Restaurant Background

The Wholesome Table celebrates its tenth year in business with a new branch at Shangri-La Plaza. The restaurant, which was founded by wife-husband duo Bianca Elizalde and Juan Manuel Elizalde, is known for serving fresh, healthy, and well-balanced fare.

“The Wholesome Table isn’t just a for-profit business,” emphasized Juan Manuel. “It is also an advocacy to teach people how to eat healthy food and to give people the opportunity to eat organic, which is ultimately, better for the body.”

With chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension on the rise, the Elizalde family has taken it upon themselves to offer Filipinos a taste of the good – and ultimately, the wholesome – life. “The advent of ultra-processed foods are all things we need to be aware of,” added Juan Manuel. “We like to teach our staff about these so that their families can also benefit from this knowledge.”

Vibe And Venue

Like its other branches at Salcedo and BGC, The Wholesome Table at Shangri-La Plaza imbibes an intimate atmosphere through contemporary furnishings enhanced by the comforting touch of nature. Trees and dried flowers are quintessential at The Wholesome Table, paying homage to the goodness of Mother Earth. Wicker chairs complement marble tables, walls are decorated with earthy ceramicware, and every table is furnished with vases filled with dried flowers. It is the perfect spot for peaceful conversation or an afternoon spent in mindful contemplation.

The Menu

At The Wholesome Table, balance is given great importance. For the mains, vegetables, carbs, and protein find equal opportunity to show off their unique flavors. Each dish encourages the benefits of a balanced diet; thoughtful restriction and addition make for a menu that is bright, colorful, and unique. Of course, those with dietary restrictions are more than welcome to dine here as requests for vegans, vegetarians, lactose intolerants, and diabetics (to remove refined sugar) can be accommodated.

Aside from the usual suspects, The Wholesome Table also invites everyone to try The Wholesome Bakery. Sweet tooths will rejoice for the sake of healthier options. Here, baked goods and pastriescan be made to be gluten-free, vegan, or refined-sugar-free – try everything the healthier way: from cakes to cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, and even the viral mochi donuts.

The Cost

The Wholesome Table has a little bit of everything for everyone, including budget. Prices are friendly for items such as a Greek Breakfast Toast with labneh and chimichurri costs just P240. Starters, soups, and salads (a solo salad ranges from P200 to P350). The kids’ menu also offers tots delicious meals that range from P180 to P350.

Of course, those who prefer a more premium experience can try items such as the P1,900 BBQ Platter, made with grilled pork, chicken, and coconut rice. Pastas, sandwiches, and burgers typically range between P500 to P600, and brunch specials – such as the fusion Salmon Tuyo plate – can go between P500 to P700.

What We Tried

We began our meal with the light, bright, Orzo Salad. This incredible starter was jam-packed with healthy ingredients that included arugula, cranberry, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. A definite favorite, the Orzo Salad hit a palatable equilibrium: there was sweetness from the cherry tomatoes and cranberries, a slightly bitter, earthy tang from the fresh greens, and a bright edge from the red wine vinaigrette. The feta cheese was soft and smooth, and brought the salad together very well.

The salad was followed by a Truffle Burger. Made with grass-fed beef patties, these handheld sliders were thick, juicy, and simply oozing with flavor. The patty was complemented by dijonaise, sharp cheddar cheese, and truffle cream, which elevated the experience. Its accompanying buttered buns were soft and toasted to perfection, making every bite a sensorial delight.

The first main we were served was the Paella Mariscos. Wild-caught snapper and Chilean mussels are served atop a bed of Valencia rice. A generous dollop of aioli is placed atop to be mixed all together. While served on a paellera, keep in mind that the restaurant’s take is a bit different from traditional Spanish restaurants’. While flavorful, the paella served was a bit wet and carried a bit more liquid than the usual paella. Nevertheless, its freshness will stand and center for diners who enjoy seafood.

While we were there, we also tried the restaurant’s take on Pan-Seared Duck. Served with buttery, creamy mashed potatoes and a serving of string beans, the duck came with a drizzle of blackberry sauce. Balancing the rich, fatty taste of duck with a little sweetness, this dish felt like a luxurious course that didn’t feel too indulgent.

To cap off the meal, we were served Pineapple Coconut ice cream. Home-made with fresh ingredients, this delectable dessert was both refreshing and sweet. The first bite introduces one to the tropical aroma of pineapple, yet the lingering taste of coconut is truly what makes the dessert so fun.

If you’re looking for a drink to pair with your meal, might we suggest the Be Dreamy shake. It is a blended mixture of mango, banana, chia seeds, goji berries, coconut milk, lemon, and raw honey. Aside from its distinct sweet yet earthy taste, the shake is also a sensorial experience as it adds the texture of chia seeds to the healthy smoothie (similar to raw cacao nibs!).

Location: The Wholesome Table is located at Streetscape, Level 1, Main Wing Shangri-la Plaza, Edsa cor. Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City