I mentioned in my previous (outfit) post that I had dinner at Guernica's for my friend's birthday celebration and now I made a separate entry to talk about the food I had that evening. The Spanish restaurant has been operating for more than 5 decades now, way before I even existed as an embryo. Deemed to have the best paella in town, Guernica's Tapas Bar and Restaurant, has already established a name in the food business. It was my first time to hear about this restaurant so I did a little digging and found a brief background about how it came to be - the name Guernica's is actually the hometown of Senor Hemachea, founder of one of the first Spanish restaurants in the Philippines. It was then turned over to antique collector, Mr. Romeo Bauzon, who proceeded to make the business triumphant in serving delicious Spanish cuisine. The branch I dined in is located in Santana Grove along Sucat Road and sits comfortably in a crowd of other restaurants and shops.
It's been a while since I've seen my friends from high school. Well, the last time we saw each other was a couple months back but we make it a point to get together every so often just to catch-up. Our favorite scheme when it comes to gatherings always involves food. So I guess it's safe to say that everyone in our circle loves to eat. I mean, each of us would probably always be eating for 2 or 3 people. We are growing (?) kids after all. Anyway, enough of the jibber-jabber. Let's shift to more about the dinner, yes?
This is Zabeth or "Zaboga" as I like to tease her sometimes. We've been good friends since 4th year high school and I recall going to her house during her birthday and her mum would cook such palatable paella. This time though, both Zabeth and her dad celebrated their birthdays together (actually, it was more of a pre-celebration for her but conjoined celebrations are better than one!). Her dad is of Spanish descent and both her parents frequent Guernica's, which explains why they picked this venue to throw a party.
I could tell that this place was a family restaurant, where people gather to eat good food, listen to music and enjoy each other's company. They've got awesome service too. One of the main things that I look for in a good restaurant is how the staff interacts with their customers - not only were they pleasant and courteous, but they also projected a sense of ardency. Whilst eating, we were also serenaded by the restaurant's singers and even though most were focused on the food and the guests, I find it so admirable when people put their heart into entertaining a hungry crowd (literally). :)
I love buffet spreads! That's exactly why I was excited to fill my plate when I saw the different food lined-up on the buffet table. The entree I went for was their fried chicken coated with herbs with thin-cut fries on the side. The chicken was juicy and tender (no, this isn't my attempt to copy Jollibee's commercials) and the french fries added a nice touch to the meat. It was a combination of two of my favorite things - chicken and fries. So, going back for a second round was really not a question anymore.
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| Bread basket Two words that spike my appetite? Garlic bread. Well, that and "unlimited food". There's just something about biting into the soft center of the bread and tasting all the flavors of the melted butter, garlic and herbs, accompanied by the crunch of its edges. I would have gotten a basket for myself so I could munch on them without minding anyone else around me, but you know, I can be bashful too. |
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| Callos a la Madrilena Ox tripes sauteed with Chorizo, Ham, Bacon and Garbanzos in a fresh tomato sauce. |
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Mixed Vegetables
I tried looking for the name of this pasta on their online menu but couldn't find it. :( BUT what I CAN tell you is what it tastes like. That's good enough for now...right? It's a fettuccini pasta cooked with a tomato base and topped with grilled chicken, olives and cheese. I liked how the tomato sauce wasn't sour nor was there too much of it. This is pretty much a meal on its own, what with the chicken, pasta and itsy-bisty vegetable bits.
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| Fruit Platter |
I wasn't able to take photos of the lechon since the chafer was empty. *sniff* But after my second plate and more then 3 garlic breads, there it was...a refilled dish. I was already too full to have my fix. Drats.
After reading further about Guernica's on their main website and eating their food buffet-style, I can't help but look forward to try their paella! It is, after all, what they are known for. I browsed their online menu further and spotted several other dishes that I'd like to try. Perhaps I'll save the next few posts for my visit there! :)
After reading further about Guernica's on their main website and eating their food buffet-style, I can't help but look forward to try their paella! It is, after all, what they are known for. I browsed their online menu further and spotted several other dishes that I'd like to try. Perhaps I'll save the next few posts for my visit there! :)
Guernica's Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Santana Grove, Dr. A. Santos Ave.,
Sucat, Paranque City
Facebook page Official website
Contact no.: (02) 720-5710
