Explore a different culinary experience with these dining recommendations

As Greenbelt 3 continues to develop and new doors open to the public, we get a glimpse of the grand vision of the new Greenbelt 3, and how it intends to be the chicest of shopping and dining destinations. In the dining department, the latest to open its doors and formally welcome people is Las Flores Greenbelt 3. There’s a wonderful, casual, fine-dining vibe to this newest incarnation of Las Flores, an intriguing blend of imaginative Spanish dishes, a bar that’s out to please, and alfresco tables that are perfect for cool January evenings.

And rather than mention their “best sellers” and dishes that we all already know Las Flores for, I purposely ordered the dishes that are new to this eatery, or can form part of your new discoveries when you dine there. Go for the tried and tested by all means, but add a few of the dishes I’ll talk about in this feature as you may be pleasantly surprised, and have new favorites by the end of your next Las Flores meal.

The Pintxos section of the menu is a great place to get started. The Foie Explosion would be my first recommendation, seared foie sitting on airy dough, filled with onion jam, and just waiting to burst in your mouth. Pair this with the Bombas de Barceloneta, ground wagyu mixed with potatoes, such that it resembles a round croqueta, and you’ll love the slightly, fiery sauce that’s dolloped on top.

My discovery of the day was the Butifarra and Brie, the classic ground pork sausage that’s hearty and very “Catalan Spanish,” mixed with brie and chopped mushrooms, and nestled on toasted bread. If you like contrasting dishes, have this served with their Bocaditos con Anchoas, as these are anchovies with Manchego cream and chilies, and this one is another one that you pop into your mouth, to get all the different flavors registering simultaneously. It’s a slice of culinary heaven.

We also ordered the Pork Belly Mini Molette, but believe me, there’s nothing mini about this, as with the bun, it’s quite a filling appetizer. I loved the crispy Pork Belly but ended up wishing this had come in smaller portions. The paellas I won’t even talk about, as we all know how the paellas at Las Flores are the real thing.

The one main course I tried was their Solomillo de Ternera, and it’s well-salted, flavorful tenderloin slices, served with French beans and potato. I loved it; but if like me, you’d like to eat at Las Flores to get a good sampling of flavors and different ingredients, then stick to the Pintxos and Tapas, so that while all the little bites add up, there’s a medley of different things being tested, and indulged in.

The Las Flores bar beckons and if you like your cocktails, a birdie told me that the Las Flores Mule is one excellent recommendation, vodka, ginger, calamansi, and as with most mules, you get a kick when least expected! If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic mocktail, do try the Pepino Limon, it’s cucumber and lemon, and it’s truly refreshing, with a distinct, clean taste.

The desserts at Las Flores speak for themselves, as do the cheese board selections. For me, I’m just happy that Las Flores has found a new home, and that Greenbelt 3 is shaping up to be the place to be to unwind, after your shopping forays.