COCONUTS HOT SPOT — The X in Naxional, a newly opened diner in BGC, refers to the number of Latin American countries whose culinary flavors are represented in the festive menu of this colorful, homey and casual dining outlet.
“We want the menu to be South American home-cooked dishes, which we think Filipino diners would love to try. Family cooking takes time, so you have to put effort on these dishes,” says Cynthia Patos, a host for cable TV channel Lifestyle Network.
She is one of 14 partners that also include Brazil’s greatest exports to the Philippines, Daniel Matsunaga, sister Vanessa and mother Gege.
Truth to tell, Naxional is at least a year late to the Latin cuisine party in Metro Manila, but a comfy diner that serves good and affordable food is always a welcome addition to BGC, which is painfully dominated by high-end bars, clubs and restaurants.
At Naxional, you can get dishes from Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil, México, Colombia, Cuba, Perú, Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia.
The country of origin is indicated next to dish on the menu, which is divided into eight parts: desayunos (breakfast), pasabocas (starters), sopas (soup), ensaladas (salads), platos principales (entrées), carnes (open-fire pit grilled meats), sandwiches and desserts.
I got to try many items during the media preview, but it was the pasabocas and one drink that stood out for me during and after the event.
The generous platter of guacamole and chips (PHP 395), which used sweet potato, tortillas and fried plantains, was a good way to start the meal, not to mention a healthier alternative to nachos. Who knew that fried plantains could measure up to popular junk food?
I also enjoyed the Mexican elote (PHP 195), chargrilled sweet corn on the cob served with chili butter, mayo lime and crumbled cheese. The rich and flavorful toppings gave this yellow wonder a welcome makeover. The elote is also served with cast-iron grilled sirloin (PHP 759).
Also memorable were the crisp and sweet plantains (patacones, PHP 220) which were fried, flattened and topped with carne and sofrito. Guacamole added a refreshing twist.
Among the three entrées that I tried, the encebollado (PHP 355) marked the spot.
The soup dish, made from root vegetables, cassava, tomato salsa and pickled onions, is a popular hangover cure, according to Vanessa, and I could see why. The soup was light but flavorful, and hydrating.
The surprising star of the meal? The Brazilian “lemonade” which was delightfully sweet and tangy, thanks to the condensed milk mixed with the citrus drink.
Overall, Naxional is a good place to eat out with friends and family for an enjoyable meal. About PHP1,300 is the ideal budget for two people.
2/F Uptown Parade, 9th Ave cor 38th St, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; +63 2 9463419, Facebook. Mon-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 8am-10pm.
