Avida Food Hunt

Trekking the foodie trail

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Launched last March, the Avida Food Hunt (AFH) started discovering great food finds in Manila. Led by chef JJ Yulo, mediamen participated in a thrilling epicurean adventure as we sampled restaurants and cafes within the area of  Avida’s Towers Prime Taft.

For its second leg, the AFH brought its unique food challenge to the side streets of Taft Avenue in Pasay City. Located close to premiere schools in Manila such as De La Salle University, Arellano University, Philippine Women’s University, De La Salle – College of St. Benilde, San Isidro Catholic School, and St. Scholastica’s College, Avida Towers Prime Taft also has the advantage of being the condominium development at the fringe of three major city hubs: Taft Avenue in Manila; the central business district of Makati; and the commercial centers of Pasay.

With students, young urban professionals, and new families converging in Taft Avenue’s entire stretch, it has become a necessity for homeowners to find amazing dining destinations that will suit their budgets and tastes. The AFH took on the challenge as we embarked on an exciting trip to discover affordable yet great food finds within the vicinity.

Just in time for back-to-school enrolment season, the food stops featured in this food hunt will surely give students and parents great ideas on how they can maximize their allowances.

It was Orientation Day in both DLSU and St. Benilde campuses, and, through the groups of dreamy-eyed freshmen coeds patiently following their guide, we visited five food outlets dotting the campus’ periphery. In time, these same students would discover these diners in the course of their four-year stay in college.

They, too, would agree that of those we visited it would be the Agno Food Court they’ll opt to dine in, especially in breaks between classes. This open-spaced canteen has become an institution among Taft students. Located just beside DLSU, the food court boasts of numerous concessionaires serving affordable choices. Dimsum, doughnuts, Belgian waffles, as well as grilled rice meals and Mongolian fare are just some of the food stalls that one can find therein. On a budget challenge of P120, I got an ample serving of fish fillet with tempura sauce (P80) and an apple smoothie (P35).

Those who love meat will delight on the many options in Rap’s Steakhouse along Dagohoy Street. This meat lover’s paradise is an ideal choice for budget-conscious diners. At P185, sample their wide array of grilled steaks, including the highly recommended and succulent porterhouse and T-bone steak at the fraction of the cost. But, what really makes Rap’s a by-word is their specialty sauces; including Bordelaise, the bone-marrow sauce that’s served heated. If the sauce cools down to room temperature, it congeals like lard.

For those who prefer Nippon fare, there’s the Nemoto Japanese restaurant along Buendia Ext. And for family or barkada dining, there’s the Black & White cafeteria with its piano keyboard-colored interiors.  Our final stop was the Noriter Café right across DLSU. This Korean-inspired coffee shop situated at the heart of CSB and DLSU is a favorite hangout spot among students, especially those on dates. Try their best-selling Moccha Frappe and equally-famous Honey Bread whilst relaxing in its intimate artsy confines.

An Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) subsidiary, Avida Land provides thoughtfully-designed condominium units in secure communities that offer value for money and convenience all within reach. With the five pillars of accessibility, unique features and amenities, quality assurance, stress-free  buying, and relaxing living experience integrated unto all its condominium and house & lot properties, Avida Land has become the developer of choice among the rising middle class as it continues to expand its product offerings across the country.

The next food hunt will unfold soon. Interested parties can sign-up online for a chance to join via www.avidaland.com/events or simply drop by the Avida Towers Prime Taft project pavilion to register. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to make this event a fun family epicurean adventure they’ll surely enjoy.