Spicy & Exotic

On Saturday, I took a female friend to Mabuhay Market & Bakery and Manila Cafe in Springfield VA. I was planning to make Lumpia for some friends later this week, so off we went to the Bakery. After introducing my friend to Filipino food items, I took her to lunch at the restaurant. The cafe has been written up in the Washington Post and the Washingtonian. My family and friends have enjoyed the outings, when I have then them out for lunch. In general, they have enjoyed the simple atmosphere. The buffet is quite good. They serve about 10 to 12 main dishes, along with 2 side rice dishes. Alongside the buffet is a soup, usually some kind of sinagong, and a couple vegetable/side dishes. The buffet has traditional treats, such as lechon, calderata, fried fish, and kare-kare. After the main meal, you can move to dessert. There is an array of sweet rice porridges, caramelized plantain, and rice cakes.

Caution: the food can be heavy. If you are not used to coconut or Southeast Asian spices, then you may want to pass this one up. BTW, another warning, if you don't like Asian karaoke, particularly Broadway showtunes, then don't come here on Saturday nights!

I remember an acquaintance calling Filipino cuisine --- "Asian Soul Food". Did I forget to tell you? My friend enjoyed the lunch and the tour of the market.

Today's verse: Song of Solomon 5:1 (King James Version)

I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.