One’s success in the food industry can possibly be attributed to the booming number of its loyal customers, survival amid the competitive market, and the legacy it leaves to its avid patrons. Quite interesting to know that promising food businesses today no longer thrive solely in mainstream malls or commercialized areas. Such is the case of FoodEver 21, a humble diner currently making noise in the food scene – despite its shabby location.
The sidewalk eatery is easy to notice. It stands along the busy street of East Rembo, Makati, strewn with raging jeepneys, small businesses left and right, and a throng of pedestrians. One will marvel on the continuous flow of diners in and out, some even patiently waiting on a queue. The hype is intriguing so we joined the wave. There was even this apprehension that we wouldn’t score seat quickly or worse, not eat at all, because we heard their items get sold out early.
Disclaimer: Their prices vary from time to time, but you may check their Facebook Page or Instagram for the updated prices.
While waiting for my turn to place my orders at the counter, my eyes got glued to this small nook that displays the restaurant’s features in social sites, blogs, and top-rating television shows. Well, these are just Rated K, Umagang Kay Ganda, When in Manila, Booky Report, and Happy Wife, Happy Life. Considering that they recently opened in March 2015, they must be doing pretty well in their league. Impressive credentials there, huh.
“I wanted to break the norm of food businesses today. In the vicinity, we already have too many eateries serving Goto and Tapsilog. I wanted to make a difference“, says Chef Angelito Gutierrez, owner of FoodEver 21. His original concept was to prepare a line of menu centered on Italian and American cuisine with a twist, but at very affordable prices. He admitted they were hesitant at first because their target market was the local masses, with a palate for the traditional food. But he boldly stepped out to introduce his brilliant recipes – which in turn are now patronized by his faithful customers. “I named it FoodEver 21 because first, we are located at the 21st Avenue. And I want the name to be catchy to our customers, one that creates a recall”, Chef Gutierrez mused, as he refers having named it to a famous clothing line label. Smart idea there, Chef. But what really makes it so hard to forget? Is it just the name, the service or the food? That I will tackle later.
Chef Angelito’s sharpest weapon is his breadth of knowledge in the culinary industry for the last 20 years both local and abroad. He wanted to start a business that enables him to apply his formidable years of experience in the kitchen. Complementing his mastery is his wife’s strong background in HRM, who now takes charge of the purchasing and food quality control. Indeed a perfect tandem for this kind of business.
Enough of the brief history. Let’s delve deeper into the reasons why is it becoming a hit and set aside the minute details later – and get our primary focus on their food. Their menu basically consists of burgers, pasta, rice meals, and appetizers. They may sound basic, but wait until you get to taste what the crowd is madly raving about. In the coming days, however, more dishes will be rolled out to the public.
Jack Daniels Ribs. Sounds classy, sophisticated. Proclaimed as a best seller, this dish was recommended immediately at the counter. I couldn’t calculate in my mind that ribs as heavenly as this is only priced at Php 140. Whether the Jack Daniels sauce or the pack of flavors and spices seethed to the bones that did the trick, I really don’t know. The slab of meat was superbly tender that a light poke with a fork can easily strip it.
Usually, you have to shell out 500 pesos to get a decent burger. But not in FoodEver 21. Mid well -done quarter pounder patties, juicy and flavorful at every bite – set the mood at any time of day you’d eat it, making you forget the hot weather or the polluted open space. Chef Gutierrez revealed that they use 100 percent pure beef – no extenders. He said that he prefers to cook it mid well done to retain its juiciness. And as a customer, my heart fluttered when I knew that the patties are hand-pressed, so my homemade burgers are prepared with love and dedication.
We had Heart Attack and Judgmental, two of their best sellers. These are quarter pounder burgers topped with their signature homemade cream cheese, barbecue sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes. The sauce draws a fine line between sweet and sour – something you’d fall for, but not to the point that drowns you to sheer boredom. The only difference between the two is that Heart Attack comes in dual patties compared to the latter. So it’s twice the trouble, hence, Heart Attack. I need not flee at the Fort either at Brothers or 8 Cuts Burger Blends to get that random burger fix.
Chocolate burgers, anyone? You may get skeptic at first, but this one-of-a-kind creation has loyal fans of its own. Foodever 21 takes pride in being the pioneer of this choco-centric recipe. The sweet fusion of chocolate spread and cheese countered the rich flavors. I am not yet a total convert, but this would work as a dessert for me after the main course.
Pasta was equally good too, something you’d love to match your burgers to get that full-swing meal. They remained consistent with the base sauces of the pasta variants, but this time they had a playful take on the main topping, the crunchy Chicken Cordon Bleu. The bits of ham and cheese enveloped in chicken breast sprinkled with Parmesan likewise added texture and flavor to the pasta.
My aversion for pork has disabled me to try copious amounts of Sisig, but my siblings told me that it’s fair enough for a rice meal. They were able to pull off a decent texture of the pork, which is fundamental in preparing Sisig.
El Pollo is one on the list that left a lasting mark on my taste buds. The hefty serving of crunchy and tender chicken glazed in sweet orange sauce can be counted as one of my favorites that day, that I don’t mind pairing it with both pasta and rice. The vegetable toppings lent balance to the savory chicken, plus the lemon squeezes added zest to this festive treat.
The “Nilasing na Pakpak” is one of the best chicken wings specialty I have ever tasted. Whether consuming it as a finger food or with rice accompaniment doesn’t matter. That’s how versatile it is. It can shine independently even without side dishes. The absence of sauce is not a problem, for it is already awesome as it is.
The Garden Salad is a refreshing sight and helped us to cool down after devouring all the sumptuous food we tasted that afternoon.
Foodever 21 has also an adjacent store serving french fries and affordable shakes for your refreshments.
I admire the management’s courage to deviate from the customary, to bring one’s food experience to a new level, without spending too much. From what I have learned in my interview with Chef Gutierrez, I have seen that he has the heart in perfecting his craft, not only for self-gratification but to give utmost satisfaction to his customers. He candidly quoted “Never underestimate yourself as a cook. A cook can change history. No skilled person can perform or go to the war if he is hungry” emphasizing that people like him play a vital part in one’s daily life. And I will not be surprised if his business will reach massive expansion to cater to the growing demands of his avid supporters.
Foodever 21
190A 21st Avenue, East Rembo, Comembo, Makati City
+63 9178125012
https://www.facebook.com/Foodever21
https://www.instagram.com/fudever21/
Diamond in the Rough 
Nice corn 🙂 kain tayo ulit dyan soon!
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