Love at First Bite: Providore

The huge Providore signage intrigued me for months. It really made me excited because it has been quite a while since a new restaurant graced SM Aura. And the foodie in me jumped for joy when Chef Kalel and Mela of Raintree Restaurant posted that Providore will open this week. And true to their post, it did open today at 6 pm! 

Hello, Providore! 

This casual dining restaurant is the newest concept of Raintree Restaurant, the same group behind spectacular restaurants such as Chelsea, Simple Lang, Kabila, Stella, Izakaya Sensu and Chotto Matte. And just like its sister restaurants, this one was designed to impress. 

The first thing that caught my eye was the lovely wall of products from local retailers such as Nipa Brew, Manila Eat Up, Traydor and Casa Carmela. I really like that Providore decided to partner with these shops and carry its products. It made it a lot easier for foodies who are not fond of shopping online or driving around for a bottle of hot sauce. With this, we get to save more time for eating! (I spotted a few customers considering some of the goods displayed as Christmas gifts. I might do that too.)

It was their first day when I dropped by and a handful of items were not available then. Thankfully, the kitchen had ingredients to whip a Decadent Bone Marrow Burger (PHP450). I decided to get that sinful bun of meat and pair it with a refreshing glass of Kombucha Lime Iced Tea (PHP120). I struggled choosing my dessert as I was alone when I visited. All of the desserts seem to be good for sharing so I settled with what sounded to be the smallest sweet treat they have and decided to end my meal with a plate of Housemade Leche Flan (PHP95). 

Service was quite fast as I was not even done taking photos of the merchandise when my ginormous burger arrived. 

I was greeted by a good 1.5" U.S. beef burger with bacon marmalade jam and wild arugula sandwiched by a soft buttered brioche with spiced fries and oven-roasted bone marrow on the side. 

Salted Egg Chips Craze: Stella Wood Fired Bistro

I am a big fan of salted eggs. I would go crazy every time I see some in bazaars and end up buying at least half a dozen of these delectable poultry goods and enjoy it with tomatoes. I'd also order any dish with salted egg in order to satiate my undying desire for it. Unfortunately, not a lot of restaurants carry salted egg dishes. And so when Mela of Raintree Group posted Stella's newest salted egg creation, my tastebuds clamored for it and I can't let a week pass by without giving in to my tummy's desires.

Hello, Stella Wood Fired Bistro! 

No heavy rainfall can come in between me and my salted eggs! Okay, fine. I was just so lucky that the rain stopped by the time I clocked out of work. 

I managed to get to Stella around 6:30 pm and there were only a few tables occupied. I figured the heavy rain earlier and the fear for carmaggedon scared the bistro's regulars and potential customers. (I was wrong though as more diners came in past 7 pm.) 

The restaurant has a chill vibe and seems like a perfect place for friends to catch up or a casual date over a few cocktails and light dishes.

I was quickly ushered to my table and I ordered a plate of Salted Egg Chips (PHP220). While waiting, one of the staff noticed that I put out my fan as I was feeling a bit hot. She quickly adjusted their small electric fan and pointed it towards me. I was impressed with her proactiveness. 

My plate was served in a jiffy and Chef RJ who prepared it took some time off to explain the dish to me.