BUENO Tapas and Wine Restaurant at The Grove by Rockwell

All smiles, Kapuso star and Chef Ken Alfonso welcomes you to this new restaurant BUENO Tapas and Wines Restaurant at The Grove by Rockwell

The last time I got to talk to Ken Alfonso was during the Valentines event of GMA Social Media a couple months back. First impressions was like looking at a guy who's spent most of his life as a model, dutifully bound by his ginormous physique, expensive demeanor and good looks. A few days ago I was surprised to see him in the kitchen dishing out a throng of his Spanish favorites in a new restaurant they call BUENO. 

I was a bit taken aback by the use of my surname for a Spanish restaurant (Oh hi I'm John Bueno!) but I know how it is to have a theme and food of this magnitude with a term very familiar to me, as my lineage came from Valencia according to my personal research. There's nothing more Spanish than BUENO so it's quite apt. It literally means GOOD, and if the name actually matches the food they serve, then we're in luck. So we took the trip to The Grove which is a property managed by the Rockwell group. It's a property right in front of Tiendesitas, sits along E. Rodriguez Jr. and is a couple hundred meters away from Eastwood City. If you are looking for a cozy, small place for intimate parties, then I'd suggest you do the same. Here's a peek of BUENO Tapas and Wines Restaurant. 

The Interiors

The facade was sized like a retail store with red lined door graphics on the glass, reminiscent of the well loved color they have on the flag and flamenco dancers. The place could accommodate around 25-30 people, perhaps more if they provide seating outside later on as most of the restaurants in this place also do that. It's a short walk from the drop off point in front of The Grove's rotunda. You won't have that much problems if the weather doesn't cooperate too as most of the property is shaded. It's like a room in a Spanish villa, quite inviting.

They use mosaic tiles, scribbles and a couple of framed art works laid on red brick walls with a couple of wall sconces, exposed bulbs, in very well air conditioned place. The clay plates, setup, was all Hispanic looking, but not too fancy or overkill ala fine dining restaurant. It's a good place to start if you're gearing for a night out, with friends, family or a special lady. The acoustics are pretty decent, talking over dinner and wine would really not make you listen to other tables conversations. I think they set it up much like those Tapas bars people find at night in Madrid. It's like an old brick house, cozy, I could imagine it would have been romantic in the evening.

The Food

Chef Ken Alfonso schooled at Global Culinary Academy and lived a couple months in Spain to get the experience of how it's like in the land of my forefathers. Food is simple, not too complicated and get it's roots on local produce that make ingredients shine on its own. The base of olives and oil from their orchards, the tomatoes, chili and smoked paprika was evidently present in most of the dishes. We tried them all out and will tell you about how it fared, I was surprised to say the least.

Grilled Bread with Catalan Butter - As the name suggests, this is lightly toasted in the oven or over fire then smothered with room temperature butter mashed with orange rind, salt and pepper. I've seen a version of this with sun dried tomatoes but this presents a more citrusy taste, perfect for summer. I think this is served with every meal so expect this on your table for starters.

Raspberry Iced Tea - Served with lots of ice, this would be great for non alcohol drinkers and kids. I'm afraid it was a little too sweet for me so I doused it with water. Adjust accordingly, but it's fine.

Callos a la Madrilena - My Abuela aka Grandma cooks a mean Callos. So this was one thing I knew would make or break what they offer. This was prepared beautifully. The braised tripe, pork knuckles and feet was almost not felt because their version is quite light and non greasy. I would suggest though that you consume this as soon as they put it on the table. It wouldn't be the same when it gets cold, just like what grandma warned me to do. It's a great conversation starter.

Croquettas De Gambas - As with any Tapas place, you would need bite sized bar food to go with your lovely wine. This croquette is just one of the many varieties they have of it.

Croquettas De Calamares - Which takes us to this hit that afternoon the Squid Croquettes. When you bite into these balls, it still has that seafood goodness from the squid ink, it surprised me how it retained all that moisture when they obviously have deep fried this already. The answer was shared by Chef Ken Alfonso, but I couldn't tell you because it's a secret.

