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 Best Eats in Bacolod

Since Masskara 2010 just ended, I reposted my list of the best eats in Bacolod. I compiled this list a year after I moved to Manila. I had to save my time before I could upload it because I did not have pictures yet. If you only know about the infamous Inasal, you have not truly experienced the best of Bacolod. Why? Read on below...


It may be because I practically lived in Bacolod my whole life but for me it's still the best place to grow up in. Being in Manila for nearly a year now has been a roller coaster ride filled with joyful moments, depressing memories and of course new adventures lurking just behi nd every corner. Nothing compares to the thrill of living in Manila and all of the endless possibilities that life can offer. Well.. that is.. almost nothing. Only if there were still s ome more to add to this almost perfect city.

Here is a list of the things in Bacolod that I crave for the most. If they may be already here in the city, I haven't encountered them yet and would like to do so. If only they were here, then Manila would feel just like home:

1. Bob's Bulalo Steak and Sate Babi-Imagine your ordinary bulalo soup but this time on a sizzling plate. Hot and so tender. Yummy... For the Sate Babi, pork barbecue topped with Peanut Butter sauce. Bob's specialty since 1940s.

2. Ericka's Cup's Very Berry Sundae (too bad they closed already)- definitely very berry. Vanilla and Strawberry sundae topped with Blueberries, Strawberries and Raspberries.. A sinful delight in every spoon! Better than sex. Hehehe. (You know the saying that Chocolate and Ice Cream are two items that we can all live without but we simply just can't resist? And that those two delightful desserts are comparative to sex in that way?)

3. Pepe's Dynamite Sticks- oozing with mozarella cheese with a touch of spice. Bursts in your mouth! A perfect appetizer or pulutan!

4. Kaisei's Chicken Teppan, Unagi Terriyaki, Sukiyaki- imagine the taste of Manila's Tempura Restaurant with the same price range but with the perfect high class ambiance... This is Kaisei. Everyone's favorite Japanese restaurant in Bacolod.

5. Gypsy Tea Room's Garlic Cheese Dip, Smoked Cheese Dip, Chocolate Fondue, Raspberry Tea Shake, Negros Coffee- looking for a place to chillout with the company of friends? Gypsy's is the perfect place. Occassionally they have live performances from various artists. You can also hold your poetry sessions in the venue. Gypsy's is the perfect "tambayan" for the budding artist. It surely is a place to inspire. They also have Card/Palm Reading, Henna/Permanent Tattoo, and items for sale. Their furniture are made of throw pillows and sofas. The Gypsy Tea Room is located in Level 1, Piazza Sorrento Bldg., Lacson St., Bacolod City

6. Kuppa's Wimpy's Burger, Pesto Pasta, Minestrone Soup- Their Wimpy's Burger is the perfect burger with cheese and mushroom sauce. Such a wonderful delight! A perfect view of St. John's Institute.

Wimpy's Burger

7. Nene's Spareribs, Burger Steak, Sisig- located across USLS-IS, it brings back memories of my childhood years. With a budget suited perfectly for the budding student, it would be perfectly alright to buy two heaping servings.

8. Pendy's Corned Beef Saucer and Pendy's de luxe Sandwich- Everyone has a certain place that will remind them of their childhood. For me, it's Pendy's. It brings back memories of my younger years when my mom was still alive. Pendy's is an old time favorite of my family. My mom was their number 1 customer. I will never forget the goodness of their tasteful delights...

Pendy's De Luxe

9. Bar 21's Batchoy and Crispy Crablets- I enjoy eating in restaurants that will remind me of my past. Bar 21 is another favorite of my family. It has been a witness of my life. Since I was a young girl dining in the restaurant after my class in Christian Academy of Bacolod, when I partied with my friends at age 13, and until I sat outside Cafe Bob's Lacson and tried to sketch the newly renovated Bar 21 at age 20. It's something I would definitely look forward going home to.

21 Restaurant's Kare-Kare

10. L'sea's Beef Brisket and Shrimp Rolls- Chinese cuisine at its best. Affordable too!

L'sea Shrimp Balls

L'sea Beef Brisket

11. Calea's Cream Puff- Anyone knows how famous Calea cakes are. Even people from Manila have heard of Calea. Do try their cream puff for a change.

Calea's Cream Puff

(L-R) Triple Chocolate Mousse, Ice Cream Cake, Chocolate Cake

12. Bascon Cafe's Bubba Cake- Another delicious delicacy. Bascon Cafe also offers a wide range of food plus its homey atmosphere. Perfect for laid back attitudes of the Bacolodnon.

Babba Cake, Black Sambo, Decadent Cake by Bascon Cafe

13. Vienna Kaffehaus' Sausages and Blackout Cake- Definitely try the cake guys. It's like nothing you've ever tasted before. It's my favorite cake by the way. And sadly, I haven't had a taste of this wonder in years. Will somebody in Bacolod please send me a whole cake? I'll refund the expenses, I swear!

That completes my list. If you've got anything to add, feel free to do so using the reply form below.