I went to this place sometime after New Year's day. I figured that it was worth a try since it had gotten good reviews from Yelp, Adobo Nation and was "Kagat Approved" (means worth biting into). http://www.myislarestaurant.com/
I really wasn't sure what to expect, I've been disappointed with a lot of Filipino restaurants and I wondered if I should drive all the way to San Bruno for it. Heck, my friends talked me into it so I went with them. The place carries a Kapampangan style of cooking (Pampanga is a province) and yes, it backs it up. This means the place is authentic cooking, I mean it isn't exactly catered to American consumers as Max's of the Philippines and Goldilock's are more commercial. Pampanga really knows how to prepare a feast.
The dishes had that authentic presentation. We ordered several dishes (6 in total) with two appetizers and the servings were a good size. I mean, it was a real good experience, but please be warned: you need to come to this place hungry! Filipino cuisine is rich when it is cooked traditionally...and yes, some are not healthy. Make sure you come with a Filipino who would know what to order if you want to keep a healthy diet (like me). Heck, but we didn't healthy that day....I mean, I am a great cook when it comes to Filipino cuisine, and this place really impressed me; save for one dish, they were all perfect!
Full review coming soon after I make a second visit... 5/5 for authenticity....4.5.5/5.0 overall.
Holy cow, Woo, this sounds amazing! My Filipino friends are always talking about how there's a lack of good Filipino restaurants in the Bay Area. I wonder if they've heard of this one... Will have to plan a trip here. Thanks for the tip! :D
woopak_the_thrillJanuary 06, 2012
Let me know when you guys go there, I may join you. I may go there this Sunday, since a friend couldn't join us when we went. :)
Gotta plan a group date! I actually drive by San Bruno quite a bit, so I may just stop by one of these days. What dishes do you recommend?
devoraJanuary 06, 2012
Oh, and preferably a "healthy" dish :P
woopak_the_thrillJanuary 07, 2012
healthy? Boo!! Well, if you want a veggie dish, you might want to order Pinakbet (Bicol style with coconut milk), the sizzling stuufed milkfish, Bistek (beef with onions), Laing (spicy Tarot leaves), Eggplant relleno, the sizzling seafood and any of the barbecues are pretty awesome. You know about pancit right/ I think you may have to go off your diet for a day when you come here.
