I am far from being a gastronomic adventurer. Most of the time, I stick to a dish that I actually love to eat. But my travels have taught me to spread myself a little more. Meanwhile, back in the country is a different matter altogether. I know what I wanna stuff myself with. One of which is Hap Chan's fish fillet in garlic sauce.
My family and I used to frequent Hap Chan's branch in Wilson Street, but that has since folded. Another branch opened at Megamall's Building A, but that also closed shop. I remembered visiting a friend at St. Luke's along E. Rodriguez, and right across the hospital was another Hap Chan. But that is really too out-of-the-way (and traffic at that side of town is a bit unbearable) for a frequent visit. A new one opened at St. Francis Square's 5th floor Food Court, one that is quite misplaced ina floor of smorgasbord turo turo food..
My post-Christmas holiday included a visit by the Manila Baywalk - at the Harbour Square, CCP Complex. And I found another Hap Chan! So what could be a better way to end the day than stuffing myself with some of my all-time favorites: lechon kawali and Hap Chan's divine "Fish Fillet in Garlic Sauce" - an item incomparably rare in this bustling city - and divine!
CCP Complex's Hap Chan branch is located at the extreme end of the harbor walk, a spanking new joint adorned with blood-red lanterns, cozy interiors and bright lighting fixtures. Of course, there's the amazing view of Manila Bay just outside your table.
This Christmas holiday was nothing but a constant dive into culinary wonders and a bevy of restaurants. Such was that perfect season.
This is the Eye in the Sky!
Fish Fillet with Garlic Sauce - the choicest, freshest cuts of fish meat dipped in the succulence of garlic sauce. Nothing is more heavenly.
Lechon Kawali
Yang Chow Fried Rice
Chilled Taho
Bottomless Iced Tea
From a table with a view of Manila Bay.
