The Minokaua, Malate, Manila

Friday, August 04, 2017

The Minokaua is a newly opened bar & restaurant located along Malate along Adriatico St.

They just opened last May 2017 and have been getting known for their band menu so most of their customers come in late for the band sessions.

The restaurant is 3 story building, the third floor is a mini loft which can be reserved for intimate gatherings. It is very spacious and a perfect chill place. The vibe is so relaxing and ideal for friendly reunions while jamming to the music.

From 10am to 5pm, The Minokaua is a co-working space then from 9pm onwards it become a music bar.

The Minokaua

The music genre usually being played here are usually blues, jazz, rock and indie rock. They wanted to gear away from the mainstream pop as much as possible to create their own identity as a bar and resto. However, they don't totally closed their gates for mainstream artists to perform here.

They heavily curate the bands here and most artist that performs here are well known in their craft and in the industry.

Check out their Facebook Page for the schedule of their weekly band sesh.

2nd Floor

The usual set up of a music bar is music first, food second but the main goal of The Minokaua is to create a balance between food and music. They are giving their focus on the food as well to encourage customers to come earlier because the food is something to look forward to as well.

If you're wondering why the name Minokaua, it is derived from the Bagobo Lore, Minokawa is a gigantic bird the lives beyond the skies. It devours the moon with its strong beak and claws made of steel - explaining the lunar eclipse. To frighten the bird away, the Bagobos make a lot of noise. Amazing right?

The food is inspired by a mix of Filipino and International Cuisine. Serving is usually good for 2 to 3 people already.
The kitchen is supervised by the head chef, Chef Douglas who also became a part of Italianis and Draft so you know the food won't disappoint.

According to Chef, their Best Seller would be their Chicken Skin which we weren't able to try cause it wasn't available at that moment :( I can imagine how sinful it could be!

We have been served the following:

Wilted Taiwan Pechay Salad

Wilted Taiwan Pechay + Garlic, Grilled Tomatoes and Fried Egg

I love salads and this exceeded my expectations. I don't usually eat Pechay and I can't believe it could be a Salad but this is just so flavorful. The crunchiness of the salad added a great texture making it more delicious! Pechay for the win!

Pork Riblets

PORK RIBLETS
Bite sized pork ribs served with vinegar sauce. I prefer mine not dipped in the vinegar sauce so I can savour the saltiness of the dish.

The Minokaua Rice - Eclipse

The Minokaua Rice
They have 2 special rice dish and this one is called ECLIPSE which consists of squid, fish and squid ink. The serving is pretty big and can already be good for 4 pax.
I remember going back for this 4 times. I had 4 plates of this = CARBS!!! This is like Paella Negra or Paella infused with squid ink. The squid ink's taste is was very distinct and savory, definitely a MUST TRY!

SOLAR ECLIPSE / ANGHANG RICE

Eng Anghang naman! Paella pinalevel up maybe?

I can't say I completely hated this dish for being EXTREMELY SPICY cause it is tasty at the same time. It was bearable on my few bites pero di kinaya ng powers ko. The other foodies love it though.

Plus points for the creativity on the name of the dish!

Solar Eclipse

LAKSA STYLE MUSSEL POT

The mussels were gigantic. They didn't scrimpt on the mussels!

I find it expensive priced at P850 but It's also worth it cause the mussels were actually imported. I was surprised how it went well with the laksa. One of my favorites which was served during the night. The garlic bread as a side was perfect, dip all you want!

Laksa Style Mussel Pot

CHICKEN LOLLIPOPS

The chicken lollipops weren't extraordinary but it is a pretty good pulutan and pica pica food. It has an extra spicy sauce so I didn't enjoy it that much though the crispy chicken skin made it enjoyable for me to munch on so I just ate 1 piece haha! This is a perfect pair with a glass of beer!

Chicken Lollipops

For dessert we were served this HUGE Ensaymada. They call it GRILLED ENSAYMADA ICE CREAM MELT. This is seriously the best Ensaymada I have ever tried in my life. We were served cheese flavoured ice cream but they also serve this in Ube and Vanilla. These are home-made ice cream by the way and I was surprised that the taste is high quality! The toast effect on the bread and burnt taste from the cheese gave the whole dessert that extra Uhmpffff I was looking for! SO GOOD!

Grilled Ensaymada

We were also served cocktails and drinks during the night which accompanied us with our chismisan. I am happy to have spent time with my foodie friends. Thanks Minokaua for spoiling us!