If it’s as they say that there’s no place like home, then there’s truly nothing quite like Balai Palma.
No other mind could have cooked up such a concept than Aaron Isip, who won the Chef Espoir 2015 for Île de France by the prestigious Gault et Millau.
Isip’s artisanal house-kitchen finds residence in his very own Poblacion property.
Here, guests can properly eat out of house and home, with everything the chef would need in its right place.
Natural appeal
The space’s interiors make resourceful use of earthy elements to visually evoke a breath of fresh air.
“A bridge between the home and the natural world-our ‘indoor-outdoor’ patio will welcome our guests into a home that celebrates the beauty of natural products. Entertain your guests here with some cocktails, champagne, or your refreshment of choice. And feel as if you are in a tiny oasis in the middle of the busy city,” Isip describes.
He says that the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi underscores Balai Palma’s look and feel. That of rustic simplicity, understated elegance, and enjoying the imperfect.
“The connection to earth and natural materials, but with an accent to authenticity,” Isip explains.
Key focal points of the establishment include its Speakeasy, Lounge & Cinema Room, Roofdeck Terraza, Alcove Patio, and Main Dining Room.
Home-cooked
Meanwhile, the private dining experience’s signature tasting menu features as many as 17 dishes divided into 10 courses.
These derive inspiration from the best ingredients of the Philippines, namely the archipelago’s premium seafood options.
Crowd favorites include luxury twists on Filipino staple cuisines, from Foiesilog to Ube in Three Textures.
Of course, the menu is season-dependent, meaning Isip will change it up periodically to adapt to the freshest produce available.
“Pandemic project turned into an artisan handcraft-haven: welcome to Balai Palma,” Isip invites.
Balai Palma is located at 6081 R. Palma Street, Makati. For more information, follow Balai Palma on social media (@balaipalma).
Photos by Balai Palma.
