Being former colonies of Spain, Mexico and the Philippines have a long list of similarities. So, it makes sense to fuse these two culturally rich and culturally compatible cuisines; And, we get 'Silantro' Fil-Mex Cantina (insert Mos Eisley Cantina music) in Kapitolyo.
One of my better friends from college who I share the same preference in taste, recommended it to me in a convincing manner. Apparently, he and his colleagues developed a craving for this place that during some lunch breaks they would risk timing back-in at 2PM just to have some 'Fil-Mex.' Now being a good friend I publicly condemn this behaviour, but it did peak my interest to the point of being tempted of the same thing. (If I had a Job that required timing-in and timing-out)
We got to Kapitolyo at around 7PM. It was my first time navigating the farther parts of East Capitol Drive. I asked the wheel-man to drive cautiously. Surprisingly, the driver also was new here. It was like seeing a teenager taking the practical exams for the driver's license for the first time. It was kind of nerve racking because we went past so many small intersections with the thought of 'Did we pass it or not?' I just kept telling myself 'Tiwala kay Google.' It got to he point where in even I couldn't contain my nervousness. The funny thing is when I was about to open the window to ask directions, low and behold we were right infront of 'Silantro.' (The restaurant can be found near the edge of East Capitol Drive.) Phew! It was slightly obscured because of the cars parked parallel to its entrance. Add the fact that there was a line of young people in their early twenties to early thirties all lined up to get their 'Fil-Mex' fix.
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| The Rib-eye is moist and tender. I just can't get enough. |
We got to Kapitolyo at around 7PM. It was my first time navigating the farther parts of East Capitol Drive. I asked the wheel-man to drive cautiously. Surprisingly, the driver also was new here. It was like seeing a teenager taking the practical exams for the driver's license for the first time. It was kind of nerve racking because we went past so many small intersections with the thought of 'Did we pass it or not?' I just kept telling myself 'Tiwala kay Google.' It got to he point where in even I couldn't contain my nervousness. The funny thing is when I was about to open the window to ask directions, low and behold we were right infront of 'Silantro.' (The restaurant can be found near the edge of East Capitol Drive.) Phew! It was slightly obscured because of the cars parked parallel to its entrance. Add the fact that there was a line of young people in their early twenties to early thirties all lined up to get their 'Fil-Mex' fix.
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| This burrito is best eaten on its own or best taken to-go! |
The Ambiance
Silantro is one of those concrete rectangular box with both indoor and outdoor dining areas. It isn't like 'NIU by Vikings' (link) where an interior designer went crazy but simpler. It has picnic tables for you to sit and dine on.
The air-conditioner is enough to cool the corners where we were seating.
My only gripe with the place is when you eat inside a concrete rectangular box that gets packed with people (which according to the waiters is all the time), it gets noisy. Noisy, amplified with the echoes of stories, jokes and laughter. What is worse is that it keeps bouncing back between the walls. It got so bad that we just made fun of it by making our own noise albeit with plenty of 'sarcasm.'
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| Some fancy 'Dinamita' |
The Food
We ordered quite a bit but our favorites are the: Beef Nachos, Silantro Quesadillas, Mexican Rib-Eye, Lamb Chops, Silantro's Burrito and the Lucha Tachos.
There is just something about their beef that you can not get enough of. It is moist, tender with a hint of sweetness that drives you to drive your fork back for more. In fact the nachos will go fast like a category five storm hitting a city leaving nothing in its wake.
In fact it is so good that aside from the meat all the other ingredients were fighting to be noticed. The cheeses in the nachos and the quesadillas were just blending so well that you'd wish they'd melt slower in your mouth so you could savour the flavour even more.
In fact my college friend just sat there just taking all the goodness in. He then continued his story of when they timed back-in at 2PM where he found one of his co-workers just so amazed by the food that all he could do was stare blankly in space. You know, the look where you just had a life changing revelation that food can be this good.
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| Calliente Wings! |
The Service
Service is something the Silantro staff is very particular in. It is obvious that they are experienced with long waiting lines because they smile, they ask actively and they respond to your request as soon as possible. The food came with in ten minutes from when our orders were taken. In fact, the staff is so good at team work that I barely see this kind of fluidity in other establishments. I personally want to thank Rhon, Ben and Neil for their wonderful service on the day of this writing.
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| You can really taste the Tomatoes and the Mussels infused into those rice grains! |
The Price
The price range for their generous serving dishes will set you back from a meagre Php 100.00 to a maximum of Php 560.00. Only one dish is Php 560.00 which is of course is the Rib eye. The prices average around the Php 250.00 mark.
The Verdict
Overall Verdict: A-
Food Quality: A-
Food Service: A
Bang for your Buck: A-
Do you want to Contact 'Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina?'
Address: East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City
Telephone number: (02) 654-9657
Facebook: Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina
Operating Hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun: 11AM to 11PM; Fri-Sat: 11AM to 1AM
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