Goco now serves up a Western fare at Rob’s. While the casual all-day dining specialises in ribs, oysters (which you can have from Aklan or Hokkaido), and bourbon, you can expect to find a slew of international favourites like burgers, lobster, pasta, and more.

See also: Spice cabinet essentials according to chefs: Robby Goco, Heny Sison, and more on their favourites