January 2008 Tropical Grill

The Group

For once, we did indeed meet on the third Thursday. We had a nice group of ten. I'd called earlier thatday to make reservations, because what could it hurt. There was no one else in the restaurant, so it waseasy to find the rest of our party. There was astranger among the party; at the head of the longtable an older woman sat, chatting amicably. Sheturned out to be our waitress. She was holding court,answering questions. As few of us had ever hadFilipino food before, it was much appreciated. Thiskind of friendly attention was the staple all evening. Even when a few other parties came in, we got plentyof attention.This little Filipino gem is tucked demurely into thebosom of a strip mall next to a french bakery andaround the corner from a discount party store. Thedecorations are sparse and the walls are loud. A hugeplus is the bathroom. It was clean and smelled, nolie, like an orange creamsicle! For an appetizer, I shared, with obliging friends, theAdobo Chicken wings. They were well flavored, and alittle hot. I didn't need the accompanying hot/sweetsauce nor the creamy ranch dressing that came with. They weren't necessary.As an entree, I chose the Adobo Pork, after beingreassured by the patient waitress that the tastes ofthe two would be different enough. I was wellpleased. Big chunks of tender, stewed pork on a bedof lettuce and rice and a little pot of additionalmarinade. It had a bright citrus-y bite, with just abit of heat underneath. I guarded it jealouslyagainst habitual tasting from my neighbors, though Iwas more than willing to attack their plates. If I'd been better at taking notes, I could tell youwhat everyone ordered, and their reactions, but sinceI couldn't get this posted until weeks after the event(and I suck) we'll stick to the highlight. Ourfriend Emilie go the Fried Talapia. You'll find theattached pictures. It came out on its own plate,looking like it had voluntarily stuffed itself withherbs, covered itself with a nice crust and thenjumped on the plate. The waitress thoughtfullyoffered to fillet it, since our friend was still inshock from having her dinner look back at her.We finished with dessert. Our waitress made up alittle plate of sticky rice cake and other delicacies. I chose an additional leeche flavored creme brulee. Since I can't remember the taste really of any of thedesserts, either I wasn't that impressed by them or Iwas overly impressed by my dinner. Tropical Grill was a success. "Ooh"s and "here, trythis" was heard more than once around the table. Even more impressive, certain members from that nightwent again. Conclusion: would totally go again and bring friends,may not order something different only because I likedwhat I got so much.

Yummy!

Up Close and Personal!

The Devoured Fish