CRAVING for a one-of-a-kind dining experience right at the heart of Pampanga?
Mesa Filipino Moderne, touted as one of the country's well-loved Filipino restaurants, finally opened its doors and is ready to serve gastronomic feasts at the province's newest go-to destination -- the SM City Telabastagan.
The latest culinary spot is the 40th branch of the award-winning restaurant chain adjudged as the Philippines' Best Restaurant by the Philippine Tatler for 9 consecutive years.
Since opening its flagship branch at the premier Greenbelt 5 in 2009, it has steadily built its name as the country's top dining outlet mainly because of its unique renditions of Filipino cuisine with a twist.
Mesa Filipino Moderne Operations Manager Jeffrey Taguba noted that the new branch aims to continue the restaurant's mission of elevating Filipino food without losing sight of its traditional and familiar flavors.
"We take pride in serving Filipino dishes that are simultaneously modern and classic, meticulously prepared, and cooked daily using only the freshest and high-quality ingredients, most of which are sourced here in Pampanga, as our way of helping local suppliers from the province," he said.
"Moreover, we assure every diner a satisfying dining experience made possible by our team's culinary mastery and consistency which is of course, matched with incomparable service and ambiance that perfectly complements our Filipino fusion offerings," he added.
He shared that the newest Mesa Filipino Moderne branch which can seat up to 54 guests, delights its customers with eye-catching interiors, adorned with chairs with rattan accents, wenge-finished tables, distinct lighting fixtures, and other store furnishings that creatively use Filipino design essentials such as Bamboo and Soliya.
"The restaurant offers a homey and warm native vibe married with a sophisticated modern execution, fit for enjoying all of Mesa's best-selling fares like our signature Crispchon," he relayed.
Mesa Filipino Moderne Executive Chef Dennis Tiburcio described the Crispchon as "Mesa's juicy and flavorful rendition of suckling pig, served in two ways."
"This special dish is served wrapped in Malunggay crepe or tossed in chili garlic. Either way, it's tastefully delicious and inventive that it's actually patented by Mesa," he said.
He added that aside from Crispchon, the restaurant also boasts of its must-try Inihaw Sampler -- Mesa's Pinoy version of Surf and Turf, consisting of grilled chicken leg quarter, squid, liempo, bangus belly, mussels, shrimps, and pork barbecue.
The executive chef also recommends its Crispy Boneless Tilapia accompanied with 4 different sauces; the Swahe on the Rocks, sumptuous river shrimp cooked tableside on extremely hot lava rocks; Mesa's Laing 2 Ways, a dish that has been praised by many critics because of its tasty and intriguing offer of Laing "wet" and Laing "dry"; and Crispy Boneless Pata, it's no fuss, no frill version of pork leg that is deep fried to perfection.
Notable Kapampangan businessman and Mesa Filipino Moderne Franchisee Raul Aquino highlighted that these value-for-money Mesa specialties are what made him decide to open a new branch in Pampanga.
"All of Mesa's food offerings are downright delicious or as Kapampangans would say 'manyaman'. It's the same reason why we were quick to grab the opportunity to open a branch here at SM City Telabastagan. And we know we made the right decision because as we've seen during the opening and up to now, customers are equally excited as us. They even wait for long lines outside just to get a table. It goes to show how the restaurant is really well-received by our kabalens," he said.
He then noted that he and his daughter, Angela, who oversees the new branch as its managing director, are both steadfast on bringing more success to the emerging restaurant.
"This is our first venture into the food business and we're really committed to maintain the restaurant's good reputation and direction. I believe the best way is through continuously innovating and providing nothing but the best service to each and every guest," he quipped as he added that he is looking forward to additional Mesa franchises in the near future.
Mesa Filipino Moderne is located at the Ground Level of SM City Telabastagan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. It is open from 10:00AM to 10:00 daily. For reservations, call 0956-418-5619. (Erika Mariel Gines)