By Ratziel San Juan
Boracay is so close, you can almost taste it — thanks to the arrival of a beloved culinary destination that has made Metro Manila its new home.
Nonie’s is a name synonymous to fan-favorite fare that is locally sourced, sustainably produced, and Filipino-inspired.
Now, those in the nation’s capital can try it out for themselves following the April 27 grand opening of Nonie’s latest location at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Island picks introduced to Alabang patrons include the signature dish of Cavite-style chicken and pork adobo served with 72-hour crispy pork belly and flame-grilled chicken, as well as the more vegetarian-friendly tempeh kare-kare fashioned from their very own house-fermented soybeans in a luscious cashew sauce.
Rounding out the menu are options such as jackfruit dip, chicken binakol soup, bbq pork bowl, pineapple pandan cakes, vegan sisig, and bistek tagalog, among others.
Meanwhile, new creations developed specifically for the Metro Manila community will be unveiled as the restaurant grows attune to local tastes.
“It’s still a bit of a work-in-progress. Here in Nonie’s (Alabang), we will be launching halo-halo, which is something that we don’t have in Boracay. We’re also planning for more varieties of our pancakes,” partner-representative Patrick Florencio told Manila Standard in an interview.
Come a little closer
Nonie’s settles into Alabang with a pet-friendly location that can comfortably seat up to 35 guests, welcoming reservations for individuals, groups, and even private functions.
Designed in collaboration with Geo Ward from local architectural firm IDC Design & Build, the location aims for a “warm, inclusive atmosphere with a touch of sophistication.”
It marries laidback island vibes and modern minimalist design elements to reproduce a mature Boracay image.
“We wanted to create a space that feels like an extension of our Boracay branch, with a nod to Filipino culture and craftsmanship. Our goal is to provide a comfortable and inviting setting where guests can savor our honest, hearty cuisine,” Chef Derrick said.
Nonie’s recent move to Alabang is only the second time that the restaurant has ever been to Metro Manila; the first being a pop-up collaboration with ABV Bar in 2018.
Though still early into its soft launch phase, the restaurant has already crossed paths with resident food suppliers as part of its sustainable mission.
“Here in Manila, we’re working with some larger suppliers but we’re still getting some ingredients from Aklan and Iloilo, like our organic black rice. We’re still maintaining those suppliers that can deliver here. We found some local fishermen nearby in the markets, now supplying our seafood, delivering everyday,” Florencio said, adding how they source dairy from Rizal and adlai from Bukidnon.
“As we sort of learn more about the area and source more ingredients locally, we’ll start to come up with new dishes for this branch,” Florencio concluded.
