Last May, thanks to the invite of Mr. John of Kumagcow.com, I had an opportunity to experience the culinary magic of Chef Vince Rodriguez. Know for his gastronomic wizardry in Krave, Torchland, and Red Garlic, he now operates his own: Peppermill Restaurant and Mixology Bar.
The Place
Located at the Katipunan Extension along with Katips and opposite the big Banapple, you can find the restaurant. With an ample space for parking at front and more at the back of the building, it’s a breath of fresh air from the problematic parking situation when you go to Katipunan to dine.
Address: Place One Building, 205 Katipunan Extension, Quezon City
Tel. (02) 9617129
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Mondays to Sundays
Appetizers
For appetizers, Peppermill has lots of varieties to offer. These are the ones that we tried.
The Fried Mac and Cheese balls is your favorite Mac and Cheese squeezed in to a ball just coated and deep fried and served with a special Peppermill sauce.
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| Fried Mac and Cheese balls – Php. 225 |
The Fire Cracker is a California maki roll with kani (crab stick) and shrimps topped with scallops. Bit hot due to chili but it deserves its name to due the flavors that explodes in your mouth when eaten.
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| Fire Cracker (close up) Php. 395 |
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| Fire Cracker (serving size) Php. 395 |
The Foie Gras Nigiri, a blend of French and Japanese, combines French Foie Gras (fattened duck liver) topping Japanese rice styled like nigirizushi. Also topped with cranberry Compote and flavored with raspberry reduction. This is my favorite!
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| Foie Gras Nigiri – Php 755 |
This Salmon Sashimi Salad is definitely a sashimi variation that you have not tried before. Fresh spiced with hot sauce salmon sashimi with nori salad accented with mango and crispy salmon skin. Not on the menu but available on request. A Must Try for Sashimi lovers!
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| Salmon Sashimi |
This Mixed Satay (beef, pork and chicken) served with delicious peanut sauce takes you to the streets of Malaysia/Indonesia/Singapore or where ever you fancied your satay abroad. This could be one of your reasons to visit Peppermill. I just love their peanut sauce!
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| Mixed beef, pork and chicken Satay with peanut sauce Php. 335 |
Main Courses
There are lots of options to choose from the main courses including sandwiches, fish, chicken and meat. Here are some of the main dishes that we have sampled.
This sandwich is called NYC (New York Cit). It is Chicken Thigh buffalo sauce topped with melted Mozarella cheese in Wheat Ciabatta bread. It is served with fries.
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| NYC Sandwich – Php. 295 |
If you are into BBQ ribs, then Peppermill is the new destination for your food trip. Their Agave Passion Fruit BBQ Beef Ribs will tickle your BBQ fancy with the sweet bbq sauce Mexican style from Agave syrup, a high fructose sweet syrup. Served with french fries and corn on the cob. Available in half and full slab.
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| Agave Passion Fruit BBQ Beef Ribs – Php. 795/half slab |
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| Agave Passion Fruit BBQ Beef Ribs – Php. 795/half slab |
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| Me enjoying the ribs |
Peppermill’s sliced beef in rendang sauce / Beef Rendang is another winner for Malay food lovers.
You can have it with rice but I prefer the tortilla which reminds me of the paratha (Indian bread) that I love with spicy curries.
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| Sliced Beef in Rendang Sauce – Php. 315 |
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| Tortillas as an option for Beef Rendang instead of rice |
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| I love the beef rendang with tortillas |
If you want to know why Kris Aquino hired Chef Vince as caterer for her various family celebrations, you should try this Vigan inspired Spaghettini with Vigan Longanisa, Artichoke, Olives, Olive Oil, Sundried Tomato, and lots of garlic. The garlicky Ilocano – Italian fusion impressed Kris so much that he hired him for various catering engagements.
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| VIGAN Spaghettini Php 445 |
Drinks and Mixes
Here are some of the drinks and mixes we tried.
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| Passion Fruit Ice Tea – Php 110 |
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| Pandan de Rosa – Php. 90 |
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| Peaches and Cream – Php. 125 |
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| Virgin Lychee Mojito – Php. 115 |
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| A lot of selection from the Mixology Bar of Peppermill |
Very tasty and refreshing mixes from the Mixology bar.
Desserts
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| Great selection of desserts |
Chef Vince signature dessert is this Bread Pudding with Sabayon Sauce. A must try!
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| Bread Pudding with Sabayon Sauce |
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| Truffle Cake |
Review
With its brightly lit ambiance at day time with its friendly staff, plus the magic that Chef Vince Rodriguez puts in our favorite comfort food, it’s definitely hard not to give 2 thumbs up to Peppermill Restaurant and Mixology Bar.
In our interview with Chef Vince, he disclosed that he does not have a culinary education. It was hard to believe that he can come up with the fusion and variations that tasted that good without a schooled culinary training. He said his love for food, travel, and passion were his key to his culinary magic.
Experience his magic as well and satisfy your taste buds. You will definitely say Shazam!
For more info, please visit their Facebook Page.
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| photo ops with Chef Vince |
