Recently we veered away from international/regional/fusion cuisines and went completely Filipino in our usual dining dates.

We found a new restaurant with a catchy name and a few days later we were delightfully dining in an “old” establishment that has maintained serving perfectly cooked local fare through the decades.

The Morning After

Solenad, Nuvali Estates; tel. 2580819

That evening we were strolling down the commercial complex when our attention was caught by a restaurant called The Morning After.

Without having to guess what the menu was, we knew it was for Pinoys like us who love breakfast fare such as tocino and tuyo served any time of day. We looked at the menu offered by a lady at the door, and decided we wanted to have “breakfast” at dinnertime.

Dining area—Simplistic, like an upgraded carinderia,but bright and cozy.

Service—Kitchen was efficient. No long wait.

Staff—Accommodating. One did not need to wave to catch their attention. They refilled glasses immediately.

Suggested orders—What else but breakfast food? Each order was served on a wooden tray with all the dips, including slices of red onions in vinegar, in small saucers.

They came with a mound of rice (a choice of either garlic or plain). The Crispy Tuyo was not flaked but whole dried fish, the chicken adobo did smell of garlic, which was good. The beef salpicao, a departure from the usual breakfast set, was a bit of a disappointment. It was done with cubed beef, tough and very dry.

This restaurant did not forget others who may want something else. They serve burgers and other Western-influenced breakfast food.

Government and service charges are added to the bill. Senior cards are honored.

Rating

– 2 spoons

The Milky Way Restaurant

Paseo de Roxas, Makati City

This is one outfit that has stood the test of time. From its beginnings in Ermita, Manila, where diners delighted in their native food and the fabulous halo-halo, to this day with its full house daily, it cannot be faulted for any lapse in service and the quality of food it serves.

Dining area—Very busy. It is part of a complex owned by the family. It gets crowded, so come early if you have no reservations.

Service—Despite the full house, the kitchen efficiently functions.

Staff—Neat in their white tops and dark trousers, they always have smiles on their faces. Orders are taken swiftly.

Suggested orders—The big hit among Milky Way diners is the more than foot-long hito (cat fish) which is fried very crispy and served with mustasa sauce. We actually wonder where the restaurant manages to get the fish in uniform size.

That lunch we did not care about balanced diet and gave vent to our gastronomic desires. So we enjoyed the fish with kare-kare of tripe and beef in thick sauce and vegetables with bagoong, and paksiw na lechon.

But what would be a satisfying meal without the fabulous halo-halo? It is a must, anytime.

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

Rating

Rating – 3 Spoons