Say Hola to new Spanish dishes created by Tapella by Gaudi's new Executive Chef Robert Spakowski

Last Saturday, Mickey and I had the opportunity to taste the new Spanish dishes in Tapella’s menu and at the same time, meet Tapella by Gaudi’s new Executive Chef, Robert Spakowski at their restaurant in Greenbelt 5.

Admittedly, this is my first time at Tapella, even if the restaurant is just a javelin throw away from where my office is.  It is such a shame that I’ve been missing out on the great tasting Spanish dishes all these years!  I guess, I have never explored Greenbelt that much to discover this gem of a restaurant which is located at the far end of Greenbelt 5’s al fresco dining area.   

Noticeably, there is a good number of expats dining at the al fresco area.  I guess this is a restaurant that most of them frequent and are comfortable being in.  

But first, let me introduce to you, Chef Robert Spakowski, Tapella by Gaudi’s new Executive Chef.  Don’t let the good looks and the foreign features fool you, he has some tricks up his sleeve too!  While we were conversing about the Tapella’s new dishes (in English), I was presuming that since he is a foreigner, of course, he doesn’t speak the local language), in the middle of our conversation, he suddenly speaks Tagalog  (and fluently too!) which is such a trip because you know how sometimes, when we Filipinos would for example say, “ang gwapo niya ‘no?” thinking that the person we are referring to does not have a clue what you just said, then he suddenly speaks the local language?  Suddenly, it’s an embarrassing but funny moment.  Chef Robert shares that he loves how he gets reactions when he suddenly speaks in Tagalog.

Meet Chef Robert Spakowski, Tapella by Gaudi's new Executive Chef
Left to Right: Tina Villa, Chef Robert Spakowski, Joan Tan and Vannah Santiago

Chef Robert Spakowski and Mickey

Tapella by Gaudi at Greenbelt 5

The al fresco dining area

 Happy drinks at the outdoor bar

Our table for four at Tapella by Gaudi's indoor dining area

Here are the Spanish dishes we tried off Tapella by Gaudi’s new menu by Chef Robert Spakowski:

 Ensalada Tapella
Mixed house salad drizzled with Tapella's special dressing, P200.00

Chorizo al vino
P235.00

Pulpo a la gallega

Octopus with paprika, sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil, P525.00

 Gambas al Ajillo
Grilled sauteed shrimps, P325.00

Chistorra Vasca
Basque chorizo sausage, P235.00

Croquettas variadas 

Croquettes of ham, salami and mushroom, P175.00

Tartar de Tomate
Tartar of tomato on a bed of white cheese and caralemized walnuts, P275.00

Salpicado a Mi Manera
Beef salpicado, Chef's way, P375.00

 Chuleton de Villagodio

Certified Prime Angus Beef- Prime Rib  grilled Villagodio style, P300/100g
The clay dish is speckled with sea salt and the steak is quickly seared to your preferred doneness

Paella Negra
Black paella, P595.00

Arroz a la Valenciana

Rice with chicken and vegetables, the Valencia way, P450.00

Paella de Cocido
Cocido Paella, P400.00

Arroz Manchego
Chicken, asparagus, shrimp ang Manchego cheese paella, P675.00

 Paella de Marisco
Seafood Paella, P600.00

Ronin, P305.00 and Don Roberto, P225.00 Sangria

 wine (red/white/sparkling) from countries around the world

  Tarta con Lave de Chocolate, P150.00 and Leche Flan, P75.00

Tocino del cielo
Bacon from the Sky, P75.00

 Tarta De Queso Dulce De Leche, P150.00

The great tasting dishes, relaxed modern restaurant interiors and the option of an al fresco dining area is enough for me to bring foreign guests, friends and family over to enjoy good conversation over great tasting Spanish dishes.

Craving for Spanish cuisine?  Try Tapella by Gaudi, located at Level 1, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati City.  For reservations or inquiries, call 757-2711. For updates, follow Tapella by Gaudi on Instagram @TapellaRestoBar and on Facebook @TapellabyGaudi.