Mr. Jones

Breakfast bounty

By Demi Braque

Inspired by the 1960s, the Mr. Jones diner in Ayala Center Makati is a new up-market and contemporary food-stop conveniently located at the ground floor of Greenbelt 5 mall. It is a destination restaurant offering a full array of authentic American cuisine.

Savor their fish & bacon dish, Eggs “Benny” 2 Ways; that’s Canadian-style double smoked bacon and Norwegian smoked salmon with two poached eggs, wilted spinach, hollandaise sauce, and roasted rosemary breakfast potatoes on top of Texas toast slices. This goes well with their “Big Boy” Fried Chicken & Waffles, a hefty plate of fowl served with whipped butter, maple syrup and chicken stock gravy. Yummy!

Designed by acclaimed restaurant architect, EC Studio, the interior features sea-foam diner seats that comfortably seats forty covers (with another forty al-fresco seats outside), fire engine red sharkskin booths and ‘60s chic. Mr. Jones transports you back to the time of jukeboxes, roller-skaters and really good milkshakes.

Not to miss is their Challah French Toast, that’s two pieces of toasted bread with nutella & raspberry preserves and caramelized bananas topped with crispy bacon, powdered sugar and whipped cream that’s served with maple syrup and whipped butter. And for something with a lot of bite and crunch, sample their Super Texas Taco, an entrée with a choice of either grilled Gaucho beef tenderloin or grilled white fish served with tequila lime sauce. This huge tortilla is served with sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese!

Mr. Jones is another innovative concept by Raintree Restaurants along with its sister bistros around the metropolis: Museum Café, Kabila, Chelsea, MoMo Café, Stella, Rocket Room, Premiere, Saboten, and Terraz. Since 2009, Mr. Jones has been bringing the ‘60s American flavors with its blue plates, milkshakes and burgers.

“We retained our original menu and added a few new items. It’s an all-day access to breakfast food for residents of condominiums in and around the Ayala Center area. This is the only place where you’ll find the originally concocted Louie’s dressing that’s a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, mayonnaise and catsup. We have another Mr. Jones outlet in Bonifacio High Street. Mr. Jones will be turning four in November,” shared chef de partie Neil Manzon.

Some food items, like the Bacon & Egg plate, are not in the menu but are nevertheless ordered regularly. One of their new items is the Cold Lump Crab & Shrimp Salad that uses Louie’s dressing; it is a plate of iceberg disc with cherry tomatoes topped with caviar and fresh lemons. And for sweet endings, try their Maple Bacon Sundae, a delectable dessert of waffle croutons and two scoops of mantecado ice cream, smothered with maple caramel syrup and whipped cream, and topped with toasted almonds, cherries and bacon bits! It’s a mélange of complementary flavors & tastes.

This swinging and swanky all-day breakfast hub is open from 8 in the morning ‘til 11 in the evening. For more information, simply call 501-3111 and/or visit their social network page at www.facebook.com/raintreemrjones. You may also check out their Web site, www.raintreerestaurants.com.