Sand Under My Feet: Lobo Filipino Tavern

“When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.” - George R.R. Martin. This is probably my fave line in Game of Thrones since I am rooting for the Stark Family to rule over the seven kingdoms and all the realms in Westeros. Any of the Starks can take the throne, whoever it is, I will be glad if that will be the ending of one of the best TV series, if not the greatest, that ever happened to television.

There’s this hip place in Makati that share the same principle as with the Stark Family. Lobo Filipino Tavern lives by the line “For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” Which is part of Rudyard Kipling’s creation, The Jungle Book. Notice that it sounds so similar with that of George R.R. Martin. Maybe the latter took inspiration from the former, maybe, I am really not sure.

What I’m sure about is that Lobo owner, Kian Kazemi took the name out of the Filipinos’ trait of valuing the family-centered culture which is also evident in the characteristics of “lobo’s” or wolves of always being in a pack lead by a patriarch. So many aspects of the Pinoy culture is embodied in the restaurant: the food, the interior and the atmosphere. You would find a mix of modern and old-world stuff inside the place. Murals and paintings depicting Filipino culture, the use of wood furniture, wood carvings, Capiz shell decors, woven bamboo and others.

I was tagged along by fellow foodie friends to try the dishes offered by Lobo Filipino Tavern. I have visited this place once in the past, but we only went here for pre-game and ordered alcoholic beverages and some bar food to go along with the liquors. I’m glad that I get to go back and experience this place on a different level. Besides my initial assumption that this is just one of those places in Poblacion, Makati where you can get drunk and have a great time with friends.

Crab Fat Kani Pasta - angel hair pasta with creamy white sauce with aligue (crab fat roe) and topped with kani sticks. It looks so simple but it is packed with seafood flavors. I like that they used thin pasta because I have read from somewhere that angel hair pasta absorbs more flavor or the sauce. Or should I say the pasta-sauce ratio is more balanced. I hate it when the amount of sauce doesn’t cover all the pasta; good thing this didn’t disappoint.

Sinuglaw- I freaking love kilawin or aka sinuglaw. This is the local version of ceviche and Lobo’s version contains raw fish, grilled pork belly cutlets, strips of mango, ginger and onion with coconut vinegar and coconut milk. I’m not sure what the fish was but I think it was salmon. I love how balanced the flavors were, not too sour and not bland.

Inihaw na Liempo - style charcoal grilled pork belly. Ahhh nothing beats a classic smoky grilled pork liempo marinated and cooked over charcoal. It’s tender and goes well with Lobo’s garlic rice. Dip in vinegar or eat it as it is, your call.

Gising Gising - string beans, swamp cabbage leaves and stalks, coconut milk, bagoong, sili labuyo. Gising-Gising is one of those local Northern dishes that I love to eat whenever I have the chance to. But I gotta warn you, it's super spicy!

Tofu Sisig - tofu cubes fried to golden perfection, mushrooms, chilis, onions lightly coated in a creamy and tangy mayo sauce served on a hot skillet pan. One of the things that I love to eat is tofu, I like the ones that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside just like this one. Perfect as a viand and as pica-pica while drinking.

Lobo’s Lamb Adobo - our well-loved Filipino dish Adobo gone upscale! Lobo’s take on Adobo using tender Australian lamb meat. I love any Adobo with straightforward garlicky flavor. Another dish that goes well with Lobo’s garlic rice. This is such a winner!

Godfather’s Lengua - stewed ox tongue with gravy served on a sizzling plate. Not everyone likes to eat Lengua especially after learning what it really is. But I am one of those who loves lengua dishes. This was super tender and went well will the thick buttery gravy. My favorite dish from all the ones we tried that night. Definitely a must try!

Pork Sisig Nachos - corn nacho chips topped with generous amount of cheese sauce and pork sisig. Perfect appetizer or munch on them while drinking your fave beer or cocktail.

Like what they say, never ever make assumptions as you will be surprised what something has to offer. I was flabbergasted beyond reprise after trying the “real’ food that Lobo Filipino Tavern has to offer. I judged too soon, but I was proven wrong. I am definitely going back there primarily for the food, getting some drinks while having casual conversations with friends will probably come second. You should try it too sometime.