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| - I grew up eating Filipino food and my best friend's Father made thee best Filipino home cooked meals. I would finish all my chores and homework then go plead with my Mom to let me spend a night at my best friend's place. I do miss waking up to the ever so savory aroma of Pork Adobo and Kaldereta. Something about the vinegar, garlic, and soy sauce mixture that makes your mouth water as you smell it. I would be sleep flying to the kitchen whenever I woke up to this. And so I ventured off to Tina's Filipino Cuisine to get my childhood fix.
This place is located on S. Jones Blvd. and W. Robindale Rd., behind the 76 gas station. I went during lunch hours and the place was packed. There was only one table available and I sat myself, because I'm gangster like that. Plus I stood in the middle of this place and I was tired of waiting to be seated. The server seemed overwhelmed and she was everywhere. When she finally noticed me seating at the table, she looked puzzled and asked me what I would like to drink.
I ordered a Iced Ginger Tea, next time I'll try the Iced Green Tea instead. I had this love and hate with this drink. I can't even describe how it taste like. It taste off, but I kept drinking it. Strange I know.. even I was confused.
I ordered their TFC Express, where you choose two items from a list of entrees. I chose their Pork Adobo and Pork Kaldereta. It also comes with rice and soup. The first time I came here I had their vegetable Sinigang. It reminded me so much of my best friend's Father's home cooking, I came back just because of that. Instead, I was served Egg Drop Soup this day. I was completely bummed. So bummed I asked the server if there was any Sinigang and she told me they didn't make any today. The server added it's different (soup) every day. Nooooooooooooooooooooo! I thought to myself.. If I wanted Egg Drop Soup I would've gone to a Chinese Restaurant, but if you specialize in Filipino Cuisine.. serve what makes Filipino Cuisine so special.. the Sinigang. Because honestly speaking, it's the highlight of the meal.
I asked the server if there was any way to make the Sinigang to replace this Egg Drop Soup. She told me that she had to ask the owner and the owner came out to talk to me. Tina, the owner was so kind and accommodating that she didn't even hesitate on making me some. She said you want sinigang? Okay give me a few minutes, I'll make it for you right now. I guess she's the only one that can make this soup. Next thing I know, here comes my soup.. piping, steaming hot. Home cooking at its best. I was on cloud 10.
Tina told me, next time call me ahead of time and I'll make it for you. I want my guests to be happy here. Easy going, personable, and boy oh boy can she cook! Her hospitality alone makes me come back. She's just the sweetest lady. Tina worked at Salo Salo for 11 years and then finally opened her own restaurant. Congrats to her in following her dreams. Love supporting local places!!! And thanks to Yelp for always providing the cuisine of choice I'm craving.
The bento like box was super cute and plentiful. The Pork Adobo was delicious, but on the salty side. I would ask next time to put no salt and adjust on your own. The pickled cucumber was a great help in taking away the saltiness. Each bite was refreshing. The Pork Kaldereta had white potatoes and carrots. This was perfectly cooked. Flavors all balanced together. I would definitely order this again. Such a great deal with the amount of food you're getting! I even took half of it home, since I was saving room for dessert ;)
For dessert, I had the Ube ice cream aka Purple Yam. It was like eating my favorite frosting from an ice cream cake. Not too sweet, but simply satisfying. It's a neutral flavor and I enjoyed every single bite of it. Even the little waffle stick was yummy! This dessert is drizzled with caramel all over the top. You're welcome ;)
The interior reminds me of being in Hawaii. Cool tone colors and bamboo designs. They have a Filipino soap opera playing every time I dine here. It gets so dramatic, I almost coughed up my food from laughing. And I thought Korean drama was overly dramatic.. watch Filipino soap opera here.. they are on a whole new other level. It's quite entertaining while enjoying some soulful, mouthwatering Filipino cuisine.
They also sell other goodies at the counter cashier if you're curious to check it out. Can't wait to go back and try some breakfast items! Garlic rice... Yes please :D
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