Makati: Lunch at Fely J's, Greenbelt 5

[klyeoh]

It was my first time at Fely J's last Friday. It's fascinating to find a place which served trad-Filipino food in upmarket, hip Greenbelt 5, with their chain restaurants (Chilis, ugh!).

Fely J's itself is from the same group which gave us Bistro Remedios, Cafe Havana and Cafe Adriatico.

We ordered:
- Binagoongan Baboy - delish!
- Beef rendang - I know, it sounds corny to order "Indonesian" here, but we were curious, and was amply rewarded with a beautiful beef tongue stew. Hardly rendang nor Indonesian, but very tasty in its own way - highly recommended!
- Tortang talong - very well-executed. The eggplant was of the right texture.
- Accompanying garlic rice was fantastic.

DEFINITELY a great option for great Filipino food, and should give Lolo Dad's Brasserie across the road a run for its money! I am so glad to have come across this gem of a place!!

Fely J's Restaurant, Greenbelt 5
2/F Greebelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Ayala Center
Makati City, Metro Manila
[phone]
http://ljcrestaurants.com.ph/fely-j/

[pilinut]

I haven't been back to Fely J's yet this trip, but I'm happy to see that it is still pleasing discerning chowhounds. The dish I liked best from Fely J's was the rice with black beans and tiny dried fish--very simple, but satisfying. The crispy pata was excellent, too. Abe's in Serendra is also part of the group, and it specializes in Pampangueno food.

[klyeoh]

Oh yes, Abe - another gem of an eating place.

Just sidetracking a bit - Kamayan, which used to be so good, had sort of degenerated into a noisy mass-market buffet place (especially the Glorietta outlet) - a huge departure from the time when it espoused Filipino-style fine dining amidst a congenial atmosphere.

[rln]

We tried this place too-- loved it. The dilis rice made me very happy, as Pilinut had too! I've never had that before. I must try the crispy pata there.

[pilinut]

Ah, yes, the Kamayan of the early '80s was a pioneer among the nicer Filipino restaurants. They made an excellent lechon de leche (roast suckling pig) accessible within minutes to anyone willing to pay a reasonable price. But that was long ago. . .