There will always be places that we habitually visit from time to time and grow to love. Among these are the LJC Group of Restaurants namely Café Adriatico, Ang Bistro Sa Remedios, Fely J’s Kitchen, Lorenzo’s Way, Abe and Abe’s Farm. They have absolutely become part of Pinoy dining culture over the past three decades. This month, we take you back to the LJC restaurants that have started a dining cult among food aficionados spanning different generations (read: the yuppies and young at heart). Rediscover the charms of these gastronomic heritages and see how they still prevail in every diner’s heart and finally survived all the transitions.

Café Adriatico (Adriatico Street, Remedios Circle, Malate / 738-8220)

The old has been reinvented as Café Adriatico Malate recently opened its doors to its habitués. Luckily, the first floor was saved but the damage caused by last year’s raze was limited only on the 2nd floor bar and now it’s back in the biz. It’s the same old café as you can see from the overall interiors (but re-painted and re-varnished) and even the cuisine (but the chefs are adding some healthier choices soon). The owners decided to retain the old design which customers have grown accustomed to. One thing that only differs is the building exterior color instead of pink; it is now painted yellow for vividity. You can still enjoy Café Adriatico’s well-loved dishes like Chicken ala Kiev, Spareribs Adobo, Salpicao Rice, and more. And if you’re itching to have your midnight binge, just head over to Café Adriatico even at late night hours and have your tummy filled.

Ang Bistro Sa Remedios (1911 M. Adriatico Street, Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila / 523-9153 or 523-9153)

If you want to feel at home and you just want to have comfort food and experience homey ambiance then this restaurant is for you. This quaint Filipino dining place offers popular mainstream dishes like Binukadkad na Pla-Pla, Crispy Tadyang D’ Original, Sugpo sa Aligue, Knockout Knuckle, Oxtail Kare Kare, Bamboo Rice as its best sellers. Likewise, the place also offers regional Filipino dishes plus exotic ‘never heard before’ delicacies that may sound foreign to your ear. Just a foreword among diners, feel free to ask the servers about some incomprehensible entrees and they will further explain it to you.

Abe (Serendra Plaza, Fort Bonifacio / 856-0526, Level 1 M3 Trinoma Mall QC/ 901-5691/92)

Pinoy cuisine with a strong Capampangan accent and when you say that the dishes originate from Pampanga, it will be a surefire hit. Abe is a restaurant, dedicated to Larry Cruz’s father, the late artist-writer, gourmet and bon vivant E. Aguilar “Abe” Cruz, serving traditional Filipino food and gourmet dishes inspired by Abe’s travels around the world. At Abe’s, each dish is prepared and served with a great deal of passion while its overall concept and design gives an ideal setting for group of friends and families who wish to eat comfortably and have a grand time dining.

Fely J’s Kitchen (2/L, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati / 728-8878 or 728-8858)

This restaurant, dedicated to the memory of Felicidad de Jesus-Cruz, mother of the late restaurateur Larry J. Cruz, features Fely J’s treasured recipes that she picked up in her travels. The restaurant offers a variety of Filipino and Asian dishes served Fely J’s style: fresh, natural, and attractive. This might be reflexive though, since Fely herself was pretty and adventurous who grew old gracefully without a touch of artifice. Enjoy its specialties like Fely J’s Temple Crab, Lola Ising’s Adobo,Fely J’s Dilis-cious Rice, and Tilapia with Sweet Plum Sauce for a lipsmacking experience!

Lorenzo’s Way (G/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati City / 729-0047 & 729-0013)

This restaurant is a tribute to LJC and his food creations. Lorenzo’s Way features its well-loved signature dishes that diners ultimately crave for in any LJC restaurant in an exquisite setting. You’ll never go wrong with the exciting entrees that the place offers like Bangus Belly with Kangkong Blachan, Baklava, Beef Ribs Ninja, Black Pata, Coco Logo Prawns, and more.

Abe’s Farm (98 Livestock Village, Barangay Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga/ (045) 865-1930 & 0917-8085187)

Dine, Discover, and De-Stress. These three aspects come to mind when you head over to Abe’s Farm in Pampanga. You can come and indulge your taste buds in the comforts of a dreamy bamboo and antique wood rest house. The restaurant part serves a full menu of Capampangan food and signature dishes from the LJC restaurant chain. You can discover new adventures and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a private mountain home or spend the night in a cozy air-conditioned Ifugao hut. Lastly, Abe’s Farm features a spa experience to reinvigorate the body and ease the mind.

Tags: Abe, Abe's Farm, Ang Bistro Sa Remedios, Cafe Adriatico, Circuit magazine, city guide manila, city life manila, event guide, events magazine, Fely J Kitchen's, Larry J. Cruz, lifestyle guide manila, lifestyle trend manila, LJC., Lorenzo's Way, malate, manila events, manila night spots, night life manila, what’s happening in Manila