“We’re very much a new flavor but influenced by other classical delicacies all over the world.” This was how David Jones, general manager of Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine, described the newly opened restaurant in Alabang during a short chat with Tech and Lifestyle Journal. “It’s a new name, a new brand, but it’s influenced by wonderfully classical things,” he continued.
The name was taken from the Greek term ‘akrotiri,’ which means ‘peninsula.’ ‘Akrotiri’ is also the name of an ancient village in Santorini (in Greece) where rich cultures and gastronomic experiences from other places flourished, a feature that led Plato to use it as among the inspirations for the story of Atlantis (the mythological lost city).
Akrotiri General Manager David Jones and restaurant co-owner Dimitris Karatzas
Literally, the new restaurant fuses together a number of diverse coastal food cultures from all over the world while keeping the anchor to the Filipino influence in an effort to easily please the local palate. It helped that one of the owners come from a family of restaurateurs that operate the 40-year-old Kastro’s Restaurant-Bar in Mykonos, Greece. Aside from Greek, Mediterranean, and Filipino influences, Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine also picked some classical flavors from Malay, Chinese, and Thai cuisines.
According to Jones, who will be turning 39 this month, his group first had this idea as early as 2001. But it was only in August 2017 that he finally moved to the country (from the U.K. where he had managed several restaurants for over 20 years) to make it happen. They tapped Chef Luca Maffel (executive chef) and Chef Ereyca Trinidad (head chef) to finally develop dishes according to the group’s goals.
Akrotiri General Manager David Jones is hands-on when it comes to managing the restaurant. “I’ve always enjoyed being behind the bar,” he said. He also shared a funny experience when he was just starting in this passion. “I actually lied to my boss the first time I stood behind the bar in London. I was only 17 but I said I was 18,” he recalled smiling.
The new restaurant is manned by a 13-member team, including the chefs, Jones and their driver, whom he regards very well for being a delivery expert who makes sure supplies arrive on time and get to the kitchen at the best condition.
Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine initially has over 50 distinct dishes in its current menu. “It is a great opportunity for everyone to come back and come back again to try them all,” Jones said. “We’re also creating lovely specials in the future that our customers won’t find in other restaurants.” Tech and Lifestyle Journal tried some of the most interesting of those and here are our top favorites:
Angus Tenderloin
Seafood Tagliatelle–clams, lobster, mussels, prawns, squid, and tomatoes
Grilled Prawns
Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine is located at Unit 103 G/F Commerce Center Alabang, Commerce Avenue corner Filinvest Avenue in Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang. The restaurant opens from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
