Cuzzo and her husband wanted very much to introduce Big Bro and I to one of their favorite eateries. And that's how we ended up here.
(For the record, they have posted on social media many times about many of their foodie adventures here, so my expectations are a bit on the high end.)
We must have avoided a lunch rush as we were seated and given menus immediately. They have a wide variety of dishes to offer and I like that it isn't limited to Filipino cuisine: they also have American and Italian plates to offer. There have something to offer any palate.
Put our food and drink orders in and were told the kitchen will get to 'em immediately. I appreciate the word search placemat to mess with to help pass the time as they prepared our meals. I appreciated even more the bar snacks they provided to get our appetites going.
It felt like not time at all when our plates started coming through our table one dish at a time.
CALAMARES: Made to order HOT. We had to give it a minute before taking first bite. Batter thickness and seasoning was just right Great crunch on the outside, a soft chew on the inside. It was good as is and didn't really need the help of the tartar sauce/dip. Off to a good start.
TINAPA FLAKES RICE: If I were to choose only one thing off the menu, this would be it. I have had my share of different variations of fried rice, but this is a first for me. The aroma of garlic was prevalent but not overpowering. The flakes were minuscule but deceivingly packed with so much flavor. Tomatoes and green onion toppings helped with flavor and texture. I would order this over and over again.
CLASSIC KARE-KARE: It is as it is called: classic. The overall flavor had its main essence. The veggies and protein were cooked nicely. It is as it is expected, nothing too special about it. Not saying it's bad, just saying nothing out of the ordinary.
HAPPY LECHON KAWALI MEAL: Not so happy, it seems, as it had way too much fat. (I would say t least 60% of it was! See attached picture.) Had they left it longer in the fryer to render more fat would do this dish so much better. I resulted to unhappily cutting out most of the fat and went for the meat. What i tasted was above decent, though. I feel redemption is still at hand for this dish.
BBQ SPARE RIB HALF SLAB (not pictured): Cuzzo-in-law wanted Big Bro to try it for comparison. (Okay, Big Bro is from Texas, but we already know it's not gonna be as great.) It isn't horrible, to be honest. The meat was tender, there was a smokey hint to the protein and just overall okay.
FOOD: 4.
SERVICE: 5. Very attentive and available when needed. Service with smile.
VALUE: 3. More than fair for what we got.
PARKING: Private lot up front. Didn't notice if street parking is available.
OVERALL: 4.
We also scored some cool goodies to bring home - they have a good variety of baked goods and sweets available.
But come for that tinapa flake rice. I wouldn't be surprised if it's duplicated (if it hasn't been already) by other eateries soon...
Loved this first run! Will return at first opp! read more