Bistro Sa Remedios, 30 Years of Good Food

When we talk about restaurants serving Filipino dishes you will probably mention restaurants that serves the classic Filipino dishes. But have you been to a restaurant that serves regionally known home Filipino dishes?  If not then try this restaurant that has been in the industry and is celebrating its 30 years right now.

Bistro sa Remedios is one restaurant that serves regional known home dishes at its best! Part of the LJC Group of Companies, they are currently celebrating their 30 years in the food and restaurant industry.  Created to serve those looking for home-grown and loved dishes, Bistro sa Remedios or Bistro Remedios  for short, is known for delicious regional home loved dishes.  From north to south, east to west, they have something that a certain region is known and loved for.  I am not just talking of dishes but also flavors that are served to match the taste of people looking for something distinctly pinoy.

I never been to Bistro Remedios before and it was a real pleasure for me to be invited to join their celebration this August.  One, I am not a Malate person.  Second, I am not much of a night person. Seldom do I go out at night and if I do, it is somewhere convenient for me since I live in the South. That is why I am guilty of not knowing good food places in Malate such as Bistro Remedios.  I am thankful for the opportunity to know you and talk about you!

Looking at the place from the outside, you would say it is one of your old high-end restaurant. Old and simple.  In reality, it is more to that when you step inside.  Inside, it is a visual treat for those who appreciate old architectural structures.  I am not an architect by profession but I do love old structures especially old Spanish themed houses. Looking at the place, I would say some walls may have been knocked down to give more space and new fixtures were placed to keep up with the time but as a whole, the main walls are still the same.  Arches, pillars, wood sidings and panels, all the same! If you use your imagination, you could imagine the where the original main door was, the receiving area (el recibidor) and even the entertainment area.  Presente, el patio fue transformado para comedor, similar al garaje (Present, the patio was transformed into a dining place similar to the garage).  The place is indeed an architectural treat. Que bonita!

The food served that night was all Bistro Remedios trademark and 3 new offerings.

For appetizers, we were served Paco Fern Salad, Camaru, Sisig, Sinuteng Baby Pusit and Frog Legs and for soup, Sinigang na Bangus sa Bayabas.

Paco Fern Salad

Out of the numerous variety of fern, which most of us knows as an ornamental plant, Bistro Remedios offers a salad that is both scrumptious and healthy.  Served with a light vinegar dressing along with eggs slices and other vegetable salad (tomatoes and onions), this is one salad worth diving into.  It is healthy and similar but still different from your usual garden salad.  What makes it different?  The fern.  It is juicy and crunchy at the same time.  For a vegetarian, this is already a meal altogether minus the egg.  It is a light dish if shared and a filling one if eaten by one person.

Sisig

It is your usual pork face finely chopped and flat pan or plate cooked, served and best eaten while it is hot.  For some they place egg on top and have spice for added flavor.  For Bistro Remedios, it is simply served with calamansi and on a hot plate.  As mentioned, best eaten while it is hot.

Sinuteng Baby Pusit 

Honestly, I have been looking for the meaning of the word sinute but to no connecting results when it come to dishes. But who cares . . .this is one delicious appetizer!  It is basically baby squid seasoned and cooked till what ever ink it has comes out.  It is soft, juicy and a perfect appetizer!  You might ask for rice when you get to encounter this for it could be a viand already.  You see, small semi-round shape pinkish squid body that is so appetizing to consume and trust me when I say, give in to the temptation.

Frog Legs

Looks like chicken fingers and some would say it is like chicken but for me it is more than chicken.  Now don't be surprise to find frogs in their entry for the owners are Kapangpangan and frogs is one protein source that they are known for. To those squeamish in eating frogs, then this is the best way to eat it.  As a protein, I know frogs are delicate when it comes to cooking and preparation.  Similar to some avian or poultry which can be tricky when it comes to flavoring, the frog legs in Bistro Remedios is simply seasoned with salt and pepper.  It could have gone to some other steps as part of preparation for meats coming from amphibians but the coating and frying was done right.  It is one offering worth munching on.

