CASA REYES BISTRO FILIPINO: HERITAGE FILIPINO RECIPES AT ITS BEST

I have always loved my nanay's home cooked dishes. Growing up in Malabon, I remember waking up to the smell of ox tripe Kare-kare with lots of veggies and home cooked (not bottled bagoong); Tinumis, Malabon's dinuguan which is more sour than salty and should have libro libro (ox tripe again) as its main ingredient;  and ginataang Alimasag with kangkong.  Lunch with these dishes will only mean one thing >> unli rice! for me :) 

Sadly, I failed to get the recipes of how my nanay cooked these dishes and many more, before she left us.  Been trying to do some research, asking Malabon folks for recipes. But I am not successful. Up to now, we can't seem to duplicate her Menudo. So I plan, in the future, to make a book or dedicate a blog to Malabon cuisine and special sauces, in my quest to find out the secret recipe to my mom's cooking.

A SENSE OF NOSTALGIA AT CASA REYES BISTRO FILIPINO

A few days ago, I was invited to Casa Reyes Bistro Filipino at the Upper Level, Promenade Greenhills. Don't get confused, there is another branch of this Filipino restaurant in Connecticut Arcade. Both branches are owned by Ms. Christine Dayco.

My first impression of the restaurant >> NOSTALGIC.

It was as if I time travelled and got transported to lola's provincial house. With wooden furniture and accents, accessories that will remind you of childhood days before gadgets and bits and pieces that will remind you of the simple life of the past.  There were also several repurposed pieces that showed ingenuity and Pinoy craftsmanship. You just know that the owner of this restaurant put in a lot of effort in making you feel Pinoy na Pinoy.

Part of the restaurant's interior design, was the display of several photos of the family's matriarch -- from whom most of the recipes came from. 

Their artisanal pinoy gelatos are displayed in a cute sorbetero cart. Super cute.

CASA REYES BISTRO FILIPINO MUST-TRY DISHES 

Those who personally know Mrs.Wise, will know that I am a bit choosy when it comes to food. Maybe because I am very much partial to my nanay's style of cooking, and that when I dine out it will only be one of these three choices: Japanese, Mexican or Filipino.

But when I inspected the menu of Casa Reyes Bistro Filipino -- I had a big appetite slowly building up. A sense of excitement to have a sample of their dishes.  The selection are predominantly traditional Filipino dishes, which I heard were heritage recipes from Ms. Christine's family. She comes from a family of restaurateurs, and Mama Sita (the culinary icon and yes the woman behind the brand of sauces, marinades and more) is Ms. Christine's lola.

the flavor of this mechado brings back memories of
fiesta celebrations in Malabon, wherein mechado is a staple.
beef is VERY tender, melts in your mouth :)

Casa Reyes is well known for their barbecues, and this BBQ chops
is definitely one of the dishes that you must try, perfect
with Java Rice

this one is my FAVORITE!  the salty-smoky flavor of tinapa sits well wth
Kesong puti. How to eat: wrap the tinapa lumpia with lettuce
and put the mango salsa. I think I might have eaten 4 pieces hahaha! 

of course I expected the "sour" flavor of Malabon's dinuguan. But this
variety is more similar to my hubby's "Sinagan" (dinuguan in Tuguegarao).
The only difference is the crispy pork that goes with it.

Shrimp and Aligue sauce - perfect combination. 

the laing was not too spicy. the bagnet was crispy. I warn you...
if you order this, you might order a cup or two of rice. Delicious!

bagnet and pinakbet, two Ilocano staples. the rice enhanced the
flavor of the bagnet. But I kindda miss the veggies in the
pinakbet (I love veggies kasi)

Steak lovers alert!  the truffle butter is so creamy and buttery. the angus
rib eye melts in the mouth.

this dish reminds me of my nanay's Sarsiado recipe. I didn't
know that mango can be use for the sauce. Loved this
twist, and I will try it at home

the PERFECT dessert after eating those impressive Filipino dishes.
As you can see, this looks like an ordinary bibingka, with
salted egg. But when you dig in, OMG!  The cheesecake consistency
is a big surprise - soft, creamy, light and fluffy - but still having
that distinct bibingka taste. I swear, I think I can finish 5 of these in one sitting :) 

the perfect drink for authentic traditional Filipino food - buko! 

MRS.WISE VERDICT:

Wait... I am still recovering from the explosion of flavors in my mouth :)   I definitely gained weight from the gustatory experience. I sampled on everything. As in, every dish that were served. And that's not all, I finished two cups of gelatos - the mangga't suman and keso at pastillas. And I am not even a big fan of desserts :) 

Seriously, Casa Reyes Bistro Filipino is a worthwhile dining experience. The ambience puts you in the mood to celebrate your Filipino heritage - culture, tradition and culinary uniqueness. It is perfect for family celebrations - because you know you are served excellent food choices.  I also recommend this place - if you have balikbayan relatives and you want them to have a taste of Filipino dishes that they crave for years.  

Speaking of balikbayan relatives, Casa Reyes Bistro FIlipino can be the venue for your next family reunion/party. The ground floor can accommodate 35 people, and the second floor, 35 people too. 

They also have party platters that you can order.  

CASA REYES BISTRO FILIPINO.  OPERATING HOURS: 

MONDAY-THURS - 11am to 10pm

FRIDAY - 11am to 11pm

SATURDAY - 10am to 11pm

SUNDAY - 10am to 10pm