It’s a cool evening in the 1860’s – Manila is in a calm but frenzied rush as the Christmas season beckons. Strictly exclusive restaurants are filled with pure Kastillas, as they feast on traditional Spanish food and wine. Amidst the flamenco music being played by guitaristas, chatter and laughter from frailes, oficiales and the who’s who in Spanish-controlled Manila society fills the air.
With the Church bells ringing in the background and elderly ladies reciting prayers to herald in the festive time of the year, the illustrados, mestizos and educados, middle-society Filipinos, and even indios gather together in their own private places, not only to celebrate the onset of the season, but to discuss aspirations, doctrines and plans of gaining liberation and independence from Spain. It may be in one of these gatherings that a del Pilar, a Lopez-Jaena or even a Rizal was a passionate participant in the whispered discussions.
Their table fare consists of Spanish sausages, meats and cheeses. They combine these with native Filipino delicacies such as longganisa, dried beef and carabao cheese (kesong puti) to produce sumptuous meals to go with their wines and native brews. They shared, bonded and dreamt amidst a unique blend of small dishes that can be termed as “Kastinoy Tapas”. Uniquely Filipino with a Spanish twist. Through these interactions, heroes are born, ideas are formulated and brotherhoods are established. Brotherhoods – brothers – HERMANOS!
The food bloggers
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Borquirones ala Ibarra
fresh wakang fish fillet in lemon balsimic olive oil, this is pure win! I love the taste and the feel of the food to be semi exotic. Many people don't like to eat raw fish, but this one will make your taste buds happy. I love this and its a 5 star rating for me.
Bola Bola Paella Dela Guerra
made of deep fried paella rice with chili sauce, its kinda weird to deep fried a rice and turn it into a bola bola, but I enjoyed chomping this, sounds like a maki rice with food in it.
Tapang Usa de Katipunan
the talk of the town, many food bloggers recommend this meal, and my first time to eat and taste a "deer" meat. All softy, chewable and the after taste of it is great!, best serve with rice and coke or beer.