Camaru

Yes. Camaru or Rice field crickets.  Don't look! Just grab a spoon and dig in!  It is crunchy, yummy and a delight! I have never tried this dish before and it was a winner for me!  If you are one adventurous and curious person like me, then you may start looking at the dish.  You see the thorax, definitely the abdomen and possible the head. Forget the thought that you are eating an insect.  Concentrate on the taste and the crunch on every bite. This is one plate worth digging your spoon in!

Sinigang na Bangus sa Bayabas

Try having sinigang but instead of having it in the usual tamarind, have it in using guava or bayabas and you would say it is different but still delicious.  Guava on its ripe form is normally sweet but it has that small tang that creates a good counterpoint.  When made into a soup base, all the fruitiness of it comes out.  The sweet juicy flavor then gets absorbed with the fat of the fish; divine! The milkiness of the fish and its fat/oil added with the fruitiness from the guava and what you have is a soup worth of your time anytime of the year.

New Dishes (Main Course)
(Adobong Hito sa Gata, Sinugba Platter and Lechon Kawali sa Gata)

 When you hear gata (coconut cream) one would immediately think of the Bicol or even Visayan Region and the same is true for me.  My mom is from the Bicol region and she knows how to cook dishes using coconut cream.  This three (3) new offerings is a something that I never expected but pleased to know that they have it now.

Adobong Hito sa Gata

I remember the time when I was still a kid and I saw how one prepares hito or catfish.  You have to make sure that you really smack it hard on the head for it has a thick skull.  It also has a thick skin which makes the meat juicy when cooked.  I love dishes cooked with coconut cream and this one joins the list.  If you are a spicy food lover, you can request this one be made spicy.  Some would say that catfish is not a good fish to cook because of the thing that it eats but in the hands of the creative and wonderful chef of Bistro Remedios, this is one catfish dish that is in the tummy; namely my tummy.

Sinugba Platter

Sinugba a word meaning to roast, from the Visayan region. This platter is one best for sharing. With pork, chicken and shrimps roasted right, all you need is rice, vinegar and company to share this platter with.  Served with atchara, you are assured of a clean palate and a clean plate.

Lechon Kawali sa Gata

On the way to the place, I was hoping they would serve something similar to a pata tim but what was serve was better!  One of their new offerings is Lechon Kawali sa Gata.  It is your typical lechon kawali but cooked again with coconut cream.  It has the crunch because it was deeply fried but at the same time made really flavorful due to the added coconut cream.  My advise when ordering this dish, make it a little spicy for that added kick.  In my book, gata and siling labuyo (local small red chili) goes hand-in-hand.  Initially, it was served at it is but when I was given a side serving of finely chopped siling labuyo and I get to mix it with what I have on my plate, it was a dish worth having on my own.  Kill me!  I love pork, coconut cream and spice.  This dish has it all! More rice por favor!

Definitely we were treated to some of its signature dishes such as Crispy Tadyang "D Original", Gule Magalang and Kalderetang Kambing.

Crispy Tadyang "D Original"

Gule Magalang

Kalderetang Kambing

The caldereta is so tender that the meat simply melts in your mouth!  The flavor is so rich.  No funky smell from the meat.  All you can smell are the flavors and ingredients used  to create this regional dish. The Crispy Tadyang is indeed with a crunch and to help you all with the meat dishes order the Gule Magalang; it is a vegetable dish set to balance all the cholesterol or fats that you have taken in.

To help you wash some of the food from your mouth, Bistro Remedios also offers a good range of drinks to your liking.  From fruit juices, shakes, iced tea and colas to alcoholic drinks, coffee and tea, check what they have and match it with what you are having.   Their trademark, Tamarind Ice Tea or Tamarind Shake.  It is one refreshingly tart-sweet drink created to help clean your palate and at the same time a treat.

As you dine, you will be treated with Filipino songs sung live by their in-house musicians, such was our case that night.  As mentioned by our hostess, they have been with the company since its early stages.  Talk about company loyalty and good management!  I was hoping to hear "Sampaguita" but then again, nothing beats a live version of "Ang Pipit".  If your Pinoy and is not familiar with this classic then shame on you!

To help close the night and dinner, we were all treated to various desserts offered by the establishment.  Maja Blanca Remedios, Turon with Langka, Pandan Cake, Chocnut Cheesecake and seasonal fruits. Some would mention the maja blanca or the cheesecake but for me, the turon takes the hat!

