Taglish, located on the top floor of the Levanto Building along Jupiter Street in Makati, will likely be described as a steakhouse, or actually, it’s a seafood restaurant, or in Chef Frances Tariga’s own words, “It’s not Filipino. It’s not American. It’s Taglish.” All those are true but to keep it perfectly simple, Taglish is one the best and most exciting new concepts to hit Manila this year.
“We aren’t trying to imitate a New York steakhouse. We’re asking what a world-class steakhouse would look like if it had always existed in Manila,” says Tariga in a statement. “Every side dish, every sauce, every piece of seafood, and every lumpia tells that story.”
Even its design tells that story. “Fine dining” is written all over the interiors of Taglish from the moment you step inside but it is anything but stuffy or pretentious. The design is subdued and sophisticated but unique enough to not be bland or impersonal. Unlike Tadhana right next door, which feels like Tariga’s stage to perform and showcase her skills, Taglish gives Tariga a place to be herself minus the pomp and circumstance of a traditional tasting menu.
That perhaps is the most compelling part of Taglish: at a time when chefs feel pressured to create tasting menus to stand out, and often overextending their reach, each dish in Taglish’s a la carte menu will make any meal a special occasion. Last August 5, we got to try Taglish for the first time, and these are what you shouldn’t miss.
GenSan Tuna Porterhouse
Manila has always had great steaks, but rarely do we see an alternate version compete as well as any meat. Tariga’s seafood take on a steakhouse classic is far and away the best thing at Taglish. Cooked to perfection alongside a brown butter sauce, this will satisfy any diner regardless of their choice of protein.
Negros Diwal Casino
Tariga plays a lot with nostalgia and our favorite childhood dishes. Perhaps the best execution of this is the Negros Diwal Casino. Made with ‘nduja, citrus crumble, and charred lime, it makes the household favorite an elevated steakhouse staple. Don’t be afraid to order more of this.
Sticky Langka Pudding
While much of the hype is for the Baked Halo Halo, don’t sleep on the Sticky Langka Pudding. This dessert is a warm, comforting end to a fantastic meal that punctuates what Taglish is all about: a mix of different cultures that become greater than the sum of its parts.
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