At nearly 2 o’clock in the afternoon, one day after accomplishing multiple errands, this diner and company sought a good place to have a late lunch, and maybe placate our complaining tummies.
Belly Rub
2/L, CommerCenter, Commerce Ave., Filinvest Alabang; tel. 8936967
Our dining buddy has heard of a certain Tummy Rub. It turned out the place is really called Belly Rub, conjuring an image prevalent in small towns (or even in city street-corners) where bare-chested men would rub their bellies the size of basketballs while sitting on benches after a satisfying meal or snack at the carinderia (small eatery).
So off we went to Belly Rub, anticipating a soothing meal at least.
Dining area—Nothing showed it was ever inspired by small-town eateries. It has walls painted in colorful Aztec designs, suggesting it serves a Tex-Mex-inspired fare. The place is small; maybe not many people have heard of it yet because we were the only diners then. There is a TV monitor on one wall, upholstery is in mauve.
Service—Kitchen staff was efficient and quick.
Wait staff—We noted only one male wait staff, but another gentleman, presumably a supervisor, was occasionally checking on how we were doing, which was quite well.
Suggested orders—Ceviche, thin slices of white fish marinated in citrus juice, dusted with Toasted Panko (an innovation on the traditional Latin American appetizer, with chili. This started us on what we anticipated as a satisfactory lunch.
We had small plates of Salpicao with Blue Cheese that gave the meat a new flavor. Seared Tuna in Toasted Sesame Soy with Mayonnaise, and the big Boneless Pork Belly Thrice-Cooked with Lemon Salt and the Argentina sauce of chimichurri, done with a savory blend of olive oil, vinegar, chopped parsley, cayenne, onion and garlic sprayed with black pepper.
Then the Peruvian Roast Chicken, reminiscent of the popular Peri-Peri. In spite of these we had the rich Apple Crumble for dessert.
It was really a delicious meal that satisfied our hunger.
Government and service charges are added to the bill. Senior citizen cards are honored.
Rating
– 3 Spoons