SANDY ROMULO-SQUILLANTINI pays homage to her grandfather, the foremost Filipino diplomat, journalist and soldier, Carlos P. Romulo, with the lovely new restaurant Romulo Café. Growing up with a grandfather who was bigger than life left many impressions on her, and from this she has found a most delicious way to make a new generation learn about him while encouraging nationalistic pride.
Romulo Café, which occupies a grassy corner lot, brings urban-chic designer décor and a Filipino-Spanish menu to the tree-lined streets of an older residential area in Quezon City. Designed by Ivi Almario, the café has Asian Modern lines: Angular spaces, glass walls and open areas with a South Beach Miami art deco era mood to it. Predominantly white with black and white chessboard-tiled floors, it comes alive with printed fabric covered walls in cool lime green.
The various dining spaces are decorated with the great diplomat’s photographs arranged according to highlights in his illustrious career, from his years as a young soldier to his years as ambassador, and eventually as President of the United Nations General Assembly.
There are three private rooms on the second floor named Kasiyahan (after Carlos P. Romulo’s house), Kaligayahan (after the Baguio vacation house) and Kapayapaan (highlighting his years as President of the University of the Philippines). All the rooms are decorated in different pastel colors and exude refinement and simplicity.
The glass-enclosed outdoor terrace is decorated with photographs of Carlos P. Romulo with the different Philippine presidents under whom he served as cabinet member.
Perfect perch
The area fronting the street creates a perfect perch for those who like to stay outdoors and chat over drinks.
On the wall of the restaurant leading to the upstairs dining area is Romulo’s oratorical piece, “I am a Filipino.”
It’s a new and casual way of incorporating history into a modern setting while giving the place character and mood.
Geared to casual eating, relaxed socializing and comfort food dining, Romulo’s menu has a certain familiarity that appeals to all age groups. “The menu includes a lot of family recipes like my Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno, still made the old-fashioned way by the family cook. The Boneless Crispy Pata Binagoongan is already a bestseller, as well as the Bagoong Rice and our Flying Tilapia. We get families especially on Sundays who come for a big Sunday lunch. The place is friendly for a diverse mix of people who like to have their Filipino comfort food in a bright, airy and chic setting,” says Sandy.
Romulo Café, with its laidback, urban flair is a breath of fresh air in a part of town that’s normally associated with chain restaurants, fastfood outlets, beer joints, pubs and institutional steak houses. The corner lot was a great find in an area named after the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, an organization co-founded by Carlos P. Romulo.
Clearly pride of place and ownership is apparent in Romulo Café’s surroundings. While it counts families, TV and show biz personalities (because of its proximity to two giant television network stations), among its regulars, it should draw even the most dedicated Makati urbanite to this part of Quezon City.
The General must be very pleased.
Romulo Café (3327273), is located on 32 Scout Tuason corner Scout Lazcano, Tomas Morato, Quezon City. Open for lunch, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and dinner, 6-11 p.m.
