“It’s simple; we wanted things made nice,” explains Toby Panlilio, one of four young proprietors of Made Nice Supper Club. He recently partnered with colleges friends Wren Go, Raul Fores and Jack and Gabbi Flores in Greatful Group, a food concept company. Their first project is Made Nice, a culmination of the owners’ background in food training from Enderun or culinary institutes in New York.
The company’s goal is to create dinning experiences where guests are treated like friends within the restaurant’s premises. Dishes that come out of the kitchen are created so diners leave with good memories. The basic premise is to meet standards of being “nice” in every way.
At the strike of 6PM, Made Nice Supper club fills up with foodies who try the menu put together by the five young entrepreneurs. Tables are clustered near each other. The setting recalls scenes from an upscale in a hip village in New York. Staff and owners attend to the diners, engaging them in casual conversation. The place is bustling till the later hours.
To create a sense of camaraderie, owners and staff sit for “family dinner” at 4:30 every afternoon, just before things get busy. They gather around a large table and work out the “game plan” for the evening. Preparations for the first sitting start early. Toby and Warren often arrive hours in advance to oversee operations. Jack and Raul also begin days early, hitting the local markets to source fresh produce for the day. Gabbi tends to the dessert menu and the phone, which rings non-stop since Made Nice opened. This dynamic among staff and owners is behind a unique and memorable dining experience.
Appetizers, main courses and desserts address a craving for comfort food, but with a gourmand’s standard of finesse. Being that 20-somethings are behind Made Nice, there was also great consideration for presenting dishes that are Instagram-ready. The marketing strategy of getting guests to post food shots from Made Nice have created a buzz.
Beyond the hype, the dishes at Made Nice do not disappoint. These are 3 Dishes at the restaurant that are just as scrumptious as they are Instagram-worthy…
The USDA short ribs main is touted as the prettiest item on the menu. Cooked just right, it is served alongside leeks, red wine pudding and potato puree. Its visual appeal is only prelude to flavors that burst in every bite.
The popular grilled octopus was the starter that flooded social media when the restaurant first opened. The octopus remains to be a diner’s favorite because of its tender consistency and tasty marinate.
The signature foie gras is pan-seared a put atop a piece of brioche, caramel and dehydrated orange. It is a symphony of flavors with every bite that you’ll be tempted to order more than one. The elegant plating is also popular amongst Instagrammers.
Made Nice Supper Club is located at Esteban, Legazpi Village, Makati. For reservations phone 0995 017 2482.
Text and photography by Chino R. Hernandez
READ MORE FOR RELATED STORIES…
