Marikina's Hidden Treasure
I've been meaning to visit Patio Vera for months now ever since my sister went there with her friends and constantly raves about the really good food and unique interiors of Patio Vera.
Luckily I had an excuse to head over to Marikina one weekend so I immediately told my sister that we had to have dinner in Patio Vera.
Our friend Carl Garcia of Carabao Crafts was very kind to join us for dinner. His family actually owns Patio Vera, in which most of the dishes served at the restaurant are based from family recipes passed down from his aunt.
I've been meaning to visit Patio Vera for months now ever since my sister went there with her friends and constantly raves about the really good food and unique interiors of Patio Vera.
Luckily I had an excuse to head over to Marikina one weekend so I immediately told my sister that we had to have dinner in Patio Vera.
Our friend Carl Garcia of Carabao Crafts was very kind to join us for dinner. His family actually owns Patio Vera, in which most of the dishes served at the restaurant are based from family recipes passed down from his aunt.
One of the dining areas in the outdoor patio
All the interior decorations where uniquely done and meticulously designed by Carl's cousins and aunt.
The chandelier on top of our table gave a warm yet intriguing vibe.
Carl actually took us around their ancestral home located at the back of the restaurant which had the most amazing open air kitchen but I refrained from taking a picture because his aunt was there haha.
And comes the food...
Dinamita
Green chillies or siling mahaba stuffed with a chorizo and cheese mixture, which is wrapped with lumpia wrapper and then deep fried to golden and crip.
This alone was worth the trip to Marikina! Really liked the spicy kick of the siling mahaba enhanced by the chorizo but is mellowed down by the creamy, melted cheese. Definitely a party in your mouth!
Chicharon Sisig
This would be really good with beer.. we'll save that for next time!
This would be really good with beer.. we'll save that for next time!
Paella Negra
I don't think anything can get even more black than that! A really dark and flavorful paella rice generously topped with the an assortment of clams and shrimps.
Seafood Karekare
Lengua
Slowly stewed ox tongue with a really delicious, creamy mushroom sauce. I really enjoyed eating this paired with the paella negra. There was something with the creaminess of the mushroom sauce that just work well with the paella negra.
Ginataang Puso ng Saging
The puso ng saging (banana blossom) was nicely cooked, with a very tender bite all throughout which blended well with the flavorful coconut milk broth.
and for dessert.. Fried Halo Halo
This was just pure genius! Imagine halo-halo toppings such as minatamis na langka and mongo, placed inside a large pouch made of lumpia wrapper, deep fried, and then topped of with ice cream and even more halohalo toppings. Its as if they took everything good from a halo halo and made it better by deep frying it. A truly inventive and delicious dessert!
In true Marikina fashion, our bill came in an embellished shoe!
Patio Vera is truly a hidden treasure of Marikina, serves an elegant mix Spanish and Filipino dishes with a touch of a home-cooked feel. Together with the beautiful interiors and warm, inviting ambiance that's perfect for catching up with family and friends; Patio Vera is definitely something worth going to Marikina for.
Miks
Patio Vera
#70 Gen. F. Santos St.
Calumpang
Marikina
Philippines