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

Guess where I was again last Tuesday night?

I guess this entry’s title kinda give it away huh? 😉 Patrick and Eric invited me out to celebrate Mr. Engineer’s birthday (referring to the latter because Pat still hasn’t found the need to take the board exams). The initial plan was to have dinner and drinks somewhere in Eastwood (which is nearer to my area) but plans suddenly changed because Eric and Jaja were coming from the South. Eric asked if we could meet at the Fort and wanted my suggestion on where to eat. I wasn’t answering his numerous calls. I was about to throw a bigger tantrum (these two mongrels had to make up for something else too) since I wasn’t in the mood to drive all the way to the Fort.

However, writing Gino’s Eats and Beats entry yesterday got me craving for their dishes. And I suddenly didn’t mind driving to Makati. Not even the ghastly strong winds could stop me.

As Fate would have it, it was a fairly easy drive to Makati –with moderate moving traffic, it took us only 20 minutes to get to Gino’s. When we opened the door, Gino recognized Bubba and waved “welcome” with a smile. I was a bit surprised to see him there on a Tuesday night but it’s noticeable that passion fuels the fellow. Soon after, Patrick arrived. Not long after, Eric and Jaja arrived. As usual, I took care of ordering the dishes… and I kept one eye closed not minding the prices. Pat said that Eric was footing the tab… and this was part of my “punishment.” 😉

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On the Table

Mushroom and Artichoke Spread PHP 160

Buttered slices of bread toasted and cut into soft bread logs creatively stacked Jenga-style. Sliced artichoke hearts and mushroom in a creamy cheese mixture –smooth with a bit of body in the texture. Certainly one of the appetizers you’d want the group to start with.

Truffle Mushroom Pasta PHP 245

Eric, Jaja and I kept grabbing this plate almost like we were doing a hand dance routine. Al dente pasta cooked soft but with a bite is fragrantly tempting the senses due to the aromatic truffle cream base teamed up with sizeable button mushroom (and bits of cheese and onion and bacon?). Feel luxury brimming in your taste buds in a simple pasta dish.

Grilled Angus Belly PHP 305

Three palm-sized Angus belly square chops grilled to the right doneness that doesn’t make the meat dry. Get an ample amount of grilled fat together with the tasty beefy meat. I didn’t even touch the sauce that accompanied it. I fervently wish there were more.

Angus Belly Salpicao PHP 270

I asked the wait staff the difference between the Greatest Salpicao (what we had last time) and the Angus Belly Salpicao. Greatest Salpicao’s cut comes from the tenderloin part, which means it’s leaner while the Angus Belly Salpicao is from the belly which has fatter parts. Fatty parts bring music to my ears so I decided to try that one this time. Life is too short to worry about grease. The Angus belly bits are soaked in this brown garlicky sauce and Bubba and Pat just had to each get a cup of white rice to soak that flavor in.

Shrimp Poppers (Free)

Gino was kind enough to send over a plate of shrimp poppers. Semi-crispy and crumbly exterior with delectable shrimp inside served with what I think is light mayo with blue cheese. Wipe-out in a flash.

Wings Platter (9 pieces) PHP 405

I ordered 5 pieces of Buffalo and 4 pieces of Honey Mustard for variety.

Greatest French Toast PHP 150

One warning: do not leave Gino’s without having dessert… or rather without having his Greatest French Toast. It’s basically French Toast lavishly spread with addicting Nutella for sheer pleasure. It’s topped with slices of banana and whipped cream with cherry on top. I’m not big on desserts but this one keeps me all happily frenzied with not being overly sweet which also reveals varied layers of flavor from the banana, whipped cream and nutella.

Oh, and you can cross order cocktail drinks from Distillery. I had an apple martini and it was interestingly perfect with the French toast. The boys had 8 bottles of beer between themselves.

At half past 10pm, our usual chatter goes nonstop but the place transformed into a cozier lodge. The lights dimmed while the brilliant music continued. I looked at Eric and he seemed to be enjoying a fab post-birthday dinner –casual and laidback as it is. It’s not like this every day in Tacloban I guess –that’s where he is based for work now. He returns home to Manila at least twice a month. I think what he appreciates most is the company of friends. He has made new friends there but nothing beats home or the comfort of old friends.

Because I cannot let the evening pass without Eric making his celebratory “blowing the birthday candle” moment, I ordered another plate of the Greatest French Toast and Bubba had the wait staff prop a lighted candle there. Maybe it’s also my excuse to have one wrapped to go because I knew Eric and Jaja enjoyed the dessert so much. Right on cue, Jaja and I (with Pat and Bubba chiming in) started singing the Happy Birthday song (albeit too loudly I think) and after a string of blowing (Bubba claims the air kept coming from Eric’s nose) and relighting the “question mark” candle, Eric finally made his 2010 birthday wish.

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Light’s out

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Again, again, again

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Make a wish!

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It’s my turn! 😉

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HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ENGR.IC! 🙂

BIG HUG!

Engr. Eric and Janey

Eric’s Bday 2008

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Celebrating Passing the Board

Moomba | Embassy 2005

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The Flash and Me After Embassy

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Have you tried Gino’s? Slouch back on your seat and feel the beats featuring the best of House and Hip Hop music and get into the eating groove with the best comfort food in Makati. Visibly and tastefully a one-stop shop for all your favorite comfort dishes.