★★★★★
The service and overall atmosphere were very good, and I truly appreciated the inviting ambiance. The live band was excellent, talented performers who greatly enhanced the overall experience.
The Chicken Inasal was outstanding, easily one of the best I’ve had in a restaurant, both in Canada and the Philippines.
The Turon with Ice Cream was good too.
However, the Pinakbet was very disappointing. It was extremely dry like the deserts of Dubai, lacking the sauce that typically complements the dish and pairs well with rice. The vegetable preparation was also unappealing, the cuts, particularly of the squash and eggplant, were uneven and poorly presented like it was cut by a toddler 🫢.
The dish was heavily dominated by squash and bitter melon (ampalaya), with no string beans at all. A more balanced mix of vegetables is essential, as not everyone enjoys an overwhelming amount of ampalaya or squash. Overall, the dish did not reflect the balance, flavor, or presentation traditionally expected.
I would recommend revisiting both the recipe and preparation to better represent the authenticity of Pinakbet. In its current form, it may not meet guests’ expectations. If improvements cannot be made, it may be worth reconsidering its place on the menu. Additionally, the $28 price point feels excessive for the quality delivered.
As it stands, I would find it difficult to serve this version of the Pinakbet to guests, as it falls short of the expected authenticity and presentation. Consulting someone familiar with traditional Ilocano preparation could be beneficial.
★★★★★
Tried their buffet brunch and liked how there was a variety of Filipino dishes for appetizers and mains. Since everyone arrived around the start time, it got a bit busy to get in and some items were out by the time we got to it. However, they do refill the items throughout.
Since we went for the brunch option, the Silog items took up a lot of the hot food area which I wish had a bit more other Filipino dishes. There was a chocolate fountain which was very popular with the children but would have liked to see a bit more range of desserts. Staff was very friendly and accommodating and the decor gives it a really nice vibe. I read that they also have live music on Saturday during dinner as well.
