Comfort food at AK Bistro

“Food is not about impressing people. It’s about making them feel comfortable.” Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa

Food is fascinating, adventurous, thrilling and sensational, but above all, food must first and foremost provide comfort to the hungry. From the glamorous to the mundane, I have seen and even been instrumental in various events that involve food, its preparation and presentation.

Imagine my relief when I chanced upon a group of enterprising housewives who welcomed any weary soul into their “home,” Angel’s Kitchen. It is a remarkable restaurant that serves home-cooked meals lovingly prepared by women who have scoured most, if not all, of Manila’s culinary schools.

Gambas with chorizo bits

One of the five well-traveled Samaritans behind Angel’s Kitchen, led by Marnie Ong, decided that they were simply not satisfied with having the restaurant ensconced in its nook in Greenhills. So, in the spirit of bringing sincere yet tasteful cuisine to customers, they also brought innovation and the warmth of familiar dining to One Rockwell, Rockwell Center in Makati, with AK Bistro.

AK Bistro is slightly different but with the same homey feel. With wooden chairs and a charming dining area, AK Bistro offers cozy comfort in both its food and surroundings to diners.

One is instantly welcomed with a treat of toast and paté to tickle the palate in preparation for a succulent meal that will remain in your memory for a very long time. From exotic dishes such as the ostrich salpicao to more traditional fare such as callos and lengua con oliva, one can choose which comfort food fits one’s mood. And for sure once you savor the modern twist to pinakbet rice with lechon bagnet and chocolate bagoong, you will never look at pinakbet the same way again.

“Food is not about impressing people. It’s about making them feel comfortable,” says Ina Garten, more popularly known as The Barefoot Contessa. This quote graces the wall of AK Bistro, immediately giving every patron an idea of what the eatery is all about. From the beautiful interiors to the contemporary setting, AK Bistro gives the weary person a certain solitude, a certain feel of a home away from home.

Should the experience leave you wanting more, the team of Angel’s Kitchen provides a generous selection of delectable gourmet preparations, from bottled pasta sauces to beautifully baked creations such as their lengua de gato, and bestselling items such as adobong tuyo and lemon-garlic tinapa.

And to top it all off, the rustic apple pie served with caramel sauce will definitely leave you feeling satisfied. This is what anyone would feel coming from a dining experience like AK Bistro’s — the feeling of a well-enjoyed meal in a one-of-a-kind home café in the middle of the bustling metropolis.

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