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Friday, March 1, 2013

SunDManOnYourTummy: ORIANG by Cafe de Bonifacio: Further Revolutionizing Filipino Cuisine

This restaurant which I am about to share to all of you was a product of two brothers who had been part of the crusade in fighting to restore our country's freedom. Used to be activists and revolutionaries during the Martial Law period, Mr. Vicente and Alfredo Wenceslao brothers seemingly found a way to divert  their patriotism by venturing up to the food and restaurant industry.

The desire to show their love for our country remained in spite successfully restoring our democratic freedom after the People Power Revolution. Cafe De Bonifacio a restaurant cafe named after Andres Bonifacio also known as the "Father of the Philippine Revolution", is located at the 5th Floor, The Podium, Ortigas Center, Pasig. [You may want to read my CDB review here.]

Just as 2013 has started, the Wenceslao brothers put up another restaurant that we Filipinos will surely be proud of---Oriang by Cafe de Bonifacio.

"Oriang" in fact, is the a.k.a of Gregoria de Jesus, wife of Andres Bonifacio. She also played an important role in the Katipunan. Oriang is only a continuation of further reinventing and revolutionizing Filipinos cuisine which CDB has started.

This time, invading the  City of Taguig, Oriang is to be found at the Fiesta Market area, of Market! Market! Mall. Since CDB is no new to me and actually has become one of my favorite restaurants in the Metro, I humbly accepted the invitation of Mr. Jael Wenceslao to try Oriang's take in the fusion of modern and classic Pinoy dishes.

Since it was the Valentine week, I came to visit with my boyfriend Dawn. Perfect timing as it may seem, we decided to have a post Valentine date with Oriang. And I couldn't be happier enough! Come and let me take you to a maka-Pinoy tummy tour!
The Giant Menu
First to welcome you is this life-size menu you'll find in front of the restaurant. I wonder how many customers this colorful and attention-getter menu has encouraged to dine in at the restaurant. It undeniably makes the pass-byers crave to death!
Kitchen Area
Oriang's group table

The setting and ambiance of the restaurant was more of welcoming rather than intimidating. I felt at home with its lively yet simple interiors. The huge photos of their dishes added some colorful and happy vibe to the place.
Oriang Crispy Noodles in Pesto Sauce: Complimentary
Each occupied table comes with a free appetizer, also my favorite, the Oriang Crispy Noodles with Pesto Sauce. This one is also being served in CDB for free.
Buko Lychee Shake: Php75 and Ripe Mango w/ Coconut Cream Juice: Php75
We had our choice of drinks, Dawn chose to have the Buko Lychee Shake and while I opted to try the Ripe Mango w/ Coconut Cream Juice. The first thing that came in my mind when I had my first sip was "oh, so refreshing!". I guess, what made it so refreshing is the fact that it's freshly made from real fruits. I also got a sip of my boyfriend's Buko Lychee and it tastes so natural and great as well, perfect for summer! 
Oriang fresh coolers topped with a cherry and Philippine Flag. :)
I couldn't help but to notice the flag on top of our fresh coolers. I  find it so cool and of course, very maka-Pinoy!

Let's now move in to the main dishes of Oriang. Just like with CDB, I knew that I can expect the same dish I saw from their menu. I mean, with Oriang and CDB, there's no delusion going on. What you see in the photos or menu is as the same as you would see it in the actual. 

Mr. Jael gladly offered us to try their Gambas, Binagoongang Bagnet, Bulalo and Super Fried Rice. Here's a closer look:


GAMBAS AL AJILLO: Php275
Gambas Al Ajillo is shrimp sauteed in garlic and  peppers and is one of Oriang's Superbstarters. The mouthwatering look of it didn't fail me. The spice of the Gambas Al Ajillo gave the flavorful taste of it a perfect balance. 
Nilagang Bulalo: Php325
Belongs to Oriang's savory soups, this Nilagang Bulalo is surely to make your day. Its beef shanks simmer fork tender does not need extra effort to chew as it will melt in your mouth. It comes with assorted fresh vegetables and the soup you will slurp up to its last drop.

BINAGOONGANG BAGNET: Php185
Binagoongang Bagnet categorized under Family Favorites is made out of Crispy Bagnet tossed in their home special binagoong sauce. It was my first time to try bagnet with bagoong and it's ultimately unforgettable. For me, just their special bagoong sauce is enough for a viand.

