I love that we have foodie friends with the same taste.
Jay and Nino were friends LONG before they met the loves of their lives.
In fact Jay and Nino spent many of their childhood memories on the weekends watching their fathers race. There is a long history that is there between the boys, so much so that when Claire and I met, we naturally clicked, and I am thankful for that!
When Jay was going to school in New York, (he graduated from THE Culinary Institute of America) we were able to get together a couple of times so he could hang out off campus, meet our kids (I think we only had two back then) and blow off steam from the rigorous scheduling of school and later in his schooling, the internships.
TRUTH: I was so intimidated the first time Jay came to our house! I knew he was a CHEF! How could I try and serve anything without there being a tremendous amount of (self imposed) pressure for Nino’s childhood friend? I was so nervous that I knew I had to serve something so regular…so completely comfort…that I knew I couldn’t mess it up. If I remember correctly, I think I served Chicken and Pork Adobo. Nino and I used to play with the flavors of that dish…we would use different kinds of vinegar and even sometimes roast the garlic or caramelize the onions before stewing the savory pieces of chicken and pork, just to try and make the dish more interesting. I can’t remember if Jay liked it or not?!?
Well…flash forward. Jay and Claire have a little boy Rocco (my inaanak) that we love and wanna squeeze each time we see him, and together with their families they have opened up their first (of many, if I can be so bold as to predict the future) restaurant (s) that has the feel of an earthy, warm, yet modern Gastro Pub.
The exterior to the Pastors is simple and unassuming.
Pastor’s is located on Macapagal Avenue. It’s a hidden gem near The Senate Building, so if you are willing to take a ride out from Alabang (like we are) it is surely worth the trip. I see touches of Jay ALL OVER this restaurant. I can appreciate all the details, the efficiency, and the creativity that went into creating an atmosphere that is perfect if you would like to have a Sunday lunch with the family, AND at the same time also doubles as a great place to hang out with other couples, enjoy a beer or some mixed drinks and tapas that we usually love to pick on while we are sipping and chatting away…
Nino and Jay…still buddies after all these years. There is something to be said for a friendship that goes that far back. AND there is something to be said BRICK OVEN PIZZA!!! Jay explained that the bricks used are from ENLGAND!
We were so happy when Jay and Claire invited us for a full tour of their new baby. We made sure to squeeze it in between our responsibilities at home and Gia’s UAAP game which wasn’t too far away from MOA.
We started with Croquettas de Bacalao, which were just the right version of creamy and crispy. I loved the fruity brewed tea served in a Ball jar…as in…I wanted to take the Ball jar and Iced tea with me!! It was so yummy, I had two full glasses! I know they brew the tea every day, and they throw in dried oranges which give it the light and fresh citrusy flavor.
Prawn Bisque was savory and creamy, served with a toasted baguette.
If you were the type to just eat light, soup, salad and the croquettas are the perfect combo. Healthy. Filling. And a variety of flavors that all compliment one another. Caesars Salad with grilled chicken and Guanciale. One of my favorites.
LED Screens and a fully stocked bar can easily turn into a place that I know Nino can enjoy with the boys. Even more so, if they decided to take the wives along…we can sit at a table and enjoy our paella.
I loved that Jay took left over pieces of the restaurant’s construction and incorporated them into the bar and the walls. It’s refreshing to know that Jay was concerned with repurposing these otherwise tossed aside remnants. Even the light fixture near the stage (where 2-3 piece bands, or comedians can perform) was cleverly repurposed mixing blades!
The newest thing in restaurant and home design is actually not new at all. Making the decision to be eco friendly by using repurposed materials is now the “new” old thing to do!
Next came the paella. The trick to making this dish so fluffy is the rice. Jay shared that there are only two types of rice you can use in making this kind of dish. And yes-he only uses them because they are the best. I enjoy my Paella Negra with a little Aioli.
Chiparones Ajo, sauteed garlic baby squid with capsicum in olive oil.
