La Mesa...best filipino restaurant in DC area?
I dont know. I havent been there before, but i was shopping at a filipino grocer in falls church and chatting with the owner about local filipino eats. she told me about la mesa, a newish restaurant near ravi kabob (according to her...I've not seen it with my own eyes), and she claimed it was the only place that had actual home-cooked filipino food.
I know nothing about filipino food but am nonetheless intrigued.
Anyone been there?
By CoconutMilk
on Nov 20, 2009 10:45 AM
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It's ok. It used to be Pines of Florence restaurant. i wasn't really impressed with their food. It's better than any other ones in NOVA. I go to Redwood MD for some good Filipino food at Pampanguena Restaraunt.
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I like the offerings at Fairfax Inn in Seven Corners. Daing na bangus is highly recommended. Nicely served with garlic rice and marinated ginger.
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According to the woman at the filipino grocer in falls church the people at fairfax inn just buy stuff frozen at her store and reheat it for service. Not that that means it can't be tasty....i'm just sayin.
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Well, I suppose that could be true of some items, but is not true of the daing na bangus or the lechon which I had tonight, fresh food deep fried in front of my eyes.
I found it interesting when they were deep frying the lechon, the guy stood at the deep fryer the whole time with a shallow dish and spoon. I guess the dish was filled with cold water. He tended the lechon the whole time and would occasionally spoon in some water as he coked it. Was this to reduce the heat?
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It may very well have been coconut water/juice, which I believe they use in SE asia to baste roast pig skin.
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Thanks for the insight. They did a great job with the lechon.
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Haven't been to La Mesa, but for really good Filipino food in Montgomery County, you can't beat Lumpia Pancit on Muddy Branch, just off of 270. I don't think they stray much from the basics -- I've seen more of a variety at Pampaguena -- but it's well prepared and tasty! Also you get the typically gracious service from the Filipino owner; she is very charming! My brothers and I, who spent a few years in the P.I., go there often.
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