Arros Negro - Reminiscent of Paella Negra less the hodge podge of ingredients in the usual one, this stays simple with squid. Using the black ink, these morsels of arborio rice tastes like the sea yet has those al dente texture which I love in any paella. Especially those bits that stick to the pan, albeit moderately pricey I think this would be a good deal because you can still have this shared. For big men like me though this is just one serving, don't tell my Mom.

Paella De Marisco Y Pollo - It's literal meaning is Seafood and Chicken Paella which tells you a lot about the ingredients on it. From mussels, squid, clams, shrimps, bell peppers, peas, the savory grilled chicken and the super smoky chorizo, you will love this among everything that the restaurant would serve. Please don't leave the place without ordering this because this classic is done quite well by BUENO. I would go back just for this if it's my cheat day, that's how good i is. The arborio rice is also well covered with water simmered with Spanish paprika and perhaps a little saffron. It was fragrant, so it must have had that.

Bueno Sangria - An afternoon wouldn't be happy without Sangria on the menu. It's refreshing, with lovely fruit slices, and get you a little woozy if you have enough of it. It was perfect for that hot sunny day we visited the place so go ask for it with the servers. They can get you this in a jiffy!

Tarta De Santiago - We were served two desserts and this one was more on the eggy side. Yes the almond cake was moist and reminded me of that classic torta bread that I've seen in some local bread shops, but that citrus compote on top made it a whole lot better. If asked to choose I'd have the next one.

Tarta San Marcos - You won't say no if you see this moist sponge cake with yema topping because it's so darn good. Served cold or semi frozen, you'll feel like having custard cake with creme brulee on top. It was like sweet clouds, like fluff but with reason to it's existence. I was just shy to have seconds but I would if I could. Again, don't go out of the restaurant without having this!

Chef Ken Alfonso must have been really good in his past life seeing how blessed he is today. The opportunity to do his passion, plus the very illustrious career in GMA, the treasures in his life must have started somewhere... his dreams are coming to life. He's not quitting show business at all and will still work with shows if the opportunity arise. His stint in Encantadia, My Love From The Star and various shows he's been in won't be the end of it. He would be glad to do more shows but he promised to be in the restaurant almost everyday as he really does the cooking. He's single (you're welcome ladies!), he has dreams like the rest of us, and now that some of the good things he's had in different restaurants in Spain is being served to us at BUENO, he hopes you visit him there soon. 

BUENO Tapas and Wine Restaurant presents good offerings for people from the east and residents of Pasig and Quezon City. Tucked away at the corners of The Grove, we hope those who would want to have a great time with family and friends could experience their Tapas in a wine and dine setting can visit them soon. They are on soft opening and are still evolving as far as their menu goes. I could see how passionate Chef Kennedy Alfonso is on further finding their identity, starting and doing the best of Spanish and tell you his favorites through a "culinary story" told with the "dishes in his restaurant". There are still a lot of them on their menu that we haven't even tasted yet but the gist of what Spanish food he wanted to serve is quite there. The Paellas, the Callos, the desserts are impressive. I hope you say the same when you get to taste the dishes at BUENO. It's good, and I really don't mind if it was named after me ha-ha!

BUENO Tapas and Wine Restaurant is located at The Grove by Rockwell at E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue in Pasig City, right across Tiendesitas. You may follow their social media channels at Facebook.com/BuenoManila or follow @BuenoManila on Instagram today. 

Kapuso Instadate: Ken Alfonso, Janine Gutierrez and Elmo Magalona

Here's Part 2 of our Kapuso Instadate Night!

Then this guy came in. Ladies, hold on to your panties for Ken Alfonso.

He's the new guy in town. He's not just "a pretty boy", but he's a d@mn good singer. Ken Alfonso has been in the industry for just a few years. He's a product of famed beauty queen maker Mercator Artist and Model Management and now co managed by GMA Artist Center. He told me that he used to work for a pharmaceutical company, I uttered Med Rep? He said "Yes" and we laughed because I got that vibe from him. I have a lot of friends who are in the same field, I think they have pretty good looking guys there and I'm not surprised he got discovered. Anyway, I felt at ease talking to Ken.   

