*** Manila Fast Food has changed owners. An updated post can be found here.
The Missus had heard of Manila Fast Food from one of Her co-workers, who told Her that the food there was pretty good, and worth a try. So on a recent weekend morning we headed over to Mira Mesa. Manila Fast Food is located in the same strip mall as the Mira Mesa location of Seafood City.
For some reason I recall another restaurant being in this location.
When we entered the restaurant, there was quite a crowd of people waiting for the "turo-turo"(point-point) type dishes, even though it was 10 in the morning. And they looked really hungry.
We decided on each ordering a single entree plate with rice which goes for $3.49 (Two choices is $4.99), and "something else". On this morning I felt like some Sisig:
As with most of "turo-turo" joints in San Diego, Sisig is usually left over Lechon(roast pork), stir fried with onions, lime or vinegar, and chili pepper or other flavoring. Not to get off the subject, but many Jazz Musicians use something called the "Real Book", which is actually a "Fake Book"(a story for another day), now the "Real Book" consists of a large collection of "standards" that every Jazz Musician should know, usually consisting of only a "lead sheet"(the melody) and the chord changes. After that, it's up to the Musician(s) to decided how to make Autumn Leaves, Alone Together, or Days of Wine and Roses interesting. Likewise, it can be a real challenge creating a tasty dish from what is essentially "left-overs"(a standard). Like any good "number" performed by a trio or quartet, harmony is important, as is the support(rhythm section), not only is it important that the "lead instrument"(in this case the lechon) be very clear, but the rhythm needs to keep everything in time preventing the whole creation from becoming a "train wreck". The rhythm section should never become the lead except for perhaps a "solo", not only is it important to know what to play, but also what NOT to play. If this Sisig were a Jazz Quartet playing a standard, I'd say that the rhythm section is driving a bit too hard, too much sour and sweet. And the Lechon(the lead) too passive, on the soft and soggy side, I'd prefer the pork to have a bit more "chew" with hints of crunchy "goodies". I did enjoy the spiciness, though I'd say that even that over-shadowed the pork. One the positive side, this version of Sisig was not very greasy.
The Missus decided on Beef Sinigang(Sour Soup):
Though not as oily as versions I've had before, I thought that other then a vinegar "sour"(I prefer more tamarind - tangy) flavor, there wasn't much going on. There was quite a bit of fairly tender meat though.
Of course we weren't through. The Missus also ordered a Crispy Pata ($9.99 + a 15 minute wait). Well, if the Sisig was the Jazz Quartet, this should be the entire "Big Band"!
We got it sizzling hot just out of the fryer and brought it over to our table. The skin was nice and crisp, though there was not very gelatin, nor dark meat. I think this "Baboy"(pig), might have been on a bit of a diet. The flavor was very mild, and the richness somewhat muted. Like all of the dishes we ate, the Pata was not very greasy at all.
In the end, nothing outstanding. No amazing Pat Martino single line guitar solos or Jim Hall harmonic solos. More like a good garage band playing Louie-Louie, but hey, that's a "standard" too, right?
Manila Fast Food and Desserts
8979 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126
Sorry for all the silly analogies.....I don't know what came over me! In case you're wondering if some music was driving me over the edge; yesterday I was listening to Corrinne May, and today Tal Farlow and Lenny Breau, strange how music can affect your posts!
Whew, that is one substantial line! Can't wait for the post, to see whether the food was worth the wait!
Posted by: Passionate Eater | Tuesday, 11 April 2006 at 09:00 PM
kirk,
i've always wondered why its like 100 chinese restaurants to 10 thai to 1 filipino ratio...
i can go with population, but trying to look beyond that...
whats your take?
Posted by: dietchilicheesefries | Tuesday, 11 April 2006 at 10:46 PM
A friend from the Philipines recommends only to go to filipino restaurants in National City, the rest of them are not worth the visit according to him.
Posted by: honkman | Tuesday, 11 April 2006 at 11:56 PM
Hi PE - I hope to get it finished this evening.....
