Nestled snugly in Additional Hills, Mandaluyong is a charming restaurant/bistro called The Frazzled Cook. Occupying the ground floor of a yellow, two-story house it appears to be “a huge living room,” as a friend of mine put it. Tables of varying heights, sizes and shapes fill the space, surrounded by chairs that come from different design schools, materials and eras. It’s a mishmash of furniture, a collage as interior design.
A pink chandelier hangs in the center, with low-light lamps around various tables. Bookshelves line its walls and serve as dividers, filled with tchotchkes and gewgaws that wouldn’t look out of place in the antique store situated on the second floor. Books and magazines look well-read, and can be thumbed by curious patrons. On its walls, you’ll find old Chinese posters, framed jigsaw puzzles, vintage photographs and, in one alcove, a Jeff Koons-inspired semi-art installation of 30 Maneki Nekos, all waving. The Frazzled Cook is the latest venture from the people behind Fat Michael’s Place in Makati. Conceived in May of last year, it had a short gestation period, opening in September. Having received a few recommendations and seen some enticing photos, the time was ripe to check the place out for myself. [READ MORE HERE]
R. writes for On the Radar Sunday section of The Philippine Star.