"I started with tons of commercials with Mercator and luckily last year I was offered this last August so I had to quit my old job. I'm a part of the afternoon series "Kailan Ba Tama Ang Mali" (i.e. How can something so wrong be so right?) and it's my second show after Dading (which I now remember he played the man who used to push Bejamin Alves to do a lot of things!) where I played Martin. This time in KBTAM it's going to be different because it's actually not close to my personality. I'm going to be the one to always push Dion Ignacio to do not so good/evil things. So in essence, almost all the conflicts will actually start from me (then he laughs it out). I'm like the fire starter. 

In KBTAM, I want the people to take away that if once in your life, you should try and do something that would ultimately make you happy. Even though we're going to get other people in trouble, or situations, at the end of the day you should do something for yourself and make that decision. Right now, I haven't had the chance to do that. I'm not committed to anyone, I'm very single. I'm glad there are brands who trust me to model for them like Uniqlo, and they sponsored my travel show. I hope my hosting and travel thing goes a long way because I see myself headed there."

Ken Alfonso is pretty new at this but he's making headway with cover songs, new shows and more appearances in events elsewhere. He's doing a good job, but I bet he can do even more. I hope GMA keeps him very busy. He's got the body of a demigod and perhaps, someday he'd be able to use that to his advantage when the right show comes. I hope I get to see him too in the next few months for news of new shows, that'll be a good thing.

Then we went to the sweethearts! Here's Janine Gutierrez first!

The first time I got in touch with Janine Gutierrez virtually was during the Bench Universe fashion show a couple years back. Like then, I felt she was very kind, very humble and soft spoken. Even on this evening where we were going to talk to these stars, she didn't know I was the one who sent her some runway shots back then, but I told her about it now LOL. Anyway, we've met a couple of times already because of their hit shows and this recent one called More Than Words whom she still is with the love of her life Elmo Magalona. Although very tired, they still had the gusto to attend this Kapuso Datenight with us so I kinda felt so bad they didn't get enough sleep because they ended pretty late the night before (read: Wawa hay!). 

When I asked about the last taping of More Than Words, Janine says "Actually we have another taping day on Friday because we still have a lot of scenes, they added more I think so there, we had to do more. I'm super sepanx in general. I learned so much from the show, everything was so unexpected. I thought we were going to be on preprime but it turns out we were at the primetime slot. Aside from that, the look of Ikaw wasn't really planned to be like that. We just taped one day and I looked very ordinary, but they said we had to re-shoot, and do it again. They changed my look, they changed everything. This show was like random things that just came together in a way. I believe that everything happens for a reason and it's just so fun to note that it all worked out quite beautifully in the end. 

We also super appreciate the efforts of our fans. They really let us know that they like the show, and really that's where we wanted to be... to know that our effort get appreciated by other people who watch it, where they also take away something good from it." 

When asked about what she learned from the character of Ikay, she said "You should be confident, you should stand for your principles. Ikay is a very strong person, whilst I'm shy and non confrontational. So now, I kinda realize that it's okay to fight for things as long as you're not stepping on someone else's toes, and as long as you're not hurting anyone in the process." and I totally agree with her!

Then here's the guy she (and everyone else) adores! Elmo Magalona!

If there's a word I can genuinely describe Elmo, it's super mabait! (good mannered). The English translation wouldn't even suffice. I know I've only seen Elmo only a few times but when we talk, I get the vibe that he's very sincere in everything he says, the way he looks at you actually speaks, and you could continue talking and get lost because it's like he's looking at your soul. I might be getting ahead of myself here but that's what I felt at this time. Poor Elmo didn't get enough sleep after his taping (4 hours or less) and he was apologizing if he looks a little bit tired (because he was) but he knows they're almost at the end of the show in a couple of days, and that was the sad reality too.  

When asked how he was "I'm good, I'm good, kinda tired because we came from taping and finished late, so my day is just starting. I got to sleep maybe...5 hours, so it's like my day is starting pa lang."