Hi DCCF - I don't think I'll go there. But here's an interesting tidbit, I had only been to 2 Filipino Restaurants in all my years back home. Why? Well, my Friend's Mom's(all of them, and some cases Dad's too) made the best food, so I saw no reason to eat at a restaurant. And there was always a major Filipino party (B-Day, Retirement, Graduation) for the really good stuff like lechon, dinuguan, and stuff.....
Hi honkman - I'll go with the old saying...you never know until you try! And I'm willing to try......
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 12 April 2006 at 07:27 AM
kirk,
a new vietnamese sandwich place opened in the lucky seafood plaza. its called california sandwiches i believe, its on the left side of biglots.
the price is a lil higher its 2.75 for a bat diet (however you spell it) but it is VERY big. and they toast your bread and its nice and crispy! give it a try
Posted by: clayfu | Wednesday, 12 April 2006 at 02:46 PM
argh. my whole family here is drooling over that crispy pata. i'm wondering now if i still have time to change the menu for Easter brunch.
Posted by: stefoodie | Wednesday, 12 April 2006 at 06:40 PM
Kirk,
Thank you for the musical analogy. I appreciated learning about "fake books" via your link (I wish I had tried one out years ago, when I might have had time to practice), and I heartily concur with your idea of harmony and balance in food.
To stretch your admittedly imperfect analogy a bit further, I prefer Jazz to "classical" music for the same reason I prefer many "ethnic" foods to haute cuisine. There is something to be said for subtlety, technical virtuosity and grand style in both music and art, but my palate and pocketbook can only enjoy such entertainment on occasion. Jazz, Blues, Gospel - these fill my soul anyday. Likewise, I can eat a carnitas taco, a plate of rice and dal and vegetables, or a good dish of pad tai, enjoying the strong but balanced flavors.
Simple, ordinary ingredients balanced with good flavors make a meal; I can live without the waiters and white tablecloths and fancy knifework stacked six inches high. Don't most 'hounds feel the same?
Posted by: Joseph E | Wednesday, 12 April 2006 at 09:13 PM
Hi clayfu - Thanks for the rec! A frequent reader Renee also told me about that place, so I've got that, and the new 'Mi' place a few doors down on my list as well!
Hi stef - There is something about crispy pata! So earthy and basic, and yet decadent in a way.....
Hi JosephE - Thanks for indulging my silliness. Just as there is room, for all music, there is room for all types of food.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 12 April 2006 at 09:54 PM
Hail, fellow music lover! :-) Having messed (however incompetently) with various fake books, I really grooved on your analogy. Though I confess most of my exposure to jazz comes from my love of jazz-influenced rock artists like Steely Dan and Frank Zappa ...
Anyway--yeah, I think that restaurant must have changed names, however slightly. When I went there, it was called "New Manila"--maybe they decided they weren't new anymore? Anyway, it was still a turo-turo, and it also apparently hosted Friday evening karaoke parties.
Actually, given how restaurants come and go, I bet there could have been several others in that space as well.
Posted by: mizducky | Thursday, 13 April 2006 at 11:03 PM
Hi mizducky - Thanks for the info - I had thought it was a different restaurant from the one I'd passed before.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 14 April 2006 at 07:06 AM
Hal Leonard now publishes the Real Book in a legitimate form, FYI. It's all the same songs as the "illegal" one, but with licensing paid, etc. The printing is also much nicer.
Some restaurants can make Donna Lee, while others struggle with So What.
Posted by: JS | Friday, 14 April 2006 at 04:24 PM
Hi JS - Yes, a friend of mine mentioned that it came out last year....though the "old" real book had some charm and character, mistakes and all.
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 15 April 2006 at 02:23 PM
I love Manila- It has the best food ive ever had. The rice is great and the people are nice!!
Posted by: Adriana Estrada | Saturday, 30 September 2006 at 12:41 PM
I came across your website. This restaurant was sold and under new ownernership. Now called "Manila Dessert". They used to be located where "R&B" is now. Better food than prior owners. :)
Posted by: Maribelle | Thursday, 01 May 2008 at 03:50 PM
Hi Maribelle - Thanks so much for the info! I always appreciate updates...I'll be sure to check it out when I have a chance.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 01 May 2008 at 07:56 PM