C2 Classic Cuisine's Relyenong Bangus

Have you remembered a childhood scenario where you had your family picnic? Well… I do: Dad used to wear his “Best Dad” apron while holding a huge tongs in front of a smoking griller. One of my dad’s specialty was Relyenong  Bangus. Those memories were still clear, it was because of my third visit at C2 ClassicCuisine.

Now this is one healthy dish that I could not resist. The presentation is very enticing. I couldn't help but stare at its finely-frilled layer with the juicy fillet in the center garnished with lettuce and "atchara". It's good with catsup but I guess soy sauce with slices of onion would be great for this.

Kare Kare Made Even Better!

I remember back when I was ten, I used to hang out in the kitchen with my mom, especially when she’s cooking Kare Kare, my dad’s favorite dish. The peanut sauce mixed with a pinch of “bagoong” complimented the viand’s meat and vegetables. To be honest, I’m very picky when it comes to vegetables. As long as they’re in this delectable dish, who would probably say no?

After half a decade, my mom worked abroad to pursue her passion in couture. It was evident how a huge piece of our family’s everyday lives were missing, especially in the kitchen and dining area. We just love to eat, but it was too bad no one inherited my mom’s cooking prowess.

I graduated in College without her presence. I really missed her and her specialties. Because I was craving for Kare Kare back then, and I was already earning from my first job, I invited my siblings to dine in at C2Classic Cuisine at SM Megamall.

It is without regret, the best tasting Kare Kare that I’ve tasted (I’m sorry mom, I still love you!). It’s like a combination of scrumptious Crispy Pata and mouthwatering Kare Kare. The peanut sauce’s thickness was exactly blended the way I want it.

The vegetables are fresh and crunchy. (If all vegetables are cooked this way, I am willing to give up my love for meat and be a vegetarian!)

I don’t know, my mom would probably curse me if she’ll read this blog (just kidding!) but I swear, that Kare Kare is my top pick.

I suggest you try Bibingka Souffle for dessert after Crispy Kare Kare, it's like heaven!

So that’s it for now, more food to check-out next. 

I Found Heaven at Makati

Makati City is known as the nest of major banks, corporations, stores and foreign embassies in the Philippines. Its population is overflowing to more than a million during a typical working weekday because of the large number of people who work, shop and do business their agenda. Trust me, I’ve been there!

I must admit, working at Makati (especially if you are from Antipolo or Malabon) can be quite exhausting. I am glad I found a cozy place to sit it, relax and get away to the buzzy area without getting out of the city. Few blocks from Greenbelt3, along the streets of Arnaiz and San Lorenzo, a restaurant inside Hotel Celeste became a haven for me for less than a week.

As you enter the door, cheerful hotel staff would greet you as if you’re part of their home. Relaxing hymn filled the atmosphere added with a touch of elegance and soothing aroma of the coffee served at Cravings Bistro (located on the left wing of the hall). There, they serve breakfast from 6:00 am until 11:00 am. They also serve perfectly baked cakes such as Honey Mango Heaven and White Chocolate Sansrival…yummy!

needless to say  about breakfast?

Talking about wines and flavours

I love these portraits

Honey Mango Heaven

White Chocolate Sansrival

On the right wing of the floor, your eyes will be enticed by the classic look of Lucia Ristorante. The place is ideal for guests who simply want to have a quiet time alone, do business meetings or enjoy the comfort of sophisticated Italian ambience. Lucia Ristorante is open from 11:00 am – 11:00pm and serves Merenda from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm..

REMINISCING THOSE GOOD OLD DAYS

Raised with the presence of seven male cousins during childhood years, I was used to helping my grandmother in the kitchen instead of playing bull fight with the bunch of rude boys. I grew up seeing Sundays to be all about food and Lola was the regular Master Chef of our clan’s hungry vultures. It was a fulfillment for me having tasted the food before they were served in the buffet table. Those days were pretty remarkable to me.

Due to everyone’s hectic and unparalleled schedules, it was hard for us to bring back those gatherings now that no one in the family inherited my grandmother’s passion in cooking. I must admit nobody from us can cook our family’s favorite dishes the way she does. While our family has lately been seeing more bonding moments with cousins and other relatives by eating out, we appreciate the pleasure of gathering in a homey atmosphere more. Thanks to our acquaintance from Nagoya Japan, he awakens our inquisitiveness by his compliments on different blogs and restaurant reviews. We had a chance to visit Casa Roces, an ancestral house now a full-service restaurant and café standing proud across Malacañan Palace. The ambience made us feel the comfort of home as if we travelled back in time for Lola’s good old home-cooked specialties…or even better. 

Casa Roces is from a 1930s pre-war ancestral home renovated into a full-service restaurant and cafe. It is now a white house surrounded with a spacious, warm and welcoming environment, and interior and decor that entice visitors to stay longer.

The restaurant has a spacious driveway ideal for families who finds travelling along with relatives and friends very heartening. The ground floor hallway reveals a casual and brighter space.  On the opposite side lays proud some of their antique chairs. The room is very comfortable, as if I travelled back in time when I was playing around with my siblings on our grandmother’s living area. There is also a bar in one corner, where you can have a sip of their cocktails, beer, and wine and an art gallery like nook with portraits of the Roces' ancestors.

At Casa Roces, one will definitely feel the warmth of being welcomed in a traditional Filipino home with an ambience and cuisine that brings family’s most cherished moments to life.

Casa Roces is located at 1153 J.P.Laurel cor. Aguado St., San Miguel, Manila and is open daily from 10:00am until 10:00pm.