Satisfying adventure in Fil-Mex flavors | Lifestyle.INQ

OCTOBER 27, 2022

Often, when we dine out, we leave the choice of where to eat to our family.

Most of the time we get happily surprised, like when we went to this Mexican restaurant, which we thought was only serving tacos. We shunned this in the past as we found it rather messy to eat, the fillings in the tortilla likely to spill. Same with quesadilla and burritos.

But this outlet serves more than these dishes, and we were pleased.

Silantro Fil–Mex restaurant in Solenad, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

The name must have evolved from Cilantro, which is the pungent, sweetish herb mostly used in Mexican cuisine. Its tagline is “Luchador de Comida” or Warrior of Food.

Dining area—The ambiance is masculine, almost like a gym. There is a big wall décor showing a warrior, presaging what could be a vigorous meal.

The main floor has a big square of decorative tiles at the center, but the pathway to the “little” room has a rough finish. Tables are made of sturdy wood.

Service—Kitchen is quick and apparently efficient.

Staff—Accommodating and pleasant.

What to order—Mexican cuisine has been greatly influenced by Indian and Spanish traditions. The contribution of the Aztec civilization is the cultivation of maize (corn), which has remained in Mexican cookery as a major element, used mostly in making tortillas, their bread.

As a wrap for tacos, quesadillas and burritos, the tortilla holds the fillings, which could include a variety of meat and vegetables.

These went well with our family. But we were up for something else; paella and lamb were on the menu, so we ventured to try them.

There were two pieces of boneless and tender lamb smothered with generous brown sauce served with two balls of mashed potato. The paella, topped with shrimps and mussels, had tortilla cones tucked into it, meant to be filled as Fajita Paella.

We did not discern the traditional saffron, but we welcomed the fresh flavor of the cilantro, the herb that normally characterizes Mexican dishes.

It was a welcome change of taste. It was one adventure for this diner, a satisfying one!

Service fee and government taxes are added to the bill. Senior cards are honored.

Rating—2 Spoons

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