PINO

[pnoize]

---

was there yesterday to do a shoot for a nationally distributed magazine. one of the perks of being a food photographer was being able to taste the food after. we were served bamboo rice, crispy pata, kare-kare, scallops, chicken binakol, lumpiang ubod and for dessert, pino fiesta (apparently michel lhullier's favorite).

what stood out for me was the scallops, chicken binakol and the crispy pata. the chicken binakol was good, the heat from this ilonggo dish came out just right. Not too hot and not too mild, though the chicken meat was a bit tough, it wasn't too tough not to be able to enjoy it. The scallops was creamy than most and cooked just right. the crispy pata skin was surprisingly still crispy after about 15 mins of waiting time (i was shooting the rest of the dishes) it came perfect with the mango chutney.

the pino fiesta wasn't too impressive though. it's basically a plate of leche flan, ube haleya and macapuno served with a decorated sugar work called the "senyorito sitck" (according to the pastry chef, michel lhullier always looks for that sugar stick) and the "senyorita's flower" (dedicated to amparito lhullier, who is a jeweller). how did it taste? well, the haleya was a little runny and too chunky and i'm not a macapuno fan but it was interesting that they served it in balls instead of strings. the saving grace of this place would be the leche flan with a nice tinge of lime or diap which sparked a few memories of my late grandmother using diap to add a twist to this delectable piece.

i could not say about the service since they knew who we were and it was already expected that we were to be given extra attention. the place was clean and elegant. by the way, did you guys know that some of the interior pieces were antique? some dating back from the 18th century.

[LytSlpr]

Chikaan is simply the best restaurant in Cebu....

but their sizzling squid does not taste the same when it was still owned by the avilas.

[cellularis]

how's the food? and the price?

[kat2x]

kalami bsta food na hisgutan

[dharsam]

hope maka try ko ani

[smiley168]

nahan ko sa ilang calamares kay dili tanan squid ra.
gi sagolan nila og shrimp and i like the sauce... yummmyyyy

[edblogs]

The food was okay, we ordered crispy pata. lami ilang sinigang dyud! Ni order sad mi ug bicol express, chicharon bulaklak, baked tahong, and binagoongang baboy. There were 7 of us tapos mga P3000+ ang gasto kay naa pa man sad service charge pero libre man toh sa amung mga kauban so payts ra...hehe.

The service is really good because the staff is attentive. But you won't regret bringing your camera to the place. Because the artchitecture and the design has this old Hispanic feel that gives a warm atmosphere in the room. You have to visit the bathroom, cause it doesn't look like one!

NINDOT kaayo ilang CR!!!

please click on the link for some pictures:

http://soloflighted.com/2008/03/04/pino/

[bloodyrose]

Food here is great, i can say its not that cheap but with the ambiance its worth it.

[assidclown11]

would you guys advice that pino would be a great place for a dinner date and how much will it cost and can you help me in what to order?only 2 people...

[bloodyrose]

1500 for 2 people payts na na, ilang bamboo rice, scallops, chicken pork adobo, then steamed lapu-lapu man cguro to.