Bubba first found out about this secret place in a magazine. Bubba called the number trying to place a reservation but it was a packed night –as the usual in most days. Bubba tried calling again right after mass last Sunday around 830pm and fortunately as fate would have it, we were advised that we can be accommodated that evening.
After hearing mass at Sanctuario de San Jose and running quick errands at Shangri-la, Bubba and I headed out to Maginhawa St –the famed street laced with interesting foodie discoveries. It wasn’t very difficult to locate VGIB (Van Gogh is Bipolar), just tread along Maginhawa St. in Sikatuna Village and look for the landmark, Redbuck’s. That pathway going to the inner duplex will lead you to an evening you would definitely remember.
There is a sign on the door that says, “Welcome! Please remove your shoes. Thank you,” which reminded me of my own “Shoe Stop” sign (thanks to my good friend Mon for the artwork!) I placed by the door of my condo several years ago. I held intimate dinners with groups of friends frequently in my small rental condo unit and was really anal-retentive obsessive-compulsive about the grime that “shoes” bring in. That’s why I’ve asked guests to remove their shoes and if possible, disinfect their feet with the wipes/alcohol before coming in. All my friends can attest to how squeaky-clean my condo was and how spotless the floor was. It wasn’t only my neat freak attitude kicking in, but also, engaging with a clean “base” (feet) makes for a fresh and raw/natural ambience –open and free.
Van Gogh’s Front Door
Replica of the “Shoe Stop” sign I had at the condo
Back to Van Gogh, my jaw dropped at the sight of the living art space –make that art and food space. The span of art in every corner and inch of the room emits so much energy that one can’t help but be stirred.
I seriously love this old-fashioned cabinet (reminds me of my Grandma’s cabinet)
The bell clonked and our attention immediately shifted to the face behind the little kitchen window placing newly cooked dishes on the counter. We meet Jetro, a travel photographer and the creative director behind the art and food of Van Gogh is Bipolar. He good-naturedly welcomed us to his rousing abode.
Upon my probing, Jetro shares the story behind VGIB and alludes that people misconstrued this sanctuary of his as a mere “restaurant.” It is not. This is, first and foremost, Jetro’s private refuge, where his most intimate of thoughts and talents weave into a creative spin.
Before anything else, read the House Rules. Key word: Self-service. No one waits after you. After perusing the nonconforming menu that informs one about ingredients that release happy enzymes, Bubba wrote our orders on a sheet of paper and gave it to the kitchen.
As we patiently wait for what the kitchen offers, we stuffed ourselves visually with the artistic splendor of his apartment. Unique is probably the word that guests usually mouth off stepping into VGIB. Other than being distinctive, I would say that the place is quite engaging. The naked eye sees the red graffiti wall at one end of the room, 2 regular coffee tables with seats, 2 low coffee tables with rugs/pillows for sitting/lounging, and a main dining table for groups of 5 or more. But other than the obvious, there is so much stimulating vibe in the whole room radiating from the different quirky art pieces hanging, etched, written, deconstructed, and basically pieced together.
I wish I had my own boudoir that channels my very own energy and thoughts in the spaces between.
On the Table
Spanish Plum Mint Tea PHP 55
The engagement doesn’t stop with the furnishings and art fixtures –it stems to the food as well. When you order tea, you choose your own pot from the table decked with teapots, shot glasses and tea/coffee jars. Tagged on the menu as an “Extra Upper,” it is mint tea with blend of premium quality organic Spanish plum tealeaves. The teacup is decorated with a lone fresh mint leaf. Pour yourself a warm start to an elevated food experience.
Axl Rose’s Egg Shot PHP 25
Organic egg submerged in hot water for 5 minutes served in its eggshell and with honey mustard or Jetro’s special black sauce. The shot glass is already filled with the wild honey and special black sauce. The food in itself is again very interactive. You crack your own egg, carefully pour the yolk and whites inside, stir the mixture and do the shot. Bubba valiantly tried the shot and said that it can perk you up immediately. Texture wasn’t slimy and was more of a soup shooter full of protein with a hint of balsamic sweetness that perks the mood.
Egg is an excellent source of protein that gives that “extra kick” you need especially when soft-boiled.
Pres Clinton’s Meal – Van Gogh Rice PHP 275
Grilled Aussie Lambchops with organic black mountain rice with olive oil/bagoong sauce and olive oil/soy sauce base.
Despite having read (in another blog) a not-so-good feedback on the lamb chops, I boldly ordered it, knowing that one man’s claim might be another woman’s tasty treasure. Boy, am I so glad that I didn’t let that stray me away. The lamb chops were brimming with flavor, balanced out well by the organic black mountain rice that’s full of texture. Add a distinct layer of flavor by dabbing a bit of the black mint/rosemary semi-sweet sauce. Try a shade of saltiness by dabbing it in the bagoong with sprit of calamansi sauce.
There’s a slice of orange as garnish. Take a citrus route and get the pulps on your rice. I also loved the fresh herbs such as the stalk of marigold and basil in the dish –giving a fresh minty note that pulls the dish together.
Emperor’s Fish PHP 255
Bubba was supposed to order Roosevelt –a salmon dish that’s a house specialty but they ran out. Bubba opted to get the Emperor’s Fish. It was a special of the day. I wasn’t able to note what kind of fish was served but it tasted clean and light like sole. The fish was moist and cooked perfectly. The Emperor’s Fish was also accompanied by organic mountain rice.
Jim Carrey’s Sardines PHP 99
This is usually accompanied by mountain rice but since they ran out, we were asked if we wanted it served with pasta instead –of course! Variety is always welcomed. Bubba and I both liked the sardines that had a tinge of spiciness that wakes up the senses.
Mel Gibson’s Darkest Sins (2) PHP 125 each
It’s a vodka shot deep in dark chocolate with walnut and almond. When you take the shot, get wonderfully overwhelmed with the dark chocolate… slowly and smoothly, a shadow of bitter liquorish flavor travels in your buds… and steadily, you feel warmth in your mouth, then feel the heat or intensity crawling up to your throat and nose, surrendering a fervor inside. An hour later on your way home, the impression it left you is still vivid.
Thanks Jetro for welcoming us in your “world”.
In the coming weeks, Jetro will no longer accept walk-ins and will fully focus on by-reservation format only. Cooking is a fondness of his and he wants to be able to share this in a happy busy kitchen but not a frenzied one.
Van Gogh is Bipolar is an almost full encounter of Jetro’s senses –from visual art to textural and taste experience of his food concoctions. The dishes are bright and delightful. Place is charming, the food are innovative and on the whole, experience is utterly memorable. It is already a treat in itself to meet someone as passionate as Jetro.
Leave with an inspiration.
Van Gogh is Bipolar
154 Maginhawa St.
Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
(632) 394 0188
0929 163 8592
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Recent Table Guest