Village Tavern in Bonifacio High Street Central

It was my first time ever at this newest member of the Bistro Group of Restaurants called Village Tavern, located at the prime spot of Bonifacio High Street Central particularly at the second level. It is known to many as  the best in classic American cuisine served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. And did you know that this is considered the 11th Village Tavern restaurant here in the Philippines and also the first international store outside of the United States of America?  My curiosity was really piqued by those great information about the place and made me more interested in knowing their offerings and meeting new faces as well. So does VT met my expectation or not???!! I came from a pleasant job interview and offer that day so I guess it is but proper that my experience here is something that is congruent with how my day went.

The Village Tavern in Bonifacio Global City was built April of this year, but the brand was established in 1984 in North Carolina. As per my research, Village Tavern was inspired by the tradition of the Old World tavern treated as a hub for information, entertainment and nourishment. Hence, the heart and soul of the community.

The establishment has train seating plan perfect for couples or those who want some privacy with their conversation. It has also long tables to cater big groups that is quite normal scene for them as the restaurant is situated in the area where numerous big companies are situated as well. I must take note that furniture are modern and very sturdy. Lighting effect is so classy that it really reflects a fine dining aura. Some could afford to dine at the al fresco area to view the beautiful High Street Central especially at night. This certain part of Village Tavern is where pets are allowed and smoking is not prohibited. 

Furthermore, there is this wine kiosk wherein you can select the best wine, beer and other drinks to be consumed on the premises. After all, this place should not be called a tavern if there is no presence or selling alcoholic beverages, right?

Enough for the restaurant's ambiance. let me show you the dishes that is worth boasting and sharing about :)

Sesame Teriyaki Chicken Wings PhP225

A plate loaded with deep fried chicken flat wings coated with sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce and sided with a small bowl of fresh garden salad. How's this for starters? Very, very gooood! I was actually needing a steamed rice for this as they are too flavorful and juicy for my palate. MmmMMMmmmm..such a comfort food.

Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Skins PhP240

The name sounds interesting, huh? Serving plate is truly loaded with four pieces of roasted sweet potato filled with cream cheese and bacon. If you are a cream cheese lover like me, then you probably become insane after tasting this delightful appetizer. Yeah, we are actually just starting and the fact that someone gets looney over this piece already is a bit acceptable. Why? simply because it is irresistible. The mix and everything was such a treat!

Rastelli's Pureland Black Angus Beef Steak

Say hi to this succulent steak under the Village Tavern's Steakhouse Steaks. This is inspired by the great steakhouses of New York and Chicago. Hence, steaks are aged, hand-cut and grilled to perfect temperature. My first bite was really awesome, a type that is so juicy, tender and flavorful all at the same time. I never worry about getting fat and heavy as this was darn impossible to resist even without the aid or white rice, bread or even steak sauce. A true good steak does not need any sauce to mask its real flavor because you only need a knife and fork to hype up its real beauty- tender cut and excellent flavor.

By the way, the following are the types of steak at this tavern for your perusal. Go on and indulge especially that they have an ongoing promo called Great Steakout wherein you get 40% off on steaks every Friday-Sunday until supplies last. Calling all steak lovers out there....it is about time....

Marinated Flank Steak (P875/8 oz.)
Ribeye (P1,395-8 oz. and P1950-12 oz.)
Fillet Mignon (P1,450/8 oz.)
New York Strip (P1,995/12 oz.)

Apple Carrot Shake PhP180

I know I just got refueled by those overpowering initial dishes presented before our group, but I honestly need a thirst quenching and healthy beverage like this to match all that I've ingested. A drink infused with real apple and carrot bits slushed in ice.

