FOOD
Casa Reyes Bistro Filipino Serving timeless comfort food that reminds of home
Words by Jewel Sta. Ana Photos by Chini Soriano and Jezeil Romero
The local gastronomical scene is inundated with dishes from other cultures, which might explain why the younger crowd developed an extremely discriminating palate. Restaurants from all over the world, from fine dining to fast-food, open branches in the country in recognition of the Filipinos’ appreciation of good food. Still, people always go back to their roots longing for that comfort food that reminds them of home. Who doesn’t miss the aroma of spices in the kitchen? Who didn’t grow up with mom or dad whipping up a sumptuous Sunday meal? With fast-food joints burgeoning in urban areas, finding something close to a home-cooked meal can sometimes be futile.
The facade of the resturant also features the artisanal Pinoy gelato cart
guests at the entrance of the branch at Promenade. These pieces of memorabilia alone distinguish the Casa Reyes from other ultra-modern restaurants along the strip. Honoring the legacy of the Reyeses, the young restaurateur placed black and white photographs of matriarchs Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes and her mother, Maria Lourdes Reyes.
This is exactly what Christine Reyes Dayco wanted to address when she opened Casa Reyes Bistro Filipino in 2006 with branches at Connecticut Arcade and Promenade Mall in Greenhills.
“As someone who came from a family of cooks, I was inspired to follow the path of my ancestors and establish my own name.” Dayco said.
“I want our customers to remember their heritage and feel at home whenever they enter our restaurant.” Dayco said.
Finding her calling in continuing the family’s legacy, Reyes honed her cooking skills by studying abroad. She used the modern kitchen techniques she learned into further improving the family’s recipes putting fresh takes to appeal to the young generation. Reyes is careful not to lose the authentic Filipino flavor Casa Reyes is best known for though.
Reyes wanted to give diners the feel of real Filipino home adorning the restaurants’ interiors with trinkets of antique decors. Items like rattan baskets, wooden horse, and calesa greet the
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Co-owner and general manager Christine Reyes Dayco
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