Catalan Flavors Cornered by Papeo in The Corner House

Authentic Catalan flavors brings a fresh and flavorful burst of sunshine to the quiet San Juan neighborhood with the recent opening of Papeo by Chef David Amoros at The Corner House. In a relaxed and casual setting, Chef David Amoros shares his hearty cuisine at the neighborhood's new dining hub. And he's even bringing his famous El Born Signature Cheesecake too. 

The modern and open structure with its distinctive free-flowing design along P. Guevarra Street in the San Juan neighborhood has to be one of the hottest new dining destinations in the metro. And Chef David thinks so too, opening not just one but two exciting culinary concepts on the ground floor. 

The name of the new concept means "food" in Spanish as Chef David shares the flavors of his roots with a Mediterranean skew in a brand new stage within a quiet neighborhood. At Papeo, diners can enjoy traditional classics like Bravas, Gambas Al Ajillo and Tortilla de Patata y Cebolla and many more. This is a nostalgic taste of home for Chef David and Ivonne. 

 

For Chef David, opening not just one but two concepts at The Corner House is a bold move (for more on Chef David, see my earlier post Heart &Soul: Savor the Flavors of Authentic Catalan Cuisine at El Born in Mitsukoshi BGC from late last year). With that Catalan spirit driving his passion, Chef David and his wife Ivonne believe the time is right for a quick headstart on the holiday rush. And when there's good food, the customers will come. 

A recommended dish at Papeo is the Pulpo A La Gallega (P 595) with fork-tender grilled octopus laid on silky smooth potato parmentier generously seasoned with sweet and smoky paprika and drizzled with olive oil. The fresh briny sweetness of the tender octopus comes through with each tasty bite followed by the subtle sweet and smoky hints of the smoked paprika and deep nutty notes of the olive oil. The luscious potato parmentier completes the play on flavors and textures lingering long on the palate. 

The flavors come deep from Chef David's own personal journey, recreated from his love for Catalan and his nostalgic memories. Best enjoyed with an ice-cold cerveza, the rustic and traditional renditions by Chef David offers a comforting and unique taste of his Catalan. 

And there's more...

...with Chef David's inspired take on Fish and Chips (P 495) with that flavorful Mediterranean flair using local grouper or lapu-lapu. The delectable play on textural contrasts with the soft, flaky fish and delicately crisp layer of batter drapes the palate with its simple, uncluttered yet rich flavors made even more intense with a dab of the creamy paprika-infused tartare sauce. 

A fresh squeeze of lemon brings out even more flavors complementing the mild sweetness of the fish. The thick cut fries complete the dish.

For dessert, you just can't go wrong with Chef David's now famous El Born Signature Cheesecake (P 895 good for two) for an afternoon of hearty Catalan flavors at The Corner House. 

Right beside Papeo at The Corner House is Chef David's soon to open LA Rotisserie offering Catalan style roast chicken... 

Bannered by its Pollo"Chef David Signature," the juicy and lightly crisp chicken is complemented by an array of herbs and spices for a savory richness. With its unrestrained and flavor forward notes, the Pollo"Chef David Signature" is a hit on my book. Though not yet officially open, LA Rotisserie is one more name to add to your list of tasty dining options at The Corner House. 

And the menu offers a wide variety of chicken-based options from Pollo Classico, Alitas de Pollo en Adobo, Croquetas Caseras de Pollo and Sandwich de Pollo con Escalivada as well as sumptuous set lunch offerings, refreshing salads, side dishes like Patatas Rusticas Asadas, Patatas Fritas Casera and Arroz Mediterraneo plus sauces like Chimichurri, Mojo Picon and Salsa Mediterraneo. 

Exciting things are happening at The Corner House in San Juan as Chef David presents his Catalan flavors with a vibrant Mediterranean vibe at Papeo and soon-to-open LA Rotisserie...