COCONUTS HOT SPOT — I am a meat lover. And whenever I see bacon on the menu— even just bits of it—I get excited.
The idea of thin, salty, crispy bacon is enough to whet my appetite. So when I found out that there’s this little deli-café in Kapitolyo which has what they call the Bacon Slab, I made a mental note to check it out.
Bacon + Slab = Heaven. Meat lovers can surely relate to how intriguing and mouthwatering that sounds.
However, Poco Deli had been quite elusive to me, as my attempt to dine there had failed thrice.
The quaint establishment is always packed that a reservation seems necessary — either that, or you patiently wait. The place, though, has a casual-cozy vibe that is conducive for whiling away longer than you normally would in other restos, so you get the picture.
Still, I had to see for myself what all the fuss about this hangout was about. The next time I found myself in Kapitolyo, finally, I made it inside Poco Deli without a hassle late afternoon on a weekend.
Luckily, there were only few diners at the time, so I got to appreciate its friendly ambiance more. The wooden elements inside make it look posh yet still casual and
unpretentious.
The phrase “a little packs a punch” is how I’d like to describe Poco Deli. Besides, poco is a music term that means little or to a small degree. The irony is it has a whopping satisfaction rate.
My order was a no-brainer: the Bacon Slab (P320), three inch-thick slices of bacon served with eggs and bacon rice (which is basically just plain rice with bacon bits on top). After all that hype, I’m glad it wasn’t disappointing.
I liked it because it’s bacon overload yet it didn’t fill me to the point of feeling nauseous. For some, it may appear too much, but if you don’t eat the rice, you should be fine. The meat was juicy, and with every bite, you could taste how well seasoned it was. My only negative comment is that the meat was a bit tough. In fact, the other diner beside me called the waiter’s attention and requested for a sharper knife. I could tell he was
struggling with it.
Aside from the Bacon Slab, Poco Deli is also popular for its artisanal sausages. My friend ordered the Wagyu Sausage (P360), which is also served with eggs and bacon rice. I dare say, this is the best sausage I’ve ever tasted. The flavor of the Wagyu beef was delicious, with a smoky and spiced up taste that was not overpowering. The casing also had a good snap that only truly good sausages have.
If you’re dining at Poco Deli with your family or friends, there are also other comfort food like the Irish Beef Stew (P300) and Mom’s Pot Roast (P320), pizza (prices range from P330 to P420), and pasta (prices range from P200 to P350). Make dining more fun by pairing your orders with wines from their good and affordable European selection.
Don’t forget to leave room for dessert. Believe me, you wouldn’t want to leave without getting your sweet fix among Poco Deli’s signature cakes.
The most popular is the Blackout Chocolate Cake (P155), which had rich chocolatey goodness with every bite; I like that it’s not too sweet. The five-layer White Mountain Cake (P150) is also worth a try; it features alternating layers of moist chocolate cake and creamy white frosting.
Before leaving, I checked the menu again to look for a possible order on my next visit: German Sausage Sampler (single, P340 / double, P550). Yum!
Poco Deli is at 21 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City and Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City
