République was in a historic building that dates to 1929 and built by Charlie Chaplin.  Later it became La Brea Bakery and Campanile Restaurant.  République is owned by Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke who have tried to build on this history and offer a casual cafe, bar and a formal dining area in the rear.  In 2023 Chef Margarita won a James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef for her work at the restaurant.  The couple have worked with a number of well known restaurants and now have 16 Wildflour Bakeries in the Philippines.  They open mornings for breakfast entrees and counter service and offer French-style dinners Tues through Sat.  It was a large airy space spread over multiple rooms with an open kitchen and an open bakery area on each side of one of the rooms.  As you entered there were several counters of baked goods but no greeter so it was a tad confusing, but we found menus and then after asking learned that you placed your order at the counter, got a number and they’d bring the food to your table.   A server located us and brought our coffee pot and a container of water.  There were tables with utensils and napkins which I grabbed but I’m not sure if the server was supposed to bring those too.  The menu had a number of creative items and the baked goods looked inviting.  The food was good but I don’t think we got the best of what they do,  It was quite popular so they’re doing something right.  Give it a try and be sure to get the Morning’s Bread, the baguette was first-rate. Continue reading →