A Celebration Must-Have: S.A.L.O. Lechon Belly Kitchen

Christmas is just around the corner, yet I could barely feel it. Sure, the breeze is a bit cooler than usual. But the lack of festive and colorful lights make it seem like galaxies away. The coronavirus coupled with damages caused by several typhoons has dampened our high spirits. But we should not let it stop us from celebrating this special occasion with our loved ones. And I'm so glad to discover the perfect Filipino spread that will surely tickle everyone's taste buds!

Hello, S.A.L.O. Lechon Belly Kitchen.

Its name says it all. S.A.L.O. is a food concept that specializes in Filipino dishes that are great for gatherings and potlucks. Its highlighted product, lechon belly, is a sure hit at any party with its perfectly crispy skin and succulent meat. 

Best Crispy Pata in Town: Livestock PH

There are times when I have intense cravings to the point that I find it hard to sleep as I just have to sink my teeth into whatever I’m craving. Two weekends ago, I had a sudden craving for crispy pata at 12:15 a.m.. Luckily, W was game to try Livestock PH as he heard that it’s one of the restaurants that serve the best crispy pata in Manila and he personally knows the owner. (No, we didn’t get discount.)

It took us over an hour just to get to Livestock PH and we were both hungry. We were fortunate though that we easily got a parking space.

Hello, Livestock PH!

When we arrived, there was no table in the no-smoking area that could accommodate us so we agreed to stay at the al fresco area while waiting for a table inside. Again, it was a lucky night as no one was smoking then.

We decided to order the following: Melts-in-your-mouth Crispy Pata (PHP590), Not-an-Ordinary Kare-Kare (PHP396), Vegetable and Seafood Pot (PHP255), Salted Egg Rice (PHP98). I also ordered a Red Cucumber Slushie (PHP105).

It took them over 45 minutes to serve our food and W and I already ran out of topics to talk about.

Finally, the highlight of the night was served.

I enjoyed watching the server chopping the crispy pata with a popsicle stick. Too bad W was in the washroom while the food was served.

Home of Kare-Kareng Bagnet: Pino Resto Bar

Our second food stop during our first Maginhawa food trip this 2012 was Pino Resto Bar as I have been eying its Choco Turon for some time now.

Hello, Pino!

 

I can’t help notice the cute doodles on the wall of Pino upon entering. It definitely gave the restaurant an artistic vibe.