Just in time for Christmas, a new Wild Flour has blossomed and taken flight. This time, our favorite dining destination can be found at Greenbelt 3, in the garden area that faces Greenbelt 5. Ever since its inception, this Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo-led eatery has mushroomed in all parts of the metropolis, either as Wild Flour, or as Little Flour and/or Wild Flour Italian. But if you think about it, other than the free-standing restaurants in Legazpi Village and Salcedo Village, there was no Wild Flour in any of the Makati malls.

So while Greenbelt 3 has emerged as the new shopping mecca for luxury merchandise, it’s a perfect match to find Wild Flour has taken roots in this reconfigured Ayala Mall. Spacious and with a good number of tables offering alfresco dining, it’s easy to fall in love with this Wild Flour and make it a favorite destination and hangout.

When you enter this edition of Wild Flour, there’s a lot of familiarity and comfort zone aspects as the bread and baked goodies shelves and counters welcome you with open arms. To the right, there’s a novelty for most first-time visitors, as there’s a genuine bar area, where one can sit on bar stools, or at any of the small tables arrayed in this area.

Regular diners have options to take a table that’s far from the maddening crowd, in sections where a semblance of privacy can be achieved. Issa and I were there for an early, light dinner; and the upgraded comfort food concept that we all flock to Wild Flour for, fully satisfied our hunger pangs.

Issa opted for her old favorite, the Beef Tapa, which comes with two eggs sunny side up, atchara, and a bed of garlic friend rice. This typically breakfast/brunch type of dish is served throughout the day, and for her, it really hit the spot in a great way.

Looking for something “lighter,” I went for the Akaroa Salmon. This is accompanied by mushroom wild rice, grains, soy, and chili. I’ve always loved the way the salmon skin retains a crispy aspect, mixed with the pink meat. I liken it as the “healthy, yet sinful” menu option, and along with the Wild Flour California Burger, this Akaroa Salmon is among my go-to’s whenever I find myself in a Wild Flour.

Finding we were in a dessert mood, it was a choice between their excellent, gluten-free Lemon Almond Cake or their deadly Salted Chocolate Cake with Caramel. Tonight, the Chocolate Cake took the honors, and I’ve always loved the Wild Flour portions are perfect for sharing... or so I thought, not reckoning on Issa’s appetite and sweet tooth.

At this point, all I can add is that I’m completely sold on this new Wild Flour location, as it’s now the nearest to where I reside. I’m a junkie for their freshly baked bread, list me down for the Whole Wheat Multi-grain - and their Ube Leche Flan and Bombolonis. So do yourselves a favor if you find yourself in Makati, and visit this newest of Wild Flours!