Patio Vera: A Hidden Culinary Gem in the Heart of Marikina City

Marikina City is the food capital of Metro Manila, there's no doubt about that. Even Quezon City is not up to par with the culinary treasure chest that is Marikina City.

Most might say that Marikina City is way too far, or too out-of-way, but if you are really up for a spin and on a hunt for great food, head over to the Shoe Capital and you're not going to regret it.

In the middle of a residential area of Calumpang stands Patio Vera. An old house converted into the Restaurant and Bar that it is now. It is a bit hard to find, especially if you aren't all too familiar with the streets of Marikina. But once you get there, you'll forget all the troubles you had to go through because what unfolds before you is a fabulous and grand restaurant with food that will take you back to a time when home cooking is not a rare thing.

Mr. Dennis Caballes, owner of Patio Vera, did the interior decoration and the landscaping of the restaurant himself. There was also an array of costumed shoes, that served as receipt trays, which he also designed. He mentioned that the look of the restaurant is ever-changing because he always redesigns whenever he feels like doing so.

Turning old houses into restaurants nowadays seem like a thing, maybe because it brings nostalgia to diners who miss the old days where one can look forward to home cooked meals on Sunday family lunch at Lola's house. This one, especially the house, brings me back to the 80s and to the studio/boutique of my mom's uncle who used to design gowns for celebrities back then.

  

At the center of the lawn is a tent, where you can dine al fresco. I loved the chandelier and the ornaments that reminded me of my childhood. The huge vase gives the illusion that you are in Phuket or Bali.

 

A very long and old wooden boat is recycled and turned into something like a table for plants and other antiquated displays.

Mr. Dennis Caballes, owner of Patio Vera Restobar

You might ask about the food... It was superb! It really made the whole nostalgia thing come to life with the food they serve. The food will really make you think of the times you visit your Grandma on Sundays (but you just play all  day with your cousins).

Visit their Facebook Page at Patio VERA (Restobar) for updates and details.

Patio Vera is located at 70 Gen. F. Santos Street, Calumpang, Marikina City. 

Telephone: 239-06-15

E-mail: patiovera@yahoo.com

Open hours: 5:00PM to 12:00AM on weekdays

11:00AM to 12:00AM on weekends

Christian Bautista launches new album this Saturday

After about two years, Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista is back with a new album “Soundtrack.” Produced by Universal Records, Christian’s new album includes memorable theme songs from the most romantic movies of all time.

The album’s first single Up Where We Belong, the theme from the movie “An Officer and a Gentleman.”

Christian also bared his heart in his rendition of “A Thousand Years,” theme of the phenomenal hit movie series “Twilight.”

He also showed his edgier side in “Kiss From A Rose,” theme from “Batman Forever.”

Christian also tapped some of the best female singers to collaborate with him. Former sweetheart Rachelle Ann Go joins him in their rendition of “The Way We Were.”

Perennial stage leading lady Karylle performs the romantic “After All” with Christian. This is the first time the two performed a studio duet together, while Nikki Gil lent her beautiful voice in the duet “Come What May.”

The launch of the album “Soundtrack” will be launched this Saturday, Nov. 15, 7:00 p.m., Eastwood Mall Open Park.

  

Christian Bautista: SoundTrack

1.     Come What May (duet with Nikki Gil)

2.     Up Where We Belong

3.     How Deep Is Your Love

4.     When You Say Nothing At All

5.     After All (duet with Karylle)

6.     A Thousand Years

7.     Cruisin’ (duet with Julie Ann San Jose)

8.     Way Back Into Love

9.     Love Is All Around

10.  The Way We Were

11.  Kiss From A Rose

12.  Unchained Melody

Bonus Track

13. Seasons of Love (Theme from the series of the same title)

Richard Poon sings hits of Burt Bacharach in new album

The country’s premiere crooner Richard Poon interprets some of Burt Bacharach’s biggest hits in her new album aptly titled “The Crooner Sings Bacharach.” This is Richard’s second album with Universal Records, after the album “Legends,” which was awarded Gold.

The album consists of 12 Bacharach classics including “What The World Needs Now,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Don’t Make Me Over,” “Close To You,” “Raindrops Keeps Falling On My Head,” among others.

“I think this is the best album I’ve ever done ever kasi even my record label executives are raving about it,” shares Richard. “It’s a nice album taas kamay ko sa mga arrangers ko.”

“The Crooner Sings Bacharach” will have an album launch this October 3, Friday, Shangrila Plaza East Wing. Advanced copies of the album will be sold at the venue.

THE CROONER SINGS BACHARACH

1. Always Something There To Remind Me

2. The Look Of Love

3. A House Is Not Home

4. What The World Needs Now Is Love

5. Alfie

6. Walk On By

7. Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)

8. Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

9. I Say A Little Prayer

10. Don't Make Me Over

11. You'll Never Get To Heaven

12. (They Long To Be) Close To You