Zarzuela Restaurant. A Filipino restaurant destination.

Zarzuela is a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that alternates between spoken and sung scenes, the latter incorporating operatic and popular song, as well as dance. Well that was what my tummy was doing when I arrived at their beautiful restaurant at level 6, Shanri-La East Wing. Zarzuela is just at this fancy and really good Korean House, Woo Galbi. Check out their store and food here.

Anyways, I was invited to Zarzuela, not knowing what I was in for because it was my first time dining there. (Compared to some of my blogger friends who have been there 3rd-4th time)

The place was well lighted because of the natural light that was coming in from the window. The place presented a new look to the usual Filipino restaurant.

This one right here is a nice spot and a nice view. Nice table setting too! Nice touch on the flower.

First up on the menu is the Fountain of Youth P 199.00

Pork Belly strips. Deep fried. Now, that is somewhat a tasty irony of some sorts. If this is the kind of fountain that we'd from from everyday, I think that we'd meet our maker earlier than expected.

But What I am really trying to say is food prepared like this, with bagoong, tomato vinaigrette and green mango. It's so good that other things wouldn't matter anymore. It would feel like you are young again and all pumped up. That's what happened to me. An awesome starter for that day's lunch.

Next is the Krispy Cow-Boy Sisig. Php 199.00

Cow for cow, and boy for baboy in Tagalog which means pig. A dish that is so Filipino, you just can't miss this one.

Next is the Sa Pula Sa Puti. Php 429.00
Adobo that is cooked and served in two way. Pulled adobo, fried to achieve its flaky, crispy goodness.

Another is the usual adobo cooked without the soy. Now here's hitting two adobo appetite in one. Definitely a must try.

Next up on the menu is the Beef Caldereta P 539.00
It may be a bit higher that the price range of other dishes but this one right here is worth it. So tasty and tender. The beef was so good that I had to take a serving good for two. Usually not a fan of this dish but this one was definitely something to remember.

Crispy Binagoongan Php 359.00
This one needs no introduction. Well at least to me. I've been addicted to bagoong for years now. (yes, salty I know). I've tried a lot of bagoong dishes before, I loved them all. But this one has got to be one of the best I've tasted so far. The crispness, the tastiness and the crunch. Oh the crunch. It was just so good! I'd put this along with the must-trys in Zarzuela.

Another food simple pleasure of mine is Chorizo. So you could just imagine my delight when I found out they were serving Chorizo rice P 179.00

Next dish was Crab and Shrimp Relleno Php 499.00

Good amount of serving. A dish that would be nice for sharing and for groups. This one was good also. You just can't go wrong with crab and shrimp in one. Yum.

Smoked Sardine Efuven.

Good firm noodles with some smoked sardine toppings/bangus bits. I only took a few of this, I wasn't in a noodle mood that day. But yeah, this one is good as well.

Next up is the Pinangat. Php 229.00

Not a fish fan. (particularly this one. Fish be with you) But I had to explore and explore I did!. This dish was slowly cooked in quality coconut cream then some olive oil and some other awesome ingredient. Best eating it warm.

Last of the main dish would be the Krispy Pitaw Php 419.00 a.k.a Quail

Considered as one of the old and signature dishes in Iloilo and Bacolod, this one is cooled in a kind of like an adobo fried style. It was goood.

Check out how organized my plate is. :)

After filling my hungry belly I was quite for a few minute to catch my breath and loosen my belt. Not long after that, they started to bring out the dessert!

Savor Maruya Php129.00

I love the texture of this fried banana. The vanilla iced cream, caramel and chocolate syrups just made it all explore in my mouth. Nice dessert! This dish would certainly be something that I'd be looking forward to by the end of every meal.

Another dessert they served was the Piyaya ala mode or Piyaya with Vanilla Iced Cream. This dish right here opened me up in more ways of eating piyaya. I was a bit sweet? But it was okay for me.

Well that was a nice lunch. The food was just amazing. The mood was light and relaxed. If you want a good Filipino food, I would recommend that you guys try and visit Zarzuela at the Level 6 of Shangri-la Plaza East Wing. Bring your balikbayans, your family, friends and work mates. I guarantee that you will come back to this place again. :)