Truth: Of our awesome foursome…I’m the pickiest eater. This means when we are out on a date, Nino tends to poke fun at my pickiness. Jay and Claire like to explore different restaurants and dishes…just like Nino, good thing they like me so much or I might be left behind for my pickiness.
Why do I share that with you? Because for me to eat squid it usually has to be breaded and fried. In talking to Jay about this, he explained that if squid is cooked properly it most definitely should NOT be chewy. (I have shared before how much I have issues with texture-remember?) Well, this dish was so delicious. I made the effort to try at least one piece because I did not want to be “that friend” (You know that friend I’m talking about?) the kind of friend who didn’t eat what her Chef friend put out so lovingly from his new restaurant’s kitchen (with his own hands) and said “I don’t like it” even before I tasted it?
So I tasted it…I loved it, and yes, I had more than the one piece I said I would have to be polite.
Rabo del Toro: Brasied Ox Tail, marble potatoes, carrots and beans
This dish was the star of the show.
“Rabo del Toro is the kind of dish that empires are built on.” -Nino Aventajado
The meat on the oxtail was so tender that it could be cut with a fork. It fell off the bone, and was deliciously rich. This was the kind of dish that’s so rich and rewarding that it leaves a blend of deep flavors that can only be achieved by braising this dish for twelve hours. I think the next time I order this, I will also order a side of bread to sop up all that goodness after I enjoy the dish in its entirety.
Hand tossed pizza was just the right combination of crispy and chewy. This is Rocco’s favorite 🙂
How better to finish this meal which was so super filling then with Churros and Chocolate? After I had my Mochachino I was ready to go watch Gia’s volleyball game.
But not until after I got some sugar (say it with me…SHOO-Gahh) from this boy…
I may have wanted to finish my meal with something sweet and chocolatey…but this boy and his hugs are even sweeter than that. Love you Big Boy!
Thank you Jay and Claire Not just for touring us around your wonderful new restaurant and filling our bellies but for being such wonderful friends.
Pasto’rs Gastro Pub’s main dining room can sit 50 people. They have a private area overlooking the kitchen complete with an LCD screen that can seat up to 25 people comfortably. Dishes are affordable and done right. The passion and purpose that these two have put into their restaurant is clear as day, which we all know translates into good food. I can’t wait to go back this weekend! Even Gia is super excited to visit.
Unit D 1&2 Hobbies of Asia Complex
#08 Macapagal Blvd. Pasay City
1300 Manila, Philippines
For reservations call 02-831-0073
Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 am to 3:00 am
Sunday 11:30-10:00pm
Monday CLOSED
Please take me there, Mish. Please, please, please? I have been craving for churros and chocolate for about 2.5 years now. I kid you not.
LEZZZ go! Alabang Bus leaves soon!!! We can make it one of our date nights with ABC 🙂
Yayyyy!! I second!! churros here we come!! <3
Yay! Jane!!! Lezzz go!!!
It was great to have you and Nino at Pastor’s Michelle!!!
Thanks Kumars 🙂
Love all of you guys and looking forward to bringing friends and family to try all of the yummy dishes!!
Michelle, what a great review! You have written the perfect blend of personal and professional opinion. I wish them great success. It makes me want to fly over for dinner!
Thanks so much Ms. McKeown! (I feel like I need to still call you that?)
Thanks for stopping by the blog, and if you ever DID decide to come over…I would love to host you and Mr. C 🙂 I could show you lots of wonderful places to eat and lay by the beach. The Philippines has the most beautiful beaches…IN THE WORLD.
Thanks for telling us about this earlier 🙂 I can’t believe I missed this and it’s so near my office (and my former office)! Timmy and I will try to visit one of these days!
I’m sure you will love it. Jay has put so much thought into the restaurant…from the way the back of the house flows and the kitchen, to having a room dedicated to smokers that is ventilated and air con. Some of the recipes come from their family kitchen too! Let us know when you are gonna go 🙂 Maybe we can meet there!