Having a good turon nowadays is hard to come by.  Supermarket has it. Your nearby side street cookery has it. But that type of turon with the right ripeness of the banana, combined with the right ripeness also of langka (jackfruit) is hard to find.  What you have right now is turon overly coated with sugar and deep-fried leaving some oil in your mouth. Such is NOT the case with the turon in Bistro Remedios.  Right level of ripeness for both the banana and jackfruit.  Fried and strained properly, making sure that excess oil is really removed from it.  No sugar used to cover the wrapper used. When they serve you this delectable dessert, it comes with a small bowl of latik (either made from coconut cream or sugar cane) to help enhance your turon experience.  This is may not be of Philippine origin but it sure is embraced and made Filipino in time.

The whole event was like a simple dinner gathering of either a family or friends but it could be the case either way.  A family of bloggers for the LJC Group or a group of bloggers with different styles and outlook that has become friends with the LJC Group.  It was simple, fun and intimate.  No funfare. Simply good food shared among good people who are friends, who are family.

Happy 30th year Bistro Remedios!  To more good food!

                                          *                         *                        *

To those who would like to try the and experience dining in Bistro Remedios, you may go to their place at 1911 M.. Adriatico St., Remedios Circle Malate Manila with number (02) 523 9153. Go ahead and enjoy all their entries.  Bring your family or friends also.  This is one place best experience with those who matters in your life.

Photos:
(All photos used were personally taken by me during the bloggers night)

The place (Interior):

The People of Bistro Remedios

The Chef with a staff (relax moments)

Malou Evidente-Domingo
(Marketing Manager)

 Some of the desserts served that night:

Maja Blanca Remedios

Pandan Cake

Fruit in season

Chocnut Cheesecake

I WAS MUGGED! Living the Trauma

When placed in a situation where you have to protect yourself from someone who is violating you, what will you do?

I was mugged last Tuesday, August 26, 2014.  I was strangled, hit on the face and my phone was taken in the process. Right now, I am living with the trauma because of it. I have bruises and a cut in my mouth. Nothing that you see with clothes on.  My face is aching up to now.

The early morning after the event, I have to hold on two sickle sticks to calm down and be able to sleep. I still feel pain in my jaw.  I even had a spell of vertigo the day after.  Right now, my heart goes on an act of its own whenever I remember the incident and thought of how I could have protected myself.  The question in my mind right now is: "If a similar situation happens again, am I ready to have blood in my hand?"

Try as I might to have peace in my life, I try to avoid violence.  The last time I snapped, I know I gave the other person an aching body.  I try not to and hope that everything and everybody would be at peace but I wish in vain. Still I hope for peace but I am clamoring for revenge.  Revenge for the violation made to me. Revenge for the psychological pain inflicted.  I want blood!  I am thankful that I don't have the material means to do so for it is something running in my mind since it happened.

I wish for peace. I was violated. I want peace.

Gourmet Food Within Reach - KANTO FREESTYLE!

Looking for a place where good food is served at a reasonable price and gourmet styled?  Then look no further for Kanto Freestyle Breakfast is just around the corner waiting for you.

Located in 4 key cities right now namely Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Marikina and Pasig, there is one location near your area to satisfy your food cravings.  Originally created targeting the lower working class, the owners aim is to give quality food, gourmet styled when serve at an affordable price.  The original target market didn't really embraced the concept but they were able to capture another market:  the middle and upper middle working class - the young urban working professionals.

This August, they held a blogger event through  Wazzup Pilipinas to help introduce new food items in their menu. Enjoy it as we enjoyed our moments consuming what was served that night.

This is one classic street food made with style. . . Scramble!  Its pink, refreshing and definitely sweet!  Something to satisfy your sweet tooth craving.  It has your classic chocolate syrup and frothiness with added sprinkles.  Instead of having it in small cups, you get to have it in a jar glass.

The Grilled Suman with Ube White Chocolate and Goya Ganache is one playful creation.  You have your local delicacy lightly grilled covered with two types of sauces that you need to be a near genius to think of.  I mean violet yam + white chocolate? It's one unusual mix but it works!  This sauce has the color and flavor from the yam, tempered with the silkiness of white chocolate and what you have is a violet yam sauce minus the grit.

