THE SHOPS at Atria: Part I

The Shops at Atria by the Ayala Land Inc. officially opened five months ago. Located at Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, it features local and established restaurants, retail, and service shops. Some of these shops include BPI, Salon de Rose, Mercury Drug, and 7-Eleven.

Overlooking the mini plaza. Atria at its early stages.

The concept of the place is that of an open garden (like Bonifacio Global City in Manila and Ayala Northpoint in Bacolod) with a mini plaza at its center where some events are held. The place is located few minutes away from SM City Iloilo, Plazuela de Iloilo, and Smallville Complex.

Shops at Atria

What's more exciting is that the strip has opened its doors of opportunities for the Ilonggo entrepreneurs to showcase homegrown ideas and dishes! 

Below are some of the restaurants, either homegrown or franchise, 

that has opened for the Ilonggos to try.

1. Asian Spoon

It is one of the first to open in Atria and it offers varied Southeast Asian flavors from Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and I was so happy because they were serving Laksa! Read more about this place on a separate post here or visit their official Facebook page here.

Goi cuon "fresh spring rolls with shrimp"

2. Clarke Quay SG Cuisine

The place is owned and managed by Singaporeans (I presume because I haven't asked. But I saw them entertaining diners.) and offers authentic Singaoprean cuisine, which is being prepared by a Singaporean chef. Need more to ask about authenticity? Heheh. And btw, Clarke Quay is a historical riverside quay  in Singapore which houses pubs and restaurants. Click for their official Facebook page here.

Forgot the name, but this was flavorful and we can't stop eating!

I also forgot the name (sorry!), but this was marinated with coffee.
An interesting combination of flavors.

3. Ang Kamalig Restaurant

And for that Filipino food - particularly Ilonggo food - that we all love, try this place. Although the place looks like Victorian, it was relaxing and the food was so Pinoy and Ilonggo that all we had were praises and satisfied bellies. They also offer Ilonggo merienda like Arroz Caldo and Pancit Molo. Visit their Facebook page here.

dainty interiors

Fresh salad with tabagak. I like the creaminess of the cheese.

Beef bulalo was so hearty!

photo from Ang Kamalig Restaurant's official FB page

4. Griller's Oyster House

Griller's is one of the two oyster houses that has opened in the Atria (the other is Y2K Talabahan). Ilonggos are fond of eating seafood because our waters are blessed to have it. Back when we were in college we would always hang out in Villa after classes to eat talaba and have a few drinks (thank God our stomachs were so strong to withstand those organisms that can cause mild or severe diarrhea!). The place also serves grilled pork, squid, shrimp, set meals, and yes Oysters (talaba! duh) in different flavors and style of cooking. 

Griller's has several branches located around the metro. Click here to visit their official Facebook page.

Griller's Oyster platter

photo from Griller's FB page

5. Netong's Original La Paz Batchoy

And of course the most popular Ilonggo dish will never go missing. Try Netong's version of the La Paz batchoy, best eaten with manapla puto. The richness and flavorful broth mixed with equally rich slices of pork, liver, chicharon, round noodles, and other things, is heaven! Oh and don't forget to down it all with a glass of Coke! Burp! 

Read my post on La Paz batchoy here.

Indeed the City of Iloilo is expanding, not only in terms of business but also in experience and culture. But what's more important is that we take pride in our beginnings and culture and never lose our identity as Ilonggos.

More post about Atria next time!