Thunder from Down Under – Bondi & Burke Opens in BGC

August 18, 2016 posted by Vicki in Indulgences

Manila’s restaurant scene is thriving – there are so many types of cuisines to try and enjoy, one simply has to think of what they are craving that day then go to a restaurant to satiate it. Unfortunately, not all new restaurants are good. Some focus more on their décor and ambiance. Some restos’ claim-to-fame is a celebrity chef. But the restaurants that I find myself patronizing again and again are those that consistently offer good food that’s value for money. If these places have a unique ambiance – that’s just a bonus!

One such restaurant that has become a fast favorite is Bondi & Burke. I love its bright atmosphere where you can enjoy comfort food in generous portions that can sometimes feed two people or more, depending on your appetite. Thank – or blame – this on its Australian-born owner and multi-awarded executive chef, Wade Watson. With experience spanning Australia, Canada, the Lan Kwai Fong group in Hong Kong and Abaca Boutique Resort in Cebu, he’s the secret weapon behind the restaurant’s success. Aside from extensive culinary expertise, he’s also a super nice guy! He sent my friends and I a complimentary plate of dessert on my first visit. Which we ate, despite polishing off a whole beef and mushroom pie each.

Verticals: living wall and cool light fixtures

Bondi & Burke is the perfect venue to meet friends for lunch or to dine alone without feeling lonely. Apparently I’m not the only fan of Bondi & Burke’s awesomeness because last month it opened its doors in a new address at Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, adding to the appeal of this dining haven.

Choose your poison

The 106-seater space offers diners more leg room with two floors, loft ceilings, cool lighting fixtures and a new bar for late night tipples. Those who feel like dining al fresco or smoking can opt to eat outside and people watch.

What, more food coming?

Side B of the menu; a totally satisfying meal-in-itself mushroom salad

For the press preview Chef Wade treated us to appetizers of Foie Gras Brochettes, Prawn Cocktail, Mini Beef Pies, Sausage Rolls and Fish and Chips – each a perfect bite of flavors and texture. You know how at the end of a Marvel movie, only those in the know wait until the end credits roll to catch a glimpse of a sneak preview trailer? All I can say is that I’m glad I didn’t completely go overboard on these samplers before Frank Briones invited us to go upstairs to continue the feeding frenzy.

Beef Kebab

The Prime Ribeye can feed a small army

Chef Wade served us a delicious Warm Mushroom Salad, a Roasted Prime Ribeye with all the trimmings and to top it off, Sticky Toffee Pudding. Needless to say, we rolled out of Bondi & Burke BGC and down the road after that wonderful lunch. “We are focused on good food. It’s basically dishes you want to come home to after a day’s work,” he says. “There is no magic to it, really. It’s just simple food in a relaxed atmosphere, and having a team of dedicated, hardworking staff,” he said.

The famous Bondi & Burke burger

Meat pie food porn

Whether you feel like have charcuterie or a big fat burger, Bondi & Burke BGC has it on its menu. It also serves imported meats and seafood, snapper fillets, oysters and mussels. Thanks to Chef Wade, he’s saved us the trouble of hopping on the next flight to Australia just so we can enjoy its delicious specialties. His menu has a special section reserved just for these. I often dream of their Beef and Mushroom Pie served with a choice of a side salad or fries. It’s a meal I truly look forward to: that first slice through the crust’s golden flaky goodness, steam curling up in the air while the savory gravy and meat come oozing out onto the plate. The salad is just a side kick to make you feel a little less indulgent. I would have to say my second favorite dish at Bondi & Burke BGC is its Mushroom Salad – it could be a complete meal in itself that’s totally satisfying without the heartiness.

Just like that plate of Lamingtons Chef Wade sent over when we first met, Bondi & Burke will never allow you to end your meal without dessert. Just remember to share it or you too will most likely roll out the door!  Perhaps it’s a sign that Electric Studio is located right across the street…

For more information and reservations, Bondi & Burke BGC’s details can be found on Facebook and on its website here. Happy Eating!

The best meals are eaten with great friends! Here with Shauna Popple, Ines Cabbarus-Habayeb and Frank Briones