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

https://www.facebook.com/breakfastnpies

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Food Is A Love Potion: Gayuma Ni Maria

Maginhawa Street is a treasure trove of food finds.  Going along that stretch of road is like embarking on a culinary adventure of epic proportions.  Name it, the street has it: burgers, Japanese food, all-day breakfast, Tex-Mex, and the list goes on.  If one begins the adventure at the intersection with Anonas Street, there is one peculiar restaurant that is often overlooked solely because of its unassuming facade and the bundle of trees obscuring it.

Its dimly lit, faintly neon signage would however attract any passer-by with its eye-catching name, and then subsequently mistake it for an adults-only store.  But that is the concept and the aura that Gayuma Ni Maria intends to reflect.  Yes, this is actually a full-board restaurant dishing out a unique and cleverly crafted menu.

The interiors look a bit shabby, like any grandmother's old house.  The pastel colored wallpapers attempt their best to uplift the dim lights and the faded curtains.  The whole place feels like a gypsy shop, minus the crystal ball and manghuhula. (I found out they actually have an in-house tarot card reader.  That explains the strange theme.)  However, the table settings appeal to any couple on a date, complete with a flower centerpiece and floral table tops, setting the mood for a bizarre romantic night.

Guaranteed to crack a smile.  And a giggle or two.

The menu book was a simple laminated paper, but what's written is an imaginative play on words guaranteed to make even the most stoic laugh and the most purist giggle naughtily.  With items named like "Lumpiang Excited", "Rock Me Baby", "Size Doesn't Matter" and my hands-down favorite "Fishy Poque Poque", I'm pretty sure you'll find something you like, whether to order or just to laugh at.  But these monikers actually describe the dish quite accurately, and adds to the charm of Gayuma Ni Maria.  After a bit of teasing and giggling, we tried out a few of their mains.

Lumpiang Barako, P125

To fire up the night, we started off with these dynamite sticks aptly named Lumpiang Barako.  These sticks were filled with gooey cheese and green chilis wrapped in a lumpia skin and then deep fried.  There were some parts that were not crispy and unevenly fried, which was a bit of a letdown.  Also, there was an apparent lack of kicks, although both of us were used to spicy food anyway.  I was expecting quite a firestarter but this one failed to live up to its name.  Even the sissy could consume this thing.

Mi Amore, P215

She ordered a pasta dish that caught her fancy.  The Mi Amore was supposed to be an Italian spaghetti but it had clear overtones of Pinoy-style infused in it.  The sauce was mildly sweet typical of our local variants, except that there were no hotdogs to be seen.  The noodles were al dente and well executed.  The order came with two piece of buttered garlic bread, which were rather forgetful.  They were tough and chewy and a tad overdone.

Rock Me Baby!, P265

For my manly order, I selected one of my favorite cuts of meat.  The Rock Me Baby! was served with two large cuts of hickory barbecued pork ribs, with a side of corn kernels and your choice of mashed potato or rice.  Naturally, I went for the rice pairing.  The marinade was too sweet for my liking, almost tasting like pancake syrup.  There was a glaring lack of zest and spicy smokey feel, which was a bit distressing.  The meat though was soft and fork-tender, with the taste seeping well into its inner sinews.  I would have loved this dish if it imbibed a more grilled and smokey taste, the way a man wants it (pardon the pun, the theme is quite infectious).  But the sweet hints were too sissy.  Also, I would have preferred a more generous serving for that price tag, although the cuts that were served were plump and juicy.

Gayuma Ni Maria will not fail to surprise any curious foodie.  Despite its Filipino tag, the restaurant offers a wide array of choices and whole line-up of cakes and desserts (which we should have tried!).  Its peculiar and inventive theme and vibe and its fancifully branded dishes are enough to spark a dinner conversation and unending laughter.  The dishes themselves however, fail in certain striking aspects, owing probably to cooking technique and attention to detail.

But, just because of its eccentricity, I would go back on the right occasion, perhaps just to tease friends or have a good cozy dinner.  I sure hope they would improve on their servings and tweak the taste on some of the dishes.  For its charm alone, Gayuma Ni Maria should deserve a second look, and perhaps its potion might get one hooked.

Jones

Gayuma Ni Maria

123 V. Luna Extension (near Maginhawa Street)

Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gayuma-Ni-Maria/148108488537188

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