There are many food spots that offer the usual favorites from Batangas such as goto, bulalo, and pansit. We are drawn by its distinct taste, but one restaurant in Batangas has given to itself the challenge of offering a new twist to our favorite cuisines from Batangas. And this restaurant is Pascua’s Freestyle Kitchen.
Opened last October 2014, this new foodie spot at Bauan, Batangas did just that. As Harley Pascua, owner of Pascua’s Freeestyle Kitchen, said, “We want to offer something new to our fellow Batanguenos and tourists as well. We want Batanguenos to know that food can be a point of leisure even if they have repeatedly tasted the pansit and bulalo. What we offer at Pascua’s Freestyle Kitchen is definitely a new experience altogether.”
What actually caught my attention was that, for a new restaurant in the city, they had a 4.8/5 rating from customers on their Facebook Page. This made me think that this was definitely a place to try out! So off I went to Pascua’s Freestyle Kitchen.
There are two main things I loved about the interiors: the kitschy displays throughout the restaurant, and the black and white color scheme.
I loved how the displays in Pascua’s Freestyle Kitchen made me feel like I was walking through my own home. They had a cupboard with decor that seemed to be from their own home.
They also had travel photos of the family at one side of the restaurant. This made me feel like they were welcoming me as a part of their home (secretly, this is now my peg for the photo collage I want to make in my room!).
The interiors of Pascua’s Freestyle Kitchen made me feel like I was in a fine dining restaurant because of the premium feel of the place. It actually didn’t feel like I was in Batangas, for a moment there.
The owners also said that Pascua’s Freestyle Kitchen is a usual a stopover for tourists going to Mabini or Anilao for diving, and for the foreigners working at the petroleum plants at Bauan.
The Dishes
Tiping Bites with 3 Dips
Sweet crispy bread chips with pimiento, cheesy pesto, and tomato cilantro tuna dip.
As a kid, my family always had stocks of tiping at home. This was usually paired with coffee or Milo in the morning for breakfast. I never really thought about it being an appetizer, but it really worked well with the three dips. My personal favorite was the tomato cilantro tuna dip. The crunchiness of the bread together with the zesty dip with lots of texture will definitely leave you craving more.
Quarter Slab Baby Back Ribs
These baby back ribs are not your usual sweet ones. This one has a mix of a sweet and sour flavor. You can also taste the cajun spice that was used in marinating the meat upon biting into its goodness. My first favorite in Pascua’s Freestyle Kitchen Menu!
Sinaing na Tulingan in Olive Oil
Mackerel tuna stew in oil-based pasta.
This is my second favorite dish in the menu. I don’t usually eat tulingan when at home, but this pasta left me wanting for more. The olive oil drizzled with the pasta made it very light, complimenting the distinct taste of the tulingan. My mom liked this so much that she said she’ll go to Pascua’s Freestyle Kitchen just to eat this again!
Cream of Bulanglang
This one I was really into, as well. I love bulanglang and it’s kind of sad that no bulanglang is sold in Manila. This soup is a twist on the traditional bulanglang, using squash and malunggay as its main ingredients. This was very creamy and matches well with the tiping appetizer.
Adobong Bulalo
Beef shank stewed in classic soy sauce and vinegar base.
Is it strange that I’m a Batanguena but haven’t tasted bulalo from Batangas? It was my first time to eat bulalo at Pascua’s Freestyle Kitchen! The beef was really tender and easy to eat. Contrary to the sweetness of Batangas adobo, this one had hints of sourness.
Fresh Honey Mint Lemonade
After all that eating, it was nice to sip to some refreshing lemonade with hints of honey. Props for having it in a cute mason jar.
They also serve Chef’s specials every month, and I’m definitely coming back for the Herbed Lamb Chops with Mechado Sauce, and their Deep Fried Suman Churros! You can view the rest of their menu here.
With this unique concept and exceptionally good execution, Pascua’s Freestyle Kitchen will surely be a well-loved restaurant for Batanguenos like myself and tourists alike!
Pascua’s Freestyle Kitchen
Website: www.pascuasfreestylekitchen.ops.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Pascuas-Freestyle-Kitchen/1548274332052307?fref=ts
Instagram: @pascuasfreestylekitchen