The Toasted Ensaymada, Spanish Bread and Pan de Regla with creme de anglaise is simply yummy!  Three types of bread bathe in a creamy white sauce.  Three different bread textures creating three different bread taste when covered with their version of creme de anglaise (english cream).  It is irritatingly good!  Irritating because the play of flavor and texture creates a dance in your mouth!  It is that good.  Best eaten immediately or warm.

They also have a new take on sandwiches.  Try their Open Faced Chicken Longanisa Sandwich with Hollandaise Sauce.  Let me describe you this sandwich.  The bread used was baguette, a type of bread that has a crunchy crust with a soft chewy inside.  This the type of bread best with soups or dips.  It soaks part of the hollandaise along with the juice coming from the caramelized onion and longanisaI, binding the flavor and making it near 3-dimensional. The longanisa used was locally made and quite flavorful with the right level of pepper.

Welcome the Mr. and Ms of sandwiches.  Introducing the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame.  This is their take of the classic ham and cheese sandwich with a twist.  For those who wishes to have that tang from tomatoes, then get the monsieur.  If you want an additional flavor from a perfectly poached egg with your ham and cheese, then get the madame.  For me, depending on my mood, I would go for the madame.  I simply love eggs with my sandwich.

Croque Monsieur

Croque Madame

For those cold days or those days when you simply wish for congee, Kanto Freestyle has something for you.  Their Bacon Congee topped with Poached Egg is a sure answer for those cravings of yours.  It's your typical congee minus the normal ingredients such as livers and such but in exchange, you have nicely cured bacon and egg.  The bacon oil gives added flavor to the congee making it taste different from your normal congee.  You could add your usual condiments to suit your taste.

Adding to their food offering is the Arroz ala Cubana.  Rice with ground meat and vegetables, topped with egg and banana fritters on the side.  A classic dish with the signature Kanto style of presentation and flavor.

They may have the word breakfast in their name but it doesn't mean, you have to follow the general time to eat your favorite breakfast meal.  Here at Kanto, you can have your breakfast any time of the day.  Enjoy their pancakes all through out the day!  Morning, mid-morning, lunchtime, late afternoon, evening or even early morning, they can serve you pancakes when you like it.

Try their Choco Chip Pancakes, Ube White Chocolate Pancakes, Goya Chocnut Ganache Pancake and their Mix Berry/ Strawberry-Blueberry Pancake.  All ready for you, depending on sauce availability, any time of the day.  Fluffy pancakes topped with syrups created for variety and your taste. Is it filing?  Yes it is!  3 fluffy pancakes with either butter or cream plus syrup specially created to match the type of pancake that you are having. This is one filling breakfast creation.

Choco Chip Pancakes

Ube White Chocolate Pancakes

Goya Chocnut Ganache Panacake

Mix Berry/Strawberry-Blueberry Pancakes

How about their drinks?  Do they have anything to offer worth going for?  Oh yes they do.  You could try any of their coffee creations and enjoy it.  For me, I enjoyed their cafe latte.  It has that flavor of arabica and barako and that aroma of another type of beans that I will not tell (trade secret).  It is best with brown sugar. Served both in iced and hot; I always go for the hot version.

Cafe Latte - hot

One thing worth mentioning his the untold advocacy of Vince Juanta, part owner and host for the night that we were there, and that is to help those teens that wishes to have a good life, away from the streets and learn a decent trade in the process.  Something that makes Kanto Freestyle Breakfast truly integrated with the community that they are in.

With the new offerings that they had now, this would only widen not only the food selections they have but also the type of customers coming in.  So if you are looking for affordable food, served hot and in style, then simply look for the nearest Kanto Freestyle Breakfast place in your area.  Its food served with style in a non-restricting ambiance.

Happy eating!

Livestock, A Heaven for Meat Lovers

If you love eating pork and wishes for all dishes be served using pork then Livestock is the place to be.

Located near ABS-CBN compound, along Sgt. Esguerra in Quezon City, Livestock is one restaurant that you can consider as pork heaven.  Nearly all their offerings uses pork cooked in various ways plus they have something that you should must try - their Melt In Your Mouth Crispy Pata.

Along with some bloggers, we were definitely treated to offerings that are mouth watering and a note-worthy palate experience.

