They say cousins are your first and forever best friends. With us and our family, growing up together, that notion is us. Really us. For an only child like me, I treasure my extended family and consider them immediate – in all of its sense. However, with our busy schedules and locations (Yup, most of the time, I live in a different zip code), seldom do we have everyone present under one roof.
This time, though still incomplete, we did the unthinkable – dined out without our parents (#clingy). Kidding aside, because we are all foodies, it was a no-brainer to choose food over a movie.
Cotabato City, my hometown, is a foodie hometown. With the many improvements in the city, it’s no wonder that, like anywhere else, gastro dining places are sprouting like mushroom. Not to mention, affordable.
The latest to join the bandwagon is ChefMel Resto. Their menu is a combination of cuisines familiar to our palates. Chef Owner Mel Tolentino explains that the resto is driven by his passion for the culinary realm and of course, love for good food. The dishes are mostly Asian favourites – fused with the many other flavours of the world.
Exploring their menu was easy – especially when you are with people who also share your love for food. Because we were more than a handful, we ended up tasting different dishes that night. Faves? Here’s some of the dishes that I think you should try. Enjoy!
Beef and Mushroom
Serving wise, theirs is perfect for sharing. Taste wise, as we all have different wants and ideas on how dishes should taste, theirs is just right. The pieces of beef remain tender and when you take a bite, you’d taste the creamy goodness of the sauce. For someone who loves spices, I would have enjoyed more if it had some hint of cinnamon or nutmeg. But all in all, this dish is something I can recommend for first time diners.
Mac and Cheese
For someone who is always on a no-pork-diet, it’s rare that I get to order a plate of mac and cheese and succeed – in ordering it. Most often than not, it’s cooked or served with bacon. Not that I’m complaining, but I am! Kidding aside, ChefMel’s plate of Mac and Cheese is so cheesy. Not nakakaumay cheesy but one that is cheesy tolerable. My cousins were digging with our forks non-stop.
Carbonara
What I like about a plate of carbonara is, just like everybody else, the sauce. I like it creamy but not too creamy with a hint of spice. I like it simple yet filling. With Chef Mel’s carbonara, the taste was downright carbonara – as what you’d expect. Just a tad bit creamy on my end but is something that I’d love to order again.
Spaghetti and Chicken
The best way to gauge your spaghetti recipe? When your nephews or nieces finish a plateful…and asks for seconds. Here, my nephew, Datu Hassan, chewed his way and finished the plate with the help of everyone else, of course. But mostly just him and his love for pasta. It’s sweet – Pinoy style – and cheesy. An order is paired with a piece of crunchy chicken that speaks forth of Pinoy in every bite.
Pad Thai
Basically, this was the other highlight of the night. The first being that my cousins and I were able to spend some time together despite our busy schedules (Thank you Yo Bai Scherinazadh Soraya “Bodeck” S. Abdul). Chef Mel’s plate of Pad Thai is to die for. Especially when it’s hot off the pan. Go ahead and dig in — you’d be surprised of the many flavours on your palate. Don’t forget to mix everything before indulging. Oh, and the dayap too. I know you’d thank me later.
ChefMel Resto is located at Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City. For inquiries and reservations, you may call them at (064) 557 4922.
Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and I’ll make you hungry in a snap. For missed features, you can read them on my blog theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com. Happy munching, #royalistas!
