In case you didn't know, that name above the restaurant door belongs to Chef Fernando Aracama, former Junior Master Chef judge and part-owner of the restaurant.

Chef Fern says this restaurant is the "most heartfelt" place he has put up with his business partners, who include TV host-eventologist Tim Yap.

Their group owns well-known clubs such as Republiq and Opus in Resorts World Manila, and Epic on Boracay Island.

As Tim Yap suggests: "Always start your meal in Aracama with the fishballs."

This plate of yummy appetizers gives a "sosyal" spin to the "tusuk-tusok" concept of the popular Manila street food.

Poke a fishball with the bamboo stick, dip it in your choice of condiment—salted vinegar, sweet soy sauce or spicy sauce—and enjoy. Double-dipping allowed.

Unless you forewarn the kids that they're eating vegetables with this appetizer, this serving of the malunggay and spinach dip is a great way to introduce healthy ingredients to their diet.

You can barely taste the bitterness of the greens because it's packed with three cheeses—mozzarella, cheddar, and the local kesong puti.

You may ask, "What's so Filipino about the chorizo? Isn't that a Spanish deli?"

Well, the chorizo frito in Aracama is cooked with spoonfuls of Palawan chili honey.

"We make our own chili honey. Iyong siling labuyo 'binababad namin sa Palawan honey para maging maanghang siya. So you get three flavors when you eat this—the sweet, the spicy, and at the same time you get the meatiness of the chorizo," says Chef Fern.

The ensaladang talong is, says the chef, perfect for veggie lovers like singer-host Karylle, who has been to the restaurant a few times.

"You don't see ensaladang talong like this in your house but it's made the same way. Iniihaw namin iyong talong, nilalagyan ng vinaigrette, itlog na maalat, and crispy na shallots," Chef Fern says.

The lumpia sisig is another favorite dish in Aracama.

"I made it lumpia because I think sisig, although it's a beautiful dish, it’s really ugly to look at. So, inayos ko lang siya into a way na you can hold it with your hands and hindi ka na madumi," Chef Fern explained.

Here's a healthier way to enjoy this dish: Cut the lumpia into bite-size portions and dip it in vinegar. Wrap a lettuce leaf around it before popping it into your mouth.

Not your lola's embutido.

"This is really not your lola’s embutido. You’ll find out when you open it because it really isn’t," says Chef Fern about his own, technically creative version of the local meatloaf.

"This is chicken inasal done the right way," boasts Chef Fern about this Negros staple dish, which has become a favorite of most city folk.

"I had to drink a bottle of Scotch with this woman for her to give me her recipe, and then she did when we were both drunk. Huwag mo na lang tanungin ang nangyari after," he quipped.

The chef is from Negros, by the way.

The lechon carajay is Aracama's own version of the Ilocos bagnet.

"Carajay is an old word for kawali or calaja. It's what the Spanish used to call it, and we serve it with a sauce called camarindo," says Chef Fern about this dish.

It is apparently perfect to order as "pulutan," while you drink at the restaurant's terrace lounge, aptly called Terrazas, for a classic Pinoy "umpukan" drinking session.

"I serve pritong tilapia because every Pinoy eats tilapia. But this time, we fried it open, crispy, and we served it with green mango salad on top. It has its own patis and calamansi dressing, which is absolutely delicious," he crows.  

Say the owners of Aracama: Save room for dessert because the dolce gatas is not to be missed in their resto.

The likes of Kapuso actress Maxene Magalona and other sweet-tooth celebs have raved about these soft bread balls dipped in creamy milk yam.

As co-owner Tim Yap says: "Always start with the fishballs, then you can order anything in between. But always end your meal with the Chocnut ice cream. That's the best way to have your meal at Aracama."

Indeed, this one has to have its permanent spot in your order list because it is just so yummy!

The Aracama people say even health-conscious celebs like Bubbles Paraiso and Iza Calzado can't get enough of this one.