Pino Resto Bar at UP Teacher's Village

Saturday was a fun and spontaneous day for my family-in-law. We slept over at their place the night before so Mr. M and I could join a fun-run sponsored by the Civil Service Commission the next day. The run was fun and yes, few pounds were shed, I’m sure. And since were already in the city, we decided to take the chance to scout for a possible venue for Master E’s party after it. My SIL, after hearing the plan asked if she can come and pick her son from school along the way (not a problem at all), then the whole in-laws decided to tag themselves too (aren’t they sweet). It was so spontaneous that the kids were all still in their PJs.     

    

We took Maginhawa Street, in Teacher’s Village on our way to The Ateneo (where we're picking my nephew). Since everybody knows “the street” as a food haven (did you Mr. M?), it only took a little jolt for everyone to get-off the car and sample on what it has to offer. Yes, even in PJs (and post run outfit).hehe Since it was lunch time, we decided to dine at Pino Resto Bar it was actually at Malingap St., Teacher's Village., QC.

We were there at around 11am and only 2 tables were occupied. The gracious wait staff ushered us to the combined table where we settled and read the menu, they offer fine dining type. The place was small but cozy, the wait staffs were accommodating and very patient with the kids who loved to roam around the place, even in their kitchen. They only have 1 highchair though, maybe because it was supposed to be a "bar", after all. We feast on:

Crispy Calamares (P175) to start off. It’s the kids’ favorite, it’s always present at every dine-outs. But the adults loved this version all the more. It was so crispy yet the squid under the coating was so tender. It accidentally became our appetizer instead of kids’ viand. So we got another order for them.  

Pino French Fries (P125). Not a lunch menu but Miss L. insisted. The spoiler/Auntie was the 1 who got 1 for her and for the family to share. I allowed it in 1 condition, she has to eat rice, she agreed - everybody happy. It came with 2 dips and it was nothing but ordinary.    

Kare-Kare Bagnet (sharing for P575). This came as a surprise - presentation wise, but disregarding the look, the dish can stand on its own. This was actually a hit. Bagnet was crispy and was very fork friendly. The Kare-kare sauce was flavourful and unlike the usual, no need for bagoong (but it was still provided). It has a generous serving as well.  

Crispy Pata with Laing (P495, for sharing). The pata was served on top of the Laing - the way you want to keep the crispy-ness of the meat. But I thought the Crispy Pata was dry and the crispy balat that was supposedly wrapping the meat was no where to be found. The Laing that came with it was good. It has the right balance of flavor and spice. I just didn't like how it was too saucy and durog though, but it was still worth it.

Plain rice was at P30 each. We also ordered a pitcher of Iced Tea for P125, which was enough for all of us. It was a little sweet for Mr. M., he just added a little more water in his glass, but I didn’t hear any complain from anybody else.

My take: I liked how Pino captured the distinct Filipino taste of every dishes but presented with a twist.

Tip: The “for sharing” tags was big enough to feed 4-6 adults, especially if you have another food items on the table. 

The verdict: Pino Resto Bar was worth every pounds re-gained. lol