With Philippines being an archipelago that is surrounded by 7,101 islands, it is a tad ironic on where to drop the anchor for the best seafood destination in the country in contempt of being abundant with its natural resources. Tucked away on the outskirts of Makati, a market-driven seafood restaurant opened its doors to the dining scene and food purveyors that promises to deliver the freshest catch from the sea right to your table. Bait’s was developed by the growing roster of Mothership F&B enterprise, the group that carries the hole-in-the-walls Hatch 22, Pink Panda, and Crisp on 28th.
Grilled Prawns on White Beans with Chicken Skin
Left: Shrimp Carpaccio with Beet-pickled Cauliflower, Korean Pears, and Fermented Chili Oil
Right: Pickled Oysters with Kimchee Puree and Sesame Seeds
This chef-driven seafood-centric restaurant is helmed by a full-blooded Filipino with a quintessential culinary career in the US, Chef Joseph Margate. He is an alum of renowned restaurant Eleven Madison Park in New York and a former Executive Chef of The Liberty Hotel’s restaurant, CLINK, in Boston. He is a two-time nominee of Food & Wine Magazine’s People’s Best New Chef who brings in to our shores a California-inspired philosophy that marries his clasically-trained European techniques with our local seafood. Chef Joseph Margate is delivering to his hometown a concept that “doesn’t mess with the seafood.”
Left: Corned Beef Tongue with Fresh Kimchee
Right: Tilapia in Turmeric served with Cauliflower Couscous, Fresh Herbs, and Nuoc Cham
Bait’s rustic industrial interiors with subtle hints of English accents and cerulean hues transport you to a beach amid whirling seagulls and crashing waves. With brushed-white distressed wood, nautical ornaments, and peculiar pieces of furniture, it takes you to the coastal scene even if you are just in the Metro. It was also designed to have a cozy open-kitchen, so guests can predominantly watch a live cooking show before it gets plated.
Left: Street Corn
Right: Steamed Baby Clams
Unagi Causas with 20 –year old Balsamic and Whipped Potato
Left: Banana Pepper Pesto with Chinese Sausage and Shrimp
Right: Spicy Tuna Burger with Bean Sprouts, Seaweed and Potato Chips
Catch their special set menu available from 11am to 11pm until Sunday, March 22. Their weekly special includes Fish Cakes in cucumber & yogurt salad, a choice of Chicken Gizzard with liver fried rice and fried oysters or Pork Belly Sandwich with miso, eggplant and potato chips or Fresh Seafood pesto with cherry tomatoes, and Coconut Panna Cotta with caramelized banana with dark chocolate sauce.
Limited edition Bait’s homemade hot sauces are fermented and made by their very own Chef Joseph Margate. This batch of babies are named after Guns N’ Roses songs!
Get hooked with their well-selected wine list, carefully crafted beers, and bottle cocktails concocted by The Fat Kid Inside’s Erwan Heussaff.
Left: Squid a la Plancha with Sofrito and Chicharron
Right: Handcut Squid Ink Noodles in Saffron Butter with Baby Eels
During the press launch, the air was filled with the warmth of different aromas wafting from the stovetop, from all the wet market finds, and ocean fare like fish, scallops and crustaceans. Our friends from the media were gorging and indulging the surf and turf that Chef and the rest of the team meticulously prepared. We definitely didn’t get seasick from all the raw goodness and impeccable dishes that were laid before our eyes (and stomachs).
Bait’s offers fine and sustainable food from the sea depending on the day’s catch, making their menu change according to what’s in season. A mélange of fresh and flavorful dishes that is up to challenge your tastebuds and get your hands dirty. This is definitely worth catching!
“Always remember, fish are friends AND food”
Bait’s Seafood Kitchen
Ground Floor, Signa Designer Residences, Valero corner Rufino St., Makati City
Mondays to Saturdays 11am-11pm | Sundays 4pm-11pm
contact@baitsseafood.com | 0917 860 4764
@BaitsManila #BaitsManila
