editorial team
The Filipino’s discerning palate has been cultivated by embracing local, foreign, and progressive cooking concepts. Constantly craving for fresh culinary adventures, passionate foodies are in for a delicious treat as a new restaurant presents an exciting gastronomic experience that has fused together diverse coastal food cultures from all over the world—Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine.
Some of the best culinary styles and dietary dialects found in different coastlines took center stage at the recently held Akrotiri VIP Blogger’s Night last June 1, at the Commerce Center, Filinvest City in Alabang. During the gathering, top local food and lifestyle bloggers got to taste Akrotiri’s mouthwatering offerings, took part in fun activities, and personally met the people that brought about this unique Eurasian culinary concept.
A Greek term for peninsula, “akrotiri” is also an ancient village on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini where different rich cultures and gastronomic experiences from different parts of the world flourished that even Plato used it as an inspiration to the story of Atlantis. The restaurant will be a reflection of modern Greek culture in its ability to make each meal an experience which connects both the food served and the people rediscovering their roots. It is a fusion of European and Asian cuisine that is traditionally marked with intense hospitality and generosity, and food is seen as a channel for affection.
A FAMILY LEGACY. Dimitris Karatzas, the husband of Nicole Karatzas, is a member of the 3rd generation of the Karatzas family who runs a reputable restaurant in Mykonos, Greece – Kastro’s. Since 1976, Kastro’s has been serving the best cocktails in Mykonos town and has now flourished into an amazing restaurant with Greek and Mediterranean influences, all of which have been celebrated by travellers worldwide
“Akrotini’s offerings reflect the Mediterranean classics, mainly Greek and other European influences but at the same time, we’ve localized the taste to create a new flavor. One can call it ‘fusion’, but we feel that ‘EurAsian’ highlights what we represent—an amalgamation of influences that have strong ties with the Philippine food culture.” – Akrotiri General Manager David Jones
Akrotiri’s Menu is co-conceptualized by Chef Luca Maffei. An Italian chef with intricate taste to flavours and fusion, Chef Luca masterfully re-imagined Akrotiri’s food, bringing the blissful flavours of Asia and Euro-Greek cultures to our local cuisine.
“Metro Manila is an emerging market for restaurants and we wanted to present something new, yet still familiar to the Filipino palate. Using local ingredients and principles plays a vital role in bringing to life our concept of showcasing global coastal food cultures through dishes that remain close to home,” said Akrotiri Head Chef, Ereyca Trinidad.
A feast of specialty menu was offered as part of Akrotiri’s comprehensive food choices—a classic Greek heritage of Mediterranean triad themes that overlap with Malay, Oriental, and European influences. Guests also had their fill from a wide selection of wines, spirits, and beer, as well as carefully curated cocktails that collectively reflect Akrotiri’s distinct coastal blending ethos.
The Eurasian gastronomic experience
Akrotiri’s story was shared through an audio-visual presentation, but more so when its menu items were exhibited separately, plated attractively for every event-goer’s delight and indulgence.
The showcase included the Shell Fish Sauté with Clams, Mussels, Prawns, Squid, and Tomato, and the Eurasian Sour Soup and Souvlaki Skewers for the soup entries. The mezze (appetizers) line-up was headlined by the Wagyu Burger with Cheese, Shitake Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, and Rustic Fries, plus the Grilled Prawns in Tamarind Dressing and Greens.
For the mains, the Wagyu Skirt Steak with Spicy Chilli Jam, Roasted Vegetables, and Paprika Aioli, as well as the Seafood Tagliatelle with Clams, Mussels, Prawns, Squid, and Tomatoes were the highlights, while the Chocolate Garden Mosaiko topped Akrotiri’s dessert offerings.
Specialty drinks could be seen, surprising guests with unique blends infused with flavours from diverse influences.
A prominent shelf of the famous Jameson whiskey frames one side the back bar display and gives rise to a multitude of Irish blends and single malts. Carrying on the island whisky theme we see single malt scotch from island distilleries and the Japanese also are represented showing the fusion of drinking cultures around the world.
Weaving together the different flavors found on different coastal food cultures all over the world and presenting them as delicious gastronomic offerings makes Akrotiri a unique destination that delivers an exciting culinary experience that will surely indulge every type of Filipino diner.
Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine is open from 11AM daily. Visit them at Unit 103 G/F Commerce Center Alabang, Commerce Avenue corner Filinvest Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, or log in to www.akrotiri.ph and [email protected] for more information.
