BREAKING: Chef Chance Anies has officially opened his new restaurant, Manong, in Fairmount, Philadelphia, a culinary tribute to his Filipino American childhood. This vibrant grill house, which debuted earlier today, aims to celebrate the flavors and memories of chain restaurants where his mother worked, promising a unique dining experience that blends Filipino and American cuisine.
Manong, named after the Filipino term for “elder brother,” features a menu filled with innovative dishes that reflect Anies’ biracial heritage. Among the highlights are Lechon liempo, a whole roasted pork belly, and the Balong burger, a half-pound burger served on four pandesal buns. Anies’ creative spin on the classic Bloomin’ Onion, dubbed the Bloom Shroom, showcases enoki mushrooms, offering a fresh twist that’s sure to delight diners.
The restaurant also pays homage to Anies’ high school days, featuring Rita’s Water Ice alongside house-made ice cream in flavors like mango, ube, and pandan. The cocktail menu is equally enticing, with drinks named after significant Filipino figures and experiences, including the Otso Otso — a calamansi margarita inspired by a popular Filipino dance — and the Larry Itliong, named after a pioneer of the Filipino American labor movement.
As Philadelphia gears up to host the world in 2026, Anies hopes that Manong will not only be a dining destination but also an educational experience. He wants diners to walk away with a deeper understanding of Filipino and Filipino American history, making each meal a celebration of culture.
Located at 1833 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Anies’ latest venture builds on the success of his first restaurant, Tabachoy, which he opened as a food cart over six years ago in Queen Village. With the opening of Manong, he reaffirms his commitment to sharing his heritage through food, creating a space that feels like home for both Filipino Americans and the wider community.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as Chef Chance Anies takes the culinary scene by storm with Manong, a place where food and culture collide.
