Where Good Friends Dine

I was drawn to Abe not for the promise of Kapampangan cuisine but by its rather cheesy signage: “Abe, Where Good Friends Dine”. Hello? Smells like a copywriter on sideline. Apparently “Abe” is Kapampangan for friend, companion and getting together. Anyway: Good buddy Jay espied Lamb Adobo in the menu and so we decided to give the place a try, cheesy line notwithstanding.

We didn’t get the Adobo but ordered excellent dishes just the same. Starting with Sinuteng Baby Squid. Let me tell you that they don’t call it Baby Squid for nothing. The squid was as big as my pinkie and when it arrived in a tiny, tiny plate we were quite taken aback. Jay actually started laughing hysterically! Gently sauteed in olive oil, garlic and seasonings, the uber tender squid packed in so much flavor that it became a fast favorite. Clearly size does not always matter.



Starter number 2 was Kinilaw of Fresh Tanigue. Kinilaw is the local term for ceviche and the tanigue belly swam in savory palm vinaigrette, coconut milk and spices.



The main course quickly followed and we had Crispy Tadyang and two other dishes that were totally removed from Pampanga: Cassoulet (French) and Spareribs Habanera with Guava Salsa (Cuban). Before you start smirking, this was the “foreign travel” part of the menu.

Abe is run by the LJC Group which is why you get the original Crispy Tadyang recipe of Bistro Remedios, one of LJC’s more popular restaurants. It’s a classic: marinated beef ribs deep fried to a perfect crisp. Deadly and delicious. Btw I also spotted the Bistro Remedios Cocido on the menu so I'm plotting to have that sometime soon!

I’m not big on beans so the Fabada-like Cassoulet (French Style duck stew) didn’t really appeal as much. Moving on, the Spareribs in Guava Salsa was surprising and inventive. It’s been so long since I last encountered Guava that on a return trip to Abe (this time with my boss) I promptly placed an order for Sinigang na Bangus Belly in Guava. The luxurious, silky texture of Guava is just too seductive for words.




Abe forms part of Serendra’s new restaurant row. I would liken it to a quaint little town square. A nice, quiet sprinkling of people strolling about like they have all the time in the world. Definitely nothing like Greenbelt 2 with its requisite array of poseurs and clackers. Quick - enjoy it while it lasts! With Krispy Kreme just around the corner, Serendra will cease to be the quiet little oasis that it is now.

There are a bunch of restaurants surrounding the main square. There’s Duo (a steakhouse where you can split the portions into two…definitely not for me and hubby since we’re big meat eaters), Thai Silk, Portico, Mezzaluna, Fez (purportedly Moroccan although they have wontons in their menu, hahaha) and Abe…don’t forget the line, “where good friends dine”.

Abe is at the ground floor of Serendra, The Fort. Ring 8560526 for reservations. Btw watch out for The Loo with Zero Headroom. You’ll know it when you see it.