Tucked in the hushed streets of San Juan, Mandaluyong was a restaurant that developed an avid set of customers. Not a lot knew about The Frazzled Cook but for those who did, they knew it very well.
The supposedly secret dining bistro, which opened in 2009, was there toprovide home to those who sought exclusivity or a homey hideaway. But it was this very thinking that proved to be their undoing. Not only was the location inaccessible (deep within a one-way street)—no one could really see it. They even had to put a “This is a restaurant” sign outside just to draw people in.
Five years had gone by, and though public reception was warm, it wasn’tsustainable enough to keep it going. For everyone involved, this was end of story. But somewhere along that short run, a girl couldn’t bear the thought of giving up their Paella Negra.
23-year-old fashion student Jerrinah Cheng set the ball rolling again by talking to previous restaurant co-partner Zzlleen Lee in the hopes of maybe doing a redux. Call it a reincarnation—everything just fell into place. The Frazzled Cook is now back up and alive in a new location and under the new management of four families, the LeeChoaChengCo, Inc.
The signature mismatched chairs and tables that make TFC what it is are all still there. These locally sourced vintage fixtures may be older than most, but the eclecticism and little mementos of books and souvenirs from Holland and other parts of the world breathed in fresher life. It was said that previous head chef Jude Mancuyas, who we must assume is the frazzled cook, put everything together from the décor to the menu. This time, however, he is the sole element that was left behind.
The then-sous chef Jennilyn Dy Siong is now head chef, ensuring best-sellers stayed on: The garlicky Wagyu Salpicao, the thick-crust Pizza Caprese with raw, fresh toppings and garlic oil drizzled on top (must-try!), and fan favorite Pancake à la Mode, which has the same crisp that people come back for. The menu wasn’t a total overhaul but new items include seasoned classics: Tomato Cream Pasta, Peppered Salmon Bruschetta, Cheese Logs, and Stuffed Jalapeño.
The goal was achieved: home-cooked meals that double as comfort food.Regulars just want to relive it, and for the most part, taste it all again.
The goal was achieved: home-cooked meals that double as comfort food.Regulars just want to relive it, and for the most part, taste it all again.
The Frazzled Cook is now at 78 Gandia St. corner Tomas Morato, Quezon City. Open Monday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Call 374-6879 for inquiries and reservations.
Photos by Jash Manuel