Eats @ Abe's Farm

On SundateSs like this day, we usually prefer to stray away from malls and restaurants within the mall just so we could get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We just needed some peace and quiet so we drove away without a plan in mind..

As we reached the highway, we have decided to eat Filipino food. But where....? Spontaneously, we exited Angeles City via NLEX (North Luzon Expressway). Thanks to the 3g data service for we were able to check out nearby restaurants and the directions. Without much thinking, we decided to turn this way...

If you're wondering, this is the road opposite MArquee mall turning from the Rotunda [ a standard portuguese word in origin which means, [a roundabout route or a road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island]. It may seem too narrow but this road led us to a nearby relaxing getaway.

Alas, there's a restaurant within the vicinity. Researching and thinking..

When I think of Filipino dishes, I have a lengthy list in mind with which I cannot condense. On top of my list is the comforting and flavorful Kapampangan Cuisine-- dishes from Pampanga, cooked by a Kapampangan or inspired by Kapampangan recipes. 

One of the best "version" restuarants which serves Kapampangan dishes for me is thsi restaurant--"Abe's Farm." We've come to the right place. True to its slogan,"where good friend dine," it is indeed a place for comfort food where friends can dine and mingle.

So upon entering the main gate, the spacious parking greets you along with the lush greens. 

Abe [ah-be] is a "kapampangan (dialect in Pampanga) word for "companion" or "friend." It was also derived from the owner's father's nickname or otherwise known as [palayaw in Filipino] by his peers. 

This is the welcoming sight towards the semi-enclosed restaurant.

The owner created this sight and restaurant in honor of his late father (as shown in the picture on the left).

I love the fusion of old and modern furnitures and displays inside. As you can see, the sidelines are semi-opened for natural light and  air to circulate. Plus, the view cannot be ignored so why cover? 

The antique pieces spread all over stand out the most.  I also like the fact that they did not compromise comfort with style because allt eh chairs are comfy to sit on. 

There's even a daybed on the mezzanine for guests who needed a quick siesta.

Look at how intricate those wood-carvings on the bed are. It's dreamy and inviting. So before I end up sleeping, let's just order. 

The menu in mynopinion, is straightforward and honest. It showcases only what it can deliver. We'll talk about the taste later. 

For two persons, we ordered 3 dishes, 1 rice and drinks.

My plate is ready to be filled and messed up with good food.

Bamboo rice - mountain rice cooked with wood ear mushrooms, shrimps and bamboo shoots steamed into a bamboo shell to seal the flavors altogether. Thus, the name. It is somewhat like "kiam peng" or chinese salty soy rice (yao mei fan in Mandarin). There's a distinct flavor to both which can be addicting as you eat more.

First: Fried lumpia [spring roll] with vinegar - We've had a lot of spring roll versions, this one's not exceptional but is still pleasing to the taste buds. Not overpowering nor lacking in taste.

Second: Binagoongang baboy - This one is surprisingly not oily. Considering the fats from the pork which tenderized the lean meat perfectly, the oil level is manageable. It is also seasoned well. But you have an option to add seasoning if you prefer it more salty.

Third: Sauteed Squid in Olive oil. - I believe that "save the best for last" applies here. It is indeed the star of the meal for me. The aglio e olio is well-balanced, the squid is cooked to perfection without the gummy texture. Tasty enough for the first and last bite. My taste buds was happy to finish 3/4 of the serving which is by the way, good for 2-3 persons. Sensory satiety is out of the question. It's that yummy. And I'd like to think that it's also healthy since they claimed to use "olive oil."

While we slowly enjoy our meal, this was our view. I was told that this pool is open to public. For day swim, it's 450php per person. But if you check-into their hotel and villa facility, it's free of charge to use. It's relatively small but well-maintained. No area of moss or grit.

This is one of their traditional huts - which looks like a tiki house only with airconditioning. 2500-4500php a night is not a bad price to pAy after all.

Behind our table is a divided room with a table for 8. This is their VIP room for guests in group wanting to be secluded fromt he crowd.

Need to pee? Here's the washroom area in wood and capiz. It is also semi-enclosed so expect a view fromt he inside while you do your thing. Don't worry, it's high enough for your own privacy.

The yard with cobble stones surrounding the restaurant is a simple charmer. 

Overall, the food was great but it was more like the experience of being there which I liked the most. It attracts your senses but not too much that it's overly stimulating. The staff were great too. They make sure to attend to your needs even before you ask them to. At the same time, they let you enjoy the peace and quiet at your own pace. No pressure or no asking of too many questions. 

Also, to complete the peaceful experience, try their spa services at the other side of the entrance. That's what I'm gonna try next time. Until my next visit!

Abe's Farm

98 Livestock Village, Barangay Ayala

Magalang, Pampanga

Philippines

Open dAily, 10:00am - 8:00pm

Phone: +63917-808-5187

Email: info@abesfarm.com.ph

Succesful SundateSs again.

Cheers.

M.