Trying Out Adlai, Healthier Alternative to Rice + Backwell in Poblacion
Filipinos love to eat and good conversations happen over a meal. It is no surprise that friends usually go for a lunch/dinner date vs bar hangout (or maybe I am just this Tita!).
Poblacion in Makati has been gaining a lot of attention recently because of the many different bars and restaurants that cater to different age groups. My recent gastronomic adventure was in Poblacion, a chill cafe called Backwell by BBZ. This restaurant partners with Hineleban Cafe to offer new, healthier menu.
Backwell first opened its doors in 2015 and is the first restaurant venture by the minds of Beer Below Zero (BBZ) – if you love good beer, you must be familiar with BBZ – the concept in which beer is served at temperature before it freezes (meaning, no serving of chilled mug and ice).
I figured Backwell derived its name from its location – at the back of Rockwell and just right at the center of Poblacion proper. It is a homey and relaxed restaurant. I somewhat felt envious of the people who live in the area.
With the partnership with Hineleban Cafe (an affiliate of Hineleban Foundation), Backwell by BBZ now serves not just the coldest beer in town, but a Specialty Coffee that is grown and harvested by the indigenous people of Bukidnon.
I love brands that work for the development and promotion of local products. Hineleban Cafe (through Hineleban Foundation) helps in restoring rainforests in Mindanao and helping local farmers.
The most awesome discovery I had during our dinner/conversation is a better substitute for rice – adlai.
Adlai is a healthy gluten-free, healthier alternative for rice that is high in protein and low in glycemic index. It is considered a superfood.
Adlai is a healthy gluten-free, healthier alternative for rice that is high in protein and low in glycemic index. It is considered a superfood.
At home, we eat brown rice (especially mom is diabetic) but there are just some dishes that don’t go well with brown rice – like Sinigang or Nilagang Baka.
Adlai truly changes the game. It looks and tastes like white rice, and doesn’t need much preparation to cook. Just use 1 cup adlai to 2 cups of water and cook per rice cooker.
Here you go guys, meet adlai! We Filipinos know that a hearty good meal is not complete without a cup of rice! Here’s a gluten-free grain:
Here you go guys, meet adlai! We Filipinos know that a hearty good meal is not complete without a cup of rice! Here’s a gluten-free grain:
We got to sample some of the adlai recipes and dishes that were prepared by Chef Sabrina Artadi (oh, I used to watch her show!) and I am instantly converted.
Dirty Cajun Liver
My mom knows I hate liver but dish made me eat it! It is so good that I even got a second serving. Chef Sabrina did her little magic on this dish!
Crispy Pata
Fork-tender deep friend pork knuckles served with sinamak vinegar. What makes it stand out is its flavor that is skin and meat-deep! It is tender and flavorful.
Adlai Caldo
This hearty bowl is just the perfect breakfast meal. I love the taste and texture of adlai and the generous serving of boiled eggs.
Parsley Adlai Tabbouleh
I can eat this whole bowl of delicious and healthy salad. No joke.
Calamari
Perfectly deep fried fresh squid served with homemade pomodoro, tartar sauce. What makes or breaks a good calamari is how it is cooked – and this one just sealed the deal. Love the sauce too!
Putok Batuk – a sinful mix of different chicharon served with sinanak vinegar
One more shot for this sinful platter. Everyone seemed to dive in this plate first. Haha
Wagyu Tapa
This sizzling plate is so good and flavorful. I can ask for another cup of rice adlai!
Tomahawk
US Prime tomahawk steak with au jus, horseradish cream and vegetables. It is one big slab and sinfully good.
We enjoyed the good meal with drinks – ranging from beers, cocktails and coffee.
GinTree
This looks so pretty and interesting
Here’s a local beer brew that you can order at Backwell by BBZ – also served beer below zero!
I had Iced Mocha which is served with Bamboo Straw! I like it better than metal straw. I actually don’t use metal straw – I’d rather not use one.
Special Coffee Brew that you can also order from Backwell using Hineleban Coffee
If at this point I already made you interested about Hineleban coffee and the better, healthier rice substitute, adlai, you can buy these products at Backwell by BBZ at a more affordable price. Adlai is also sold at Healthy Options but better to get it from Backwell.
It was truly a filling dinner – without the guilt. I already introduced adlai to mom, and I think we have another convert.
