My earliest memories of a food court is of affordable (read budget) and varied dining options at the 3rd or 4th floor of the most popular mall in town—that was before they started building and filling underground basements which have started to be home to some food courts in later years. Each stall would display their foods in a more, dare I say, sophisticated, turo-turo style complete with thin metal spoons and forks bussed around in plastic trays of food.
Fast forward to almost about a decade ago and the guys behind Tasteless Food Group—the same group who brought us edgy and beloved restaurants like Wrong Ramen, Bad Bird, and Scout’s Honor—introduced the concept of a high-end food court to Manila with Hole in the Wall nestled in Century City Mall. Fast forward to the present, and these same guys bring us the GRID in Rockwell. While still featuring a variety of concessionaires in one convenient location, this food court is anything but “budget” as it brings together some of Manila’s best restauranteurs in one roof. More on this below!
Tapas, Wine and Cheeses from Rambla
With more and more people following calorie restrictions diets, the full meal as we know it (viand with rice) may soon fall away for smaller portions. The trend calls for more finger food, pica pica, or tapas in Spanish 😉 Rambla has been known as one of the restaurants for Spanish food with cozy interiors and they bring their amazing tapas to The Grid at Rockwell—Calamares, Croquetas, Patatas Bravas, and Gambas are but a few of the Tapas available, in addition to delectable cold cuts and cheeses. My recommendation? I say try it all, but I was absolutely in love with the Cold Cuts and Cheese platter from Happy Barrel (also by Rambla)
Calamares
Calamares. Crispy and salted just right at Php290.
Croquetta
Croquetta, I could not tell if this was filled with Jamon or Sisig but one way or another, bite-sizes goodness starting at Php170
Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas, lightly seasoned potato wedges at Php170
Looks like a savory ensaymada, but far from it. This Jamon and Tortilla elevates the humble egg torta beyond the “ordinary” fare.
I wasn’t too sure what this was but I believe this is a Butifarra
Coffees, Juices and Cocktails from Edsa BDG
Famous as one of the pioneers in the third-wave coffee scene, Edsa BDG (Fun fact: BDG stands for Beverage Design Group) brings their popular coffees and cocktails from their home up north along EDSA in San Juan to the south. I’m regrettably a non-coffee drinker so we opted for their Sangrias instead—best decision. Their Guava and Mango Sangrias are amazing, the Mango Sangria with its sweet notes can be a stand in for dessert while the Guava Sangria makes for a refreshing treat! Sangrias are priced at Php650/pitcher which serves about 6-8 glasses.
Cocktails
Cakes, pastries, crepes and more from Workshop Bakery
Unfortunately, I had to leave early and missed out on all the mouth-watering sweets thought of by Chef Miko Aspiras. From sweet and savory crepes to the famous 17-layer Strawberry Shortcakes and Caramel Cakes I first saw in their branch at Megamall to decadent Carmelized Walnut Brownies to Flourless Chocolate Cakes to self-proclaimed Life Changing Brownies, there are options for any dessert craving. But there is a silver lining and I got to take-out a slice of the legendary Basque Burnt Cheesecake—and was it is worth it?—oh yes!
Workshop Bakery also has these three tempting cookies out on display on their counter, I didn’t manage to get a bite but just one glance and I am sure each one would have tasted absolutely delicious!
The Grid
Level R2, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City
Open from 11am to 9pm (Mondays through Thursdays), 11am to 10pm (Fridays), 10am to 10pm (Saturdays), 10am to 9pm (Sundays)
Facebook: The Grid Food Market
Instagram: @thegridfoodmarketph
