Monday, January 15, 2018

Casa Roces: Keeping the legacy alive

Unknown 12:57 AM Bagnet, Filipino food, Paella, Spanish

Casa Roces has been around as early as the Pre-World War II era. It was owned by one of the prominent families that survived through the generations of the Spanish, American and Japanese colony in the Philippines. This was also used to be the home of the National Artis Alejandro Roces, a freedom fighter and newspaper publisher Joaquin "Chino" Roces and painter and essayist Alfredo R. Roces, it was converted by Roces descendants Mercedes "Peachy" Prieto and her daughter Bianca Prieto-Santos into a Filipino-Spanish themed restaurant. Located just across the Malacanang palace, the restaurant feels elegant yet dated because of the interior, the different frames displayed on the wall.

We ordered Sopa Molo Castiliana and Oyster Mushroom Frittura as our appetizers, Callos a la Abuelita, Pinakbet with Vigan Bagnet, Pork Stew Binagoongan and Paella Valenciana as our main entrees and we ended our meal with Turon a la Mode and Leche Flan Brulee

Sopa Molo Castiliana (good for 3, 210php) - A rich garlic soup with deep fried pork dumplings, poached egg and parsley. Comfort food that started our meal

Sopa Molo Castiliana

Oyster Mushroom Frittura (200php) - Oyster mushrooms deep fried to perfection and served with spicy marinara. The fried oyster really complemented well with the spicy marinara sauce.

Oyster Mushroom Frittura

Callos a la Abuelita (315php) - Soft tripe stew with chorizos and chick peas. The soft tripe paired chorizo's are spot on to our palate.

Callos a la Abuelita

Pinakbet with Vigan Bagnet (210php) - Stewed vegatables in bagoong Balayan topped with crunchy pork. The stewed vegatables balances out the deadly yet sumptuous bagnet on this meal.

Pinakbet with Vigan Bagnet

Pork Stew Binagoongan (310php) - Crunchy pork belly with string beans and cherry tomatoes sauteed in shrimp paste

Pork Stew Binagoongan

Paella Valenciana (565php) - Classic Valenciana style paella with chicken, pork, clams, mussels with chorizo and hard boiled egg toppings. One of the best paella that I have tasted.

Paella Valenciana

Turon a la Mode (165php) - Fried banana rolls filed with ube jam served with caramel langka sauce and mantecado ice cream

Turon a la Mode

Leche Flan Brulee (415php) - Rich custard coated with caramelized sugar

Leche Flan Brulee

Overall, we really did enjoyed dining in this restaurant. The food was superb, the ambiance was cozy and this is a perfect place for people to relax, unwind and enjoy the legacy and heritage that this restaurant offers. Reservation on this restaurant (especially for large groups) are highly recommended. Valet parking is available.