Cangrejos Locos - Momma 'N Manila

Lockdown and Enhanced Community Quarantine has been challenging for so many people. I know I am extremely blessed to be able to sit on my sofa and muster up some kind of inspiration to write, during this time because there are many who are living without. I have shared how I have been more prayerful during this time, not just for my loved ones, and my friends, but for all Filipinos. We are living in such uncertain times, it almost seems moot to try and catch up on writing and documenting some of the events that I have attended before our “new normal.”

But I will try.

Because I really do still have so many fabulous things to share that happened before the virus changed the way we do everything…

While I’m sure that life will not go back to what it was before COVID-19, I know that many of us will try and seek some kind of normalcy. Hopefully, that will include enjoying a meal from one of our favorite restaurants without the worry of becoming infected by someone unknowingly.

This is why as I flip through my photos and files from the past few months, I felt compelled to share about a new restaurant in Molito in Alabang. Cangrejos Locos opened their doors earlier this year and I was lucky enough to be invited to the media launch to try some of their delectable dishes.

Power Couple Chef Robby Goco and his wife, Chinky have been a team that I admire and have a deep fondness for…

I have this friend Chinky. She’s a lovely lady who I met awhile back when she attended one of our Mothers Who Brunch events. Since then, I have been blessed to be able to nurture a friendship with her through the different events and gatherings that we have attended together. I was even able to spend some time with her and her daughters Luccia, and Rocio, during a photo shoot for Working Mom.

There was this moment that FILLED my heart with so much love and appreciation for Chinky because I knew she was my kinda people.

That moment filled my heart with so much gratitude that I was teary eyed for a bit…

But I digress.

Instead, I would like to share with all of you the new project of this husband and wife team, together with Manny Torrejon, and Raymund Magdaluyo.

L-R: Manny, Raymund, and Rob. These guys…they all know good food. Talk about a tag team of delicious flavors coming together….THIS IS IT!

These three men have come together to bring a Spanish restaurant with a bit of a twist. Their price points are affordable with paellas starting in size that is good for 2-3 people, and going all the way up to 20 people! Barcelona-style food is served up quickly in a family friendly atmosphere that is reminiscent of Spanish street side eateries complete with modern artwork and colorful accents.

This triumvirate of culinary stars fulfill those cravings for deliciously crunchy socarrat, the freshest of crabs and seafood, and a traditional take on tapas that delights diners who will come back again and again. I know I will. This is the place to visit and order from when craving Spanish flair and flavor, both during and after, our enhanced community quarantine.

Nothing compliments Spanish food more than a refreshing glass of Sangria.

But don’t take my word for it. Just feast your eyes on these photos, because you know, a picture is worth a thousand words…(and maybe even a little salivating too…)

Mejillones-Marinated Mussels in Sherry Vinegar with EVOO

When I was in Madrid, with my friend Margie for a Best Buddies Staff training, there was one night we just had wine and opened up some different canned goods of tuna and mussels. We made a tomato salad, had some bread, and also some jamon that I purchased around the corner.

We sat with her Auntie in the living room, with the news on, and I must confess, I was honored to be able to spend time with her and her family in such an intimate way.

These mussels, dressed very simply, remind me of that evening filled with friendship and their hospitality.

Jamon and olives? Yes, please!

Is there anyone that doesn’t just love snacking on this while drinking sangria?

Honestly, I could have finished the whole plate. I was just being polite while I was sitting at the table with the girls, so I only had a few pieces.

Oh-and that trip to Madrid? I will also confess that I had Nino help me purchase extra weight for the return flight home before I checked in. I filled the extra space in my suitcase with jamon, sausage, dried meats, and lots of Manchego. Yes. As crazy as it sounds, I was enthralled buying all of these quality ingredients and delicacies at a fraction of the prices that they are offered in Manila.

Gildas – Skewered Olives, Guindillas, and Anchovies.

One of my absolute favs.

Sabrina and I made this one year as a demo for Crate & Barrel Christmas. It was a huge hit!

Gambas Al Ajillo – Sizzling Shrimp, Garlic, Olive Oil, Paprika and ChiliI

I love this dish and can’t resist dipping bread to sop up all that goodness and garlic!

Kids and adults alike will enjoy this finger lickin’ fried chicken.

I’m pretty sure this is what what Gelli would go straight for, but I was more interested in everything else that came to the table!

LIKE THIS!!!

Off the menu -Caulirice Paella

Chef Rob created this dish for his love.

And she was so happy to share it with all of us during the launch.

It’s perfect for people who are watching their carbs.

Crab Roberto – Crab sauteed in Garlic,, Ginger, Mushroom, Shallots, Scallions, Crab Fat, and Egg

Fresh seafood c/o Raymund’s seafood connections (from Red Crab) makes all of the work for “himay” worth it…

Confession: Most of the time when I order crabs in a restaurant, I just nibble. I like to wrap it up and take it home where I can roll up my sleeves and use my hands for everything. I dunno why, but I feel a little shy to eat this way while we are out.

Razor clams…what a treat….

This is another “off the menu” treat that you can order when it’s available.

I know Nino would love these.

Tuna, Tomatoes, and Onions

All these fresh flavors were like a party in my mouth.

Sometimes, the best dishes can just come with the simplest ingredients.

Tortilla de Patatas- This signature dish from Spain is made from eggs, onions, and potatoes.

Perfectly layered. Perfectly done.

This is a staple whenever Nino and I enjoy Spanish food.

I love making this at home too!

Cangrejos Locos is the only restaurant in Manila that has a Paella Bar where you can see it being cooked, right in front of you!

Because of our new normal, many of the restaurants we know and love, have adapted in a way that will still allow us to enjoy tastes and flavors prepared by our favorite chefs through take out and home kits.

Chinky shared that Cangrejos Locos is actually open for business and ready for take out AND delivery within the south!

We have had quite a few discussions in one of our Viber threads where we share inspiration, quell each other’s fears and anxieties, and how everyone is pivoting to continue to stay in business despite the current challenges to health, safety, and the laws that are put in place for all of us to stay safe.

Through some of these really candid discussions, Chinky shared the rigorous process and protocol that Chef Rob and the teams in ALL of their restaurants have put into place to ensure everyone’s safety.

The amount of cleaning and disinfecting daily that happens, can only reassure their customers that they are doing everything to keep their teams and customers healthy, while serving up the flavorsome fare that they are known for.

All you have to do is call or text in your order at: 09456775259

You can choose from the different SETS:

PAELLA CHOICES 🥘
☑️ Paella Negra
☑️ Paella Marinera (Seafood)
☑️ Paella Valenciana
☑️ Paella Verduras (Vegan)
☑️ Mushroom and Asparagus Paella
☑️ Paella Mixta (Meat and Seafood)

CRAB CHOICES 🦀
☑️ Roasted Garlic with Angulas
☑️ Chorizo Sofrito
☑️ Crab Roberto
☑️ Steamed

And you can choose from your Roasted Beef Belly, Iberian Chicken or Pork Ribs.

The choices for these meal are perfect for families of all sizes, and I think this is a great way to enjoy a Sunday lunch or dinner when someone like me feels like she needs the day off from cooking.

I may be cooking every meal for us while we are on quarantine, but I am blessed that I don’t have to cook Sunday dinner because my sissy enjoys sendings us a meal from our choice of the open restos here in BGC.