The Filipino Cuisine (TFC) El Sobrante
The place has been open for several days now, and I was up in the old 'hood, so I stopped in for lunch. Bright and clean, I thought I was off to a good start. There are a myriad of options, many on the steam table. The items I had most wanted to try were not available today (at least not at 12:00). Rice plates are available with 1, 2 or 3 items for the under $5 to under $7 range. They come with rice (white or fried) or Pansit (vermicelli). The vast majority of the items come with "interiors" or "parts", such as pork ears, liver, "organ meats" (nondescript), tripe, and other pieces I don't care for, limiting my selections to the two available items that didn't have these.
Chicken Adobo - a small portion of mostly skin, fat and bones. I had to spit out almost every piece I put in my mouth because of the stewed skin and fat in almost every piece. The sauce seemed ok, but I was so annoyed by the food that it didn't really matter.
Bagis - a ground beef dish - "sauteed in garlic and onion, lemon juice and chili pepper". Taste wasn't bad (couldn't detect the chili), but it was salt city.
I had it with the Pansit, which was ok. I had wanted the Pork Adobo (not yet ready, she had no idea when), and the Goat.
I saw a couple plates of fish come out after I had my food - I didn't see it on the menu - it looked ok.
The place was full, so maybe I am missing something, but I can't say I'm in a rush to return.
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J T
Oct 4, 2006 09:23 PM
Tried the place last week. I thought the fried fish and fried noodles (pansit) were good. The adobo was swiming in grease and the portions they give are definately too small. I'll go back someday for more noodles but that's it. Not as good as the little place in Pinole and not even close to Marylou's in Hercules.
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rworange
Oct 4, 2006 08:10 PM
Thanks for the heads-up that this place is open. I just stopped checking when shopping at Raley's.
Will check it out this week-end. I was beginning to think it never would open. Maybe packed due to friends of the owners. Did you notice if the place next to the liquor store opened yet? Not the Thai/Vietnamese place ... on the other side.
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re: rworange
J T
Oct 5, 2006 05:44 PM
The space next to the "liquor store" is a vacant spot with a For Lease sign on it. The only food establishment to the left of THE CELLAR wine shop is Royal Palace Chinese Restaurant, which has been there for a few years now.
The new Thai/Viet place CHAMPA is pretty good, btw.
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