I have been friends with director, writer and talent manager Paolo Bustamante for years now. (actually, kinaibigan ko talaga sya kasi alam kong rich sya!) We met in TV5 and worked together in several shows. Some colleagues and I would visit his house for special dinners (nakikikain ganyan!) until it became a semi-regular occasion with Francis Bryan Talatala, Direk Rich Ilustre and Direk Joey Reyes. (minsan may special guest, if feel namin!) He always has a sumptuous menu for us since he also runs a catering business, buffet cooks and caterers. We would even sometimes get to taste his new dishes before they become part of his catering’s menu. (so tama lang talaga na ginawa ko syang friend, laging libre food!)
Experiencing Paolo’s wide of array of meals is like getting a treat from a certified chef. But no, he didn’t graduate from a culinary school. He just has this passion for cooking. (kaya tawag ko sa kanya Master Paolo!) My favorite Paolo dish is the Bulalo. That is always my special request. (bilang makapa naman fez ko!) His other bestsellers are the Tapa, Paella, Cochinillo and many others. (di ko maisa-isa names kasi diretso na sa tyan ko! )
He recently invited us to his newest venture. It’s called Five Private Dining. (wala naman daw itong kinalaman sa TV5!) He prepared a special menu for our group, the Crazy Rich…Ilustre! (appetizer pa lang, pwede ng ulamin!)
“The location of FIVE is our old house, the address being 113 Connecticut St. 1+1+3=5. Also, we are 5 siblings in the family," Paolo explains. (gusto ko yan may mga meaning meaning!)
Five is not your usual restaurant that you just visit the place anytime and order from the menu. You need to reserve and choose from his food selections. (go lang sa facebook page nilang Five Private Dining!) If everything has been settled with your reservation, you can now visit with your family and friends (kahit isama mo pa enemies mo!) The cozy place and the delicious dishes will be exclusively yours. (nakakasosyal pero affordable ha!)
“I have been cooking for family and friends for about 40 years, so it's like me inviting diners to my home. The homey interiors captures a bit of our old home, and are a bit on the Bohemian side,“ Paolo shares. (yung konti nalang parang gusto mo dun tumira!)
They have already started accepting reservations for this month. “All my food items are original recipes inspired by Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Filipino staples with a slight twist. I also offer a variety of fusion paellas.” (kulang yung salitang masarap, as in!)
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