Heavenly delights at Angel's Kitchen

Honey Garlic Spare Ribs

Pinakbet Rice

Oh, it has been a crazy new year. With so many things to be done both at home and work, the posts on this site had to take a backseat. I, however, have not stopped munching and eating and enjoying every bite of each new food discovery.
In fact, my camera phone refused to store new images because of the many things I have inputed in it. Gosh, I didn't realize that I am such a glutton.

Well, a fine discovery is Angel's Kitchen along Connecticut road in the Greenhills area. The visit to this cafe was long overdue and finally, my friend and I had lunch there a few days ago. Quaint and homey, Angel's Kitchen offers a sampling of different cuisines, from Filipino to American favorites and desserts that are proudly displayed in their modest chiller, enticing you to make sure that you do not leave the place without capping the meal off with a rich dessert.

We ordered the Honey garlic spare ribs and Pinakbet rice with Lechon Kawali. Our server was candid enough to say that meals are for sharing, which justifies the Php300+ cost per item. Be ready to wait for about 15 minutes for your order to arrive, but we were happily distracted with a serving of a chicken pistachio pate with melba toast that is, I suppose a favorite among regulars - what with its smooth and delicate flavors. Mind you, I am not a fan of pates but this one is really good.

So, our food arrives and yup, I would have to agree that the food is really for sharing. In fact, it is good for 3 should you order at least 2 items on the menu. The spareribs were coated with crisp, cornstarch based breading and tossed (last minute) in a mild honey glaze and generously sprinkled with garlic chips. Absolutely perfect, with its crunchy surface and a moist interior. The only thing that I noticed is that, given the generous amount of the spareribs, It was funny that they will serve it with a cup of steamed rice. Definitely not proportionate to the protein, if you ask me.

The pinakbet rice was equivalent to about 3 cups of rice with slices of the vegetables incorporated and it reminded me of the thai bagoong rice, but not quite. Though the prominent flavor was still the bagoong (shrimp paste), it also carried a balance of the sauteed garlic, onions and tomatoes inherent in pakbet. Topped with lechon kawali, am sure the Ilocanos would adore this one. Three huge slices of golden and crisp pork belly served with a siding of bagoong alamang drizzled with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) - what more can you ask for?

We truly enjoyed the entrees and was excited to try the dessert. We ordered the Malakoff which was made of sponge cake layered between nuts and buttercream icing and topped with chocolate ganache. Very european, so expect the sponge layers to be quite dry, resembling the texture of a ladyfinger. Perfect with cafe americano, I think I've died and gone to heaven.

This is the reason why, for each new year, eating less is definitely NOT in my resolution. Happy eating!