Cuzzos and I were on our way to Buscalan Proper, Tinglayan Kalinga (in hopes to meet the legendary Apo Whang Od) and we decided to make a mid-way stop to eat! (We've been traveling for a couple of hours in the wee hours in the morning and breakfast was calling our names!)
Funny enough, we made a wrong turn in which we were SOOOOO glad we did because this is how we found this place!
(For real, though, we all collectively decided, "Hey, that looks good. Let's pull over.")
There was only one staff member available (reasonable enough, we were there really early) and she came off not-very-welcoming. And it probably didn't help that the first thing we asked is if we can use the restroom (she prolly thought that's the only thing we were there for - can't blame her for that either.) But her demeanor changed when we all regrouped on one table. That's probably when she realized, "Ah! Paying customers!"
The menu is simple - 17 items, to be exact - all of them combo type meals. I took my time going through the whole thing and it came down to beef tapa and bulalo. I knew the chances of a second visit here is pretty much next to none, so I decided to order both. (Can't die wondering!) But cuzzo said, "That's too much food..." and proceeded to ask staff if it's okay to ask a side of their bulalo soup, to which, we received a reply of, "Sure. No charge."
Immediately, I knew she was getting tipped well.
We were in no hurry, nor were we THAT hungry, so the wait was fine. Plus that only tells me our meals are cooked to order. I feel that one worker was probably the only one there, so...
Three of us ordered the same thing and all three of us agree that our food was WOW! I hope they never change whatever marinade they used because it was perfect! And the beef was cooked a delicious tender. The plate wasn't even supposed to include veggies, but there they were serving as good palate cleansers.
Oh, and the bulalo soup?! AMAZING. It was hot and hearty and almost reminded me of home cooking. It too, was perfect!
FOOD: 5.
SERVICE: 4. Server became more interactive and a lot more friendly as time went by.
VALUE: 4. I felt their price points were a bargain for the quality of food we got.
PARKING: Street only. NOT an issue.
OVERALL: 4.25.
FUN FACT: They're open 24 hours.
This might be my very first one-and-done I'm truly sad about. I'm a bit bummed that I most likely won't be back because I really REALLY want to try all of their offers. The best I can do is recommend them to everyone passing through. So if you happen to be around this area: come check this place out! read more