Day 2 of my sister’s celebration. It was a simple Sunday filled with joy and laughter for the family. After attending the morning service in CCF, where we go to church, I brought my family to a new place called Romulo Cafe, where we all haven’t tried yet. It was risky for me to suggest a restaurant I haven’t tried, plus it was for my sister’s celebration with the family.

We reserved for a table only few hours before lunch, praying the house wouldn’t be full on a Sunday afternoon. [My family is just so spontaneous like that. So at least now you know spontaneity is in the blood. Haha!] I’m not giving you the wrong impression that we don’t plan, ok? We want everything in order but we believe that there is added F-U-N if you are also spontaneous. Hehe. Having said that, God didn’t fail us and gave us a good space in Romulo Cafe.

Romulo Cafe was a house transformed into a restaurant. According to the waiter I talked to, the granddaughter of Carlos P. Romulo is the genius behind this homey restaurant. Upon visiting, you will see old framed photos of Carlos P. Romulo, just like the one in the photo above. Check out those black and white photos (far view).

Unfortunately, I was only able to take a photo of one of the many rooms in Romulo Cafe. 🙁 I was busy chitchatting with my sister, being random and sabaw. It was her birthWEEK anyway, so it was my job to entertain her in any way as possible.

Being the only sister of Reine, I was in-charge of this lunch. Most of the dishes ordered are by yours truly. 

Pinoy Nachos (Php 85.00) – We had to order an appetizer! Why? We were hungry! I decided to get one order of Pinoy Nachos because of its name. Also, when I saw on the menu that the Taro and Kamote Chips were drizzled with Kesong Puti and Keso de Bola, my curiosity switched on and wanted to try how that would taste.

It was my first time to try Kesong Puti and Keso de Bola combined and used as cheese for Nachos. How inventive and resourceful to use Filipino products to make this one-of-a-kind nachos. We liked the combination of both Filipino cheeses. Something I can try at home with a pack of plain nachos. 

Mixed Bicol Express (Php 285.00) – One reason why I want to visit Bicol is this, to try their very own Bicol Express. This desire of going to Bicol led me to order Mixed Bicol Express for our lunch. It was a mix of shrimps and pork, with the usual ‘gata’ or coconut milk. Since it was Bicolano, you cannot remove the word spicy on the dish. I was pleased with how it turned out, mild spicy and exciting to eat.

Beef Caldereta with Queso De Bola (Php 300.00) – Reine’s first choice upon seeing the menu. According to her, a self-confesed Caldereta lover, the beef was cut just right and it was also easy to chew. Not like other meats, wherein you have to grind and use the knife to slice. The grated queso de bola ingredient made the Caldereta unique. That was the twist.

Tito Greg’s Kare-Kare (Php 395.00) – A family recipe of Romulo Cafe that captivated my heart. (How dramatic! haha!) But seriously, this is one place to visit if you are looking for a Class A Kare-Kare. You will love how packed the bowl is, with vegetables and meats. The sauce was incomparable – texture, color and taste. 

In fairness to Tito Greg’s Kare-Kare, it can serve 4-5 persons. Plus, you would go back and scoop more from the Kare-Kare bowl as you taste their bagoong. Sweet slash spicy slash a bit salty, the kind of bagoong I like. Evidently complements the Kare-Kare.

Salpicao (Php 320.00) – Out of all the dishes, I would like to highlight this one. I SUPER LOVE IT! Haha! My sister and I forgot to share the Salpicao to the other end of the table because it was exceptionally delicious. The meat was not overcooked; just right to enjoy it with a cup of steaming rice. I scooped out the garlic bits to top over my rice. And got some of the sauce to add more flavor to my rice as well. The distinctive taste of this dish will remain in my memory and taste buds. 

I suggest that you should order their Salpicao if you are planning a visit to Romulo Cafe. 🙂 

Aunt Trina, mom’s sister, joined us for lunch. 

For your food or restaurant suggestions, you may send me an e-mail ([email protected]) or tweet me (@thefoodscout).

Cheers,