Robinsons Place Manila’s Midtown wing breathes life to Malate

If you think there’s no more reason to come to Manila, think again. The newly-opened Midtown wing of Robinsons Place Manila brings to the heart of Manila a new shopping experience to rival mall developments in other parts of the metropolis.

The Midtown wing of Robinsons Place Manila boasts a four-level structure that is described by Robinsons Malls general manager Nilo Mapa as “a rare combination of ingenious design, careful and thoughtful planning, considering the limited space, and a great location that is not only strategic but stands for a lot of history.”

Unlike at most malls where stores are crammed side by side along alleys that are tightly laid out, there is a feeling of space at the Midtown wing. The central atrium of the mall is a wide open space that rises up to four floors to a high ceiling. There are skylights that bring in lots of natural light, while in the evening, floodlights simulate the daylight ambience. Rattan seats and benches are arranged around the atrium area to provide shoppers with a place to rest.

Mapa says the Midtown wing is a sign of changes to be implemented at Robinsons Place Manila. Within the coming months, the old mall will be renovated to upgrade it for the benefit of mall goers. New merchants offering a variety of products and services are expected to open soon.

As the tenants of Robinsons Place Ermita’s Midtown wing gradually settle in within the next three months, there are now 19 new food establishments ready to serve the dining needs of mall goers. The restaurants present a mix of cuisines to cater to the dining whims of shoppers.

• Paseo de Bahamas Café and Tapas Bar

Paseo de Bahamas is a casual dining restaurant offering Spanish, Italian and Caribbean-influenced dishes. It specializes in hot tapas. It offers a selection of wines, beer, and cocktails. It is located at the ground floor of Midtown wing (facing Pedro Gil St.).

Tempura Japanese Grill

Tempura Japanese Grill is a casual dining restaurant that offers authentic Japanese food in a modern Zen ambience. It has yakiniku tables where guests can grill their orders.

Penang Hill

Penang Hill offers authentic Malaysian-Singaporean fare that is sure to please Filipino palates. Dishes are done Malaysian style, from appetizers and viands to desserts.

Banana Leaf Asian Café

Banana Leaf Asia Café serves authentic dishes from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, India, Vietnam and Indonesia. Food is served family style on banana leaves in sharing portions. Specials include roti canai, chicken rice, curries and seafood dishes. 

Gumbo

For a taste of New Orleans cooking, Gumbo is it. Its specials include seafood, steaks and ribs, and pasta and pizzas. To get guests in the mood, there is piped-in Dixieland music and colorful mardi gras décor.

Sucree Patisserie & Café

Sucree offers a selection of European cakes and pastries with a Filipino taste. Choices include classic cakes like opera and tiramisu, plus all-time favorites like ensaymada, and original cakes like Virginity Cake, Sex Bomb, Mango Melange, and Sucree Torte.

KXP (Kulinarya Experience)

Promising a new pasta and rice experience, KXP offers meats and seafood served on rice or pasta with special sauces. Japanese-Italian fusion items are also available.

UCC Café Terrace

Aside from serving the famous Japanese coffee brand, UCC Café Terrace offers Japanese fusion dishes that blend Japanese and Western cuisine. It serves UCC coffee that is brewed using the siphon method, which brings out its flavor, aroma and taste.

Secret Recipe

This Malaysian lifestyle café serves specialty cakes and fusion food all day long. It has more than 50 dishes on its menu and more than 40 kinds of cakes and baked desserts.

Chef’s Quarter

This casual fine-dining establishment promises special dishes in a laid-back atmosphere. It also has family-style selections it calls “a la mezza.” It is located at the corner of Adriatico and Pedro Gil Sts. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

C2 Classic Cuisine

C2 offers a mix of old and contemporary tastes to delight the Pinoy palate. Classic Filipino dishes are plated uniquely using recipes that are known for being innovative.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf goes beyond the coffee house setup by offering gourmet sandwiches, salads, pasta and breakfast sets that are served hot from the kitchen. Its beverages use choice gourmet coffee and teas.

Recipes Modern Asian Bistro

For great Filipino and Asian meals with a twist, Recipes has the dish for you. Among its specialties are General’s Chicken, crispy tilapia, and gising-gising.

KKK

KKK serves comfort Pinoy food in a kainan setting that is truly Filipino in both taste and ambience.

The Old Spaghetti House

The Old Spaghetti House serves pasta dishes that follow heirloom recipes. Original recipes that guests must try include Mama’s chicken piccata, Tita Nenette’s eggplant parmigiana, Ate Badjie’s mud pie and spaghetti with meat balls, and Mommy Annie’s American baked spareribs.

Crepes & Cream

This modern and trendy café serves both savory and sweet crepe creations that range from Asian to Western flavors. It has two crepe machines where diners can watch the staff prepare their orders.

The Classic Savory Chicken

First introduced in 1950, Savory Chicken is known for its distinctive tender chicken and selection of popular Chinese dishes. After 50 years, the third generation Ting family is now relaunching the brand via mall outlets for today’s generation to enjoy.

Hotshots

Hotshots doesn’t just serve burgers; it serves them in an ambience that evokes the old drive-ins of the past. All its burgers are grilled and served the old- fashioned way.

Healthy Shabu-Shabu

Healthy Shabu-Shabu breaks away from tradition and offers individual food servings and preparations to let customers choose the food they want. Its fresh, oil-free and MSG-free dishes are the healthiest for those who love vegetables, seafood and meat.