1521 Restaurant, Rediscovering Delectable Filipino Cuisine

490 years ago, according to history, Philippines was discovered by Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, it was March 16, 1521. Then Lapu-Lapu, one of our native heroes fought for the freedom of our motherland and then as they say, the rest was history. Today, as a proud Filipino Foodies, let us rediscover the wonders of some Filipino Cuisines through a patriotic restaurant which regard food as the highest salute to all the unsung heroes in the kitchen. Allow your resident foodie to give you a glimpse of what 1521 Restaurant has to offer.

First time I heard about 1521 Restaurant from a friend who constantly raves about their Grilled Kare-Kare, I have already set my mind to visit the place as soon as possible. But due to busy schedule, I was only reminded of that plan when a dear cousin, Ate Len recommends the resto as well. After spending couple of sleepless night to finish a writing gig a day before its rather impossible deadline, I immediately invited my friend Glenn to have a dinner at 1521. Believe me, it was worth those sleepless nights.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were enthusiastically greeted by their friendly staff. As we were seated, we were handed one of the most interesting menus I’ve checked so far. No food was served yet, but we were already delightfully entertained with the well thought out written words on the menu such as Suaheng Suwabe, Ka-Musta-Cat, Hip Na Hipon, and Talong Mo Kay Tulfo, to name a few. I knew right there that it is going to be a pleasant dinner.

While we were happily perusing the content of their menu, a charming food attendant was there to offer us their best dishes. We originally plan to order the Grilled Kare-Kare, but when we learned that their bestseller is Potchero Ni Tankeko, we immediately placed the order along with other dishes that captured our attention.



Potchero Ni Tankeko

This dish I must say was the highlight of our dinner. It wasn’t tagged as their bestseller for nothing. Slow-stewed beef in a mush of yam, plantains, tomato sauce, and vegetables. Since it was slow cooked, expect a heavenly soft and tender beef screaming of flavors in every shred there is. I love how thick and savory the sauce was. When I poured it over to my hot steamed rice and mixed it with some shred of those sinfully tender beef, I was lost for words. It was so good It could be a sin not to order it when you visit the resto.

Potchero Ni Tankeko (365php)

Bonggang-Bonggang Binagoongan

True to its name, this dish was so fabulous compared to the usual fare of Pork Binagoongan. Crunchy pork on a bed of local shrimp paste, generously accompanied with manibalang mango. I enjoyed the crunchy skin and soft meat of the pork while the explosion of taste brought by the shrimp paste combined with the manibalang mango tickled my palate.

Bonggang-Bonggang Binagoongan (260php)

Dinamitang Keso

Their own version of cheese stick with green de-seeded chili. I’ve tasted similar delectable appetizer like this but what raised their version a notch higher was the mango wasabi dip that comes with it. If you’re the type of person who does not enjoy wasabi, worry not because this dip does not have the feisty taste of the usual wasabi. The taste of mango was dominant while the wasabi just gives it a certain kick that makes you crave for more.

Dinamitang Keso (160php)

Dinamitang Keso with Mango Wasabi Sauce

My, My, My, Mais

Sounds like your usual corn soup, eh? It’s actually not. The sweetness of the corn was not there but its distinct savory taste was present since they used white corn. Personally, it tasted like a childhood memory. The soup has its nostalgic effect on me, reminding me of my childhood days when my mother would cook a hearty soup for me and my siblings during rainy season. I was told that it has the same effect on my friend but his was a different story. The common ground was that it both reminds us of our childhood day’s comfort food.

My, My, My, Mais (105php solo / 295php family)

1521 Leche Flan

I am a big fan of Leche Flan, and 1521’s version was definitely one of the best I ever had. Rich and velvety smooth, it was not too sweet and the lemon rind shavings were not just there for decoration but it adds spunk to the creaminess of this dessert.

1521 Leche Flan (75php solo / 140php to share)

Kamias Shake

I was a little apprehensive about it at first since I am not really into sour type of drinks. I was surprised when a taste of refreshingly fruity flavor which strikes a balance between sweet and sour taste enveloped my palate.

Kamias Shake

1521 Ays Ti

At first I thought that it was just the usual Iced Tea but when I tasted it, it screams of sweet raspberry juice with ice shavings. It was so good and perfect for those who enjoy fruity sweet type of drinks.

1521 Ays Ti

The place is fairly small but its cozy Filipino ambiance makes it charming. Owners Tanke Tankeko and Nica Miranda really knows how to captures not just Filipino palates with their variety of dishes, but Filipino hearts as well with their shared Filipino heirloom recipes.







All in all, it was a very pleasant experience having dined at this restaurant. They entertained us through their witty menu, warmed our heart with their comforting food, and made us proud to be Filipino with their hospitality and patriotic concept. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to enjoy affordable Filipino cuisine with a twist and other harmonious fusion dishes in the comfort of a very cozy place. Perfect for a date night, get together with friends, corporate lunch out, and family food trips. I would definitely go back to try some of their interesting dishes.







