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Showing posts with label filipino food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label filipino food. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
HAPAG MANILA: MORE GOOD THINGS TO COME

For a few weeks now, I have been hearing about this place in Quezon City that offered Filipino dishes elevated through proper cooking techniques. Something pretty good that is worth a try. Thankfully one Thursday night, I found myself with friends in this new restaurant.  HAPAG MANILA is a quaint fine dining restaurant that offers an 8 course tasting menu with ala carte choices as well.
Finding the place was a journey in itself. It's actually located in a small compound that used to house WHAM BURGER on the south bound of Katipunan. Just infront of Blue Ridge, parking could also be a problem since the lot can only fit a handful of vehicles. Other than that, it seems like a good date place for couples or even a small get together between foodie friends.
HAPAG MANILA tries to be something above the norm. Utilizing Filipino ingredients is one of the things that they champion. Dishes are served and explained as they are placed infront of you.  The server or one of the chefs greets everyone and advises what the dishes are and of their components. They also explain how to eat certain dishes.
An amuse bouche of a sisig-like bite-sized dish was the signal to the start of the 8 course tasting menu. The filling was quite similar to dinakdakan. An Ilocano dish that is tangy and would wake up your senses. The real first dish though, would be the SINUGLAW. Grilled pork together with market fish is served in a vinegar concoction that also have some pickled vegetables. Quite comparable to ceviche, you could say that this one is a Filipino version.
I was pleasantly surprised with the OYSTER BONETE. As soon as I placed the entire dish in my mouth, an explosion of flavors happened. A plump Aklan oyster is partnered with adobo aioli. This went really well with the buttery bonete bun. I could have easily devoured 4-5 of these babies. Then came this huge bowl filled with green leafy vegetables that is similar to herbs. As the server explained, there are LAING STONES inside. She drowns the bowl with a mango-based spritzer for added flavor.  Although honestly, I didn't taste it. The stones, on the other hand, were deep-fried and delicious.
A favorite among guests, the GINATAANG ALIMASAG is a creamy hot mess that would make you want to lick the entire bowl. Granted that you won't really do that, this dish is made of coconut squash, custard, crabmeat, and prawn head sauce. It is heavy and finger-licking good.
To prepare for the main dish, the flavor profile seemed to tone down after the alimasag. The BANANA HEART GRANOLA was well-presented. Unfortunately, I find the flavor-lacking. Texture-wise it was great but it was a bit bland. I'm on the fence on this one. Although having a vegetarian "bagoong" seemed interesting, I think they still needed to tweak this.
To clean everything up, a SORBETES was served. This calamansi sorbet forced my mouth-feel back to zero. It cleansed everything. It was strong yet wonderful.
One thing that makes HAPAG MANILA different from other places is that they offer a main dish as part of the tasting menu. You are able to pick from a number of choices. In my opinion, it was a hit or a miss. Although not part of their tasting menu, we decided to order the duck dish as it came highly recommended. I was not disappointed as it was cooked perfectly. The meat was tender and the skin spot on.
The BISTEK TAGALOG wanted to convey a Filipino dish that is commonly citrusy and salty. Even if the Rib Eye Steak was cooked perfectly, we couldn't connect it to being it's namesake. It lacked the  flavors that you could get from a Bistek Tagalog. It seems as if its rice partner made up for it. I think if it was named differently, I would probably enjoy it even more. Choosing the APAHAP MAYONESA was a gamble. It was described as a pan seared local sea bass, malunggay and calamansi mayonesa, beetroot mayonesa, squid ink rice, and dulong-okoy. Visually stunning, I can't really describe how disappointed I was. Don't get me wrong, the fish was good and the okoy was presented uniquely. Unfortunately, the squid ink rice was too sweet. I don't know if that is what they are aiming. Dessert was a choice between a coconut based ice cream and mangoes with rice cake.
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HAPAG MANILA has a long way to go. BUT,  it's definitely going in the right direction. I can't stop praising their appetizers as they really went above and beyond. The mains were a hit and a miss. Probably starting high, the meal ended somewhat just okay. If I do return, I would probably just go with ala carte so that I could pick what I really want. If this is a sign of what's to come in the Filipino food dining scene, I can't wait for the future.

As they only open during dinner service, I guess it's best to make a reservation for an early time slot. Aside from having decent parking, you are able to let rush hour pass you by. Since most of the dishes have seafood, don't forget to let them know if you are allergic during your reservation. According to the chef, they can substitute some before hand if you're planning to have the eight course tasting menu.





