MARKET BASKET is the “Dampa”-themed restaurant of Larry Cortez, which fits nicely with the new River Park Concept of Filinvest Mall in Alabang. A dampa is where you can buy fresh seafood, pay by the grams, and have it cooked to your specifications.
I recently met with my programmer friend Andre to check out Market Basket…
Market Basket is the first resto that opened in the River Park area at the back of Filinvest Mall.
The open-air canopy ambiance is perfect for this by-the-river dampa concept.
Dining al fresco at night is preferred since the wind tunnels through the canopy.
It has a simple and clean casual feel inside the air-conditioned resto.
The second floor overlooks the river and is ideal for functions.
You can choose from the available fresh fish on display.
A popular order would be the squid, which is usually stuffed and grilled.
Just to give you an idea, one big sugpo is already 170g, and sells at P125 per 100g.
The waiters can always assist with your order, but it’s best if you already know what you want ahead of time.
Here are their different cooking options and the types of sauce available:
MARKET BASKET: Seafoods Available Today | Chef’s Special | Appetizers & Salad | Meat & Steak Selection | Specialties | Potato, Grains, PAsta & Noodles | Dessert & Beverages | Paluto Menu
An a la carte menu is also available for an easier ordering process. But where’s the fun in that?
They offer limited selection of wine (displayed above).
Mixed nuts are served as an appetizer.
We ordered salmon belly, stuffed squid, baked oysters, and vegetables.
✮ Salmon Belly Sinigang (P276 +10% service charge)
The sinigang was hot and sour — just the way I like it — with generous servings of salmon belly. The serving size is big enough for 4 people.
✮ Baked Oysters (P150 +10% service charge)
Freshly baked for less than P200 only. 🙂
Lumot Stuffed Squid (P204 +10% service charge)
Stuffed squid is my favorite but the bigger sized ones are tough (makunat). So make sure to order the smaller ones instead.
✮ Asparagus + Brocolli in Oriental Sauce (P160 +10% service charge)
Make sure to order vegetables to complete your meal. I usually like it with oriental sauce and lots of garlic. 🙂
They have a small store for take out items in case you visit with a balikbayan.
The dessert display though looks kawawa. 🙁 Best to eat dessert in the next door restos.
Overall, Market Basket is a good and sanitary way to experience dampa-style cooking by the river. It’s ideal for balikbayan guests and barkada gatherings. 🙂
It is very affordable at a budget of about P400/head.
Congratulations to Larry Cortez for his new resto baby concept! 🙂
MARKET BASKET
Unit C3, River Park, Festival Mall Alabang
Operating Hours: 10.00am to 11.00pm
Telephone: +63 929 395-7297
Mobile: +632 843-3230
Facebook: MarketBasketPH
Twitter: @MarketBasketPH
Instagram: @MarketBasketPH
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Disclosure: We paid for our meals. Read Our Awesome Planet Complete Disclosure Policy here.
P.S. I do hope that they could add entertainment shows on weekends in River Park to complete the ambiance of the whole area.
Price looks sulit! It’s just far away!! I think the dampa near MOA is nearer from me haha
Had my wedding and reception there last year. cannot not recommend the place enough. Staff were polite, courteous and professional. They ensured the event passed without a hitch. The food was excellent as well as the price.