There are only a handful moments in my life, other than my birthdays, that are worth celebrating with the family.  This gathering is to mark my milestone on earning my "Atty." (Yes, I' really claiming it!).  For such a unique occasion, it was only befitting that I also pick the most unique Filipino restaurant on my want to try list: Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna.

Little did I know that Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna has two branches (both within Makati) so there was some members of the family who got mixed up. 

My reservation was at the pioneer branch in HRC Centre in Rada Street but they also have one in 6060 Palma Street corner Osias Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati.  We all had a difficult time locating this along Rada Street because it was not visible from the street view.  Lucky for us, my cousin and little sister arrived early and located it for us.  They advised us to look for China Bank and 7-11 instead a this was located just beside 7-11.  Their signage is so small without any lights so its impossible to see at night.

Food

♥ Complimentary Bonete Bread

While waiting for our orders, we were served their Complimentary Bonete Bread.  It comes with three dips.  The family loved the one with kamias. 


Appetizer

♥ Ukoy (195 php)

The family grew up in Ilocos Sur when Ukoy is quite prominent so every one was curious to see Chef Justin Sarabia's version.  We initially just ordered for sharing.  But since we liked the Ukoy so much, we just had to order more.  It was not just crunchy but crisp to perfection with less grease.

♥ Chicken Lumpia (195 php)

Another interesting surprise though it looks ordinary is the Chicken Lumpia. 

♥ Shitake Bun (260 php)

Mushroom lovers like me will surely enjoy the Shitake Bun.  It was such a great discovery that queso de bola could go well with shitake.  The only drawback for this is the price.  For such a small bun, it already costs 130 php.

♥ Crispy Squid (285 php)

The Crispy Squid offers a great combination of crisp and chewiness that we loved to the point of slight addiction. 

Salad

♥ Pako Salad (180 php)

The oldies where quite excited to find the Pako Salad on the menu.  I didn't quite expect that it would impress both young and old. 


Beef

Beef in Coconut (480 php)

If there was one item that didn't impress us, it would be the Beef in Coconut.  We were expecting this to taste a bit sweet because of the coconut milk.  Yet, it tasted sour so we even doubted if  it was spoiled.  However, we didn't get a stomach ache the following day so I guess it was not.

Seafood

♥ Adobong Pusit (320 php)

The Adobong Pusit is deliciously tasty making it perfect with rice.  It was very tender that the oldies enjoyed munching on it too.

♥ Lapu Lapu with Mango (580 php)

If I could recommend one dish at Rural Kitchen that is a must order, it would be the Lapu Lapu with Mango.  Taste-wise, portion-wise and price-wise, I would say this has exceeded our expectations.

Other

Ox Tail Kare Kare (580 php)

Personally, I found their blend of Ox Tail Kare Kare to be a bit sweet but the family seemed to have enjoyed it.  We all just felt, there could have been more ox tail for its price.

We also ordered the Dinuguan (280 php) which was made from carabao's blood instead of pig's blood.  Unfortunately, we all (except my one cousin) failed to appreciate this dish because of the undeniably gamer and weird smell and flavor.  But, in fairness, my one cousin liked it and he finished the plateful all by himself.

Kalderetang Kambing (280 php)

The Kalderetang Kambing was really good.  It has a lot of bones but that's quite usual for such a dish. 

♥ Lamb Kaldereta (580 php)

We all liked the Lamb Kaldereta.  The lamb was so tender and clean tasting.  I highly recommend this as well!

Vegetables

♥ Kuwalong Talong (180 php)

This is our first time to try an eggplant dish cooked like the Kuwalong Talong.  It was amazingly awesome!  Do you know where this dish originated from?

Noodles

Pancit Lucban (190 php)

My aunt was missing pancit lucban so she ordered one.  She was surprised that the Pancit Lucban looked something like this.  Well, their twist was good especially with the sweet and savory pork sausages.    

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We Tsinoy Foodies recommend trying out Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna.  I don't think there is any other place in the Metro just like it.  Although the portion could be more generous, the elegant ambiance and unique menu with their own twist makes up for its higher than average pricing.  

There are times when we eat for convenience and there are times when we eat for exploration.  My visit to Bistro United is for the latter.  And, let me tell you I have come to the right place - if not the best place!  Have you tried tilapia ice cream?  Well, if not you have too!  There's also so many other intriguing items on the menu that I just have to share!

Since I wasn't familiar with the area, finding this was a bit of a challenge for me.  Next time, I will search and mark for D Strip instead. 

Love the tiles!

But, I'm so glad I found it!  It was well-decorated and very spacious.

Food
The food is as top-notch as its interiors.

Starters

Smoked Fish Pockets (125 php)

Starting of with the Smoked Fish Pockets.  The triangular taco-shelled finger food delivers an initial crunchy sensation before unleashing the mellow salty, savory and succulent shredded smoked fish filling.
 

♥ Nacho Poppers (105 php)

I think the saying "once you pop, you can't stop" applies to the Nacho Poppers.  The combination of the salsa with the mango is amazing!

Soup & Salad

Crispy Ubod Salad (125 php)

If you want a healthy dish that's offers a fun crunchy experience, then definitely go for the Crispy Ubod Salad.  Love the texture of the components as well the taste of the dressing!

