There is nothing I love more than having a good home cooked meal in a relaxed and casual setting with friends at their place. I have always been fascinated about tasting food at other peoples homes and this, was one memorable evening. Let me tell you how much this family loves to eat. Some family members own two restaurants. My friend, Tippi, a chef, runs both. The children have been brought up as foodies.
Tippi, I am told, enjoyed caviar, patè and ice cream at a very young age. They travel, eat and know their wine. Even the grandchildren know how to eat and drink well. The patriarch and matriarch of this clan are such gracious and welcoming hosts. Tito Jun and Tita Nancy stayed with us all throughout dinner and dessert. They made us feel right at home, telling us stories like we were part of their very close knit clan. I admire families like theirs and you immediately feel their love for each other once you enter their home. Thank you as well to Tippi and Triccie for all that you prepared for us.
Dinner at The Tambunting’s
tito jun and tita nancy
addicting, crispy fried baby shrimp with tippi’s fantastic aioli and garlic vinegar
my favourite corner in the dining room spruced up by THE jonathan matti
old world charm table setting with these plates that have been in the family for over fifty years. just the way i like my tablescapes. elegant crisp linens are everything too!
egg drop and spinach soup. simple, clean, nourishing
lightly battered, sweet, fat crabs all for the taking. with our hands of course!
seafood fideua with the best clams and the most tender shrimps and squid
everything was delicious but this spanish cocido of meat, marrow, chicken, chorizos and bananas was to die for. the tomato sofrito and perfectly cooked vegetables that went with it took me back to my childhood. only this was better. don’t roll in your grave, lola.
this 2002 red was smooth and heavenly with my cocido
tippi’s nanny (violy) since birth, cooked everything with tippi’s supervision and here she is with jin
I was too stuffed for dessert and because I am not so big on desserts, I leave those to Jin’s (@jinlovestoeat) posts and recommendations.
our crabby day eating group at the charming and happy tambunting residence. l-r tanya (tippi’s best friend since childhood), ana, jin, triccie, tippi and i. missing michelle, leah and angel (photo courtesy of jin, thanks!)
Let’s make memories in our homes too. And I hope you get to try food from other peoples tables. It is pure happiness. This was another perfect TGIF! I can’t say thank you enough to the Tambunting family. My heart is full.