1521 Restaurant
547 Shaw Blvd., Barangay Wack-Wack,
Mandaluyong City Philippines 1550
Phone Nos.: 02.794.0433 • 02.216.4532 • 0917.803.1521
Website: http://1521resto.com
Email: fifteentwentyonerestaurant@yahoo.com
Services: Reservations, Take Out, Delivery, Catering

Mon - Thurs: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
Fri - Sat: 10:00 am - 1:00 am
Sun: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Pork Steak in Red Wine Sauce

My mother is a career woman. My sisters and I grew up knowing that unlike some of our friends, our mother has work that she needs to attend to, therefore, she can’t stay at home most of the time. What I have always been proud about her is that there never was a time when we, her children would starve while she’s away. Aside from that, she always makes it a point that when we come home from school, she’s already home with food she delightfully prepared for the whole family.

Although I do not have my own family yet, I can see how hard it is to be juggling your career while taking care of people you love. For that, I admire my mother immensely. After a day of work, she still has the energy to cook delectable food for our family. I know by heart that along with other things my mother has mastered, cooking up in no time always comes handy.

Pork Steak in Red Wine Sauce has always been one of my favorite recipes that my mother can cook as fast as she can change her clothes. Of course, a pre-marinated pork steak can do the trick but marinated overnight or not, my mother’s version never fails to seduce me into having a second helping of rice.


Pork Steak in Red Wine Sauce


4 pcs 3/4 to 1 inch thick pork steak (or pork chop)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup white onion chopped
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons soysauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar
Rings of white onion for garnish








Procedure

1. Season steaks with salt and pepper and brown in olive oil in medium-hot skillet, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side. Remove steaks from skillet, set aside.

2. Stir in remaining ingredients; cook and stir to remove any brown bits from bottom of skillet. Bring to a boil, return steaks to pan, cover, reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes

3. Serve with rings of white onion on top.

Serves 4.




Bon Appetit!

Domino's Pizza Has Arrived Hot and Fresh at Silver City

After a long hiatus and the opening of their flagship store in Marvin Plaza, Pasong Tamo, Domino's Pizza has finally arrived hot and fresh at their second branch in Silver City, Frontera Drive (Tiendesitas) along Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City.




Mr. Tong Hong, President and CEO of Domino’s Pizza Philippines, enthused that they are all set to take the local pizza industry by storm. Known for their 30-minute guarantee delivery, they also assure that every delivery will arrive hot and fresh.



At the recent grand opening and ribbon cutting held at their second branch, President/CEO Tong Hong, top management of Goldilocks Bakeshop, Inc., which is the local retail partner of Domino’s, and Pasig Vice Mayor Rosario "Yoyong" Martirez welcomes bloggers and guests by sharing with them some of Domino’s varieties of pizza.

Extravaganza (P299, P399 and P549)

Margherita Pizza (P199, P299 and P499)

Domino’s Deluxe (P299, P399 and P549)

Cheese Mania (P199, P299 and P499)

Potato Pizza (P299, P399 and P549)

Currently, Domino’s menu offers nine flavors of pizza, including bestsellers like the Domino’s Deluxe, Extravaganza, Potato Pizza, Shrimpus, and Hola Spain. Aside from pizza, Domino’s also offers Buffalo Chicken Wings, Meaty Bolognese, Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti, Cheesy Bread, Garden Salad and Chocolate Lava Cake.

For anyone who missed Domino’s Pizza, worry no more because they are indeed back to serve us hot, fresh, and delicious pizza on time.



Domino's Pizza Delivery
The 30-minute Guarantee!
Call 745-3030 Marvin Plaza, Makati city
Call 576-3030 Silver City, Pasig City
Visit their website at www.dominospizza.ph

Bahay Ligaya Restaurant, an offshoot of Luma't Bago Antique Store in Katipunan

It all started with a meager amount of money, but a balikbayan at that time, Mr. Ray Bueno was able to put up an antique store called Luma’t Bago, and from that sprung Bahay Ligaya Filipino Restaurant which specializes in regional cuisines.

Bahay Ligaya Restaurant. The name is very catchy as one may think it implies subliminal message, but according to Mr. Bueno, it was named after his lovely wife, Joy. Since they are specializing in Filipino Cuisine, they decided to translate it to our country’s vernacular. In addition, wait till you taste their specialties, then you would know that this restaurant really stand up for its name.

My recent visit with fellow food enthusiasts Glenn, Donver, and CJ was one of the best dining experiences I ever had as we are joined by the owners Mr. Ray and Joy Bueno to give us some insights about their restaurant.

The stories they shared are very informative and helpful but the highlight of the night was the food we feasted on. The generous servings of food coupled with the owners’ hospitality towards their customers are one of the reasons why you would definitely go home happy after a hearty meal at Bahay Ligaya Restaurant.

