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Where to Eat in Calle Bistro Commonwealth QC

A new lifestyle-cum-dining strip has just opened in the northern part of the metropolis. Calle Bistro is a collection of dining establishments that aims to deliver good fun and great eats for the entire family. It’s ideally located in Commonwealth, Quezon City, just beside the popular Ever Commonwealth Mall.  I only live 15 minutes from the spot so I dropped by for lunch with my family a few months back. My verdict? Must come back! And come back I did! This time with fellow foodies for a Grand Food Crawl along the Calle Bistro. Read on where to eat at the newly-opened Calle Bistro Food Hub in Quezon City.

 

Calle Bistro: A Must-Visit Lifestyle/Dining Strip in North Quezon City

Being in real estate, I already found out about the new development that was about to take place in the iconic Ever Gotesco Mall earlier on. I just didn’t know exactly what it was. Thankfully, it’s a fresh concept that should be able to pique the interest of residents within the area.

Located along the parking side of the mall, Calle Bistro is a breath of fresh air with its open all-glass exteriors. A stark contrast to the more traditional look of the old mall.

Calle Bistro features a dozen distinct tenants that range from Chinese to Filipino restaurants, cafes and wine bars. Its perfect mix of stores and shops create an ideal community where customers can dine, meet, relax and enjoy a variety of flavors and experiences with family and friends. From breakfast, lunch, and even to after-dinner drinks.

“We aim that Calle Bistro will become the favorite destination of families and friends. Who are looking for a foodie adventure in this side of the city,” said Chie Arao-Santos, Corporate Marketing Manager of the Ever Group of Companies.  “We welcome everyone especially those who live in the northern Metro Manila. Who wants to have a good time and memorable dining. Calle Bistro is perfect for those living in Commonwealth and nearby areas. As they don’t have to travel too far and endure the heavy traffic.”

 

An All-Day Dining Experience at Calle Bistro

To showcase this new food attraction, EVER Group recently held its first-ever Calle Bistro “Food Crawl” where we were treated to a “full” day of food, music, and fun festivities. Everyone had a delightful time visiting the restaurants as we got a bite at some of the mouth-watering selections of the restaurants. It was an intense 5-hour foodcrawl that featured the restaurants’ best-selling appetizers, classic meal favorites, popular desserts and signature beverages. Among the participating restaurants are Sisig Society, ELM’s Kapihan and Winery, Adobo Connection, Ima Kitchen, Gerry’s Grill and Restaurant, PUB Express, Hap Chan, Macao Imperial Tea, Cook the Bread, among others.  

Soon to open within the year are Tim Hortons, After Twelve Bar, and Teriyaki Boy.

“If you look at the tenant mix at Calle Bistro, you can see that we took a lot of effort to make sure that there is something for everyone. From breakfast, you can have your coffee and bread at Starbucks. Eating lunch? Try the Japanese dishes at Teriyaki Boy or the Chinese fare at Hap Chan. Time for merienda? There are cold drinks at Tim Hortons or Macao Imperial Tea. Finally for dinner, try Filipino food at Gerry’s Restaurant and Bar or Ima’s Kitchen. Lastly, you can enjoy chill moments with cocktails at After Twelve Bar,” said Santos. “For the young to the busy professional to seniors who just want to enjoy the night, there are treats waiting for them at each Calle Bistro tenant.”

 

Great Eats at the Calle Bistro Grand Food Crawl

1st Stop: Sisig Society

You know it’s going to be a good foodie day when you start off with something classic: Sisig. And our Great Eats adventure at Calle Bistro hit off at Sisig Society. Sure, sisig might be common but have you ever had it apart from the classic sizzling on a plate? Bet you haven’t. But luckily, you can now do so with Sisig Society’s wide array of sisig-based innovative dishes.

We had a good time time biting into its array of homegrown flavors: Tusok-Tusok Platter (an assorted platter of dynamites,chicken skin, bacon cracklings and Kikiam), Sisig Nachos, and the Classic Pork Sisig.