I asked "How do you think has the whole show impacted everybody?", he said "Of course it's big because this is in prime time. The pressure was also big because it was our first time here. We learned a lot though because there are tons of veteran actors also in the show. We just took our time to learn a lot from them. My character is kinda bipolar, he's kinda sensitive but he never thinks about the other persons feelings too. He met his ex accidentally but he didn't really know what happened in the first place. Later he learned, it was the heart condition. Then she went off again without explaining things so that's one of my characters frustrations. It feels like he's oversensitive, but he's also warm hearted when it comes to the person he loves. Story wise, I learned that if you get this kind of amnesia, even if you don't remember who they are or what they do, when you see them, when you look into their eyes, they're kinda familiar to you. It's possible to say that even if the mind forgets, the heart will never do." insert "nganga" action here LOL!

I couldn't even fathom how deep these guys are. For what it's worth, I like Elmo for who he is and how he's still so kind - and got his feet on the ground after all these years. He's still the same boy you knew for years now, with some improvements of course. I bet he's not just being admired by his fans for his looks, I think it's more of because he's the kind guy who connects with you, and you can't teach that in any school.  

Thank you so much to Relik Tapas Bar in the Fort for having us. Thank you also to GMA Social Media team for making a very fun event so we can tell how human these stars are to ordinary people like us. I almost felt like spending a few hours with them was fun, I wonder how their own loved ones must have enjoyed being with them their whole life. I hope I was able to tell this story with justice, just like the rest of my entries. I also hope readers get to at least enjoy the tell all, straight from the artists' mouth! :)

 

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Kapuso Instadate: Enzo Pineda, Stephanie Sol, Juancho Trivino and Ashley Ortega

If you had the chance to date a GMA star during Valentines day, who would it be and why? What would you ask them? How would you feel if they were right in front of you? Well, we just got the answers to those questions when the GMA Social Media Team arranged these gorgeous hunks and ladies an intimate night with us bloggers. It was really fun to get to sit down and talk with them after all the shows they've done in the Kapuso network. I'd really want to get to know them behind these glamorous facade. Well okay, this isn't really a romantic date. We're starting with one of GMA's good looking guys Enzo Pineda.

 I've interviewed Enzo in the past and I can say he's a good friend. It was kind of easy to talk with him since he's very open and doesn't make a fuzz about him being a celebrity and all, he's really humble.

When I sat down with him, he was in character. He made me comfortable by getting Nate into the picture. It's his character in More Than Words which is ending this week. During this week, his character is going back to the picture and he'll be with Ikay again as he got drunk during some scenes. He'll be shocked about the change of Ikay and it's a very funny scene. He says "It's something hard and emotional for Nate. He's a type of guy who would give everything for Ikay. You've seen how his love developed for her and there's like a 180' turn into someone that's loving and caring, but still maintains that attractive bad boy look that everybody loves with his character. Nate is someone who has a hard exterior, but has a soft heart. I did have a phase when I was the bad guy but I like that. There's a transformation of the character and I like it because the viewers react on my character, it makes them think.

I do have movies that are coming up, definitely indie but it's more of an acting piece. I'll be going around the Philippines again so I have tons of regional shows starting next week, please don't forget also that I have another Bench campaign that will come out pretty soon. After More Than Words, I'll be training again for my first Triathlon, hopefully summer I'd be able to compete. I've done Aquathlons, a couple runs, I hope I'd be able to that in the next few months. I want to do that race on my birthday, I want a marathon, it's good that I keep myself very occupied when I'm taking a break from work. That feeling is good, it's that feeling of constantly achieving something.

When asked about his girlfriend and how I see them so happy on Instagram, he says "Ever since, I've been very serious with girl friends. I like taking relationships seriously. I'm really happy and I'm so lucky to really have someone like her." now isn't he sweet?! Awww Nate, oh Enzo, you are awesome!

Next one's the beautiful Stephanie Sol.

Steph is such a sweetheart. Whenever we meet on events, she never fails to say hi and acknowledge me when she can. She's also in several shows on GMA but when I asked about it, she was a little sepanx about it, of course it's More Than Words. "Last taping day was yesterday, so it was like two scenes for me. It was fast but it was very emotional. We had all the units together, we had the cast together, we prayed and said our good byes during the company call. It was a sad day for me, but I know all good things must come to an end. We do seldom meet but the production and cast is like family, we have dinner together, we watch films together, we even have a Viber group and we're very close. I don't know how we'll still keep in touch but I'm sure we're all going to have that in the back of our minds. We might have different schedules, so that's hard. They haven't told me yet what plans they have for me but after the show, I'll get their feedback and wait for meetings. I hope I did get to impress them with what I had to offer during this show.