These are the food that graced our table.

Sizzling Bulalo

One of the best Sizzling Bulalo I ever had. The meat was so tender it literally falls of the bone. The sauce compliments the beef making it juicier and tastier than your usual Bulalo.




Manok Pandan with Special Sauce

Tender chicken wrapped in pandan leaves and fried into perfection. I have to agree with Glenn when he said that it is way better than your usual fried chicken. Every bite was bursting with flavor and when you dipped it in its Special Sauce, the savory flavor of the chicken will further intensifies you will definitely reach out for more.




Bulalo Pochero

Another stellar of a dish. We were told that they used a slow fire cooking process to tenderize the meat. The sauce was very flavorful and the vegetable used was so fresh and definitely not overcooked.



Crispy Hito in Mustasa Leaves with Burong Bulig

It was my first time to try this dish and although I was a little apprehensive about the Burong Bulig, when I tasted it, it was surprisingly pure delight. The smell wasn’t appetizing at all but the taste was so good it reminds me of my visits in the province where I get to eat the freshest and the most interesting food I ever tasted.






Grilled Liempo

A bite of this heavenly pork delight will give you a hint that it was well marinated with several spices that flavor will burst into your mouth that will tickle your palate.




Dininding

When the food attendant placed this dish on the table, the aroma of Bagoong (fermented fish) hits my nasal faculty in an instant. I love the fact that the vegetables were not overcooked therefore, you can still bite into its crunchiness. The Bagoong, although very aromatic does not overpower the entire dish, and the fried crispy pork on top place it top a notch.




Sizzling Pork Sisig

Tender bits of pork with hint of crunchiness, another addition to my list of best sisig in town. The smoky flavor adds a kick to its savory flavor.




At first glance, the restaurant may look intimidating owing to the fact that it is an offshoot of an antique store with patrons such as politicians, generals, celebrities, and some residents from White Plains, but price surprisingly ranges from 100php to 600php only. Not bad for servings which are good for 3 to 4 person.

Now, on to the desserts.

Tapioca

Tapioca pudding with coconut milk syrup sprinkled with crispy pinipig. It is not too sweet but equally tasty. The coconut milk is very creamy and the pinipig adds aromatic flavor in every bite.




Ginataan Bilo-Bilo

Now, this one is the classic. My favorite among the desserts that was served. Every spoonful made me nostalgic about my childhood. The right amount of sweetness and creaminess was so good I had couple of servings.




Buco Pandan

Another classic dessert but their version is way better because the used fresh Buco meat therefore the taste goes well with the cream.




Turon with Langka Jam

The langka jam really pulls this usual fare off. Highly recommended for those who does not want langka in their turon, try dipping into the jam, it’ll be an entire different experience of goodness.



Mango Pandango

Combination of fresh ripe mangoes, sago, sweet red kaong, milk, and cream. This one is very refreshing in the palate because of the ripe mango. Not too sweet as it looks, a perfect way to end a meal.



For our drinks we had Sago’t Gulaman, Fresh Ripe Mango Shake, and Green Mango Shake. Everything was very refreshing and tastes good.






Bahay Ligaya’s Menu offers wide variety of Filipino Cuisines. Nothing beats the feeling of total food trip with an ambiance as classic as one can get. One remarkable thing about the resto is that every table differs from each other since it is also a showcase of what Luma’t Bago Antique Store that offers. It is also important to note that the aside from the main dining hall inside, there’s also a big space outside where customers can eat to their heart’s content. There are separate smoking and non-smoking area. After dinner, you and your companion can choose from wide variety of liquor that they offer, since they are also a resto-bar. Another thing is that they offer free wi-fi for their customers.

Mrs Joy Bueno, a former flight attendant, personally trains their food attendants as to how they can properly cater to their customers’ needs with enthusiasm. Everyone in our group noticed how good looking and well dressed the food attendants are, and the way they treat their customers only illuminates how well trained they all are.












After a hearty feast of food, you can also take a trip to their Luma’t Bago Antique Shop which is a door away from the dining hall. I am sure that antique enthusiast or not will found themselves fascinated with every piece in the store.
















If you are up for an authentic Filipino dish food trip, this restaurant is truly worth the visit. Open everyday from 11am to midnight, with ample and secured parking lot for maximum of 30 cars. Nice place, delectable food, excellent customer service, and very affordable. You can bring your family, colleagues, friends, anyone, and expect to have a wonderful and truly Pinoy experience in this restaurant.






Bahay Ligaya Restaurant / Luma't Bago Antique Store
#176 Katipunan Rd. Blue Ridge A
Quezon City Philippines
Contact No. 4397198 / 6473834
Look for Mr. Ray Bueno(corner Katipunan and Boni Serrano going to Blueridge)

*More of Bahay Ligaya Restaurant will be posted at The Strolling Spoon Food Blog