For the beleaguered restaurant industry, the return of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is about as welcome as a nasty pimple or recurring cold sore. It's literally the last thing the industry needed, as it was slowly trying to get back on its feet. But unfortunately, things are as they are, and with the delta variant, health and safety are the primary concerns; and we all have to search for the silver linings in the situation.
While nothing still beats eating at a favorite restaurant and being served straight from the kitchen, if ECQ means we have to enjoy those meals via online ordering and delivery, I’m happy that the eateries run by my dear friend, George Pua, have all made the transition, and have found ways to be efficient and dependable on those fronts. It’s just a matter of checking which is the convenient location, and letting your fingers do the rest. Ordering, payment options, and delivery have been optimized.
The most popular brand would be Rico’s Lechon, with 10 locations found in Metro Manila and in Cebu. There are Facebook, Instagram and website options to avail of, and beyond having freshly cooked dishes delivered, you can also order their Frozen Food Packs. As for the Lechon orders, if you still haven’t tried their Spicy Lechon, you’re in for a special treat. Just recently, George launched their Lechon Baka, and I shared a Junior Size order with two of my sons—and as long as it’s not the only viand you’re indulging in, this Junior size easily fed the three of us, with leftovers.
The aforementioned Frozen packs include Lechon Binagoongan, Dinuguan Special, Lechon Humba, Lechon Sisig, and Lechon Paksiw. Trays of Pancit Bam-I, Palabok, Canton, and Bihon are each good for serving 12 persons. And the side dishes are Pork BBQ, Lechon Lumpia Shanghai, and Garlicky Squid Balls. It’s guaranteed fiesta time at home when you order from Rico’s, right?
Thai BBQ was awarded by the Ministry of Commerce Thailand as a Thai SELECT, for offering authentic Thai cuisine. While some of Thai BBQ locations are closed during the ECQ period, all home delivery orders are being serviced by their centrally-located Tiendesitas branch. Head to their Facebook and Instagram pages to get a rundown of their wonderful menu. While most people will go for their Phad Thai, and the waiters would proudly refer to it as their best seller; my personal favorite is the House special—their BBQ Spare Ribs with Shrimp Fried Rice. Trust me, you won’t go wrong with this one—the tender ribs, the marinade, the fried rice.... Stop me, or I’ll order right now!
Ogawa at the Fort Entertainment Complex is the only one of its kind. And for traditional Japanese cuisine, it’s been a go-to of mine ever since it opened its’ doors. Go to their Facebook and Instagram assets to discover the richness of the menu, and the guarantee of the freshness of the imported from Japan seafood. This is a time-honored guarantee of George and Ogawa, such that one should check on availability of some of the seafood items. If you’re planning to indulge in Ogawa fare at home, I’d suggest their Special Sashimi platter or the Special Nigiri Sushi. As you can expect, Ogawa is pricier than George’s other food brands, but there’s a very good and valid reason for that.
ECQ can be a time of restraint, or it can still be productive and fruitful. Especially now that it’s a case of been there, done that, we’ve hopefully learned from the first ECQ—and will keep our ostriches at home. Me, I’m just happy that when it comes to food and dining, the options and choices are bountiful. And thank you, George, for being one of those options, with multiple choices—it’s like a test where you can’t go wrong!