We also had the spicy sisig, which actually turned out to be my personal favorite. The kick of spice definitely complimented the savory taste of the sisig. I also enjoyed the bacon cracklings, they were thin and tasty, actually quite addictive! I definitely can see Sisig Society as the perfect place for a no-frills inuman place with friends.

2nd Stop: ELM’s Kapihan and Winery

We then proceeded to our next stop, which was ELM’s Kapihan and Winery. Honestly when I first visited Calle Bistro, I found the place quite interesting from the outside. I just didn’t know what to expect, given the name. Turns out,ELM’s Kapihan and Winery is a coffee-cum-bar spot that combines amazing cuisine with cozy interiors.

Among the surprising menu that greeted us was an eye-popping mix of Chicharon Bulaklak, Pritong Hito & Burong Mustasa, Beef Kare-Kare, Pritong Native Itik, Palabok, Rib Eye Steak, plus Margaritas.  I like my food either meaty or savory. So I’d have to say I loved ELM’s Beef Kare-Kare and Rib Eye Steak best.

The Kare-Kare had a good portion size, was generous in meat, and had a good sauce to it. Just the right balance of sweet, salty, and peanuty. I also loved the consistency of the sauce, not too thin or thick. The Rib Eye was also mouthwatering – well-seasoned, juicy, and tender. Good thing I didn’t have rice or else I would have been stuffed earlier in the game.

“Our restaurant serves authentic Filipino cuisine, mostly Kapampangan dishes, and a steady mix of Western cuisine as well. We also offer Unli Wine for those who want to just relax amid a cozy dine-and-chill vibe,” said Bernadette Almodiel, manager of ELM’s Kapihan and Winery.

 

3rd Stop: Ima’s Kitchen

Our third stop took us to the flavorful doors of  Ima’s Kitchen. It’s a dining place that offers a wealth of modernized Filipino native cuisine and honors a grandmother’s legacy. We were fortunate to be joined by Chef Carlo Yabut, owner of Ima’s Kitchen. What started as an online business, turned into a showcase of great food heirlooms.

Ima’s Kitchen has an original menu lineup composed of Ube Bibingka Cinnamon Roll, Tortang Talong at Itlog na Maalat Ensalada, Pork Adobong Puti, Sinigang na Baka sa Ube at Pakwan, Banana-Rum Turon and Street Skewers (Pork BBQ, Chicken Isaw, Liver Betamax and Pork Walkman). By this time, we were able to take time to sit down and savor the feast.

And I found myself loving the Pork Adobong Puti and Tortang Talong most. The pork adobong puti was perfectly seasoned (sans the soy sauce) and was so tender that I’m aching to re-create it at home. I also loved the unique taste of the Tortang Talong as it was a little cheesey and sweet. And complimented well with my favorite adobo.  While the others liked the combination of sweet and sour flavors in the sinigang, I found it lacking the asim I look for. The Banana-Rum Turon was also good throw in the mix, mainly because of the cinnamon. But would have preferred for it to be little crispier.

“Through homecooked meals with creative twists, Ima’s Kitchen wants to pay homage to families, elderly people, and generally Filipinos who are far away from their home and crave for native flavors. We started as an online business initially selling desserts and, a year later, we now have two branches, the first one located in UST,” said Yabut.

4th Stop: Adobo Connection

We then carried on with our Calle Bistro food adventure and reached Adobo Connection. I’ve actually eaten in Adobo Connection a few times before when I was in corporate. And I fondly remember how sulit their meals are, considering the taste, variety, and price. It’s actually quite surprising how Adobo Connection gets creative crafting innovative meals from classic Pinoy food favorites. Franchise owner, Atty. Julia C. Bacay-Abad treated everyone with hefty servings of Adobo Flakes with matching Buko Pandan dessert.

I, however, preferred the Crispy Kare-Kare and the Ginataang Liempo. Just like in Sisig Society, I loved the crispy bacon-like texture of the meat. While the Ginataang Liempo combines the rich milky taste of coconut and the salty savor of adobong liempo.

