Not all provinces in the Philippines have memorable local cuisines. Some that stand out are Kapampangan, Cebuano, and… yep, Bicolano. We all know, for instance, that gata or coconut milk is widely used in usually-spicy Bicolano food. That’s because many of us have tasted at least some of their offerings, no matter where we may be in the country.
And so – while in Legazpi City – we headed to Small Talk Café, this known restaurant offering supposedly authentic and deconstructed delicacies from the Bicol region.
How was Small Talk Café naman?
Una, the restaurant is easy to find. It helps that people know of it, so you can take public transport and – yep – you will be taken there.
Ikalawa, the actual restaurant is… antiquated. It actually looks like someone’s provincial house that’s been converted into a dining place, so don’t expect much design-wise. But at least you get ample seating in a not-that-tight space.
Ikatlo, most of the people working there are women who know the venue’s offerings. There are some half-truths given (e.g. their version of the sili ice cream not properly explained), but overall, they were helpful naman.
Ika-apat, how was the food?
- The Pinangat/Laing (₱110) was properly cooked, with melt-in-your mouth taro leaves blending well with the coconut milk.
- The Pasta Mayon (₱275) reminded me of spicy pansit in some Chinese restaurant. Not to everyone’s liking, but, even if sauce-less, it was okay naman for me.
- The Kandingga or Albay Bopis (₱225) was good naman, but not extraordinary. If you order bopis in some karinderya in Mandaluyong or in Kidapawan or in Vigan, the taste would still be the same.
- The same can be said about the Sinigang (₱365), which was almost tasteless.
- The chicken offerings were sorta dry, including the fried chicken (₱200 per piece, or ₱630 per medium serving), and the Adobong Manok sa Gata (₱320). Truth: these weren’t bad naman, but what I remember ay ang dryness of the chicken.
- Must try for me ay ang Mayon Stuffed Pizza (₱500), which is, basically, calzone with spicy meat filling. If you’re not into spicy food, ignore those sili on top of the pizza; they’re there only as decoration. Filled with cheesy meat, this is very tasty, with the spice level making you want to eat more. This is, definitely, way, way better than the Bicolano (₱475) pizza that, really, is just laing on dough.
- For dessert, their version of the “sili ice cream” is… deceptive. Red Hot Lava (₱380) is, basically, scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream topped with pili nuts and slivers of sili. You can make this at home, truth be told.
If you want to eat local in Legazpi City, try looking for some karinderya… or try the likes of Small Talk Café. You may have issues – as I did – with some of what’s there, but it does give you a sense of Bicolano food. No hotel food, I say.
But off we go in search of more lafangan venues…
Small Talk Café is located at 51 Dona Aurora St., Legazpi City. For more information, call 0917 624 9279 or email smoltok_cafe@yahoo.com.