HAPAG MANILA
Katipunan Ext. 201 Katipunan Ave.
Project 4, Quezon City, Metro Manila.
Opens at 6pm. Closed on Mondays.

8 Course tasting menu costs around Php 2,800. (Roughly $54)
Beverage Pairing is an additional Php 800. (Roughly $16)




Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Paid for the meal.
Informed the chef of our experience. I wish them luck and all the best.
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Tuesday, December 19, 2017
2 LAZCANO IN QUEZON CITY: ONE HECK OF A FOOD TRIP PLACE

 Sweet and savory. Two flavor combination that would seemingly work. Not every time of course, but it's definitely something that Filipinos love. At 2 Lazcano Place, my friends and I were treated to everything but the kitchen sink. You see, this place is a collection of different restaurants all in one. It's not another food park mind you, but a compound with different standing restaurants with their own kitchen, seats, and the works.
 Located at the intersection of Sct. Lazcano, Sct Magbanua, and Mother Ignacia, 2 Lazcano Place houses a number of different restaurants. Parking might be a little bit of an issue but once you get a spot, you'll surely be rewarded with all the food, drinks, and sweets you might want to have.
 For that lunch, we all started with KUSINA JUAN REPUBLIKA. This restaurant is the Filipino joint in the compound. It has an extensive menu and the pricing is quite reasonable.
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 Aside from the sisig, they actually surprised me with the PINAKBET RICE with SEAFOOD. You might be surprised but it's not all vegetables. Once you pass that, you get a taste of buttery and rich rice.
 IF you can't decide what to get, you may want to go for the platter. A mix of deep fried squid, liempo, and even ensaladang eggplant.
 You could partner this with their deep fried hito with their homemade buro or fermented rice.
To be fair, the sizzling options are quite good as well.
 The winning dish for that lunch though would be THE CRISPY PATA. This baby is one massive hit. Crispy Skin and flavorful meat inside. Dip it in the sauce and get some rice, and you're all good.
If you're up for something light and a bit boozy, the LITTLE WINEHAUS got you covered.
 
They have finger foods and sausages plus meat to entice you. You could have them together with a glass of wine or their sangrias. There is something about the combination of salty meat and the sweet touch of liquor.
Japanese food lovers would enjoy BENTO and CO. This petite shop has a lot of punch. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of their dishes. They were all executed well.
Of course, they got to have bentos in their menu. These meals are quite delicious and have generous servings. The ones with the "steak" are quite enjoyable too.
If that's not enough for you, their EBI TEMPURA might work together with their rice bowls and yes, they also offer sashimi and sushi.
To be honest, I was quite surprised that there are two restaurants with almost similar concept.
The first one is on the second floor. Named as BREWOLOGY, once you enter you are greeted with the aroma of the coffee. They have a number of pastries and coffee.
You have to try their WAFFOGATO. It's not as sweet as you would imagine and it's pretty good twist to the usual waffle. Their coffee is really good and is best partnered with their baked dishes.
URBANIDAD CAFE on the other hand, focuses more on cakes. Aside from the drinks, their cakes are pretty good.
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At first glance, you might say that it's another food park. BUT, it isn't. 2 LAZCANO PLACE is a collection of different restaurants that could provide whatever you may crave for. Don't forget, you could actually sit in any place and you could cross order from whichever resto you may like. So, it's basically one place that could really tickle whatever you fancy.



2 LAZCANO PLACE

Kusina Juan Republika Menu:



2 Scout Lazcano Corner
Mother Ignacia and Scout Magbanua
1101 Quezon City, Metro Manila

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Tuesday, November 14, 2017
MATUTINAS: THE MUST GO TO FILIPINO SEAFOOD RESTAURANT UP NORTH

