Quezon City has a new Filipino restaurant that serves modernized local cuisine (the chef calls it ‘progressive’). Located on Scout Fuentebella, very near the corner of Tomas Morato, it looks like a chic tapas bar inside: exposed red brick walls, unwashed concrete floors, naked incandescent bulbs and black leather couches. This is the first restaurant venture of the young couple that co-owns it, and they have named it after their son.
Chef Kenneth Villaluz, in charge of the kitchen and co-owner, updates heirloom recipes from one of the owner’s grandparents and throws in some of his original pieces as well. We tried the ‘reconstructed’ Bicol Express (slow-roasted whole pork shoulder with a side of Vigan longganisa; PHP480); Pinakbet Warm Salad (adorned with dilis and chicharon flakes, PHP175); stuffed squid (with ground pork and shrimp inside, PHP275); and the winner of the night: Shrimps in Taba ng Talangka (the restaurant’s version of gambas, PHP340).
It would be bliss to down a pitcher of sangria here, while listening to the piped-in OPM tracks, but the bar hasn’t reached its full potential yet; standard cocktail drinks are available, but none of that mixology crazy shit that the city desperately needs right now.
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The industrial interiors give the restaurants a chic, tapas bar vibe.
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We can see so much potential in this bar. All it needs are fusion cocktails.
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Vintage items add a ‘Pinoy’ touch to the interiors.
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Proud to be serving Filipino cuisine.
Tiago, 85 Scout Fuentebella St near corner of Tomas Morato Avenue, Bgy Sacred Heart, Quezon City; +63 2 4130616. Tue-Sun 11am-2pm, 6-10pm.
