Black Olive Cerveceria is a new restaurant by Chef Carlos Miguel which is located at the Capitol Commons, a new foodie hub along Shaw Blvd. in Pasig City. It offers Mediterranean cuisine coupled with impressive line of beers, wines, and spirits in a relaxing ambiance conducive to having a great time over good food.
Capitol Commons is slowly but surely becoming the favorite of foodies in Manila, with several food trucks and new restaurants up on its sleeve. Black Olive Cerveceria is one of those which should not be missed when visiting the area.
Some weeks ago, I along with some foodie friends visited Black Olive to meet Chef Carlos Miguel, the genius mind behind Draft Gastropub, Opus, Beso and Publiko and try his offerings served at Black Olive Cerveceria. It was a holiday season and there could not be more apt way to relax amidst the busy season than to feast on good food and great beers.
Its well lit and unpretentious interior posses a charm of its own but its the bottles upon bottles of beers, wines, and liquor that could steal ones' attention upon entering Black Olive Cerveceria. An explicit indication of its strong suit alongside its exciting menu.
Imported beers in tap also added to the already impressive drinks line up; Paulener variants, Becks, Stella, and Chimay Red. Although enticing to try each and every kinds, it was Paulaner's Christmas Brew St.Thomas that I ended up enjoying with its sweet and malty taste. A breezy afternoon can be while away with these drinks but food at Black Olive Cerveceria are equally well worth the attention.
I started my meal with the introduction of Burrata with Prosciutto, Walnuts, and Marinated Olives (Php485) to my palate. While I have had several Burrata prior to trying out Black Olive's rendition, this one got my approval to be the best among the rest with its well executed flavor that builds upon every bite leaving you wanting for more.
Aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and a sure winner to the palate, the Grilled Octopus with Green Romesco and Black Olive Salsa (Php230) of Black Olive is suggestive of all things fresh and delicious. The tender Octopus meat was impressive in terms of texture and flavor while the salsa only elevates it to a degree well worth the rave.
I am not a big fan of egg plant dishes but stuffed it with delicious thing such as cheese and it will be a different story. Case in point, Black Olive's Involtini of Green Eggplant, Feta Cheese, Roast Tomato and Black Olive (Php270) ended up as one of my favorites.
Wing is the part of chicken that is already flavorful in itself and any chef worth his salt is expected to execute chicken wing dish that could blow any minds away. Chef Carlos Miguel is one of those who could elevate the magic in flavor that is already innate in chicken wings. His Crispy Boneless Chicken Wings with Mojo Picon (Php280) is one good example. The placement of the sauce underneath is a thoughtful move, especially for those who does not have an affinity with spicy flair of flavor but still wants to enjoy their chicken.
Cooked for 18 hours, Black Olive's Sous Vide US Angus Beef Salpicao (Php385) spells effort that is impossible to go unnoticed. The tenderness of the Angus beef and its well incorporated savory flavor speaks of a well crafted dish that only a person with talent for cooking could come up with perfectly.
Black Olive's Barbecue Pork Riblets (Php280) would not have Black Olive for as its namesake for nothing. These tender pork ribs boats of a tug of war of flavor between sweet and savory without one overshadowing the other.Thinly sliced fried garlic was an added flair in presentation as well as in flavor.
Its hue is that of a night but the flavor suggests a golden sunset when everything seems magical and utterly charming. Squid Ink Battered Prawns with Honey Aioli (Php390) posses such quality in terms of flavor. Seafood in your face that speaks only of freshness and respectable quality. The honey aioli is a perfect combination as it cuts through the otherwise repetitive savory seafood flavor if one is not too keen on such taste.
Appetizers at Black Olive Cerveceria already blew me away but the parade of the mains which started with the Prosciutto, Arugula, Tomato, Mozzarella Brick Oven Pizza (Php495) only steeled my resolved that it was an afternoon well spent. The combination of the four toppings was a dead giveaway that we were in for a good dish, and it was.
The previous pork dish was impressive but not to be outshine was the Grilled Porkchop with Balsamic Figs and Mashed Sweet Potato (Php490). It was tender with an unprecedented flavor brought about by the balsamic figs that sent my palate to tip toeing from one pleasant flavor to another. The mashed potato was well worth mentioning for its knee-trembling creaminess and flavor.
With the parade of great dishes, one can do well even without a pasta dish, but Black Olive's Stracchi Pasta with Lamb, Black Olive and Sage Ragu (Php430) was too good not to give it a bite or two. The use of lamb for its meat was a good move as it gave off a distinct flavor one could not find in an ordinary pasta dish of equal price range.
If I would judge a restaurant based on how well they execute a good risotto dish, Black Olive is a good contender on the top spot against the now defunct Lulu Restaurant at Rockwell. Risotto Verde (Php605) topped with seared salmon fillet and creamy salmon tartare was a welcome respite after feasting on meaty dishes.
Black Olive Cerveceria already proved itself in a way of great tasting dishes and beverages, but the wonders didn't stopped there since their desserts proved to be equally respectable. The Tiramisu (Php230) which can be enjoyed not only by adults but by kids as well since it does not posses the liquor in your face kind of execution. It has a fine balance in flavor, light but in a very good way.
Chocolate, Almonds & Raisins Torte with Vanilla Ice Cream (Php200) on the other hand is one dessert that is so rich in flavor. The ice cream is a beautiful addition as it cuts through the downright rich chocolate flavor of the torte. I am not too crazy about the raisins but the others found it just right.
Personally, I thought Black Olive Cerveceria is one good reason for any foodie to visit Capitol Commons in Pasig City. It is a perfect place to spend your time with friends over good food and great choices of beers and other liquors. The price for some leans on the steep side of the spectrum but the quality of food is good, hence I thought it's well worth every penny.
My dining experience at Black Olive Cerveceria is definitely one of the best I had before I bid adieu to the year that was. With that, I am giving away Php1,000 worth of Gift Certificate you may use at Black Olive Cerveceria. Joining is easy. Just follow the mandatory tasks indicated at the Rafflecopter below and you're good. Game?
WINNER ANNOUNCED!
Congratulations
Stacy Liong!
Thank you for joining YedyLicious' Black Olive Cerveceria Giveaway! Please wait for the message I will be sending to the social media accounts you used in joining this contest as to how to claim your prize.
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Black Olive Cerveceria
Unit R3A & B, Capitol Commons
Meralco Ave. cor. Shaw Blvd.
Pasig City, Philippines
Contact No.: (02) 633-2071
Facebook: /blackolivePH
Twitter: @blackolivePH
Instagram: @blackolivePH
