Every time a balikbayan cousin visits, a trip to Bistro Remedios is always in order.
There are newer and more popular Filipino restaurants from the same LJC group, like Lorenzo’s Way and Fely J’s in Greenbelt, and Abe in Serendra, Trinoma and MOA.
But Bistro Remedios remains my #1 favorite.
My 3 non-negotiables, always-must-have items are:
1. Knockout Knuckle – aka Crispy Pata Bawang, a whole leg of pork deep fried in garlic and chilies. Its skin is crackly-crunchy, its meat tender and tasty, with nary a hint of grease. This is the kind of dish you will risk clogging your arteries for. It is Manila’s very best.
2. Laing – taro leaves simmered in spicy coconut cream. Do not worry, it is more creamy than spicy. A hint of sweetness even. The best I’ve ever had.
3. Garlic Rice – one bowl is not enough
Tonight we order just a few more dishes.
Chicharon Bisaya – fried crispy skinless pork fat
Sinuam na Mais – fresh young corn soup with shrimp and chili leaves
Sinigang na Tapi ng Bangus – boneless bangus belly in tamarind flavored broth with vegetables
Sugpo sa Aligue – prawns simmered in tiny crab fat and lemon
Kare-kareng Buntot Baka – oxtail stewed in peanut sauce with assorted vegetables
Crispy Tadyang – marinated beef ribs deep fried to a delicious crispiness. Widely copied but in vain.
Binukadkad na Crispy Pla Pla – butterflied fried pla pla fish served with balo balo and mustard leaves
As usual, we’ve gone wild and ordered way too much. Oooops.
Guess who obediently finishes all the food?
FYI, I am giving, not stealing from Alex’s plate
Minatamis na Saging – sweetened banana saba
Mango Jubilee – vanilla ice cream topped with flambéed banana balls. The perfect ending.
I love listening to them sing. My favorite requests: Quando, Quando, Quando and Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin (I am such a cornball!)
We go for drinks at the Diamond Hotel. Sucking our guts in and trying desperately not to show. Donna, Nikko, Ritchie, Chiz, Me, Frances
Bistro Remedios: 1911 M. Adriatico Street, Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines. Tel: +632-523-9153
