Well ahead of summer, our friends from Epic Boracay invited us over to a pop-up kitchen in Makati to try out its “Epicurean Beach Cuisine.” Cooking for us that afternoon was Chef Carlo Miguel and his Boracay-based team who were eager to prove to us that Epic isn’t just a club by the beach.
The eloquent Chef Carlo Miguel is a well-known figure in Manila’s culinary scene, cooking and developing menus for 71 Gramercy, Draft Gastropub, and The Brewery at the Palace. He also happens to oversee the kitchen of Epic Boracay, which he visits regularly despite his busy schedule.
Chef Carlo Miguel emphasized what Epic’s menu is all about: simply-prepared dishes suitable for the beach, specializing on grilled specialties and showcasing fresh local seafood and produce. And it showed—we were treated to an array of comfort food that were not necessarily unheard of nor complicated but were executed well and delicious.
What stood out for me the most was the kimchi steak—slices of steak sitting on kimchi rice and topped with egg. The steak was tender, and the kimchi rice had the right amount of heat. I thought it was the perfect brunch for those nursing a hangover.
The breakfast burrito, which had sausages, scrambled eggs, and fried potatoes and salsa on the side, was also a standout. Although it wasn’t exactly innovative, I liked how the individual components—all cooked perfectly—came together sumptuously.
I also liked the fish tacos, composed of beer-battered fish fillet with coleslaw and sriracha aioli. The fish wasn’t oily nor mushy, and the aioli worked wonders.
The last among my favorites was the grilled tiger prawns, which was enhanced by the nice mango salsa on top. Chef Carlo Miguel was proud to say that the tiger prawns they use are not only fresh but also sourced locally.
After the meal, I was genuinely surprised that Epic Boracay served great cuisine—when I saw it mainly as a club and drinking place where people occasionally ordered bar chow. But as Chef Carlo Miguel told us, they’re open for lunch and dinner too, and he hopes more people would come in to appreciate the good food they have on offer.
EPIC BORACAY
Beachfront, D’Mall of Boracay, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Philippines
Telephone: +63 36 288 1477 or +63 917 809 8149
Website: www.epicboracay.com
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