 

5th Stop: Macao Imperial Tea

I have heard so many raves about how good milktea in Macao Imperial Tea is. So finally, when I had the chance, I just had to taste it in Calle Bistro! And now, I am totally hooked!

I ordered the Cream Cheese Milk Tea (Php 120.00) during my last visit. Which only took five minutes to prepare. And guys, it was SOOOOOO GOOD! It wasn’t overly sweet so you can still taste the quality of the tea. The cream cheese was the best part – making the drink very very addictive! Plus points for good service and the cute coziness of the place.

This time around, I loved the fact that they prepared everything on the menu for us. So each one in the group got to taste the different flavors that Macao Imperial Tea has to offer. We were served the Instagrammable line of fancy sodas (Blue Curachao, Midsummer, Cherry Blossom, Over the Rainbow, Green Apple and Lemon Fizz). As well as their milk teas (Cream Cheese Cocoa, Cream Cheese Sea Salt Jasmine Green Tea and Original,) and special drinks For Me and For You.

I also enjoyed munching on their snack bites. Like the Kurobota Sausage (Top 1 Fave), Smoked Sausage, Cheese Sausage, Lobster Balls, and Cheese Balls (Top 2).

 

6th Stop: Hap Chan

Adding up some more authentic Asian gastronomy to the food tour is long-time favorite Hap Chan. We had their classic Chinese specialties: Yang Chow, Sauteed Beef with Broccoli Flower, Beef Haofan, and Pork Siomai. As always, the Yang Chow plus Beef and Brocolli combination won our palettes.

 

7th Stop: Gerry’s Grill

Another foodie hotspot not to be missed at Calle Bistro is the famous Gerry’s Grill. Perfecting classic Pinoy favorites, Gerry’s Grill, proved yet again to their guests why they remain a leading destination of choice amongst Filipino diners. We had their well-loved Filipino menu favorites: Crispy Pata, Fried Chicken, Kare-Kare, Sisig and the thirst-queching Watermelon Juice.  If there’s one thing I’d have to commend about Gerry’s Grills is their commitment to quality and consistency.

 

My family frequents dining in their outlets. And their Crispy Sisig and Kare-Kare are always must-order dishes. Well-seasoned, served fresh and hot, and well-portioned. 

8th Stop: PUB Express

During my previous visit, I personally wanted to try something new for lunch when I visited with family. So I decided to go with the best-lit/most playful-looking restaurant: Pub Express. I loved the modern-industrial look of the place, especially the cool contrast of the red, gray, and yellow interiors.

Food-wise, Pub Express serves quick and cheap meals with a twist.

There were three of us so we ordered a rice meal each and a basket of wings for everyone. My mom had their bestselling Baby Back Ribs with Java Rice for Php 179.00. I found it tasty and the meat very tender. The sauce was also the perfect blend of salty, savory, and sweet. No wonder it’s a bestseller for just Php 179!

We also had the Bourbon Chicken and the Creamy Kawali for Php 129.00 each. While a half-dozen Garlic Parmesan Chicken wings only cost us Php 179.00.

Loved how the ribs were so flavorful and the meat so tender. The portion was also big and can easily be shared by 2 people. The chicken was so-so while the cream in the lechon kawali was a good spin to the classic favorite.

The wings were pretty good and big-sized too!

9th Stop: Cook The Bread

By this time, we were already quite full but as they say, “the show must go on”. So off we went thrilled upon reaching our final stop at Cook the Bread. I loved how cozy the whole place looked, welcoming diners with a fascinating array of quintessential Korean breakfast fares, coffee, teas, and all-day brunch specials.

Cook the Bread prides itself with  an assortment of freshly-baked goods like cakes, pastries,and buns both savory and sweet, sans any milk and sugar! Yet everything tasted so good, with a hint of natural sweetness in the bread. A perfect meeting or study nook, this charming cafe is the first and only branch outside its main branch in South Korea.

