XO46 Heritage Bistro

There were several reasons for us to have a Sunday lunch out with Lola Dee and the Callars.  First, while both Tito King and Tito Robert were in New York, we have made it an annual habit to celebrate their birthdays in Manila--any reason to get the family together is a welcome event!  Second, it was Grandparent's Day, and by some twist of chance, the maitre d' of XO46 Heritage Bistro sent me a text message that their restaurant would be open to celebrate the event (they are usually closed on Sundays).  This restaurant, together with their newly opened Visayan Room, has taken the spot previously occupied by Nanohana Japanese restaurant along Valero St. in Salcedo Village, Makati, and I've been wondering much about the cuisine (which is why the maitre d' had my number).  Perfect time to dine with Lola Dee!

I like the interiors of the place--comfy, well decorated, and just about the right side to be intimate, without being cramped.  It's a nice place to take Balikbayan friends, just to enjoy and reminisce about Filipino food.  The menu items for the Heritage Bistro were chosen from well-loved Spanish-Filipino favorites all around the country, and Visayan Room had specialties from that region.  I understand the owners are from Dumaguete City, and that gives some assurance of the authenticity of the preparations.  We ordered a lot--garlic beef, beef adobo Batangas style, calamares en su tinta, Bicol laing, crispy pork belly, seafood in gata, and two different kinds of pancit (Lukban chorizo style and Visayan Bam-i).

Food was very flavorful, came it piping hot and smelling like heaven!  I found the cooking style a wee bit on the oily side though; however the kids didn't mind at all and finished everything on the table.  With drinks, the bill came up to around P400 per head, and I felt that was very reasonable for the feast that we had.  As part of their promotional efforts, the management gave us desserts on the house--ice cream topped with nilagang saba).

The view of the restaurant from Valero St.--while both restaurants share a kitchen, the Spanish-Filipino dishes are served at the Heritage Bistro (right door) while the Visayan dishes are served at the Visayan Room (left door).  The interiors of the Heritage Bistro are like old houses in Laguna and Vigan, while the Visayan Room is a bit more modern in style.  Being a heritage-concept restaurant, the staff are dressed in the old turn of the century "Maria Clara" style.  You can actually order from either menu, and the staff will happily serve the food to your table, whichever restaurant you are seated in.