Creature Comfort

Today is a saturday work day.  Despite the storm hovering over the country, there are some things needed to be done to prepare for a shoot on Monday.  Though work didn't take that long to be an ordeal, our team felt like we needed a reward--after all we did brave the rain.  It's the perfect time and weather to indulge and experience a gastronomic high. So for lunch we decided treat ourselves to dine in a nice restaurant where they serve good Filipino comfort food--Abe (pronounced as ah-beh).  Named after Larry Cruz's father Aguilar “Abe” Cruz, this ideal setting "Where Good Friends DIne" is part of the LJC group of restaurants which include Fely J's, Lorenzo's Way, Ang Bistro sa Remedios, Cafe Havana, Larry's Cafe and Bar and the legendary Cafe Adriatico. We ordered a feast ( as you can see in the pictures below) perfect for our heart's or should I say tummy's content.  From appetizer and soup to main course-s, so loving the local flavors at its finest that tickle your taste buds. Their specialties include Abe’s Chicken Supreme, Lamb Adobo with Popped Garlic, Knockout Knuckle, Binukadkad na Crispy Pla-Pla, Paco Fern and Tomato Salad, Bringhe, Arobung Camaru and Betute. 

Definitely a must-go for Pinoy foodies out there who majorly want to pig out without batting an eyelash.  One of the more dependable restaurants who's Filipino cuisine is one of the best in town.  The team is destined to come back to this place so worthy of another food coma.  

Abe.

Sketch of the founder of Abe, the legendary Larry Cruz.

The bar.

Sinuteng na pusit.  Baby squid sauteed in olive oil and garlic with basil.

Chicharon Bulaklak.  Fried pork crackling--need i say more.

Binukadkad na Pla Pla.  Fried fish with condiments.

Crispy Tadyang.  Beef ribs fried to a perfect crisp.

Carbo loading rice.

Sinigang na Baboy.  The perfect soup for gloomy weather.

Spicy Pampanga sisig.

Claude's Dream.  Named after the artist Claude Tayag, this famous dessert is a combination of fresh buko carving, pandan gulaman and vanilla ice cream.

SM's Ruth Galvez wearing a white tee by Hanes, jacket by Mango, leggings from
a thrift shop, boots from Shanghai and bag by Forward & Scoop.

Associate stylist Reg Rodriguez wearing an ensemble by PLF, scarf from a thrift
shop and hand me down lace up boots.

Associate stylist Donna Gonzales Lim wearing a knit dress by F21, scarf and lace up
boots by Zara, necklace by Mango, bangles from a bazaar and bag by Gucci.

The author wearing white v neck tee by Uniqlo, reversible panuelo by Puey Quinones,
glasses by Firma, pique pants and pinstriped shoes by Joey Samson and Marci bag
by Chloe.

Abe currently has the following branches: 

Serendra: Serendra Plaza, Fort Bonifacio (Tel:  856-0526), TriNoma: Level M3, Trinoma Mall, North EDSA, Quezon City (Tel:  901-5691 or 901-5692) Mall of Asia (MOA): Entertainment Section SM Mall of Asia, Bay City, Pasay City (Tel:  556-0608)

Now and Then

There are some good things you keep on coming back to.  Last year, this author was saddened by the news that Cafe Adriatico or more commonly known as Cafe Ad in Malate, Manila burned down. The pillar through decades of Malate culture and nightlife was witness to countless fashion and lifestyle chronicles which has been part of history.  Malate for a time was the scene to be seen and this establishment was the heart of it all--it was where it all began.  
About three weeks ago, this author found out this institution is having a resurrection and was excited to drop by and check it out with friends. When we finally visited, the place seemed the same though there were minor changes.  The walls were painted with a lighter shade of yellow with green highlights.  There were new fixtures hanging on the wall with some memorabilia plus the lighting seemed a little brighter. Old world charm dominates the entire theme of the place with a lot of dark wood furniture and wood works. So decided to order the all time favorite spareribs adobo and savory taste of it was gloriously recalled by my palette that filled my craving apetite. Among the ones frequently ordered besties are the callos (tripe and chick peas in tomatto sauce) and lengua estofada (ox tongue) in mushroom sauce. For dessert is the popular Claude's Dream which is a concoction of vanillla ice cream, pandan gulaman and buko.  Service was really good and this author was lucky to have bumped into one of their more senior waiters whom he's met more than a decade ago.  How quickly time flies as I fondly recall a lot of chitchats, kwentos and dramas that has made this place so memorable in my life. There might have be slight changes but the food, ambience and service is still the same...some good things are made to last.

The new(?) establishment.  

Al fresco setting.

The author has been coming back ever since he first step foot in the mid 80's.

The look is very "ancestral" home inspired with a lot of dark wood and vintage details.

People watching.

The old new bar.

Stairway leading to the second floor where the bar is located.

The spacious second floor smoking area.

Love this vintage fixture.

Wood carvings of olden times.

Frame within a frame. 

Vintage cashier.

The menu of yummies.

The famous spareribs adobo.

Another popular dish is the Hainanese chicken.

Max Factor's Chief makeup artist Bobby Carlos and Expat magazine EIC and Phil. 
Star columnist Katrina Holigores.

Fashion stylist Corine Alegre.

Fashion designer Louis Claparols.

Café Adriatico, Malate is located at 1790 M. Adriatico St., Remedios Circle, Malate

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines. Tel .(02) 523-7924