Life of Pi: Pi Breakfast and Pies
All-day breakfast places are rapidly becoming the most popular trend in the country today. What used to be the monopoly of Pancake House is now a wide open market, bolstered by an infusion of foreign brands (IHOP) and local concepts. It has become so prevalent that even restaurants that don't usually serve breakfast suddenly modifies their menu. As such, it is now a challenge to search and sift out the really good all-day breakfast joints.
Riding on this current craze, one of my favorite modern Filipino restaurants, Pino, decided to put up their own breakfast spot just adjacent to them. Thus, Pi was born. Occupying a small corner of their building, Pi humbly dishes out honest-to-goodness breakfast fare even with a rather limited menu. Not to worry though, as they also sell baked goodies (breads, cookies) for those who prefer a lighter wake-upper.
But I didn't come here for their baked goodies. I wanted a good homey breakfast satisfaction. We perused their simple menu book, and the choices seemed few, particularly the pancake section. Nevertheless, my eyes zeroed in on one of their best-sellers and it was an easy choice.
Wagyu Beef Sirloin Tapa, PHP 245
My beloved humble beef tapa deserved a little pimpin' with Pi's rendition of this cult favorite. Tender slices of wagyu beef sat gloriously on top of garlic kimchi rice, served with a whole, soft boiled egg.
The beef was tender as advertised, with no trace of grittiness or toughness. I loved the level of sweetness it exuded, the way I prefer my tapsilog. It's the Paranaque way, I believe, with the beef served with a hint of sugary glaze instead of saltiness a la bistek. There were slivers of fat on some portions, cloying with its meaty taste.
The atchara soaked in mildly sour vinegar was perfect as both a dip and mix-in to the rice. The rice itself was a revelation, with hints of spiciness from the kimchi. Although I would have preferred a sunny-side up egg (in retrospect, I could have ordered it that way), the soft-boiled egg was perfect - runny yolk and smooth exterior. The common man's hearty breakfast was now all dolled-up in meaty glory.
Banana Nutella Cream Cheese Pancake, PHP 145
The missus was in the mood for pancakes, but the options paled in comparison to other breakfast joints, such as Ally's just across the street. Believe me, she would have easily crossed over had it not been the surprising sight of numerous parked cars outside Ally's. Strangely, (perhaps sensing the rivalry), our waitstaff offered us the freedom of modifying this waffle choice into a pancake.
And so, this creation came out. Three average-sized flapjacks lathered with nutella and then smothered with chocolate syrup, all topped with fresh slices of banana and a dollop of whipped cream. A pretty sight indeed. The pancakes, however, seemed just simple and nothing spectacular. It was soft but overcooked in some places. The nutella, though, was generous, coating the layers in between. But, the chocolate syrup was overkill. After just a few minutes, it was a challenge just to cut through the pancake. It almost became like eating a steak, probably because the syrup was too thick and quickly turned it into a coagulated mess. There was an interesting taste at some bites, as the cream cheese suddenly bursts into your mouth with its distinct bitterness. However, whatever flavor it had was overpowered by the chocolate syrup.
Mombana Hot Chocolate, PHP 75
As if we hadn't had our fill of chocolate, I picked a hot drink to go with my meal. The Mombana Hot Chocolate was comforting and good. It had just the right thick consistency and the perfect mix of sweet and bitter taste.
Breakfast of champions.
In keeping with the methods of Pino, Pi has admirably re-invented our classic favorites into their own quirky creations. Although their pancakes are a tad behind other breakfast joints, the Wagyu Beef Tapa is enough to keep patrons coming back (and not settle for the rival across the street). I would come back and try their other rice meals and their pies, which I heard are also best sellers. But for now, look for Pi to keep the breakfast scene interesting and more vibrant than before.
Jones
Pi, Breakfast and Pies
39 Malingap Street, Teacher's Village
Quezon City
Written by Jones
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