Where to eat in Angeles City
We all worry about our stomachs. So I thought I would make a few observations about the dining choices in AC.
First there are five Italians:
C Italia (Perimeter Road) is often considered the best restaurant in the bars area. It is a decent hike up the road from Fields Avenue so walking from the central hotels is not really an option. However I have dined there a few times and it does not ring my bell. The food is pretty good but the whole place lacks atmosphere partly because there is no proper front of house management. The service is OK but Italian restaurants are renowned for that Italian greeting. The other main criticism is it is expensive and it feeds off its reputation.
Asti (Zeppelin Road, Hensonville). This is a small restaurant in this residential area. The extra ordinary fact is the Chef worked for Raymond Blanc in Manchester. For those who do not know Raymond Blanc, he is better known for Le Manoir Quatre Saisons which is a very serious food operation in the UK and working for one his restaurants is kudos indeed. This is a friendly operation run by a young Filipino couple who obviously lived in the UK for a few years. The food is limited by the menu and what is produced is good. The special pizzas make an excellent starter for two, or even four. Prices are about a quarter of C Italia and the atmospheare and service better - many locals think the best Italian in town
Al Bacio (Perimeter Road near The ABC Hotel). A very ordinary Italian operation, which is owned by an Italian, but he employs two arrogant waiters. The food cooked by a Filipino lady is not bad but pricing is ambitious and the owner really does not seem to care a toss.
Salvatore's Restaurant (Fields Avenue near Checkpoint above Roadhouse). I have dined here a couple of times and never been impressed. Strikes me as a place that needs renovation of everything (management, menu and decor.)
Azzuro (194 Fields Avenue, opposite Santos Street above Lancelot). Was one of the better food operations in town and is managed by German chef Franz. The food is reasonable and service excellent. It is not haut cuisine but it is good solid food with a mainly Italian menu. For starters the Caprese presentation is one of the best I have seen with a whole beefsteak tomato sliced and good buffalo mozzarella inserted in the cuts. Recently stopped taking credit cards as the effects of a financial disaster down the road kick in
Non Italian
Yats Restaurant and wine club is almost certainly the best restauarnt in Angeles City - there is not much competition - as it is the only serious high end operation. It is not cheap but Head Chef/ general manager Philip is a proper chef used to produicing food in top restaurants. The wine list is rated as one of the best in the World by Decanter magazine - that I do not doubt as the club deals in collectors wine - but the Chateau Margaux 1898 for 1.2 million peso ($26,000) is probable best left in the bottle.
On Saturday nights they do a set BYO 4 course menu for 800 peso (+ service) that is good value especially as you can buy your wine elsewhere - Paul Masson would be frowned on.
The Thai Baht
The Thai Baht is managed by Thai chef Patcharawan who makes certain the food stays true to her Thai homeland. Whilst her Englsih partner ensures customers are greeted and seated as well as enjoying excellent service. The menu is predominantly Thai but items of Mexican, Malaysian, Indian and Singaporean cuisine also get a look in.
The above is from thier website www.thethaibaht.com
I eat here regularly and find the food acceptable and ambiance jolly. Pricing is also sensible. It is located on Perimeter Road near Malibanias Rood and the Petronas Station
Swiss Chalet (Gloria Street off Real Street which runs parallel to Fields Av, from Santos). Hans from Switzerland is the very hands on owner of this Angeles institution. The food is Swiss/German, the standard is I suppose good pub food; it ain’t pretty but it is tasty and there is plenty of it, so much so I often eat off the small portions menu. The service is first rate and this is one operation that moves its tables two to three times a night so if full, wait for a few minutes and a table will appear. I find the pricing here and at Azzuro to be about the same which means dining on my own with a bottle of wine sets me back about 1600 – 2000 pesos .(£20 - £25).
Cottage Kitchen is a bit of an institution in AC. It is a place to eat good solid Southern US food. I visited recently and found an interesting operation run by a friendly cove called Jim.
It is not really my kind of victuals but it is certainly wholesome and tasty and the portions are not for the faint hearted. I enjoyed my trip there and it makes a change from the limited options around town – I shall go back and I thoroughly recommended it.
The Courtyard operation is on Macarthur Highway between Johnny’s and Henyfel Streets with entrances and car parks on those streets. Johnny’s is the street immediately after the Wild Orchid on Santos so it is walkable but probably most will use transport. The Courtyard itself is a collection of eateries around a central mall. There is a good selection of operations. I saw a Hooters but not the type I was thinking it might be! A full list and pics are here. In the evenings there is a band in the central area .
Sherwin, of Asti’s in Hensonville, has opened a new operation there called Eatalia. It has the same menu as Asti so the food is good. I enjoyed a pleasant meal there watching the happenings outside with interest. I am sure it will do well and does provide another eating option close(ish) to Fields.
There are two pubs in the centre.
Roys.(soon to be the Kings Head) Food is not to a bad standard but a pub relies on atmosphere and there is little here.
The International Pub (formerly Shanos). Over priced drink menu for those who want to watch live sport or the poker room attached. The contracted out kitchen appears to have no idea how to put together an order and what does come is sub standard.
There are another few dining options and I will get round to them if I think they are worth a mention.
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