flavoured Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

August 23, 2013 by Janey

Somebody mentioned Lolo Dads during a table conversation and my friend Irene piped in, “hey, that’s Jane’s favorite restaurant.” I looked at her slightly bewildered like an illicit love affair was exposed. “How did you know?” I asked. She said, “Of course, I’m your friend. I know Lolo Dads is your favorite.”

That’s just how friends are… they know your heart and its desires. In this case, she has probably seen my photos of Lolo Dads dinners of past and likely has heard me say countless times that it’s my all-time favorite (when I don’t think about Antonio’s or vice versa –these two have an ongoing battle of who’s first inside my heart).

Take A New Flavor Turn

Of Mince and Men

Before the crazy month of August hit, like the universe conspired to bring back an old flame, I found myself back at Lolo Dads. Last time I visited was December but I didn’t realize how much longing was present until the first plate was brought out.

On the Table

Ahi Tuna Loin and Marinated Salmon, Grilled Watermelon with Soy Vinaigrette and Aioli P440 / P260

Whenever at Lolo Dads, I choose between a degustacion special of the month / season or just go ala carte. This specific dinner, we started with the All of the Above Appetizer Sampler (P1960), a tasting portion of all the starters, served family style. I think this is the best way to taste and share all the starters.

The ahi tuna loin tasted fresh and light. Tucked underneath is the marinated salmon stealing the scene from the tuna adding a richer aspect, its salmon meat creamy and continued towards the outer cover of the grilled watermelon. The watermelon block then bursts in the mouth with its juice almost erasing the slightest fish element.

Seared Duck Liver and Pate de Foie Gras, Pear Confit, Mesclun Salad, and Cranberry Compote P1320 / P795

Rich, buttery and delicate, the duck liver had a beautiful tan from its sear adding that layer of smokiness. The pear confit sheds a sheet of sweetness and helps cut through the sinful richness of the foie gras. [Read more…]

Take a New Flavor Turn with Anchor Maple Butter

January 8, 2013 by Janey

Right before Christmas Day, exactly 5 nights prior, I was invited to a mystery dinner. Since it was December 20, Thursday going to a weekend, I anticipated Christmas traffic would be crazy and I almost begged off. I sure am glad I didn’t. Some mysteries are better left revealed.

Quietly tucked amidst the busy highway of Quirino Avenue, Lolo Dad’s was our destination. When the location of the restaurant was exposed, my nerves were jittering in excitement. The two times I have dined at Lolo Dad’s were exceptional. Every serious foodie in the Philippines has probably engaged in a dialogue about glorious unforgettable food of Lolo Dad’s. The original café serves as the ancestral house-cum-restaurant of the Ayuyaos and is run by the owner/manager, Christopher L. Ayuyao, and Carminia Ayuyao Manuel with her husband Chef Ariel I. Manuel.

The illustrious Chef Ariel Manuel distinguished as the most awarded chef in the country and one of the well-respected in the industry was the man that Anchor Butter challenged and partnered with to introduce their newest member of the family.