If you're the type of person who likes to rendezvous, Purple Yam in Malate is one of those places for that. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Amy Besa and Chef Romy Dorotan set out to put up a local outlet here in Manila. Last year, there was a call for the revival of Malate and the owners of Purple Yam set out to be one of those to help make that happen.
I got the chance to work at this place for a feature on their chef, Joseph Galvez. It was a bit hard to find because I had initially thought they'd have a sign (at least). But alas, that wasn't the case. I like how mysterious and secretive the location looked like. It's an old white ancestral house at the corner of Juan Nakpil Street and Bacobo Street. I later found out it was Amy Besa's ancenstral home. Tip: If you see the 7-11 on one corner coming from Remedios, then you're right on track. You could also use this area to park your car. Just advise the Purple Yam guard at his post outside and he will assist you.
Thing is, with Purple Yam, you can't just walk-in and wait for a table or ask to be seated. You have to call to reserve a table fit for a small group of people. And they're only open on weekends Fridays through Saturdays. On Fridays and Saturdays (P2500), they open at 7pm. While on Sundays (P1,700) they have brunch and lunch for their guests.
I tried their Maskara Pandesal which was sooooo good for breakfast and merienda. It's meat out of a pig's face (get it? maskara?) with kamias chutney bunched in pandesal. It also has tomatoes, singkamas and watercress in it. I shamelessly ate four of these after we were done with our takes!
The place screams old Filipino. So even if you weren't born at the time this was built, you'll have this sense of nostalgia. I know that's weird but once you're inside, you'll feel how the place embraces every bit of Filipino there is to it. read more