Pendy's: N Years of Good Food and Ambiance

I thought it was only fitting, that I post Pendy's as today's blog entry, because I'm flying home to Manila tonight. But this doesn't mean my visit to this much loved restaurant was recent. In fact, I chose a specific date to go to Pendy's during my vacation in Bacolod City. I chose December 25, after I went to visit my mom's grave.

I chose this specific date because I remembered that my family and I also went to Pendy's during Christmas day, a few years back. I don't remember what year it was exactly but this experience gave me something good to look forward to. In addition, Pendy's was one of the very few establishments which were open during the special day.

When I got to Pendy's, I was shocked to find that the cashier still remembered me. She told me that she no longer sees my mom in the restaurant so I told her that my mom has already been dead for the past 12 years. This shocked her!

As usual, I ordered the very famous Pendy's de Luxe sandwich.

Pendy's de Luxe, Pendy's
(P245)

If you take a look at my previous post on Kuppa, you will see that I talked about their French de Luxe sandwich too. In that post, I mentioned that I will talk about the only French de Luxe sandwich in town that I favor... Well. It belongs to Pendy's!

Pendy's de Luxe, Pendy's
(P245)

There really is nothing like it in Manila. In fact, those who know of such sandwich, please let me know so I can try it! 

Ever since I can remember, we have always been eating in Pendy's! That's why the loyal staff of the restaurant still remembers us. Back then, they were still located where Ikthus is in now. But even so, their design and furniture has stayed the same. Their food still tastes great and they have added new items to their menu. The only thing that has made a huge difference are their prices.

Before the food arrived, I got a chance to walk around and take pictures of the pasalubong items they carry. I think it really is perfect timing that I chose today to post about these items.

Most of these items brought a teardrop to my eyes simply because I remembered a time when my mom and I would eat in this establishment. I remember she loved to order their Lumpia while I got the Pendy's de Luxe.

I really miss my mom and eating in Pendy's brought back my memories with her.

Anyway, if you're looking for Pasalubong from Bacolod, here are the items you SHOULD buy:

1. Kalamay-Hati

This is a sticky and sweet substance that is the perfect afternoon snack. I used to eat this a lot when I was still small. I remember how I would guiltlessly finish one small coconut husk that contained this sweet delight! Now, I don't think I'll be able to finish a whole order.

2. Napoleones


Back when I was in Culinary Arts, my classmates all loved to eat Napoleones. My dad frequently went home so whenever I had the chance, I would ask him to buy me a box. I would then bring these delicious cream filled patties to school. The top layer is sugar so it makes everything sweet.

3. Boat Tart


You will find that there are lots of Boat Tarts manufacturers around Bacolod. But if you are looking for the best, get Virgie's. This is a delicious caramel and meringue mixture on a crust bed.

4. Barquillos


Although not only an Ilonggo delicacy, our Barquillos are really good! I don't know how to describe them except that they are hollow and are crunchy.

5. Barquiron


Again, I don't know how to describe Barquiron except that they are smaller and thinner than Barquillos. The only thing that separates them is that Barquirons have Polvoron in the middle. 

 

 6. Memorabilia


Of course, look for the Masskara memorabilia that can be found throughout the pasalubong centers in Bacolod.

 

The Fresh Lumpia of Cakehouse Brings Back Memories of My Mom

One of the many things I always look forward to when I go home is getting to eat my favorite dishes. Most of these dishes are the ones that I have a fond memory of my childhood and my College years in Bacolod. On this blog post, I made my way to Robinson's Place Bacolod just to order the local favorite: Fresh Lumpia of Cakehouse.

Fresh Lumpia, Cakehouse
(P45)

If you are from Bacolod, Cakehouse is not a stranger to you. This pastry shop has been operating ever since I was born! I remember the main branch is in front of Lopue's Araneta. My fondest memories of this particular dish is that whenever we would go to the city (we lived in Sum-ag before), we always ate in Cakehouse. I think that was because the office of Saralee is just in the area and my mom was one of their top dealers. After doing her errands, she would treat me and Bubot to Cakehouse.

I remember my Mom would always order this dish and I would eat either the Spaghetti or the Birthday Cake (which I only ate the icing from). 

Fresh Lumpia, Cakehouse
(P45)

This dish reminds me so much of my mom. I miss her terribly. I'm excited to see her next week, although I don't know which exact day I will go to her grave... 

The original Cakehouse is across Lopue's Araneta, although I haven't checked if it is still there. To save yourself the trouble of going all the way downtown, just head over to the 3rd floor of Robinson's Place Bacolod and you'll find a stall of Cakehouse in the Food Court. Free Wi-Fi in Bacolod is in Robinson's Place Bacolod.