Makati Street Meet at Rada: Trying Negrense Pastrami Sandwich, Octopus & Chicken Inasal Paella, and More

Brisket Pastrami Sandwich from the collab of Chef JP Anglo (Sarsa) and Chef Chele Gonzalez (Deli by Chele)

Because of the pandemic and lockdowns, we have seen the food and beverage industry adapt to the times. This gave rise to trends such as do-it-yourself food kits and cloud kitchens. Since indoor dining still poses some health risks and are prohibited in stricter forms of community quarantines, food spots have also resorted to another strategy: Al Fresco Dining.

Those with al fresco areas have already capitalized on this trend. Soon, certain outdoor areas of malls and even streets were converted into eating areas. In fact, prior to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in late March, Ayala Land’s Make It Makati initiative and the Makati Central Estate Association (MACEA) have been experimenting on closing Rada Street (Legazpi Village) and Leviste Street (Salcedo Village) twice a month on Sundays. So far, I’ve only visited the Makati Street Meet at Rada, which started back in January 31.

I went on March 14 because of a collab between two renowned chefs (more on this later). At both ends of the street, there is a temperature check (can’t remember if there was a Health Declaration Form). Then tables were configured to ensure social distancing. I saw a variety of participants: Rada restaurants such as Nikkei, Sarsa, and Wildflour; pop-ups by cloud kitchens and even food chains like Din Tai Fung and Seattle’s Best; and staple stalls of the Mercato Centrale group.

Here are the food I tried:

Brisket Pastrami Sandwich from the collab of JP Anglo (Sarsa) and Chele Gonzalez (Deli by Chele)

Like I said, I went on March 14 because of a collab. Chef JP Anglo of Sarsa, a modern Filipino restaurant, and Chef Chele Gonzalez of Gallery by Chele, a fine dining restaurant that was recently listed 90th at Asia’s Top 50 Best Restaurants 2021, teamed up to make international dishes with Filipino (or specifically Negrense, due to Chef JP’s roots) twists.

The collab’s stall, which was located in front of Sarsa

One of the dishes infused Negrense flavors into the classic New York City Jewish deli food: Pastrami Sandwich. The collab’s version has New York-style brisket pastrami, Kansi mayo, and caramelized onions with kansi jus and Atsara (pickled papaya), all sandwiched between toasted sourdough bread.

JP and Deli by Chele Brisket Pastrami Sandwich (P450)

Three things stood out: First is the pastrami, which is tender and has some fat in it. Second is the kansi flavors from the mayo and the caramelized onions, which I could really taste (kansi is a Negrense bone-in beef shank soup made sour with batwan, a fruit indigenous to the Western Visayas region). And third is the bread, which is buttery, crisp on both sides, and delightfully chewy.

Man, this sandwich is phenomenal and I’d want to get my hands on it again! I also want to try the Deli by Chele’s classic pastrami sandwich, too!

Octopus & Chicken Inasal Paella from the Collab

Another item of the collab is the Negrense take on one of the quintessential dishes of Spain: Paella (Chef Chele is from Spain). The collab’s paella is loaded with clams and pieces of Chicken Inasal, a grilled chicken skewer that’s popular in Western Visayas, especially in Bacolod City (check my food trip here and my inasal crawl here). Then it’s topped with a perfectly chewy and smoky octopus tentacle.

But what stood out the most is the aromatic, flavorful, and oily rice, which I believe is drenched in chicken oil, the standard condiment for inasal. An inasal meal won’t be complete without the atsuete-colored oil and the dish won’t be a chicken inasal paella without it!

Hermana Sangria from the Collab

While the chefs were busy making the pastrami sandwiches and paella, their wives were making fruity and refreshing Sangria. They offered red and white options.

Deli by Chele (Online Deli): Facebook | Instagram | Website

Sarsa Makati Branch Address: Frabelle One, 109 Rada St., Legaspi Village, Brgy. San Lorenzo, Makati City | Operating Hours: Check their social media sites | Facebook | Instagram

Barbecue at Guagua’s Best

Aside from the collab, there are other food spots that I tried.

Guagua’s Best is a mainstay of the Mercato Centrale group, the organizer of the night food bazaar that started in Bonifacio Global City or BGC (they used to have a bazaar at Glorietta, too). They offer grilled items and skewers.

You can’t go wrong with these street food!

Gugua’s Best Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Moussaka at Karavani

If you’re craving for Greek food, then head over to Karavani. They make good Moussaka, an eggplant-based dish with meat sauce, topped with bechamel and cheese.

Karavani’s Social Media: Instagram

Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, there hasn’t been another Makati Street Meet. I’m hoping that when the pandemic curve flattens, the organizers will bring it back again. Not only is it part of new normal dining but it also helps struggling businesses. Let’s support these endeavors when it returns. Just don’t forget to be mindful your health and safety!

Have you been at any of the Makati Street Meets? How was your experience? What food above have you tried or would like to try? Comment them below!

For updates on the next Makati Street Meet, check out Make It Makati’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.