Bianca Elizalde takes over Boracay's best burger joint
Wholesome good food with a view gets a healthier upgrade
Published Apr 13, 2023 05:43 am
By Danah Gutierrez
Burgers, beachfront, and breathtaking views—there’s a reason Jammers has been a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. Known for its world-class burgers, chili cheese fries, and 24-hour service, Jammers has become a staple in the Boracay dining scene since 2002.
Having faced the possibility of closing its doors for good, Jammers has been given a new lease on life under the ownership of Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, owner of the popular health-focused organic restaurant The Wholesome Table. As a friend of the late owner, she was determined to take the reins and continue Jammers’ tradition of serving delicious burgers, inspired by the restaurant’s renown. “It wasn’t difficult for us to make that decision to continue. Jammers has made such a great name for itself and we wanted to continue serving the delicious burgers it was known for,” she says. Bianca is committed to bringing new flavors and dishes to the menu, ensuring that the gastronomic legacy of Jammers lives on for years to come.
Bianca Araneta-Elizalde has come a long way from her days as a supermodel and TV host. Today, she is a well-known wellness advocate and restaurateur, committed to promoting whole living through her businesses and online platforms.
Bianca’s journey toward whole living began over a decade ago, long before it became a popular trend. As a nature lover since childhood, she was always concerned about environmental issues and the impact of our actions on the planet. It was a book on nutrition, however, that opened her eyes to the connection between the food we eat and our health, inspiring her to adopt a lifestyle of wellness and clean eating.
For Bianca, starting a business is not just about making money. It’s about making a positive impact on people’s lives and the planet. That’s why she and her husband decided to open The Wholesome Table, a marriage between their shared interests. Her husband, Juan Elizalde, is into the restaurant business while Bianca is passionate about healthy, organic food, and nutrition. Together, they created a unique dining experience to fill a gap in the healthy dining sector, hoping to make organic comfort food more mainstream in the Philippines.
Since then, Bianca has continued to grow with her businesses, both in the restaurant industry and beyond. She has become a leading voice in the wellness community, inspiring people to live a more conscious and healthy lifestyle. Her commitment to whole living and sustainable practices has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Tatler Asia’s Most Influential F&B Tastemakers in 2021.
Bianca’s passion for wellness and clean eating is evident in the menu offerings of The Wholesome Table, and she plans to continue this same commitment at Jammers, but with a twist—she’s introducing healthier options to the menu while still maintaining the delicious burger options everyone loves.
“I brought in our team from The Wholesome Table to come in and makeover the menu. Inspired by Hawaii and its tropical flavors, we decided to create an island-inspired menu that would be a perfect fit for Boracay’s tropical island vibe,” she says. “We use whole foods, we use good ingredients, we’re not skimping on any of that. Despite it being a burger joint, we are using good quality meats and homemade fresh breads. We make our sauces in-house, all of that. Not only that, we have a lot of menu offerings that are healthier like fresh juices, fresh smoothies, smoothie bowls, yogurt, homemade granola.”
Overall, Jammers’ revamped menu offers a mix of classic and unique dishes that are sure to satisfy every craving. When asked about her favorite dish on the menu, Bianca had a tough time choosing just one. The Jerk Chicken stands out as a bestseller and one of her top picks.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Pineapple Whip dessert is an absolute must-try. “It is so good I almost wanna do an entire concept just on that ice cream flavor alone!” she exclaims. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing, the best way to cap off your meal. Additionally, the delectable milkshakes are also definitely worth trying. It comes in lots of flavors so whether you’re in the mood for something sweet after your meal or just looking for a tasty treat to enjoy, these milkshakes are definitely worth checking out.
Of course, no visit to Jammers is complete without trying the burgers. Having gone through rigorous taste testing with friends, industry professionals, and even kids, Bianca is happy to say she and her team have landed on a recipe they’re truly proud of. So whether you’re in the mood for a classic beef burger or a delicious chicken burger, they’ve got you covered.
It’s not just the menu that has undergone changes. A nod to the old Boracay, Bianca wanted the restaurant to have a beach shack vibe, complete with nipa and distressed wood elements. And she has certainly succeeded!
The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a casual and relaxed atmosphere, which perfectly matches the island’s carefree and tropical feel. The second floor is even adorned with a tropical palm tree, adding to the organic and natural ambiance of the restaurant.
“A lot of the decor are things we found on the beach so they suited the whole look,” says Bianca. “We wanted to create a space where our customers could kick back and relax while watching the sunset, enjoying good food and drinks.”
Situated right on the beachfront in the bustling heart of D’Mall, it’s not hard to see why it stands out from the crowd. With a prime location that offers an unparalleled view of the sunset, as well as a tropical design that pays homage to traditional Boracay, this place has an incredible ambiance that’s hard to find in many of the newer establishments on the island.
“Don’t expect this to just be like fast food burgers. No, it’s so much more than that. It’s got a lot to offer,” says Bianca. “We’ve got an amazing team behind the kitchen and yeah, it’s more than just a pretty place. The food is really, really good. It ticks all the boxes of what you wanna experience when you are in Boracay.”
With the passion and expertise of Bianca and her team, Jammers Beach Shack is sure to continue bringing new flavors and experiences to the Boracay dining scene. Don’t miss the chance to soak up the laid-back beach vibe and savor the mouthwatering flavors of Boracay’s OG!
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