Amid the enthusiasm and fanfare for Madrid Fusion in Manila, we discovered a new restaurant with a Spanish name in busy Parañaque.

The Paseo Comida, with its Old World ambiance, evokes memories of a past era.

Paseo Comida

A. Santos Ave. (Sucat Rd.), Parañaque; tel. 8093840

Two friends led us to this eatery tucked away in the compound where the popular chicken restaurant reigns supreme. It offers a diverse Filipino menu which hardly competes with the chicken place.

Paseo means stroll or a path. Comida refers to food. Indeed, this is a path to value-for-money meals.

Dining area—This place reminds this diner of meals enjoyed in Batangas, where the family matriarch reigned supreme in the huge comedor, where a long table could seat 20 —sons and daughters with in-laws and grandchildren who must eat all together, their version of today’s bonding.

Paseo Comida’s comedor is done in dark brown and beige, with antique-looking lamps hanging from the high ceiling. At the center is a hardwood round table with carved legs and high-back chairs done in a combination of solihiya and carved wood. On one side is a typical old home cupboard that functions as service table.

Kitchen—Fast, quick
Service —Gracious, helpful
Staff—Neat in black uniforms
Suggested orders—It is obvious that giving customers value for money is the mission of the owner. Dishes are mostly single-serve, and each is from P85 up. Yet diners can share as the four of us did, with two servings per plate.

Hot nilaga broth was served as we went over the menu.

We found the Sinabawang Tuna very tasty and soothing. The Laing, garnished with shrimp and chili, was spicy enough. The Dinuguan was just how our late lola did it. The Lechon Kawali (actually bagnet) was crispy, cut into bite-size pieces.

The Palitaw dessert completed our memories of the food of yesteryears, still delicious today.

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

Rating – 2 Spoons