Heirloom Capampangan Cuisine at PINAC

2 weeks ago, Rowena of www.animetric.blogspot.com invited us for dinner at Pinac located at UP Town Center. Siyempre, dahil kainan, sinama ko ang ka-tandem kong si Papa N. There, we met the owner, Mrs. Angel Pelayo-Ty and her husband, Mr. Erle Ty. Ang cute nila at sobrang bait! They were very accommodating and made us all feel at home. “At home” literally because Pinac’s interiors had the feel of an ancestral home. The doors and panels were made of antique wood. Metal and crystal chandeliers adorned and lit up the place, typical mong matatagpuan sa bahay ni Lola (kung haciendera ang Lola niyo) 😉

Pinac serves “Heirloom Capampangan Cuisine”. Most of its recipes are those of Ms. Angel’s Lola. Kaya naman authentic na authentic.

Gusto niyo ng sample? Well, for starterssssss, at emphasis on the “ssssss” dahil appetizers pa lang, sobrang na-satisfy na ang appetite namin, we had the CRISPY HITO BALLS, MUSTASA at BURO (P235) and the FRIED KESONG PUTI ENSALADA (P145).

Win na win for Papa N ang Hito Balls with Mustasa ang Buro. Normally daw, hindi siya kumakain ng burong dalag dahil very potent ang lasa at amoy. The same with fresh mustasa. But the both combined was perfect because they complemented each other wonderfully!

Para sa akin naman, nagustuhan ko ang LUMPIANG UBOD TAQUITOS (P185). Iilan lang ang kinakain kong gulay at isa na dun ang ubod dahil specialty ito ni Lola Ninang. Pinac’s version of the classic dish is modern. “Deconstructed” kung baga with the taquitos replacing the lumpia wrapper topped with the flavorful ubod. UBOD NANG SARAP! ‘Yun na!

Next was the BAKED OYSTERS WITH CRISPY KANGKONG (P235). Haaaay…talagang hindi namin napigilan umorder pa ng isang round. Oysters pa lang, sulit na ang biyahe namin!!!

For drinks, Rowena highly recommended the CUCUMBER MINT DALANDAN and the KAMIAS CALAMANSI SHAKE (both P85). Siyempre, Papa N and I ordered one of each para pareho naming masubukan.

Ay naku, these are the perfect drinks to enjoy on a humid afternoon. It’s a glass-full of “refreshing.” 🙂

Inuulit ko, paunang tikim pa lang ‘yan. Hindi kami handa ni Papa N sa sumunod na dishes…

BEEF SALPICAO (P265)

Part of their Lunch Specials, beef tenderloin cubes in butter, worcestershire and toasted garlic,

served with garlic rice and pan roasted vegetables

LENGUA CON SETAS (P255)

Braised ox tongue in red wine and shitake,

also served with garlic rice and pan roasted vegetables

ADOBONG HITO SA ALAGAW (P185)

The aromatic tangle herb lends depth to the humble adobong hito

PINAC’S CRISPY PATA (P645)

Pork knuckle poached in aromatics for six hours then deep fried to crispy perfection

SMOKED TADYANG WITH YELLOW MANGO CHUTNEY (P625)

750- grams of fall-off-the-bone smoked beef ribs,

served with yellow mango and native corn salsa

For us, ito ang STAR OF THE NOCHE BUENA FEAST! Kung alam lang namin ni Papa N that Pinac would serve food THIS good, sana hindi na kami nag breakfast, lunch at merienda. #PinaghandaanAngHandaan

At kahit hanggang dito na ang kabusugan namin, we couldn’t say no to, not one, not two, but three kinds of dessert! Lalo na kung ganito…

DULCE DE LECHE CHEESECAKE (P195)

BRAZO DE MAIS AT SALABAT (P185)

Meringue filled with creamy custard, served with ginger tea

Pinac’s salabat had a gentler ginger flavor with a bit of sweetness na nagustuhan ko talaga. Pwedeng katerno ng kahit na anong dessert or you can enjoy it on its own with your favorite book or magazine.

LASTLY, we had the fantastic trio of SUMAN, MANGA at TSOKOLATE (P140)!!! Ito ang super sulit at super winner.

Kung nagbibilang ka ng calories, tumigil ka na and head on over to UP Town Center and simply enjoy Pinac’s offerings. Kung ganito naman kasarap ang nakahain sa’yo, It. Does. Not. Matter. 😉

Thank you, Ms. Angel, for the food and company. Salamat din Rowena for the invite. Babalik po kami dyan at isasama namin ang Familia Provinciated. 😉

Siyempre, pwede ba namang kami lang ang nakatikim? We want one of you to also have the chance to experience authentic Capampangan food. Kaya naman we’re having an Instagram giveaway courtesy of Pinac! Here’s how to join.