At home with Bueno

The place is designed to transport our guests into different dimension without losing that familiar feeling of home.
Ken Alfonso
Part owner and chef, Bueno

It was definitely a feast for the senses. More than just tickling the palate and whetting the appetite, the newly opened Bueno at The Grove by Rockwell has been making waves lately as the ultimate alternative destination for foodies.

According to part owner and Chef Ken Alfonso, Bueno serves a “great selection of Spanish dishes where all distinct flavors come together to please the senses. The place is designed to transport our guests into different dimension without losing that familiar feeling of home.”

“Much like the restaurants in Madrid, Bueno is designed with no partitions to give one that sense of freedom. With its relax, comfortable and casual setting one can easily go in, settle and enjoy a good meal,” Alfonso explained.

Madrid inspiration

The concept behind Bueno came about during Alfonso’s trip to Madrid, where he came across a small restaurant.

This, he explained, was where he felt immediately at home and he knew right away that this was something he wanted to replicate back in Manila. And for Alfonso, dining is something that one must enjoy and feel satisfied about.

Hence, this was what Alfonso had also brought to the Bueno table—that familiar feeling of home where one could casually sit while enjoying a sumptuous feast.

And this is aptly reflected at the Bueno’s interiors, where one can easily see and feel how this latest “it” dining destination is reflective of the Filipinos’ traditional culture of sharing meals at home.

Relaxing ambience

PHOTOS BY LEO SABANGAN

Frequenting a number of restaurants himself, Alfonso knew well enough the essentials in creating a place that would make diners feel at ease and entice them to come back and try other dishes.

With Bueno’s open set up, great lighting, and comfortable seating, there is no doubt that diners are in for a good time.

“Being a long time resident of The Grove I knew that the place is a good starting point for me. The residents proved to be a good market for my first venture. In terms of design, you can see that it’s one that has that rustic feel but with a modern twist,” Alfonso shared.

“The feel and design is reflective of the Filipino culture and it’s very family oriented. In fact when you enter Bueno you will always remember something from your past. The use of wood is meant to mirror the feel of an old house and evoke memories of one’s childhood. The comfortable seating is meant to make one stay and feel welcome,” he further explained.

Indeed, Bueno is set to revolutionize the way people relish sumptuous food, while being reminded of the beauty of being home.