Filpino fine dining with a twist of history at Romulo Cafe

Posted at 6:06 pm September 16, 2011

Tags: Food Establishments, Truly Pinoy Food and Drinks

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By Anna Valmero

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA—Dining at Romulo Cafe will tickle both your mind and tastebuds.

“We started out Romulo Cafe in honor of the late Carlos Romulo, which many refer to as the first global Filipino and who was really a Filipino in word and deed,” says Yong Nieva, co-owner of Romulo Cafe.

“My family friend and the granddaughter of the old man, Sandie Squillantini, approached me and my wife (interior designer Ivy Almario) for the restaurant and we immediately said yes to the concept knowing his contributions to the Philippines.”

“To borrow the words of his granddaughter, Romulo Cafe is our little way of paying tribute to the man and to remind the younger Filipino generation who Carlos Romulo is and his significance in our history,” added Nieva.

Romulo served under eight Philippine presidents – from Manuel Quezon to Ferdinand Marcos. As a soldier during World War II, he was a brigadier general in the US Army and received the Purple Heart and the Silver Star for his service, while also a major general in the Philippine Army.

He was also a prolific writer and was named National Artist for Literature in 1982 and later on, was conferred the first Bayani ng Republika Award for his outstanding service to the Filipino nation and the rank of Raja of the Order of Sikatuna, an honor usually reserved for heads of state.

“He wrote the piece ‘I am A Filipino’ and I think it summarizes his vision of who a Filipino really is. That is also why we placed a copy of the whole passage on one of the restaurant’s walls,” said Nieva.

“We hope that we can cater to the younger market so that students will get to know Romulo in case they do not know him yet. This way, they will become proud of being a Filipino,” he added.

If you were thinking that the twist of history would make the restaurant less appealing (or maybe, boring), think again. Almario converted the place into a classic work of art, with dominant black and white hues and a signature floral design inspired by the steelworks from Romulo’s former mansion.

Almario said that the large black and white tiles on the ground floor were customized and handpainted to replicate the original black and white tiles of the Romulo mansion. To recapture the relaxed vibe of the Romulo’s ancestral house, they also used sofa and longue chairs instead of individual stools.

The art deco inspired interiors and plush furniture were highlighted by sepia photos of the late statesman and his affairs as a journalist, statesman and soldier. The framed photos were reproduction of the original copies kept by Romulo’s granddaughter.

As for the restaurant’s menu, it is one to tickle tastebuds as it includes the Filipino-Spanish dishes that were usually served at the old mansion, with a little twist based on the recipes of family members.

The restaurant offers all-time favorite Filipino dishes that are named after prominent figures in the family. Bestsellers include Tito Greg’s Kare-Kare (350 pesos), Flying Tilapia With 3 Sauces of Sweet Chili, Honey Bagoong and Pickled Ampalaya and Soy Vinegar (290 pesos), Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso (295 pesos), Boneless Crispy Pata Binagoongan (595 pesos), Pomelo Salad (240 pesos).

The entrees go well with their pandan rice (25 pesos per cup).

Of these bestsellers, I found the sinigang na salmon sa miso perfect for any given day, especially when its served hot. The steam from the broth will quickly prepare you for a gastronomical delight that is a twist from the usual sinigang na bangus. Meanwhile, the crispy pata is crunchy and tender at the same time.

The number of patrons of the restaurant grew by word of mouth, proof of the impeccable dishes and gracious service that they offer to guests. Nieva added that they do not prepare the food ahead of the orders to keep it fresh when served.

“We have not done any advertising about the restaurant and we know what the power of referrals meant so we see to it that each guest fully enjoys his or her stay here so that in turn they will come back here again or recommend it to their friends.”

At full capacity, the two-storey restaurant can seat 200 persons. Usually, you can dress in your comfortable casual attire for lunch and don your cocktail dresses for dinner. Rental of a small function room is around 5,000 pesos while medium to large function room costs between 10,000 to 12,000 pesos.

Before the year ends, Nieva said they will open a branch along Jupiter Street in Makati City.

Get more information about Romulo Cafe