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.

 

Mama's Kitchen Cookies: The Best Pasalubong of Iloilo

Happy New Year to all my dear blog readers, if there are really any! Since I'm counting off my last 7 days in Bacolod, I decided to write my first post on souvenirs you can get in Iloilo. For those who don't know, Iloilo is just an hour's ferry away from Bacolod. So when my dad told me we were to go to Iloilo after Christmas day, I decided to buy my favorite Mama's Kitchen cookies!

I was able to discover these delicious and crunchy cookies during a field trip during my fourth year in St. Scho. I remember we rode our van and had a long drive to a small suburb in Iloilo which was far from the city proper. At that time, I had no clue what was in store for me so I didn't pay attention to the directions. But if I had, I'd sure remember where it is. 

We were taken to an old house and told it was a Sinamay factory. We didn't pay attention to what Sinamay really was since we were invited to try their homemade cookies for free. Since I was a fan of cookies, I took a small bite and was shocked at what I discovered! I remember my dad gave me pocket money for the whole trip but I spent about P300 buying these cookies! So when it was time to go to SM City Iloilo, I had to patiently wait for my friends to finish buying souvenirs. 

I was pleased to discover that these cookies were also being sold in Pendy's, Bacolod for about the same price. And when I moved to Manila, I found these cookies being displayed on a stall inside SM Mall of Asia.

But that has been several years. Last time I went to the stall in MoA, they no longer sold these cookies. I was also able to visit Pendy's on Christmas day and was shocked that the price of the cookies has doubled!

So when we were in Iloilo for one day, I asked my dad to drive me to the Sinamay house again. But when he found out it was far, he told me to look for an alternative. So I did. I found Deco's Pasalubong Center which is right across SM Delgado (the old SM). 

Mama's Kitchen cookies are available in Deco's Pasalubong Center for only P125 a box. My favorite is the Tsokolate Crunchies and the Cashew Crunchies. They also have Chewy Mango. 

While I was there, I took advantage of the situation and took pictures of other pasalubong delicacies you can buy from Iloilo. 

If you would like to visit the real Sinamay House and Mama's Kitchen, here's the address: 16 Osmena St., Arevalo, Iloilo City. Get in touch with them by calling 3374221, 3360713 or 09209506404.