Tribu Grill, Union City

[jillyju]

Thanks to a passing reference to it yesterday (Thanks myst , http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6755...), I discovered that my favorite Filipino Restaurant had opened up a 2nd restaurant a lot closer to my home. Tribu is a consistent favorite for me, with a spectrum of dishes they do well, and an atmosphere that is relaxed, friendly, and a little bit nicer than some of my hole-in-the-wall Filipino haunts.

Having learned it was there, I couldn't wait, and dragged my husband out there last night. My husband started with the Calamansi slush--I love this and wish it came out automatically from the ice/water dispenser on my refrigerator. We then shared the Binagoongan Fried Rice ($9.99), Pinakbet ($9.99), and Chicken Inasal ($9.99). The flavors were great on each dish, with my favorite being the Pinakbet, due to the very fresh vegetables (the okra was still firm and not slimy, and the eggplant held its shape). I would say this version exceeded the San Bruno location's. The Chicken Inasal was garlicky with a nice char from the grill, and was greatly enhanced by the vinegar/soy/garlic dip it was served with. The Binagoongan, also called Bagoong Rice on their menu, was delicious, even though the mango wasn't at the peak of sweetness (and even though I could do without ever seeing another pale, sad winter tomato). This rice dish is a blend of savory, sweet, and salt, with no flavor overwhelming the others.

I am ridiculously excited about having a branch of Tribu only 15 minutes away from home. My palate just loves the vinegary, garlicky flavors of Filipino food, and Tribu didn't fail me last night. I'm going to link to the San Bruno location, but put the Union City info below.

Tribu Grill
32208 Dyer St.
Union City, CA