You may have tried Bistro Pamana in Tagaytay, or in Boracay. But you may not have heard there’s one right in Makati near the Greenbelt Complex. Just a couple of blocks away, along Perea Street (#106), is this branch serving all of Bistro Pamana’s best-selling dishes. Think Kare Kare a la Barrio Fiesta, Crispy Pata, etc. It was a Saturday, and it was a late lunch. I called to reserve, but when we arrived, there was hardly a lunch crowd. Maybe they are busier on weekdays. We were only too happy to “miss the crowd” and settle for a quiet lunch. The menu offers many choices. It was tempting to order their famous Kare Kare — after all, the owners are from the Ongpauco clan that made this local dish its signature item in Barrio Fiesta. Instead, we chose some dishes which are obviously Filipino favourites but served with a twist. Like the Okoy for starters. And the Sinuglaw — a Visayan dish which combines “Sinugba” (grilled) and Kinilaw (cooked in vinegar). The okoy was served crisp and tasty, with a vinegar dip. The sinuglaw consisted of grilled pork (liempo) and kinilaw na salmon. Yum. We wanted to try their Sinigang Ribs and the Crispy Adobong Pusit. The latter was really crispy, very inky black and served with a dip of mayonnaise and crab roe or “aligue”. We weren’t sure if we’d like the dip but it turned out alright. We could have ordered more but there were only 3 of us and the appetizers were sooo good we were nearly out of room for the main dishes and desserts. But who can pass up on “turon with ube ice cream” and “palitaw”? The palitaw never made it as a photo as we devoured it like we haven’t had our proper lunch. Wellllll.... We knew we were in trouble as we moved to exit out of the bistro. This shelf of boxed goodies were on display, inviting us to take home more sinful food. The Chef-Manager was around to assist and so convincing! There was the Lechon Belly Roll, available in 3 slices, ready to be warmed for a dinner for 2-3. Or how about the Bulalong Corned Beef? Many frozen items to choose from. These food items make ideal takeout dishes for working moms and busy singles. One can even take out several packs and organize a party at home. Judging by how we enjoyed our lunch, the boxed selections must be just as enjoyable.
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Peri-Peri or Piri-Piri as they call it in Portugal and Africa. It's not your typical roast chicken for sure. Flavored with lemon, herbs and spices, the chicken is served with an array of sauces. Either way you pronounce it, this chicken dish is a winner. Especially with the teens who may have grown tired of the usual fried, breaded, roasted and barbecued chicken. We tried the Cuatro (1/4) chicken called Palmas served with a choice of 2 sidings from Java rice, cole slaw, corn and carrots. Also the Chicken Platter which includes a cuatro, salad and pasta bolognese. Portions were generous. So with the Chicken Soup which I shared with my teen. Costs P35 a bowl, P60 for unli serving! What a steal. As for sauces we chose hoisin, sweet soy and barbecue -- all good! The clincher is the budget-friendly bill. Our lunch for 2 went under P500. For a satisfying meal, check out this place on the 2nd floor of Greenhills Promenade. Cinema Level. Bon apetit! I always dread smelling like my lunch whenever we dine here, but food's good and value-for-money. Besides, the teens don't care if they smell like what they just ate. I have yet to eat something here which I don't like. Beef, chicken or salmon, I always had a good meal. So with the teens. Even their green tea ice cream was good. Told 'ya, it never missed a spot! It's right smack in Makati's Red Light District -- an alley you wouldn't think of passing through when it gets dark. But that was then. Now brimming with excitement and hipster vibe, this is Felipe Street off P. Burgos. Burritos, Tacos, Chipotle, Horchata, Anticuchos, Carne Asada, Chunchullos, Chicharrones, Barbacos, Cabrito, Mojitos, Margaritas -- you can't get more Mexican than that. A hole-in-the-wall actually. They grill the meat up front, where some tables are also set up if you want to dine al fresco. Or stay in, but bear the heat. No airconditioning before 5pm but the fans help. I say you give it a try. The chipotle pork burritos, carne asada tacos and chorizo gringas were good. So with the horchata. But do try it after 5pm inside the airconditioned interior quarters. Hmmmm. |
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