To give you a background of the place, Livestock is a brain-child of a couple who simply love to eat and a family that loves pork.  Most of the dishes offered are either family favorite or dishes that they made use of pork instead of beef.  Born from a family who values good pork quality, all customers are assured that the pork served are of good  stock, soft and treated with care.

Now don't get me wrong if I kept on saying that pork is the star of the place.  For those who wants other dishes such as seafood and beef, Livestock do offer them too.  They have a Spicy Seafood Laksa that is worth taking the time.  It has the crunch as expected from rightly cooked bean sprouts.  The soup is of the right consistency and so is the level of heat.  It is a good starter if you are having dinner with friends or wishes for something warm on a rainy day.

For those who wants something light but filling and tasty, then you should try their Adobo Flakes Pizza in Kesong Puti. I always say that I am a cheese lover and the combination of ingredients in this dish is fascinating!  It has slices of black olives that gives added saltiness and tang, balancing the kesong puti and mozzarella.  The adobo flakes used are from chicken and pork, creating additional flavor counterpointed by the cherry tomatoes and arugula.

Another munchie that I enjoyed that day was their Spicy Pig Tail.  It's a good finger food for those moments of good chat among friends.  Cut in bite size, this is one treat that may disappear in a flash since it is so good!  If this is for pulutan then make sure you have another bowl in your table.  If it is for appetizer, then make sure you have space in your stomach for the rest.  Eat in moderation my friend.

For those who wants a little sauce on their meat, do not despair for you can enjoy your pork with this two creations originally done in beef by most.  One is done in red wine sauce while the other is in creamy soup base.  The flavors of both dishes are distinct and the level of sauce is just right to cover and penetrate the meat.  The one in red wine or what is commonly known as bourguignon, usually used beef as the star but for Livestock, pork was used instead.  The other one is their Crunchy Pork with Kankong. With this two dishes, you get to have your pork and vegetables at the same time. Such lovely creations!

Now if you are looking for pork with a crunch, then you should try the Livestock Crackling Pork Belly.  Served with their signature dip, the Crackling Pork Belly is simply true to its name.  The skin is crunchy while the meat is soft and tender.  Formed into a tubular shape when being cooked, herbs and spices are placed inside and rubbed on the skin, making sure that it is well flavored.

The MUST EAT and signature dish of the place is the Melts-In-Your-Mouth Crispy Pata.  It has crunch and the meat is so soft that it slides off the bone.  This is the only crispy pata that I know off that is so soft that you can literally cut it using a Popsicle stick!  Impossible it may sound but it is true.  You can effortlessly slice of a piece using a popsicle stick and your fork!  The skin is crunchy, the meat is soft, both flavored well and you definitely must use the signature dip of a crispy pata - spicy vinegar - for that full effect.  This is something that was thought of and planned for 3 months and they were able to deliver it to your table with grace. A real brain tickler.

If you plan to bring this goodie home, make sure that your dog doesn't have an idea of what you are bringing for he would simply have literally the bone to munch on.  No tendons or meat slices for him.

Now if you think all is done when it comes to pork servings, well think again.  They were able to come-up with a dessert that is considered sweet but at the same time bordering on being savory.  Their Bacon-Vanilla Ice Cream Treat is something of a breakfast and a dessert combined.  Slivers of bacon mixed with vanilla ice cream served on top of 2 breads soaked in honey and toasted.  You have the crunch from the bread, the sweetness of the honey, the taste of bacon and the creaminess of the ice cream.  This is definitely a comfort food in my book!

Livestock also offers a good line of drinks to match your dish and taste.  From wines to non-alcoholic, it is up to you to choose what you wish to have depending on your mood at that time.  We have came to that point that the classic dine ruling of red wine for red meat is no longer applied 100%.  But to help sooth your conscience from all the cholesterol that you may have consumed during your stay, take their homemade Ginger Tea.  It is a good palate cleanser and detoxifier.

Ginger Tea

Grape Shake

Ice Tea

Watermelon Shake

Banana Mango Shake

Are you already hungry?  Then go to Livestock Restaurant and Bar, located at Jardin de Zenaida Compound - 34 Sgt. Esguerra St. South Triangle, Quezon City.  You could also follow them in Facebook and Instagram.  This is definitely pork heaven!

*All food and drinks photos were personally taken by me.  Logo photo was from the web.