Kainan Sa Nayon

I went into lunch thinking I will have Barrio Fiesta kare-kare (beef stew in peanut sauce). However, it changed when Chay wanted to check out National Bookstore and there is no Barrio Fiesta near G4 or Greenbelt. After not agreeing on where to eat, we decided to hit the SM Food Court so, everyone can choose what cuisine or type of food they decide to eat.

After surveying the different food stalls, I ended up ordering Beef Nilaga (Beef Soup). It was steaming hot when I saw it, with the beef looking so tender, it made me salivate. I knew right away what should I order.

Kainan Sa Nayon is a small food stall that specializes in filipino cuisine. It has kilawen (blue marlin in vinegar and cocomilk), sinigang na hipon (shrimp sour stew), laing (leaves of a rootcrop in heavy cocomilk), bopis (inards of pig sauteed), etc. The food attendant assured me that the beef was quite tender and that it has just been cooked. She even suggested, I should order two cupfuls of rice so that I don't need to go back and order another rice. I took her advice, and true to her word, I almost finished the two cups of rice.

The beef soup is cooked under low fire over an extended period of time to guarantee its tenderness. Kailan leaves and pechay are added as vegetables. I can taste hints of pepper and beef bullioun in it. It is served in a generous portion with lots of soup to spare. There was more that enough beef I can consume in the plate. I asked for a venigar-soy sauce dip with crushed chili and local lime for the beef.

This is one meal that will make you sweat. After several spoonfuls of soups, I gorged into the tender beef dipped in a spicy sauce, you can't help but dunk some bigger portions of rice at once. It was indeed, a hearty meal. And only a growing boy can appreciate the delight in consuming it all. I complemented my meal with a glass of pineapple juice and a cone of mango ice cream for dessert. I paid Php 152.00 for the meal and another Php 12.00 for the mango ice cream (something like US$3.60 in total).

With me during lunch were Rene, Maidette, Chay and Gentley. We talked about the despidida (send-off) party for Eric. We had a delimma what parting gift to give to Eric (he is a gadget person) but we can't ascertain for sure, which Macbook accessory he doesn't have yet. We agreed, that in case we can't think of a better gift, our default will be a wallet for Eric.

As I have discussed with Mimi about the need for a more that usual send-off for Eric, the group indicated concurrence. I suggested a beer-themed party for Eric and everyone was excited. Maidette called up a friend if we can borrow banderitas by San Miguel to recreate an Octoberfest atmosphere, and the prospects were good. Chay will bake Eric a chocolate cake as well, yippey! We will meet again in the office to finalize the food, program and logistics for the send-off party.