SF: Palencia - upscale-ish Filipino cuisine?
I've been so disappointed with Filipino in SF that I might have spoken too soon in another post in being skeptical of this new place that opened in the Castro. Not sure from what I see on Yelp. It seems the people who don't usually like Filipino food like the place.
Anyone tried it? Is it good or too dumbed down and bland? The prices certainly are not ... $3.50 for 4 pan de sal ... comes with coconut jam ... but still ...
Palencia does look pretty from the website pics.
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Palencia
3870 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
rworange
Sep 28, 2007 12:48PM
My business partner and I went last night. I have no experience with Filipino food, but this did not seem dumbed down or bland. The portions are served family style and are extremely generous, so the price point needs to be considered with that in mind.
We had:
Beef Lumpia -- very crispy wrap, with a light filling -- the garlic-soy vinegar dipping sauce was also quite good. 4/7.50
Garlic Rice -- this was good, hot and sticky, with lots of fresh green onions and little chunks of garlic -- big bowl of this was $3.50
Sisig Na Baboy -- this was the real standout -- little pieces of fried pork, fresh cherry tomatoes that explode in your mouth, and more green onions; $13.25 for a platter
Kare Kare -- this is an oxtail stew in peanut sauce, and a variety of vegetables including green beans. Definitely an acquired taste, but it grew on me. Big bowl for $14.95
Lechon Sa Kawale -- deep fried pork belly, crispy outside, and juicy and tender inside. This comes in a platter of bite-sized pieces for $10.95
The above was way too much food (definitely enough for 3, probably enough for 4), but we really wanted to try a lot of things. The leftovers beckon from the office fridge.
All of the ingredients were very fresh, and the flavors of each ingredient was defined. Again, not having any experience with Filipino cuisine, I can't really compare. What impressed me is that none of this was particularly heavy -- even the oxtail stew. I will definitely go back.
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Palencia is pretty in reallife too. Lots of care taken with the decor I'd say.
And that care is definitely followed through in the food, and service.
When I went i was lucky enough to chat with the owner and the chef. They are just so dedicated to ttheir vision of authentic fiilipino cuisine. Theyre really great guys. I'm really impressed by the place. Not at all what I had coem to expect from filipino cuisine. Without doubt, this place is worth a visit.
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The food is bland tasting, overpriced and I found a hair in my dish. Theres also no parking and I heard they let the head chef go so now the food does not taste the same by far.
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This is actually one of our local favorites! We typically order the milkfish, chicken skewer appetizers and the oxtail. Sorry, I'm not Filipino and don't remember the proper names! We live down the street and pop in quite regularly. It's definitely family style in every sense. We are usually greeted and recognized as "regulars" by the staff. The service is always prompt and friendly. We were in last night and were surprised to learn there was a new chef, but are so happy to report our experience was still wonderful.
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