Pasta

Bagnet Ravioli (245 php)

I really admire how bold Bistro United got when they innovated the Bagnet Ravioli.  But, I somehow missed the crunchy skin of the bagnet which I loved that was underplayed in this.


Mains

♥ The Amazing Roast Beef (415 php)

The Round Table's Buffet is famous for The Amazing Roast Beef.  I'm so glad that they've decided to offer this ala carte in Bistro United.  This is truly amazing!!!

♥ Adobo Sa Mangga (395 php)

If you ask me what is the one dish I would pick at Bistro United, then definitely it is the Adobo Sa Mangga.  Can you believe that this doesn't have any soy sauce?  Instead, it has mango puree and bagoong?  I've never encountered something so interesting and balanced at the same time.

♥ Dalandan Chicken with Ube Rice (245 php)

I'm really biased towards Ube.  Since my childhood, I could not resist ordering Ube food products and dishes upon discovering their availability.  So naturally, I liked the Dalandan Chicken with Ube Rice.  Although I have to admit, if the Ube flavor is stronger, I would have loved it even more.

♥ Porchetta Kare-Kare (245 php)

The Porchetta Kare-Kare is another must try!  I'm not recommending it for the porchetta alone but also for the rich delicious sauce.


All Day Breakfast

Arroz Caldo Overload (155 php)

While the Arroz Caldo Overload did not appeal as intriguing as the other dishes, it gave me a nice nostalgic comforting feeling.

Burgers

♥ Spiced Salmon Burger (340 php)

The Spiced Salmon Burger is delicious!  I still prefer Slice's Salmon Burger but this comes so close.  I'd settle for this anytime of the day.

♥ Roast Beef Po-Boy (330 php)

If you prefer sandwiches or need a to go meal, the Roast Beef Po-Boy is a great alternative to the The Amazing Roast Beef.

Fried Chicken Sandwich (255 php)

Look at the beautiful egg!  That is what makes eating this Fried Chicken Sandwich a challenge if you're a neat freak.  But, totally worth it.


Dessert

Banana Fritters with Salted Yema

When you're used to eating our local favorite "turon", the Banana Fritters with Salted Yema could take a while before you're taste buds could get used too.  But indeed, the crunchy, mushy, salty and sweet combination works well.

Double Baked Brownies

The Double Baked Brownies is moist and fudgy at the same time. 

Gold Medal Carrot Cake

My companions enjoyed the Gold Medal Carrot Cake.  Since I'm not much of a sweet eater, I found this too sweet for me.

♥ Tilapia Ice Cream

Don't ever dine at Bistro United without having to try their Tilapia Ice Cream.  It is really good!  I actually bought a pint of this for 275 php.  It's such a great welcome treat for house guests.  All of them seemed quite pleased with the new and interesting experience. 


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Tsinoy Foodies highly recommends Bistro United for an amazingly unique dining experience.  Seriously, this place deserves more buzz with its genius menu items!  Plus, the ambiance and service is superb too. 

Dining options have grown over the years.  But, there just seems something about Filipino food that makes me crave for it once in awhile.  It's kind of like when you wander far to the most amazing places but then, you know your heart still wants to go back home.  So this time, I ended up trying Mangan which specializes in Kapampanan food.

I've always believed that Kapampangan food is one of the tastiest of our local cuisine.

Having had several food trips in Pampanga, I would say this is up a notch over the restaurants there when it comes to interiors.  This makes it more appealing to expats and balikbayans.

Food

Aliw-Aliwang Sisig

Sisig ni Mely (260 php)

When it comes to Kapampangan dishes, how can we forget sisig?  The Sisig ni Mely came out as a surprise for us because of its unusual style of serving - wrapped in banana leaves.

Sisig ni Mely (260 php)

It gives you the pleasure of unwrapping your irresistible order of Sisig ni Mely.

Manyamang Gule

Laing with Dulong (190 php)

To lessen your guilt, why not balance with an order of Laing with Dulong?

Crispy Pata

Original Crispy Pata (100 php/100g)

That is.. before we proceed to the highlights of our meal.  Some prefer the Original Crispy Pata.

Pritson Pata (150 php/100g)

Perhaps because of my Chinese root and being used to eating peking duck that I had fun with the Pritson Pata.

Patang Demonyo (125 php/100g)

But, hey I dare all the spicy food lovers out there to try the Patang Demonyo.

Mapaling Sebo

Bulalong Baka with Mais (425 php)

One bang for the buck to order for sharing is their Bulalong Baka with Mais.

Mga Karne

Kare-Kare Buntot ng Baka (395 php)

One of the best to order is the Kare-Kare Buntot ng Baka. 

Merienda

Pansit Pusit (190 php)

For staple, you can skip the rice dishes for the Pansit Pusit or...

Pancit Puti (140 php)

the very interesting Pancit Puti.  How can be amazingly savory and delicious without any sauce???

Ispesyal Ning Bale

Bibingka Plain (120 php)

Save room for Bibingka

Puto Bumbong (110 php)

or Puto Bumbong.

Puto Bumbong (110 php)

and Puto Bumbong.

Panghimagas

Tibok-tibok with Latik (120 php)

But, when it comes to Kapampangan dessert, you shouldn't miss the Tibok-tibok with Latik.

Drinks