BREAKING: Chef Chance Anies has just opened his new restaurant, Manong, at 1833 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, offering a unique tribute to Filipino American culture. This vibrant grill house, which launched today, aims to celebrate the beloved chain restaurants of Anies’ childhood, where he created lasting memories with his family.
Manong features a menu that fuses Filipino and American cuisines, showcasing dishes like chicken skewers grilled with banana ketchup barbecue sauce and creamy pasta made with American cheese and coconut milk Alfredo sauce. A standout item, the Bloom Shroom, reimagines the iconic Bloomin’ Onion, using enoki mushrooms to create a flavorful twist.
In addition to these modern interpretations, Chef Anies pays homage to traditional Filipino fare. Guests can indulge in Lechon liempo, a whole roasted pork belly, or the hefty Balong burger, served on four pandesal buns. Reflecting his family’s entrepreneurial spirit, Anies also offers house-made ice cream and flavors inspired by Rita’s Water Ice, including mango, ube, and pandan.
The name “Manong,” meaning “elder brother” in Ilocano, signifies a familial connection and serves as a big brother to Anies’ first restaurant, Tabachoy, which he started as a food cart over six years ago. The cocktail menu is equally engaging, with drinks named after Filipino cultural icons, such as the Otso Otso margarita, inspired by a popular Filipino dance, and the Larry Itliong, an old-fashioned tribute to one of the original Filipino labor leaders who immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1900s.
As Philadelphia gears up to host the world for the 2026 events, Chef Anies hopes Manong will become a culinary landmark. He aims for diners to leave not just with full stomachs but with a deeper understanding of Filipino and Filipino American history.
Manong’s opening marks a significant moment in Philadelphia’s dining scene, blending cultural heritage with modern culinary innovation. For more updates, follow Manong on Instagram and visit this exciting new destination in Fairmount today!
