Healthy eating is something I plan to do every day. And there is no doubt in my mind that if I could achieve this religiously for three to four days, I would feel great. I would move better in badminton, my step would be lighter and there would be less guilt whenever I see my cardiologist, Dr. Eric Pascual, whom I play badminton with.
I was driving and headed for Makati not knowing exactly where to have lunch. I was scanning my restaurant memory bank and waiting for something to jump out. It was a choice between Bacolod Chicken House and a place with “healthy food.” (I try to have lunch four to five hours before I play to ensure full digestion and thus will have no excuse for losing.)
At Bacolod Chicken, I would have to eat garlic rice and might not make my digestion schedule. So, I decided to go healthy and vegetarian at Wabi Sabi on Malugay Street.
But driving along Yakal, I made a U-turn to Malugay and quickly saw a sign—“ H Cuisine, Home of the Most Amazing Angus Beef Belly.”
Those words kept flashing on my mind and the temptation of having healthy vegetarian food was about to fly out the window. I got to Wabi Sabi parking, didn’t stop but drove back to the H restaurant.
Boy, what a discovery!
I had doubts when I walked in because there was only one table occupied. But I had once experienced a delicious beef belly at chef Jay Gamboa’s Cirkulo and never forgot that. ( I also love his sisig.) So I kept my hopes up.
I ordered “The Most Amazing Angus Beef Belly.” This is slow-roasted fork-tender beef served with demi glace gravy and rice. Instead of rice, I ordered mashed potato. Hala, wala nang diet diet! (And I never thought again of being full that badminton afternoon!)
Beef brisket
The plate came with four thick slices of tender fat-laced beef brisket. On the side were crunchy mixed vegetables, half chunks of mini baked potato and on the side some hot gravy.
I poured some gravy on my side order of mashed potato and began my ritual. I had a slice of beef without the gravy first just to see if I needed anything to enhance that flavor.
It was melt-in-your-mouth tender. The fat melted and one could taste the great quality of this Angus beef. Sarap!
Then I tried it again but with gravy and a fork full of mashed potato. Wow, another notch higher!
Occasionally, I would take a bite of the buttered veggies. But I zeroed in on those beef slices.
The first thing that came to mind when I took my first bite was my family. I have to take them here.
Then I thought of you, my readers. You guys will love this! Being “takaw-mata,” I also ordered a Roasted Chicken Panini. Also good but I suggest you focus on the beef belly.
I will continue trying to eat healthy but when faced with tempting good food, I know I will fail. At least I don’t have to confess this as sin.
H Cuisine, Home of the Most Amazing Angus Beef Belly is located at 7427 Yakal St. , San Antonio Village, Makati City; tel. 8872370, 0917-5908000.
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