Fuego Mexican Steakhouse y Tequila Lounge

I could still remember how Chef Tom Hines left me in awe with his culinary creativity that blew me away when I first dine at LuLu Restaurant in Rockwell.  Memories are as vivid and as delightful as the succeeding visits where further improvement and menu development was very apparent.  When a dinner invite for Fuego Mexican Steakhouse y Tequila Lounge located at Makati City came months ago, mountains were moved just so I can fit it into my schedule. After all, it’s Chef Tom Hines new restaurant in partnership with businessman Mahesh Mirpuri.  I knew right there and then, it should not be missed.

Situated in the same building as KYSS bar fronting Makati A.Venue Mall parking lot, Fuego is more than just a place to enjoy cocktail drinks and socialize as its ambiance suggest.  Diners can revel in the restaurant’s innate energy as they dance the night away with the Latino music in the background while indulging on delightful contemporary Mexican dishes and steaks.  Fuego melds the charm of steakhouse with the elegance of an upscale Tequila lounge.

With its sleek interior, Fuego Mexican Steakhouse y Tequila Lounge has an atmosphere unrivaled for a Mexican restaurant not to mention a menu to match.  Chef Tom Hine’s culinary talent adds modern flair to the rather usual Mexican dishes that captures the pulse of both adventurous palates to the traditional.

Our dinner started with Key Lime Ceviche (Php288) which undoubtedly succeeded in whetting our palates.  This beautiful take on our local “kinilaw” boasts of chunks of red snapper and tuna loin marinated in citrusy juice.  Next came the Sopa de Tortilla (Php120) which I found surprisingly soul satisfying considering I am not usually big on such dish.  The distinct taste of tortilla wasn’t overpowering as it allows the blending of flavors among tomatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese to shine through in every spoonful. 

Two kinds of tacos were served that night; Carnitas Corn Taco (Php330) and Pollo ala Parilla Soft Taco (Php260).  

Corn taco shells packed with pulled BBQ pork, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, salsa crudo, guacamole, and cheddar cheese is what Carnitas Corn Taco is all about.  I appreciate that the corn taco they used was thin enough to the bite hence each flavor from every component blends perfectly well.  Pollo ala Parilla Soft Taco on the other hand is packed with grilled chicken, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, salsa crudo, guacamole, and cheddar cheese.  Between the two it was the soft taco that my palate favored.

For the main course we had Mexican Flank Steak with Arroz con Chorizo and Salsa Crudo.  The flank steak can be easily passed off as the usual but its coffee grinds rub does not just improved the overall texture of the meat but it also adds flavor.  While the arroz con chorizo served on the side was an added treat with its remarkable flavor, the mashed beans where the flank steak pontifically sat was satisfying and filling enough that I wasn’t able to finish my cup of arroz con chorizo.  

Traditional Mexican sponge cake called Dulce de Tres Leches (Php190) was served as a meal ender to our delightful dinner.  I’ve had tres leches before but nothing compares to the ethereal creaminess that Fuego’s version offers.  I am interested in trying out other Mexican dessert at Fuego but I am certain that Dulce de Tres Leches will be ordered again.

Aqua Fresca which resembles to melon juice only a tad lighter in flavor can be a refreshing way to start a meal at Fuego.  But if one aims not just to satisfy ones thirst but enjoy it as well, varieties of Tequila based cocktail drinks as well as 15 types of Tequila are also available.  I’ve tried their El Fuego, a chocolate tequila drink spiked with red chilies, and I was deeply impressed.  

With an endless parade of Mexican restaurants sprouting the dining scene here in Manila, having an upscale Mexican gastronomical abode is a welcome change.  It is impressive that Chef Tom Hines was able to create a space that is both social and inviting, and one that carries over the quality and creativity of its sister restaurant LuLu.     

Fuego Mexican Steakhouse y Tequila Lounge
5343 Gen. Luna St. Makati Ave.
Makati City, Philippines
Contact No.: (632) 5196926
Facebook Page: Fuego Mexican Steakhouse Y Cantina

Twitter: FuegoMakati