Let's meat at Fish & Co.

MANILA, Philippines - Have you ever wondered what the “Co.” in the Bistro Group’s Fish & Co. means? Well, it’s what keeps the resto’s fish and seafood dishes “company” for years — meat!

“Fish & Co. has been offering meat dishes since it started, but it wasn’t highlighted on the menu simply because our specialty remains to be the fish and chips,” explains Lilet Martinez, director for operations, Fish & Co.

With the launch of “There’s Meat To Our Name,” the restaurant’s existing meat selection — the grilled chicken peri-peri (the tender half chicken grilled to juicy perfection); grilled porkchop Basilico (two-piece chops seasoned and grilled to perfection, and topped with tomato caper relish); and grilled Mediterranean tenderloin (seasoned tenderloin topped with garlic mushroom) — has been beefed up to get more diners hooked.

Families and barkadas remain Fish & Co.’s top customers. As much as they love the resto’s fish & chips, most kids prefer pasta and meaty treats. With only three existing meat dishes on the menu, Fish & Co. felt the need to introduce new dishes to tickle the palate of their regular diners.

Just recently, Fish & Co. launched its new menu that’s guaranteed to meat your huge appetite.

Pasta indulgence: Indulge in Shrimps and Chicken Breast Al Pesto at Fish & Co.

“It’s time to come ashore to Fish & Co. and feast on our fish and more (than) fish dishes,” adds Lilet.

Glad to meat you

At Fish & Co., meat lovers aren’t left out. In fact, four new meaty treats can now be enjoyed on your next visit.

Those who crave steak and shrimp at the same time can opt for the Garlic Steak and Shrimps Combo. It’s a succulent combination of pan-fried US rib eye and plump shrimps served with special seafood rice, sautéed mushrooms, and olives.

“We try to incorporate seafood into our meat dishes so as not to totally deviate from the resto’s concept. We’re lucky that our mother company has been very lenient when it comes to introducing new dishes. When we first opened, the company didn’t allow us to include meat dishes on our menu. But the president of the Bistro Group pushed for it, saying Fish & Co. couldn’t survive in the Philippines if there are no meat items on the menu. Thank goodness, they listened,” relates Lisa Ronquillo, director for marketing, Bistro Group.

Fish & Co. general manager Benjie Pasia with director for operations Lilet Martinez and Bistro Group director for marketing Lisa Ronquillo.

Another meaty option would be the grilled lamb chops. The moist and tender lamb chops are perfectly grilled and slathered with brown jus sauce and mango salsa that lends an extra zing to every bite. I don’t eat lamb because of the strange taste it leaves on my palate, but this one is different. It’s so juicy and flavorful and doesn’t have an after-taste.

“Our lamb doesn’t have an after-taste and that distinct smell because we marinate it in a special mixture for 24 hours. Not only does it add flavor but tenderizes the meat as well. We only use the best quality lamb meat from Australia,” enthuses Lilet.

Those who are partial to poultry will surely enjoy the two new chicken entrees from Fish & Co.

A must-try is the Breaded Chicken Piggyback, chicken breasts (coated with Fish & Co.’s signature breading) on a bed of pasta. What makes the dish simply delish is the topping: shrimps in a creamy marinara sauce with mozzarella au gratin.

Another chicken-and-shrimp combo is Shrimps and Chicken Breast Al Pesto. Tempt your palate with this juicy pan-fried chicken breast and shrimps topped with basil pesto and served with creamy penne and buttered broccoli.

With the resto’s new beef, pork, and chicken entrees, diners are convinced that there’s definitely meat to Fish & Co.’s name.

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Fish & Co. has branches at Greenbelt 3, Makati City (729-7431); Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City (910-2140); SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City (556-0683); TriNoma, QC (916-2028 and 916-0105); and Alabang Town Center (659-3392).