Saving the best for last eh? Indeed! One of the signature and star dishes named after the restaurant itself, the Oriang SUPER Fried Rice
ORIANG SUPER FRIED RICE: Php 215
Oriang Super Fried Rice is rice sauteed in taba ng talangka, loads of garlic with liempo strips and vigan longganisa. At first thought, I expected it to be too tasty by its color. Surprisingly, it isn't. The rice is good to stand alone. But with the liempo and longganisa on top of it, I would like to think that it comes 2in1. The rice is good to 2-3 persons but I think I can finish a platter all by myself. haha! I highly recommend you everyone to try this first and foremost as soon as you drop by at Oriang. 5 Stars for this SUPER SARAP na fried rice! ♥
I would also like to introduce to you the spices/sauces that can accompany you with your gastronomical adventure at Oriang. I love any kind of sauce or dip so I didn't miss tasting them all! haha.
Further revolutionize your appetite with these seasoning and dips
From the left is the ginger garlic sauce, followed by onion garlic and chili paste. Onion and ginger garlic are said to be perfect if used for their grilled and hotplate sizzlers. While you can partner all you want the chili paste with any dish to boost your appetite.

Here we are now at my favorite part! HAHA! To cap off the festive lunch we had, we were served with these delish desserts.
Turon de Gregoria: Php85
Since Oriang is a sister restaurant of Cafe de Bonifacio, I'm glad to see some familiar dishes and even desserts in Oriang's food list. What made me jump for joy is when I learned that they also have my favorite dessert of all, the Turon de Gregoria, named after Bonifacio's wife as well. Its caramelized bananas, plated ala Napoleon style drizzled with caramelized sugar made it a MUST-TRY!

Leche Flan: Php70
We were supposed to try their Coffe Leche Flan (Kape at Leche Flan in one) but it wasn't available yet by the time we visited so we tried the plain leche flan instead. I would rather call it special leche flan, it is plain but it has a very distinct taste. I love sweets but not too much. This leche flan is awesome, it is thick and milky and got just the right amount of sweetness. :)

I am a coffee lover and it's the first time I heard something like Coffee Leche Flan. I promise I would come back for that.

The serving of the dishes above are good for 2-3 persons that makes its pricing very affordable. Imagine if you'd come with 3 friends of yours, you'd only have to spend less than a thousand to try different dishes at a time. Not bad right? Plus, I swear every last piece or drop is worth it.

See this Binagoongang Bagnet as example. I almost put my rice in it just to finish up everything if only Dawn didn't stop me. HAHA!

Something that is noticeable is the name of the dishes. It's very straight forward and very Filipino that it wouldn't make you ask, "can you explain to me what exactly this dish is made of?", which I usually ask in some foreign restaurants.

I would also like to commend the politeness of their staff as they would voluntarily offer you to try other dishes or avail the current promo they have. The cleanliness is unquestionable and as I've mentioned before, the ambiance is warm and welcoming that it will brighten up your gloomy mood. :)

I am deeply honored and proud to be one of the first diners who got to taste one of the worlds class Filipino dishes you'll find in Metro Manila. Salute to the Wenceslao brothers for making us realize that being a hero or patriotic need not require to lose one's life.

To me, Oriang is a secret home especially when you seem to be tired with the buzzing and crowded life in the city and want some time off alone with yourself...

 your  family...

friends...

or special someone. ♥♥♥
We're a happy and full couple! ♥
Planning to hit Oriang Restaurant soon? Come prepared! Check out their menu below. 
Click each photo to enlarge. 



        


Oriang also offers Hating Kapatid Salu-Salo Meals good for 4-6 persons. 
So don't be a loner! 
Bring your family and peers along! :)


That's it! I don't know what else to say. Words aren't really enough to tell you guys my satisfaction with this new place I would rather call a NEW HOME for EVERY JUAN. Try it for yourself and you'll know what exactly I'm talking about. :)
With Dawn, Chef BJ, and Mr. Jael at the Oriang's facade
Here's to Mr. Jael Wenceslao for being so accommodating and welcoming. :)

Do not forget to visit Oriang at Fiesta Market, Market! Market! Mall, Taguig! 
Kain na, mga Kapatid!
P.S.
Can you imagine how hard it is for me to blog something like Oriang? Ah! Not easy! I'm craving as I type every letter! haha! 
-----------------------------------------
Store hours: 
Sunday-Thursday:
11AM to 12MN
Friday-Saturday:
11AM to 1AM
Location: Space 10-12, Ground Floor, Fiesta Market, Market! Market! Mall, Taguig City
Contact number: (02) 869-8967 / 625-0597 /  0927-724-0543
For more information and updates, like and visit Oriang on facebook.

See you there!

***Photos by: DK Ysmael
***Photos of Menu from Oriang

Love,
SunDMan
Twitter: @Sun031491
Facebook: SunDMan