Since Cook the Bread was our last stop, owner Cai Tariman made sure our visit was icing on the cake. We had all the bestsellers of Cook The Bread:  Buttered Curry Chicken, Beef Tomato Stew, Bulgogi Rice, and Pane Cream Pasta. I super enjoyed the unique ingenuity and creativity behind their dishes. I, for one, enjoyed the sweet/savory taste of the Bulgogi Rice most. As well as the sweet creamy flavor of the Pane Cream Pasta.

Afterwards, we feasted on their flavored Bingsoo (Blue Raspberry, Red Bean, Snow Coffee, White Snow, and Strawberry Mango). Just as everyone did, I enjoyed the Strawberry Mango Bingsoo best as it was the perfect mix of sweet and sour flavors. The coffee was also a unique blend while I thought the Raspberry would have been better with vanilla ice cream instead of ube.

To cleanse our palette, we had a mini-tea party. Having Garlic Baguette, Coffee Toast, and refreshing Four Berries Infused Tea as a proverbial ending to the day-long resto hopping.

 

Tasty Preview of Flavorful Discoveries in Calle Bistro

The recent Grand “Food Crawl”, according to Chie Arao-Santos, Corporate Marketing Manager of EVER Group of Companies, is a tasty preview of the many flavorful discoveries that await diners at Calle Bistro. Being a new foodie hub with diverse cuisine offerings.

“As the newest food destination north of Manila, Calle Bistro offers a variety of culinary options for the large neighborhood along Commonwealth Avenue, from breakfast to chilling at midnight. As a brand, Calle Bistro is family-oriented, sincere and down-to-earth. We aim to create not just a space for food, but a community through Calle Bistro where people gather for Great Eats and Great Meets – to exchange stories, make memorable moments and enjoy the best of life without driving too far away from their homes,” said Santos.

 

‘Eats an Affair’: November 30 to December 2

For the holidays, Calle Bistro invites EVER mall goers to its grand food and music extravaganza dubbed ‘Eats an Affair’. To be held from November 30 until December 2. Apart from restaurant hopping, visitors will be entertained by live band performances. While surprise guest celebrities will be participating in the Star Bazaar activity as well.

Built to complement the group’s Ever Commonwealth mall, Calle Bistro hosts more than a dozen of distinct food spaces that range from Chinese to Filipino restaurants, cafes and wine bars.

 

Extra Christmas Cheers at Calle Bistro Quezon City 

And because the Christmas season is not without spreading joys and spending quality time with those we cherish the most, EVER Malls goes the extra mile in giving loyal customers a memorable time. Kicking off the long list of festivities was the grand launch of the ‘Give Love this Christmas’ campaign. Along with the much-awaited Christmas Tree Lighting held last November 17. 

Everyone is invited to take part in EVER Commonwealth’s Yuletide attractions. Such as the colorful parades, feasts, and live music. There are also other fun spectacles for the holidays on the following dates:

• INSTA-BIDA Shopper, EVER Department Store’s 46th Anniversary: The Great Holiday Shopping Spree play-to-win game show for all lucky shoppers (December 1)
• Christmas Party with a Star! Meet and greet party with celebrity guest Jolina Magdangal-Escueta (December 2)
• Gift-Giving Shopping Week with special promo products offered under P300! (December 3-8)
• Christmas Hymns featuring Banda Malabon playing beautiful carols (December 8 and 22)
• Christmas Parade of Joy featuring cute mascots (December 9)
• Meet and greet with Santa Claus (December 15 and 23)
• Star Serenade Presents: Matteo Guidicelli (December 16)
• and Holiday Goodies: A Food Bazaar featuring well-loved holiday cakes, pastries, and other perfect gift-giving treats by #WeekendGourmetProject (December 17-January 4).
  

Get into the Yuletide spirit by visiting EVER Commonwealth and Calle Bistro. For updates and information, visit Calle Bistro’s Facebook and Instagram pages @CalleBistroPH. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #CalleBistroPH and #GreatEatsThisWay!

Calle Bistro is located at Ever Commonwealth Parking Grounds, Quezon City.