Black Pizza PhP395

This is so new to me. Well, a pancit made with squid ink and seafood pieces is something that I consider a regular thing since my aunt makes one everytime there is something to celebrate at home. But a black pizza??!!! Uhmmmm...This one was made with squid ink (but originally uses charcoal) combined in the pizza dough making it more shades darker. Then topped with parmesan, gruyere, mozzarella cheeses, pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers and onions. After eating a slice, I told myself that this is my kind of pizza. Very unique in approach and enticing.  I also love the aroma which filled my nostrils with organic and aromatic smell. Simply ambrosial!

Forest Pizza PhP475

If ever squid ink does not suit your style for pizza, then a pizza as delectable as this one could somehow replace that classic one. One of the latest offerings of Village Tavern is a wood brick oven cooked pizza made with asiago cream with wild mushroom and walnuts, topped with mozzarella, parmesan cheese and truffle oil. This pizza is highly likable with the same herb goodness. Crusty and thin enough to enjoy. However, some portion were not entirely covered with the asiago sauce and toppings but the truffle's flavor and aroma was imparted well.

Texas Baby Back Ribs  PhP650 (half) PhP1195 (whole)

This is one of the newest Tavern Specialties that is made of course with baby back ribs made special with special cola and chipotle glaze. This dish is very impressive and the taste was so luxurious. I fell in love with its sweet and spicy rendition and the fall off the bone thing. Something unforgettable and worth revisiting for.

Cowboy Burger PhP595 

A burger created in a way that used Applewood-smoked bacon, Cheddar cheese with caramelized onions and barbecue sauce. You need not be a true blue cowboy to appreciate this burger. The burger patty was home-made and so are the buns and sweet potato fries.

Gruyere & Applewood-Smoked Bacon PhP495

Definitely a must-try among their Whole Wheat Flatbread Pizzas. Made of gruyere cheese, applewood-smoked bacon and caramelized onions. The aaaaaaaaahhhh's and mmmmmmmmm's were worth remembering. One of the best flat bread pizzas I've encountered lately or was I being biased as bacon and onion are both my comfort food?! A pizza being whole wheat is such a major factor in choosing the best among the rest.

My seatmate and I craved and raved for something sweet so we ended up ordering two different kind of milk shakes. Hers was the Vanilla Milk Shake (PhP160) and mine, the Chocolate Milk Shake (PhP160). Both were lovely, delectable and rich in taste. Something you cannot afford to miss! I was arguing that this is so perfectly matched to the Cowboy Burger.

Now, let's head to the dessert. And I mean no more stress, but the best Homemade Desserts ever!

St. Barths Chocolate Torte PhP395

Rich and very moist French cake, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. Presentation wise, it was elegant-looking. Taste-wise, with just the right level of sugar that ampliflied its best attributes.

Very Best Carrot Cake PhP345

 I sure hope you have encountered assorted kind of carrot cake and I must agree that this one is something unparallelled. Made of course with fresh carrots, pecan and cream cheese icing that is served warm. I particularly liked the idea of topping the cake covered with luscious icing with grated carrots. It was just divine! Taste was too sweet for me but a great match for a cup of brewed coffee.

Banana Crepes PhP395

Layered with chocolate hazelnut, banana ice cream, fresh banana, caramel and chocolate sauce. This is certainly not your ordinary kind of banana crepe- from the looks and serving portion this is clearly extraordinary. But you know what, this reminds me of my college comfort food that resembles the one my friends and I regularly indulge along Dapitan Street (UST) especially when we are dead tired. A dessert the restaurant owner called Crepe Logs. Looks nice and toothsome as well!

After showing you all those splendid and expensive-looking dishes, this man who is the new corporate chef for Bistro Group, Chef Josh Boutwood, very well deserves a big round of applause. Can we please give him one??! You're the man Chef Josh! You're filled with so much energy and passion for good food that naturally translates into those tantalizing creations.

VILLAGE TAVERN
2nd Level Bonifacio High Street Central
7th Avenue corner 29th Street
1630 Taguig. Philippines
(02) 621 3245
villagetavern@bistro.com.ph 
marketing.villagetavern@bistro.com.ph
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