ALQUERIA: Tapas Paellas Y Bistecas + Yey for Vegetarian Paella!

First of all, Happy World Vegetarian Day! I've been one since 2006 (or 05?), and have ever since been on the look out for alternatives to some dishes that I love and miss. I've tried vegetarian burgers, veggie hotdog, and vegetarian siomai, but for the first time, and finally, I was able to try a VEGETARIAN PAELLA earlier! I love flavored rice so so much, so this day made me happy! :)

Lunch out in Alqueria with Chuckie, Sarah, Paul, and Yen. Fun group! We talked a lot about travels.

Alqueria is located in SM Megamall, at the Mega Fashion Hall. It opened in January 2014, and is under the SumoSam Group of Restaurants.

Founded by Marvin Agustin, Ricky Laudico, and Raymund Magdaluyo, they also partnered with Charo Santos, Liz Uy, Mylene Dizon, and Agot Isidro for this business venture.

Alqueria is best known for their PAELLAS! 

Best sellers include contemporary dishes like Salpicao, Queso Fundido, Paella Valenciana, Paella Carne Mechada, Paella Jamon Serrano y Foie Gras, Prime Black Angus Ribeye Steaks, Grilled Lamb Chops, Pollo Iberico, and Cochinillos. And of course, the churros!

Alqueria's Executive Chef Chris Oronce gained experience in food and restaurant operations management working at distinguished international restaurants like MGM Grand Shibuya in Las Vegas, Koi Restaurant at Planet Hollywood, Mesa Grill Caesar's Palace Las Vegas, and Nobu in New York.

Chef Chris works closely with Alqueria's Head Chef, Chef Roldan De Gracia, and came up with different flavors of Spain.

Of course, a good drink is essential in any Spanish restaurant!

“Alqueria” is an old Spanish term referring to a type of farmhouse that resembles a small castle and once served as home to many rural families in Spain. Today, Alquerias have been converted into social gathering places.

Watermelon and Grape Shake for starters:

For appetizer, we had salads:

Ensalada Caesar (Php330)

Caesar's Salad Alqueria style with fresh romaine lettuce, shaved manchego cheese, Serrano ham and house-made croutons.

I tried this! I like that it is light and fresh. 

Ensalada Mixta (Php270)

Fresh Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, olives, cucumber and tuna flakes with house vinaigrette.

Gambas Al Ajillo (Php375)

Fresh white river shrimps sauteed in olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes and paprika finished with white wine and butter.

Pulpo a la Gallega (Php288)

Octopus gratin topped with mashed potatoes and manchego cheese.

Pollo Al Ajillo (Php280)

Slices of chicken thigh part fried then sauteed in lots of garlic in olive oil, finished with white wine.

The Paellas!

 Paella Valenciana (Small: Php560 / Medium: Php910 / Large: P1,480)

And of course, my...

Paella Vegetariana (Small: Php395 / Medium: Php550 / Large: Php915)

Simmered rice in saffron-infused vegetable stock topped with sweet peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, artichokes and olives.

Super good! Had the SMALL lang (Ph 395) and wasn't able to finish everything because of the good hefty serving, so you can share this size or takeout the half (which I did earlier, and ate for dinner nalang, hehe. Still good!). I love the rice, nice and sticky and flavorful. The veggies that come with the dish are fresh, crunchy, and perfect. Sabi nga ni Sarah, "I can eat this everyday!"

Craving for Spanish food and yummy paellas? Visit Alqueria Restaurante at the 3^rd floor of Mega Fashion Hall, Building D, SM Megamall. Text or call +639165062659 for reservations and inquiries. Like Alqueria on FACEBOOK!

Special thanks to Yen and Chuckie!