COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Yes, there are days when I would willingly wait in line for hours to try the newest pork bun or specialty ramen, but most of the time, I just want to relax with a nice and comfortable meal.
When I want an easy, no-stress lunch, I go to Dong Juan. They serve good food minus all the fuss that sometimes comes with eating out.
Dong Juan is a Cebu home-grown restaurant but it has made a name for itself in Manila. They now have 17 branches with a loyal following.
With the two big networks just a stone’s throw away, Dong Juan is an easy choice for our local stars.
Martin Nievera, I heard, is a big, big fan. Recent sightings include Toni Gonzaga, Julia Barretto, Xian Lim and Darren Espanto.
Dong Juan knows that having a comfortable dining experience is just as important as eating good food. Their value for customer privacy and personal space can easily be seen in how they designed the restaurant.
The Mother Ignacia branch followed the recent trend of converting old houses into restaurants. Interestingly enough, the place used to belong the family of Severino Reyes, more popularly known as Lola Basyang. This instantly adds appeal to the overall feel of the place.
It has a rustic, homey charm minus the tacky, mismatched furniture. The main dining room has a high ceiling with nice light. The first floor can comfortably accomodate about thirty people.
Those who want a private area can reserve one of their beautiful rooms for a party or small gathering. The nook under the stairs is perfect for lounging. On the second floor, there are four function rooms. The biggest one is good for about 35 people.
Xian Lim, just held an intimate presscon in one of their venues in early Feb. Carmina Villaroel held a small birthday blow-out for her driver in the restaurant last year.
So what do stars eat? Dong Juan has a massive menu, and everyone is sure to find a good grub.
They serve well-loved Filipino-American party food, with burgers as their best-seller.
Matteo Guidicelli went to the restaurant for three consecutive days to get his dose of baby back ribs. Heneral Luna actor John Arcilla once had two orders of their crispy pata.
My recommendations are the garlic and cheese pizza, Dong Juan ultimate bacon burger and baby back ribs in barbecue sauce.
The garlic and cheese pizza (PHP279) was good, and it was easy to tell that they did not scrimp on the ingredients. We chose the one with a flavored dough, that meant additional flavor from the basil, oregano, and parmesan cheese. The thin crust was light and crispy, but it was still very filling because of all the cheese.
The Dong Juan ultimate bacon burger (PHP249) was huge. With all the burger places sprouting in Manila nowadays, it’s hard to get a burger of this quality at an affordabe price. I enjoyed eating it open-faced. It got a bit messy so I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re out on a date. I think it could’ve used a bit more bacon, but maybe I just love bacon too much (who doesn’t?!).
The true winner in that meal was the baby back ribs in barbecue sauce (PHP289) matched with the fried rice. The taste was strangely uncomplicated – very simple, very straightforward. It’s something that kids would love, and I mean that as a compliment. It was slathered in red barbecue sauce and the inside was very tender.
Celebrities love the place for a good reason. If you happen to be in the area, there is no reason not to drop by.
Who knows? You might even get to share a meal with your idol!
72 Mother Ignacia Ave cor Sct Reyes, Bgy Laging Handa, Quezon City; +63 2 3740265; www.facebook.com/DongJuanMo.Ignacia. Daily 10am-12am.
