Aristocrat Restaurant

I have fond memories of this restaurant.  One of which was my eldest brother's wedding reception that was held here.  Another was during my teenage years with my Jai-Alai co-amateur players.  We would congregate here on some evenings for dinner; feasting with gusto on barbeque chicken with Java rice.

These days, other than the local Manileños, this restaurant along Roxas Boulevard across from Baywalk, also attracts myriad balikbayan visitors, including relatives and friends from New York who would always treat their friends and families for lunch or dinner here.  It has become like a tradition almost.

The following is a blurb from a Philippine Daily Inquirer article on Aristocrat.

The Aristocrat, which has served local and international cuisine to Filipinos for 76 years now, offers hassle-free celebrations and more. Its Roxas Boulevard branch is the ideal venue for gatherings such as birthdays, baptismal celebrations, debuts, reunion, homecomings and weddings.

The Aristocrat’s newly renovated the Doña Engracia Hall can accommodate 400 guests and can be divided into smaller rooms for private parties. The Parties and Catering Department offers a hassle-free wedding package starting at P40,950 for 50 guests.

Kiddie parties are made easy with The Aristocrat’s kiddie party package for as low as P17,650. Cool party themes to choose from include Car Race Party, Prince and Princess Party, Flower, Butterfly Party, Safari and Little Chef’s Party. Package includes 30 meals for kids complete with party favors, loot bags, prizes and party add-ons like bubble show, magic show and balloon twisting, etc.

Aristocrat can customize packed meals for as low as P150 per person, ideal for corporate events, sports fests, Christmas parties, etc. For quotation on bulk orders, email aristocrat_catering@yahoo.com

The Best Chicken BBQ in Town is just a phone call away with The Aristocrat’s Delivery Hotline 894-0000. Aristocrat delivers in selected areas in Metro Manila with a fixed delivery charge of P50.

For bulk orders, parties, catering and reservations, send email to aristocrat_catering@yahoo.com

Boneless chicken BBQ (photo courtesy of Aristocrat)

Visit  http://www.aristocrat.com.ph/

or call (02) 5247671 local 223 or text 0917-5112796

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I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.

Thank you!

Sawsawan

Toyo (soy sauce) and Suka (vinegar)

It is said that a Filipino cook whips out a dish only to about 90 percent at its best, because the remaining 10 percent is reserved for the diner to complete it with the complimentary sawsawan (condiment).

Take for example grilled or fried fish and meats.  The locals prefer them with a dip consisting of soy sauce or fish sauce with squeezed calamansi, including with some chili peppers on the side.  Other viands that are not cooked with gravy or sauce, such as fish tuyo, daing, tinapa, as well as pork langonisa (sausage) and tocino, a small plate of sliced fresh tomatoes make wonderful accompaniment.

Patis with calamansi often accompany soupy dishes like pork or fish sinigang (stew), while vinegar and soy sauce with crushed garlic go well with fried tofu.

There are many more Filipino condiments; each region basically  has its own traditional condiment for every dish.  Essentially, these condiments or sawsawan are used to personalize the viands' flavors and thus, further enhance the diner's gastronomic pleasure, so to speak.

Patis (fish sauce) with Calamansi

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Suggested reads:

List of Filipino Condiments

Sawsawan ng Bayan: Ubiquitous Pinoy Dipping Sauce

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Please note:

I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.

Thank you!

Pan De Sal Bakeshop and Eatery, NYC

Pandesal galore!

Pandesal stuffed with Adobo

Beef steak: pandesal sandwich stuffing

I am yet to visit in person this Manhattan bake shop and eatery located at 21st Street and Second Avenue.  You see, it was established after I've moved back to the Philippines.  I had discovered it online and was simply enamored by the photos of their pandesal stuffed with typical Pinoy viands and various mouth-watering baked goods.

However, I do intend to make it my first stop once I go back to New York.  In fact, getting a pad somewhere in Union Square would be ideal so I could be near this Filipino bake shop. How delightful that would be.

From what I understand, besides chicken adobo, they offer myriad sumptuous stuffing for their pandesal, such as pate, corned beef, beef steak, white fish salad, and Spanish ham to name a few.

And based on the photo of their chiller filled with assorted Belgian, French and Filipino cakes, pies and various sweet treats, Pan De Sal is a full-pledge high quality bake shop. Wouldn't it be something to spend an afternoon tasting each one while sipping a steaming mug of their LavAzza coffee or iced tea?

Pan De Sal also offers buffets for lunch ($12) and dinner ($15).

   

Chiller of assorted Filipino, French and Belgian sweet treats

Vanilla cupcakes

Purple yam desserts

Assorted chocolate cupcakes

Ube roll

Ginataan ube (purple yam with tapioca)

Pan de Sal’s proprietors Marissa and Henry Beck

Pan de Sal: NYC’s trendy eatery, bake shop

The Filipino Reporter

Pan de Sal, one of New York City’s elegant and homey patisserie and resto bar owned by the husband and wife team of Marissa and Henry Beck, continues to draw Gramercy area residents and neighbors for over a year now with its traditional Filipino delicacies and decadent treats, and a very charming ambiance.

Guests can enjoy homemade Filipino dishes from chicken adobo to embotido, as well as daily Filipino, French or Belgian breakfast.

After a hearty meal, diners can enjoy a wide variety of fresh pastries and specialty cakes paired with the famous Lavazza Italian coffee.

It’s a perfect place for intimate get-togethers among friends or private party for small offices or Pinoy groups in the Big Apple.

Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Pan de Sal is located at 245 East 21st Street and 2nd Avenue (212.228.8273). 

Visit www.pandesalny.com

Note: All photos courtesy of Pan De Sal, NYC

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Suggested read: Bread Talk: Part 7 - Pandesal


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