I'm co managed by Artist Center and Ms. Becky Aguila. We haven't really have spoken about it but she really takes care of me. She's very hands on, spot on because she watches us. I want Belle to be remembered in the show as "Rebellious for a Reason", and hope that with her in the show people would still appreciate her." Steph adds. For what it's worth, I think Steph is a diamond in the rough. She's a very promising actress and she's just starting. I hope GMA continues to give her more breaks especially this 2015. A change of character? Perhaps real soon, but for now we're happy about what she's doing. I hope she also finds a pairing with someone too.

Then we got to the table of Juancho Trivino.

Ladies love him. I'm not surprised. Juancho Trivino is around 6'1, well built, a bit moreno and everything that a person who would categorize a perfect guy with "Tall, Dark, and Handsome". I bet underneath all that is a chiseled german physique and a soft heart somewhere. He's got a very positive demeanor but he could switch into a tough guy if he wanted to in seconds. That I think is what would make him a good actor. Am I too assuming? No, I don't think so. I just felt it that evening when I got to talk with him a little better.

"I'm still in Bubble Gang, and yes I was surprised they let me sing in that show (I saw him in Istambay). The feedback was great but now, I'm going to do a new youth oriented show that will be called InstaDAD. It's going to show on Sundays and will be something like Teen Gen. I'm going to be here with Ashley (whom I'll be featuring in a little bit) and this is a new pairing. Ashley is really nice, we've got so many things in common and I find her really really pretty. We've known each other even before the show. I didn't hesitate accepting this show, I'll be here with Gabbi Eigenmann and he'll be the Dad of three girls. In the social media age, this show will be part of that enlightenment of reality. It'll be like a modern day Dad. I want to be an example on this show, that even if I'd end up doing something really bad in the show, I'll be showing how to be a good son, a good brother too. It's going to start with Ashley and me having a relationship. So people really should watch out how things happen, as I'm really excited about it!" he says.

Then we got to talk to Ashley Ortega.

Well this is officially the first time I'm seeing Ashley Ortega. I thought I've seen her before but I realized just now that it was only for a former series Dormitoryo. She was with other GMA stars and I learned that night that this is their first official pairing.

I got her to introduce herself so we get on to what they're doing. At first glance, I thought she was a bit older but heck I was surprised that this girl, is only 16 years old! "I started showbiz 2 years ago. I started in Philippine Fashion Week and that's where they basically discovered me. I was younger back then and walked for SM Kids two years ago. I wore clothes for tweens, auditioned and got in regularly through that. I'm currently managed by ICONS, Bebong Munoz and Artist Center. Right now, I'm in KBNTAM or "Kailan Ba Naging Tama ang Mali" playing the sister of Max. I didn't know it was going to be this big and felt it was only going to be on the sidelines, but when I read the script, I had so many lines and so much exposure, which was nice! So I'm so happy. 

Then I got to InstaDad also, which is a youth oriented show. There's a lot of twists here and there plus they got us to play something like rich kids (that you may consider a little spoiled!) of Beverly Hills. We have tons of hashtags in regular conversations so it's really going to be fun, and a lot of people would really be able to relate especially the teens. We even have our own instagram where we're going to post actual things we're doing in the show. There are nerds, jocks, different kinds of personalities. Our Dad here is Gabbi Eigenmann and with the three sisters, three different personalities, I'm little Ms. Perfect but one day I'll get pregnant, so that's where the story is going to start. That's also the place where Juancho will come in. I haven't really worked with Juancho yet but I've been able to go with him in workshops. He's a very nice guy, good looking. If you're asking if I'd like somebody like Juancho, like more than friends, (pwede naman she says) yes of course because the guy is very kind and he's very well educated too." then I wished to see more of her in other shows in the same channel of course. She's very pretty and I think I like her! If Juancho and Ashley become something else soon, they would really look good. 

 

To be continued:

For Part 2 of our series (Ken Alfonso, Janine Gutierrez and Elmo Magalona), just swipe right for the next story on your phones or click on this link!

For more information about their artists:

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