Serye is formed from the lineage of the Reyes' back in the early 2000's. As the name implies, SER-YE is actually a mispelled Reyes. Known for their family legacy of BBQ with Java Rice and Java Sauce, they created or highlighted the age old tradition of classical Filipino food instead of leaning to the grill side of the cuisine.
I have been a fan of the Aristocrat legacy since I was a kid. In our family, we often dine either in Aristocrat or Alex III, and I would always get the pork bbq with 2 cups of garlic rice with tons of java sauce and pickled papaya. It has been my habit ever since childhood. Up until now, I even bring my foreigner friends to Aristocrat and enjoy the flavorful bbq they're known.
Serye wants to focus more on the Filipino classics like Kare Kare, Bonelesa Crispy Pata, Laing, etc.
Here's my verdict:
Kare kare is one of the iconic dish of Filipino cuisine. It is oxtail and tripe cooked in peanut sauce served with bagoong. I like how they make their own peanut butter and bagoong from scratch, like me, I believe it is better if you make your own components for a dish. I like the consistency of the dish which is not too thick nor runny. It has a nice nutty flavorful thats is balanced with the bagoong. Although I find the bagoong on the salty side, but when paired, its just perfect! A dish that would make you eat more rice than your average diet.
Laing con Camaron is their personal pairing of laing dish (taro leaves cooked in coconut milk) topped with the Filipino tempura. This is the best laing i've tasted so far. The leaves were cooked soft with the coocnut cream is starting to separate from the coconut oil and its solids. I like how the leaves has absorbed the rich flavor of coconut. The camaron acts as a palate cleanser for the rich dish.
Bangus ala Bistek is their version of bistek tagalog instead of using beef, bangus! Its a great dish that gives the bangus a nice level up on flavor. Savory, citrusy, sweet like how we create our own personal dip for our fish dishes, (toyo, calamansi).
Pansit Guisado i find it ordinary and nothing special with the dish. Its not something I would go to serye for.
Boneless Crispy Pata is the best way to eat it, boneless. No more hassle of deboning then eating. This is just a stress free dish. Grab a slice and eat. It has a balance of the glutinous collagen, meat, and crispy skin. I just find It a bit dry or overcooked due to uneven diameter of the meat, but its a dish I would look forward to.
Their desserts are proudly made by the owners wife, Manila Bake.
Pandan Cake is the highlight for me. It has a nice, light, spongy pandan cake covered with royal icing that gives it a nice creamy, finish.
Pies has a nice flaky crust that is perfect with a cream filling that compliments the flaky and creamy texture of the dish.
Overall, the image of an ordinary Filipino family feast is vividly shown in its array of dishes. It is another milestone that we can show the world what Filipino cuisine is all about. Family. Love. Hospitality. read more