It’s been a long week and I have been through a lot of Mexican restaurants lately. But of course, people tend to forget that Mexican food has been influenced by Spain. I love history so if you don’t know this, Mexico has a great Aztec culture and a proud people. Until the great Spanish conqueror, Cortez came to the Aztec land introduce them to their culture and catholicism. I guess that’s why Mexicans have one of the biggest Catholic population in the world.

Anyway! This time, I am back in Ortigas and I got invited this time to try out some Spanish cuisine at this Spanish restaurant called “Cazuela”. I had this joke from a friend that I am going back to my roots and I had to correct him and tell that I have Italian blood, not Spanish. Who cares, right? Still part of Europe.

I arrived at the restaurant the first thing that I always look for is the customer service. The staff was really friendly and warm. I looked around the restaurant and they have stacks of wines packed all over the place. So ladies, if you love wine and you’re in the Ortigas area, this is the place to be.

They have some Picasso inspired photos and some great wooden interior decoration. The tables and chairs were comfy. They are also great to take some great food photos as well. Now, back to the food!

According to Chef Andre Soriano of Cazuela: The food here is Spanish inspired but at the same time with a Pinoy twist. For first-timers to the resturant, he recommends two dishes which is the Lengua and the Braised Beef Con Vino y Xocolate. These two dishes is among the popular dishes about the regulars. Majority of the customers that do come here are from Spain and plenty of Filipino food lovers! I asked him what if I needed a quick snack. He recommended the Tacos de Lengua which is heavy on the stomach but at the same time: affordable.

I had to try their best seller which is the Lengua since apparently the word on the street is that this particular brings you to heaven. I tried and whoa! It tasted so delicious and tender. It’s hard to describe. It’s placed in a clay pot with I believe is a mushroom cream sauce.

Up next is the callos. Ah! This one is yummy and it leaves a distinct flavor in your mouth. It’s definitely a hearty flavor meal that goes well with extra rice.

Escalivada is another treat! It has a Spanish twist to it and the bread goes well with dressing. Bread is not too hard or crunchy. The bite is just about right. I was about to eat all of them but hey sharing is caring.

The Pasta Negra is another great meal. I thought the color was green at first but it is indeed color black. I couldn’t eat the shrimps though since I am allergic to shrimps. Sucks right?

In the Philippines, Longganisa is one of my favorite Filipino dishes. This place also serves Filipino food. The longganisa tasted almost similar to the ones that I tasted in Tayabas, Quezon Province so it means that it’s damn good!

Trio Ceviche: This is another good dish! Unfortunately the other bowl has shrimps so I couldn’t eat that. The bowl that I did from has squid, I think. It’s sweet and leaves a nice bitter taste on the tongue. I like it though.

Braised Beef Con Vino y Xocolate is one of my favorites! I never had braised beef with chocolate before it has nice fusion of both. A must try!

I was dying to try this but I couldn’t because of the shrimp. Just my bad luck. My fellow eaters next to happen to enjoy it so I’m assuming that it’a another must try dish.

The Pollo Pinchos is so addictive! Almost taste like kebab or chicken tika. So whether, you been to Green or in the Middle East, this dish will you a Mediterranean feel. I can feel like I was on the beach next to the Red Sea.

Beef Salpicao. Delicious with the onion rings. You can use the bread and dip inside your bowl. Beef is extra soft and doesn’t ruin your teeth

The Churros is a great way to end your meal, just dip in your churros into your chocolate and problem solved.

I love the Tablea Chocolate Cake! It has the cool chocolate flavor when you bite into. If there was slice left, that slice is left for me because Kristian doesn’t share food. I’m kidding 🙂

The gypsy cake as the name says, it came from gypsies. I’m kidding. I love the fork and spoon designed on the chocolate crumbs. One bite of this and you’ll be asking for more!

The ladies seem to love the Kesong Puti Cheesecake. Cheesecake will always be a favorite to them but for me not so much. However, when I bite into this, it was really good. I had to finish the leftover crumbs as well.

Tacos seem to be a trend lately in the Philippines and this restaurant finally released their own taco! It tasted really good and it really fills your stomach if you’re looking for a quick meal.

Sadly, I wasn’t able to try this since everyone on the table took it before me. I think it’s a delicious meal since no one left any for me. No pun intended but I will definitely give this a go on my next visit.

They also got party packs and other Filipinos. Not to worry, fellas. If you’re not a wine drinker like me, they plenty of booze like my favorite San Miguel Light and Corona.

You can also get a Cazuela card from the restaurant. With this card, at can shop at other restaurants like “Racks” and get your money back. I think it’s around 5-10%. This card is safe in my pocket.

Tip: By the way, Cazuela is a homegrown Filipino restaurant so don’t expect the waiters or anyone to speak Spanish. Just a friendly reminder. haha

Cazuela

• Address: The Sapphire Bloc, Sapphire Road, Ortigas, Pasig City
• Opening Hours: 10AM-2AM (Closed on the Weekends)
• Parking Available: Yes, you just have to look for it outside the building
• Customer Service: 9/10
• Dining Experience: Very Good!