Agape Pastries & Tartines

1/29/16

Agape

(Ancient Greek: ἀγάπη, agápē) is “love: the highest form of love, especially brotherly love, charity; the love of God for man and of man for God.”

adjective: agape | (of the mouth) wide open, especially with surprise or wonder.

I learned the word Agape from my values education class when I was in High School. It’s the highest form of love; selfless love, the love God showed us. While waiting for the food to be served, I listened to the owner, Ms. Jean on why she put up the place.

She donated her kidney to her daughter, when they were in Manhattan for the medical procedure, there was a bakery/coffee shop, where they usually hang out. After the successful operation, they went back to the Philippines and she conceptualized Agape.

I was moved. She did tell us that if you wish to build a business, have a #HugotStory, marketing wise, it’s going to work, but seriously, it’ll be your core to keep the business going.

People became part of Agape because they were inspired and they want to spread selfless love for other people.

***

Upon entry, I thought it’s a coffee shop as it displays bread and pastries. From the menu I learned they have all day breakfast, pastas, panizza, tartines (specialty), pies, quiche, soups, entrees, and of course, dessert.

The fixtures are state of the art. They have communal tables and lounges, perfect for dates and families.

The ambience is cozy – warm lights, open plumbings at the ceiling, brick walls as accents, it has a rustic feel. If you want to be alone, the place is suitable.

I got the chance to try their best sellers.

Panizza

Margherita Panizza | P290

Don McCune Panizza | P375

Three Cheese & Herbs Panizza | P320

Gamberi Panizza | P340

Served in a wooden tray, thin crusted, freshly baked, if you are familiar with Dear Darla and Uncle Cheffy’s Pizza, they have the similar concept. You’ll taste the ingredients were fresh.

My favorite is the Margherita Panizza, for cheese lovers, of course the three cheeses & herbs is for you. Top it off with watercress and alfalfa sprouts, then hot sauce, PERFECT!

Pasta

Marie Gambasetti | P250

Sardines in Oil | P200

These pastas are to die for. I am not a pasta lover, the only pasta I would eat again and again is my home cooked Filipino Spaghetti and Charlie Chan from Yellow Cab.

Marie Gambasetti is a recipe of her sister-in-law, red sauce with Gambas (squid), and Chorizo Bilbao. The Chorizo gave the flavor, the pasta is cooked al dente and well coated with sauce.

Sardines in Oil, if I have five thumbs, I’ll give this five thumbs up, it’s the recipe of her husband. It’s like a party of flavors, happiness. It’s spicy because of the Spanish sardines they uses, and it’s sweet because of the tomato sauce and the raisins. Yes, raisin, I thought it was olives and I am in awe to know that you can add raisins to a gourmet pasta. It has bell peppers too, which added more flavor.

Tartines

Smoked Salmon BLT | P395

Beer Battered Fish | P250

Tartines, open faced rye bread topped with tasty yet healthy spreadable ingredients. The two tartines served to us was good, really good.

Homemade coleslaw, fresh salmon and cream dory, not overcooked, it’s perfect. If do not feel like eating heavy meal, you just want it fresh and light, their tartines are a good choice.

Salad

Spicy Prawn in Green Papaya Salad

Green Salad with Pears | P150

The salad collection is impressive, you will not see another Caesar and Chef’s Salads here, they have their own rendition. I like the spicy prawn and green papaya as it’s not a lettuce, plus the dressing is awesome. It’s like I ate gourmet atsara.

Dessert

Assorted Muffins

Creme Brulee Tart, Choco Lava, & Bon Bons

Did I just save the best for last? Well, I did. I am not a dessert person so I skipped the muffins because I am so full, besides, it was 12 midnight already.

I tried the creme brulee tart, P40/piece and my world stopped. I am highly recommending this dessert as its the most creamy tart ever. Unlike other tarts that tastes like flour or creme brulees that tastes like scrambled eggs, this is an exception.

If they offer box of six for take away, it’ll be wonderful.

Specials

Seared Salmon in Pineapple Salsa

This coming Valentines day, they will have a promo for couples who want to get cheesy and romantic. They will be offering four, four-course meal from February 9 – 14. If you want to impress your special someone, go ahead and reserve now.

I like this seared salmon cause it refreshingly delicious because of the pineapple. How I wish more pineapple than onions. *wink*

Overall

Chef Arem and Store Manager, Arianne

The food is awesome. The ambience is wonderful. The staff were friendly and hospitable. The pricing of their menu is reasonable, it’s not actually affordable because the serving is big. Their range starts from P70 – P700, not bad at all.

It’s located at Chimes Mall, Congressional Avenue Extension, I live nearby, a place where you can eat good food and escape the crazy traffic going to the mall.

I am definitely coming back in my PJ’s to try their breakfast.

#TeamAldousNorth

Thank you, Ms. Jean and the rest of the gang for having us in Agape and for inspiring us to pursue dreams and give back. For Team Aldous, another wonderful meal together, met new friends, more food bonding next time.

For more information, visit Agape Manila Pastries & Tartines Facebook. Call (02) 442-2255

P.S. Please forgive the photos, I used my phone, as my camera was with me, but I forgot to bring its battery and memory card.