When you decide to eat healthy, you are not only making that choice for your body, but that decision will greatly affect the environment. The online dictionary defines sustainability as the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance. The Clean Plate by Twist is one restaurant that promotes responsible and sustainable eating.
With their three branches so far around the metro, (UP Town Center, Trinoma Mall and Serendra), it has established itself as one of the best organic restaurants today. The owners of the former Twist restaurant also owns The Clean Plate.
When I visited their branch at the UP Town Center in Quezon City and I felt right at home. The interior’s rustic style gave it that warm, earthy vibe. The organic products that they carry are neatly arranged in racks around the resto which you can purchase. But I was more interested in trying out their Spanish-Italian inspired organic dishes.
I sampled three main courses in my visit. I tried the Ratatouille Pizza (Php 305), the OMG! (Oh My Gulay!) Burger (Php 260), and the Black Rice Valenciana (Php 260) made from free-range chicken.
The Ratatouille Pizza reminds of the Garden or Vegetable pizzas I’ve tried in the past but the freshness of the veggies was evident at how crispy each bite was. All you veggie fans should definitely order a whole pizza that’s smothered with pomodoro sauce and topped with eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, fresh herbs, and mozzarella cheese!
The OMG Burger’s patty was a combination of organic zucchini, mushroom and chickpeas, giving it a sweet taste and enclosed in a multigrain brioche bun. The sweetness of the patty was new to me but it still was very tasty.
The Black Rice Valenciana was a showstopper! It’s a different take on the Classic Arroz Valenciana using organic black rice and cold-pressed coconut milk. The chicken wing is flavorful with just the right amount of saltiness to contrast the smooth, creamy taste of the black rice paella. Throw in some juicy mussels to that delightful dish and you’re in Valenciana heaven (If there is such a place).
Before you get carried away with the Spanish-Italian menu, The Clean Plate also serves Filipino classics. Some of their-free range pork dishes include Pork Sinigang, Crispy Pata, Binagoongan, and more. For protein lovers try the Honey Belly Roast, Callos, and Ox Tail Kare-Kare with organic vegetables and fresh Alamang (shrimp paste).
I would also recommend Queso Blanco pizza (Php 295), Grass Fed Burger Your Way (Php 350), and the Tokyo Nori salad (Php 225).
The Clean Plate is a testament that organic food is no longer a concept but adds richness to the Filipino food culture.
Dine in one of their branches near you:
- The Clean Plate at the 2nd Flr, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. Telephone number: (02) 2770622. Directions here.
- The Clean Plate at the G/F, Trinoma Mall, Quezon City North Triangle. Telephone numbers: +63929-4362402, (02) 6256912. Directions here.
- The Clean Plate at the G/F, Serendra, Metro Manila, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Telephone number: (02) 8357480. Directions here.