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SOIL: A Local Restaurant Boasts with Modern Filipino-inspired Cuisine
A newly opened restaurant in Alabang with a contemporary Philippine cuisine
By: Niña Caraig | November 10, 2016
Soil’s facade
Tucked away in the growing food hub of Molito Complex, Alabang is a newly opened restaurant that is apparently making waves for its modern Filipino-inspired cuisine. Opened just this January 2016 by siblings Chef Lorenzo Pimentel and Mr. Iñigo Pimentel, Soil boasts an authentic farm-to-table menu and chic sipping in a cultured but stiff-free casual environment, brimming with an inviting vibe for tourist, local, and balikbayan foodies.
From the place to the dishes and drinks, ShoppersGuide will show you five reasons why Soil can be your next food haven spot.
1. THE CONTEMPORARY FILIPINO DINE-IN STYLE
The two-storey restaurant has a light and airy space with a total floor area of 105 square meters fit for 60 guests (indoor) and 10 guests (outdoor). The bare black and white interior, designed by Mr. Iñigo himself, is soothed by some metal and wooden tables and chairs with humble hanging lamps. The mesh is one of the symbolic designs of a fisherman’s net.
The bare interior perfectly blends with metal and wooden chairs and tables.
The mesh soothed with humble hanging lights
Another thing that makes an impression is the mural on the wall which certainly exhibits the local warmth of the place. Surprisingly, the said mural, which illustrates a farmer and a fisherman, are images of the owners’ grandfathers. Though Chef Lorenzo and Mr. Iñigo’s grandparents are an accountant and an engineer by profession; the murals are aimed to represent the brothers’ support to Filipino culture and identity, as well to serve as tribute to their grandparents.
The mural of a fisherman and a farmer depicting the image of the owners’ grandparents
To complement the local vibe, there is a bar station in front of the kitchen with an interesting display of drinks atop the seats. Yes, you can definitely enjoy your meal with some drinks, and have them at the bar table too!
The bar station in front of the kitchen
The room has a casual and spontaneous ambiance with good Wi-Fi connection that makes it perfect for informal meetings, meeting for cocktails, business lunches, and events and gatherings for small groups.
2. THE FARM-TO-TABLE PREPARATION
The farm-to-table concept is not new in the Philippines, but Soil’s reinvention of it seems to change the name of the game. Chef Lorenzo’s ultimate requirement is just simple – farm-fresh produce ingredients from local suppliers and farmers. Before Soil’s best menus are put together, they first check out the available sources all over the country highlighting the best of the season. This is quite the main reason why they change their menus every quarter.
An up-close interview with Chef Lorenzo Pimentel
“We want to bring out the best modern Filipino cuisine with trust and conviction.” – Chef Lorenzo.
3. LOCAL FOOD WITH A TWIST
In this season of “ber” months in the Philippines, Soil’s food parade consists of creations with ingredients locally sourced from various provinces. Examples are Crispy Baby Squid w/ Chorizo Ketchup, Coriander, Lime (PhP350), a fair heap of squid served with mild chorizo drizzled with coriander leaves sourced from Quezon Province; Roasted Pork Belly, with Confit Potatoes, Apples, & Green Mangoes (PhP390), which is a sight to behold for its fruits, vegetables, and pork chunks altogether from Bulacan; Tiger Prawn Cloud with Prawn Bisque, Cereals and Coconut Cream (PhP560) with coconut cream from Palawan making this seafood dish sweet and creamy enough for your liking; and a lot more from their seafood-filled menu.
Roasted Pork Belly, with Confit Potatoes, Apples & Green Mangoes
Tiger Prawn Cloud with Prawn Bisque, Cereals and Coconut Cream (Photos courtesy of Soil)
And while the rest of these menus give a twist to your local gourmet experience, the farm-to-table dishes would not be complete without their choice of farm-menus. One of which is their simple and unpretentious Seared Tomatoes with Mozzarella Mangoes and Basil (PhP350) with fresh ingredients from their various suppliers like Organic Manila, Malipayon Farms, Owlcreek Farms, and Village Fresh Farms.
Seared Tomatoes with Mozzarella Mangoes and Basil (Photo courtesy of Soil)
Soil’s menu will also let you give in to the sweet temptation with their locally inspired sorbet desserts served with a modern twist such as the Lava Cake w/ Mint Sorbet, Aerated Chocolate, Choco Chip Crumble (PhP320) from South Cotabato; Granola Parfait w/ Jackfruit Sorbet, Coconut Yogurt, Dalandan (PhP320); and Sweet Potato Munchkin Bacon Ice Cream, Orange (PhP320) which are simply hard to resist.
4. MORE TO OFFER!
If you are in the mood for something to sip, your taste buds will surely be satisfied as Soil also offers a variety of drinks available daily on their menu. From local beers to cocktail wines and imported champagnes, you can find the right drinks and reason to occupy the entire restaurant for cocktail parties and events.
Soil has lots of drinks to offer, too! (Photo courtesy of Soil)
To those who are looking for a catering service near the southern part of Manila, Soil has good news for you! They also accept catering service with customized packages. So, if you’re planning for an early Christmas treat and looking for either a venue or just menu , Soil is a good option to add in your list. Chef Lorenzo will personally help you plan in creating that perfect menu for your occasion and budget.
5. GIVING BACK
Soil is a Filipino-owned restaurant and the first venture on the food business of the Pimentel siblings. A culinary graduate of De LaSalle - College of Saint Benilde, Chef Lorenzo’s interest on the restaurant business was inspired further when he went to New York and tried living independently. He started a humble career as a dishwasher in a famous restaurant in New York which propelled him to pursue a culinary course in the said city. Soon he was able to work in different famous restaurants like Nobu & Nobu Next Door (NY) , Esquina and Pollen , and Izy in Singapore.
All these experiences on food and culture made him excited to go back to the country to open his own restaurant and use all he has learned for his business as well as for a mission.
“Our long-term advocacy is to give back to people by means of showcasing Filipino cuisine and supporting and helping local farmers and fishermen at the same time.” – Chef Lorenzo.
BRANCH DETAILS
To know more about Soil and their promos, visit their store at Unit 16, Molito Lifestyle Bldg, Madrigal Ave. cor. Alabang- Zapote Road, Alabang Muntinlupa City.
Official Website: http://www.soilmoderndining.com/
Facebook Page: Soil (@soilrestaurant)
Tel no.: (632) 824 1802
About Niña Caraig
Niña is the Content Development Manager at Yoorekka. Prior to Yoorekka, she began her career at a publishing company. In her free time, she loves to pamper herself, go shopping, and watching movies with her friends.
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