 Ever since I was a kid, I would always hear my parents and relatives talk about this wonderful restaurant that they would go to. When they visit Baguio or any place up north, they would always find time to stop at MATUTINA'S SEAFOOD HOUSE and RESTAURANT.
 After a long drive, travelers tend to be tired and hungry. At MATUTINA'S, they would surely get a dose of Filipino food done right. Fresh seafood and other Filipino delicacies are served.
The menu is straight forward and gives justice to everything and anything that you might be craving for. They have specialty dishes, kilawin, vegetables, inihaw, and a lot more. Honestly, I almost passed up a chance to try this restaurant. 
Then, a doctor friend of mine reminded me to head on over and give it a go. This plus all the fun filled memories my dad used to tell us made me make a literal u-turn and go for it.
 The place has ample parking and is quite homey. It's designed like your grandma's place. Sweet and relaxing. Upfront, they serve you pastillas (free of course) and even gives you condiments and utensils which you would definitely need. If I were you though, wash your hands and use them when eating. There's nothing more fulfilling than eating with your hands.
 Since we were just a small group, we weren't able to fully order everything and anything that we would want. It was our first time there so we went with a mixed seafood platter. Filled with freshly caught shrimps, grilled squid, grilled pork, and enselada, you won't go wrong with these choices. The stuffed grill squid was cooked to perfection. It wasn't rubbery and was filled with flavors. The shrimps were fresh and the pork was pretty good too. Partnered with a lot of plain rice, the salted egg, tomatoes, onions, mangoes and grilled eggplant was to die for. It was everything and anything I dreamed of.
 Since Kare-Kare is a favorite in any Filipino restaurant, we chose to order it. At MATUTINA'S, their Kare-Kare is made with traditional roasted nuts. Although not as chewy as I would have liked, the sauce was pretty smooth and a little smoky as well. The meat and the veggies were all tender. It went well with the bagoong.
 Although we over ordered already, we still went with a bangus dish. Originally, we were thinking about an inihaw na bangus but since it might be too big for us, we just went with SISIG NA BANGUS. A variant of the Filipino staple, Sisig na bangus was a real treat. After the meal, you could check out the different things to buy at their counter. I would suggest that you get a bottle or two of the condiments that they may have.
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One thing I liked about MATUTINAS is the versatility and the freshness of the dishes. You get to choose from a wide range of Filipino delicacies done right. Furthermore, they even give out treats for free like the pastillas and even a delicious seafood soup to start things off. Plus, you could order drinks by the bottle. Not those tiny ones but the huge 1.5L. Pretty good value for money if you ask me.

 MATUTINAS could be found in Dagupan City and in Urdaneta City. The restaurant we visited was just off the Urdaneta exit of the TPLEX. They are open from 10am to 3pm then 5pm to 10pm. Try to avoid peak hours as there might be a queue.





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Wednesday, June 28, 2017
PAMANA in QUEZON CITY: A Legacy of Filipino Cuisine

A transformation into something familiar yet up to date, this is what PAMANA does. Known for its heirloom recipes, PAMANA has been sharing all the goodies that the ONGPAUCO clan has been known for and more. With multiple branches around the Philippines, PAMANA has been a landmark of good food and great company.
 As you enter their restaurant in QUEZON CITY (just across ABS-CBN), you are greeted by lots of family photos and memorabilia. This sets the theme of how the food would be. Family style and perfect for everyone gathered.
 For starters, you could mix and match. Since this too is an outlet of their famous HAWAIIAN BBQ, you get the chance of enjoying more dishes from their extensive menu. Appetizers like the SPAM and FRIES and the OKOY bites gave out contrasting flavors and texture but compliments each other. The SPAM and FRIES are on the sweet end because of the glaze. On the other hand, the OKOY is very crunchy and gives off a salty note perfect with the vinegar on the side.
 The CRISPY ADOBONG PUSIT CALAMARES seems quite different as it is coated with a black batter. Don't get fooled by its looks as it is devilishly good. With a side of aioli and crab sauce, you could dip to your heart's content.
 Made with a special sweet and tangy sauce, the HAWAIIAN BABY BACK RIBS is a joy to eat. With a number of variants, you are given options and choices when it comes to flavor profile.
 One thing not to be missed would be the CRISPY PATA. From the original maker of this dish, you won't go wrong with the way they masterfully cooked this heavenly dish. Crispy skin and tender meat, it's definitely a must order.
 To clean up everything, the CHICKEN BINAKOL might do the trick. Cooked with coconut juice, chicken is served right inside a fresh coconut. The soup is on the salty side but the chicken is tender and well marinated.
 For big groups, they also offer platters that could be best in terms of being able to try a lot. Aside from deep fried dishes, you could also go for their grilled ones as well.
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The PAMANA restaurant across ABS CBN could get quite full especially on weekends. With the level of service and the quality of the dishes, you'll definitely have a great time visiting this restaurant.


RELATED LINKS:

Mother Ignacia Avenue
Tomas Morato, South Triangle, 
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Just across Abs Cbn









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