That long fried-dough freshly made pastry, dipped in melted Valor chocolate – popular in places like Spain, France and also the Philippine, churros is such a delight to eat for breakfast or merienda. But here in Alqueria, you don’t need to wait for another morning just to have a bite of this delightful dish.
It was my first and luckily I’ve tasted it here at Alqueria. That happen a few days ago, when we did a lunch out with friends at the spanish restaurant in SM Megamall. 
I thought we were just dining to have churros, but a feast was served on our table.
Alqueria, which opened in January 2014, is another new and exciting concept under the SumoSam Group of Restaurants founded by Marvin Agustin, Ricky Laudico and Raymund Magdaluyo. The trio have also partnered with Charo Santos, Liz Uy, Mylene Dizon and Agot Isidro for this business venture. 
Not just another Spanish restaurant
For me, aside from the food, one of the best things that Alqueria can brag about is its aura and ambiance. It may have a simple setup, but the colors and furniture were intricately chosen that will take you to a Spanish feels. Different artworks are painted on the wall while on the sides you’ll find baskets of ingredients stressing to the customers that each dish ordered were prepared fresh. It is best to be seated near the window where the sun glimmers with a view of the busy streets of EDSA.
Spain in Manila
Spanish cuisine is something that is not so new to us Filipinos. Being a colony for more than 300 years, Filipinos have already managed to acquire the taste and the way the Spaniards cook in the kitchen. One of which is cooking paella.
Paella Valenciana (Grande) (Small: Php560 / Medium: Php910 / Large: P1,480) Simmered rice in saffron-infused stock topped with clams, mussels, shrimps amd chicken.
Alquerias is best known for its paellas. Now it is boasting its prime selection of tapas, paellas and bistecas. Their best sellers and recommendations include classic and contemporary dishes like Salpicao, Queso Fundido, Paella Valenciana, Paella Carne Mechada, Paella Jamon Serrano y Foie Gras, Prime Black Angus Ribeye Steaks, Grilled Lamb Chops, Pollo Iberico, Cochinillos, Tortillas and desserts that will melt your heart away. Must try… Manchego Cheesecake and Canonigo☺!
On my visit here are some of the meals that were serve;
TAPAS
Pulpo a la Gallega (Php288) Octopus gratin topped with mashed potatoes and manchego cheese 
Queso Fibrosis (Php210) Manchego cheese dip with pimientos and jalapenos served with spiced chips.
NEW WORLD PAELLA
Carne Mechada (Medium: Php950) Rice cooked with sofrito and simmered in saffron-infused stock and pomodoro topped with braised shortribs, grilled tomatoes and confit potatoes. 
Rib Eye (Php2,030) 300g black angus USDA prime grade steak
Lamb Chops (Half Rack: Php1,310 / Full Rack: Php2,380) From Ann Creek Farms, Australia
POSTRES
Churros Served with Valor chocolate dip 3pcs (Classic: Php138/Chocolate: Php158) 5pcs (Classic: Php158/Chocolate: Php198) 10pcs (Classic: Php228/Chocolate: Php298)
Manchego Cheesecake (Php230) Cheesecake with melted manchego cheese and cream cheese I came in full and I left the restaurant feeling bloated. I think I ated too much. Capping up our meal was a dessert called Manchego Cheesecake which is perfect to be paired with a cup of coffee. I love the Paella Valenciana more than Paella del Carne. The lamb chops was initially serve medium rare and Chuckie was the only one who like it that way so he took a part and we ask it to be cooked well done. It was tasty but what I don’t like about the lamb is the aftertaste. The tapas was amazing and I love how the Queso Fibrosis got that spicy kick.
And off course, the Churros is simply amazing, it was on sale – 50% off when we visited. I hope they will do that again very soon. For updates visit them on social media @alqueriaph (#alqueriachurrosmadness).
Alqueria Restaurante is located at the 3rd floor of Mega Fashion Hall, Building D, SM Megamall. Please text or call +639165062659 for reservations and inquiries.
