Category Archives: Noshes in my Neighborhood

Uniquely Un Cuenca

22 Friday Jul 2016

Posted by in Hail to the Chef, Noshes in my Neighborhood, Restaurants

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Who does not love lechon? But just imagine this — Spain’s cochinillo asado meets Philippine lechon kawali, then put them together and kick it up a notch. That’s Chef Ariel Manuel‘s famous Pugon Lechon, only at Un Cuenca in Molito at Ayala Alabang. Pork belly perfectly roasted in a pugon or charcoal-fired oven, with the skin super crisp and crackling and the meat beautifully juicy, tender, and succulent. Served with a flavor-heightening liver and mustard sauce (or orange jam, if you prefer) and a side of atchara to cut the porky richness. It’s simply a gastronomic orgasm!

But the lechon love fest does not stop there. Chef Ariel’s brilliant inventiveness transforms his other dishes, too. There’s Lechon Carbonara pasta, with the diced-up lechon replacing the usual bacon, to give it that distinct salty, smoky taste. And the Pugon Lechon Sisig or the Tokwa’t Lechon or the Lechon Garlic Arroz — all are a definite must-try! And, of course, when there is Lechon, there has to be its classic sequent — the Lechon Paksiw.

Nevertheless, Un Cuenca is not just all about pork. It’s really all about great food created playfully and geniusly by Chef Ariel who has had years of experience overseeing the kitchens of Lolo Dad’s and was inspired by his travels through Spain. Like who would think up of Lamb Kalderetta with Dried Mangoes? Or Duck Adobo topped with a perfectly fried duck egg. Or Deep-fried Chicken Wings Adobo with… can you believe it?… Chocolate Sauce! Oh my!

Most people like to call this a Spanish restaurant, but not Chef Ariel. Consider its fabulous fare as the creatively conscious coupling of favorite delicious Filipino dishes with the exciting flavors of Spain. Un Cuenca is unique.

Un Cuenca is at the Molito Commercial Complex (facing the garden) in Ayala Alabang. Call 8154811 for reservations.

p.s. And make sure to order the Sangría! It’s served after brandy has been flambéed and poured into the carafe. Trust me, it’s the best!

Pepi Cubano

08 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by in Backstreet Bites, Food Glorious Food, Foodie Films, Noshes in my Neighborhood, Restaurants

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When Jon Favreau’s delightful foodie/road-trip film Chef came out, it got everyone curious about Cuban sandwiches. The marvelous photography of the food preps, edited to the beat of catchy Latin music, more than helped whet the appetite for what is really a simple Cuban sandwich. It seemed to me just your basic ham and cheese sandwich prepared much more meticulously than the ordinary ham and cheese sandwich we are used to. The Cuban sandwich (also called “sandwich mixto”) was developed as early as the 19th century and was hearty enough to satisfy the appetites of Cuban workers in Miami. Traditionally and essentially, it consists of ham, lean roast pork, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and lots of butter and yellow mustard, served between the cheeks of Cuban bread. Then the whole thing is compressed and toasted to a delicious crisp on a plancha.

And people rave about it! Hmm. curious. So when a Cuban sandwich shop opened on Gallardo Street, just off to the side from Dela Rosa Street in Legaspi Village in Makati, it was my chance to see what the foodie-fuss was all about.

Pepi Cubano. It is owned by Susan Dalmacion who would sell her Cuban sandwiches at the Saturday Salcedo Market even way back in 2006. Yes, even way before the movie made Cuban sandwiches a thing to jones for here in Manila. She opened this small, no-frills shop where the sandwiches are made fresh and hot. And the signature Pepi Cubano sandwich did not disappoint. I especially liked the bread. I am no expert and I am not sure if this is real Cuban bread, which is customarily made with lard or shortening, but I particularly like how finely crisp it’s toasted. You bite, you hear a delicate crunch, and your teeth sink into the moist and delicious sandwich fillings inside. Wonderful!

There are other sandwiches and offerings on the menu which I intend to try very soon. I am curious to try the Tito Choripan or the Pan de Lechon. My friend loves their Pan de Guyaba — a guava jelly and cheese sandwich, which I used to love when I was a kid. Pepi Cubano can be found on the ground floor of Tropical Palms Condominium on Gallardo St. in Legaspi Village, Makati. Or You may call 880-0389 or 0907-535-7574 for pick-up or delivery.

 

Raiding the restaurants on Rada

24 Sunday May 2015

Posted by in Noshes in my Neighborhood, Restaurants

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Not too long ago, when I found myself on Rada Street in Makati’s Legaspi Village at mealtime, there wasn’t really anywhere proper to go to except for Swagat. A small and cozy eatery, almost next to the Union Church. Decent home-cooked Indian food at a decent price. The restaurant belongs to Sanjay and Komal Khanchandani — their story is they visited the Philippines as tourists, fell in love with the country, and set up a new life here. Swagat has been around since 2003. It has been a while since I’ve last been and I can’t find the photos I took, so I think I’ll go back soon. It’s open from Monday to Sunday, from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm.

Lately, though, very interesting restaurants have been popping up on Rada St.

Mondo Juice + Sip. It’s not just a juice and milk tea bar, it’s actually a modern cantina as well, serving hearty sandwiches, healthy salads, great breakfast and pasta dishes, too, A smart and modern cafe with huge windows that look out onto the street where you can watch the world go by… or cars get stuck in traffic. This was where the Trilogy Boutique and Chef Fern Aracama’s Canteen used to be. Mondo J+S is one of my go-to places when I want something light and healthy yet satisfying for lunch.

Rural Kitchen of Liliw, Laguna. Kinda hard to spot because its location is almost inconspicuously tucked just off to the side of the Planters Bank and a 7-11 store at the HRC Center Building. But when you find it, you’ll be really glad because it’s worth squeezing into this tiny, narrow but charming restaurant. Rural Kitchen’s Chef Justin Sarabia pays homage to his grandmother, gleaning from her recipes of traditional Laguna comfort food and putting his youthful, modern take on each dish. He uses ingredients sourced locally in Laguna itself. It’s Laguna cuisine at its best.

And nearby there’s Sarsa Kitchen + Bar. It specializes in contemporary Negrense cuisine interpreted by Chef Jayps Anglo. To those who do not know, Negrense means indigenous to the Visayan island of Negros (Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental). The sizzling kansi is to die for (figuratively speaking, I hope). It’s namets!

And more great eating spots should be coming up soon on Rada Street. One that I am looking forward to is my favorite Wildflour Cafe + Bakery which will be opening at the newly built Frabelle Business Center. Very very soon, I hope!