The Frazzled Cook

Posted by The Chubbychef on Mar 30, 2010 in Featured Articles, General Food News, Latest Resto Finds

Written by: Fran Haw of http://www.frannywanny.com

Photos by: Carlos Palma a.k.a. The Chubbychef

There’s always an excitement towards discovering a hidden gem. This is the kind that would make you go “a-ha!” upon stumbling upon a good thing that’s not quite known to the public yet. Such was the case when we were invited by the Frazzled Cook for dinner one quiet Saturday evening. I have been noticing this quaint, cozy looking restaurant along Luna Mencias street in Mandaluyong.

From the outside, you’ll see a dark iron gate with a garden filled with giant pots. Walking inside the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by 27 Japanese money cats waving as if they’re welcoming you in.

The Frazzled Cook’s menu consists of a number of comfort dishes. This is to match with its laid back ambiance, I guess. It was a special evening and we were served with dishes that were specially prepared by Chef Jude Mancuyas who’s the head chef and co-owner of this restaurant.

First came the Pizza Caprese which is Frazzled Cook’s homemade pizza topped with kesong puti, tomatoes and basil. It’s your Pinoy-version of everyone’s favorite Pizza Margherita. What made this pizza different is the addition of the garlic oil that one has to put a couple of drops of on their slice of pizza before taking a bite. Every bite was simply bursting with all the flavors coming from the garlic oil, tomatoes and the salty Kesong Puti.

After the pizza came the Herbed Chicken Salad. This was a hit especially with the girls who enjoyed the mix of roasted chicken marinade and rubbed with the freshest herbs and crunchy lettuce and our local mangoes. It was very refreshing and a perfect way to start the meal.

Next was the Sizzling Squid which was very fragrant and I simply loved how tender the squid was. No need to struggle in every bite here.

Among the entrees served that evening, I really enjoyed digging into the Paella Negra. I love paella and what I love most is the kind that has a thin layer of burnt rice (tutong) underneath. I can’t help but smile as I take in one spoonful after the other. Muy Delicioso!

For those who would like another alternative to their Paella, there’s the classic Paella Seafood which is loaded with the freshest catch from the sea.

Another crowd-favorite was the Tenderloin Nuggets with Mashed Potato on Flat Bread. This is perfect for the meat lovers who will enjoy a really tender piece of tenderloin steak topped with button mushrooms in every bite.

Dinner was filling and truly satisfying. We were all so happy with the generous serving and interesting dishes served to us that evening, we were surprised that the Frazzled Cook was not yet done. Out came the Pancake ala Mode which was so good that even those who were already full just had to give in for just one more bite. We enjoyed the fluffy buttermilk pancakes with soft vanilla ice cream. What a perfect way to cap our meal!

It was a very relaxing evening as we enjoyed each other’s company. The food was truly comforting, not at all intimidating and the place is definitely one that I will definitely go back to.

The Frazzled Cook

#916 Luna Mencias Street Barangay Additional Hills, Mandaluyong City

Open from Tuesday-Sunday