Be honest. What did you notice first, Jericho Rosales or the Crispy Pata? Hmmm… 😉

Whatever your answers are, both are significant to the event I attended a few days ago – the launch of Jericho Rosales as the newest brand ambassador of Kuya J and the mouthwatering experience brought by Kuya J’s Crispy Pata and other delectable Filipino dishes.

Metro Manila is lucky to have Kuya J, formerly known as “Ang Kan-anan ni Kuya J,” a fast rising authentic and casual Filipino restaurant that started as a humble eatery along the streets of Cebu. For those who are seeking a family-oriented Filipino restaurant without burning a whole in your pocket, Kuya J rises on top of the list.

It is Kuya J’s mission to let their customers have a heartwarming experience at any time of the day. Love is deep-rooted in the history of Kuya J, present until today and as it moves towards its future. Kuya J assures the staff is always welcoming with heartfelt service. The ambiance should not be compromised by making every customer feel relaxed and comfortable. And of course, every dish is made with love.

Kuya J’s strong values: matapat, malasakit, maaasahan, mapagmahal at maalalahanin.

I was personally intrigued by a few Kuya J restaurants I stumbled into SM malls but I’ve never had the chance to dine in. This was my first. During that first time to be greeted by Kuya J, my attraction steamed up as I looked around and felt the inviting and homey ambiance. It has a nice touch of warm and cozy interiors, a type of place that fits the idea of having a feast with my family. I kinda imagined staying by the corner couch with my mom, dad and sister. I really felt the simple yet pleasant mood will pass my parents’ approval.

During the event, the bidang bida endorser, Jericho Rosales, was formally introduced to the media and bloggers. Screams and loud clap all around, an obvious reaction from the crowd as he walked in front carrying his charming personality. Jericho Rosales echoes what the brand stands for. Someone who is family-oriented (like a kuya to people around him); someone who brings fun and entertainment to the group; and someone who is easy to get along. Similar to Kuya J, it is a place of comfort outside home with feel-good Filipino dishes.

Did I say something about food? Oh yeaaaaahh! I know you’ve been waiting for this part!

Ticking of clock stopped upon the parade and arrival of the Crispy Pata! Talagang ito ang bida! It was an eventful love at first sight with Kuya J’s Crispy Pata for most of us. With this perfectly deep-fried pork skin with tender juicy pata meat, you know you’d want to plan your next trip to Kuya J. Every family should take note of this as your top priority once you say your orders. Oh, prepare your bellies because it’s highly addictive. Uh-oh!

Jericho personally sliced and served Kuya J’s Crispy Pata. This is awesome service! :p

You can’t go wrong with generous cheese and butter on top of these Grilled Scallops. This is the way to start your day at Kuya J’s place.

My personal favorite appetizer in Kuya J is this Chorizo Dinamitas. Crispy deep-fried jalapeños infused with Cebu Chorizo and cheddar cheese to balance off the spices. Pair it with garlic mayo dip or not, you’ll find it your perfect snack as I did.

Lumpia Presko is an interpretation of fresh lumpia using sautéed crabmeat and bamboo shoots as a filling, all rolled up using malunggay wrapper. Its sweet garlic sauce makes a difference, an appealing addition to the final recipe.

If you don’t mind more fried plates, you could count on Crispy Catfish as an addition to your family’s table. Battered deep-fried catfish seasoned with various spices. Notice the sauce served with it, that’s chili tuba sauce and bagoong mayo.

The night became more interesting for me when our server placed this Kare-Kare exactly in front of me. A reinvention of the traditional Kare-Kare by creating a more desirable peanut sauce that even picky Filipino kids might appreciate. The presence of this Kare-Kare called out for more rice on my plate.

You are a pinoy if you are captivated by Sizzling Sisig with Egg. Kuya J elevates the typical sisig by using pork belly, sizzled with a crispy and tantalizing appeal.

Pochero Bulalo Tagalog is something my dad will order, a treat for bone-marrow lovers! Slow-cooked beef shank with corn, plantains, sweet potatoes, and baguio beans all swimming in a rich savory tomato-based broth.

I also noticed a similar dish Kuya J’s Bulalo on the menu, which I didn’t try yet. I guess I’m adding this to my list.

Not only in the photo that the Danggit Rice looks like it’s drowning. Indeed, it was sliding down through my mouth as I pair this rice, composed of danggit bits, oil, chives and fried danggit, with my favorite Kuya J dishes. The strength of the danggit’s flavors didn’t overpower the flavors of the rice. It came off just right.

Humbinagoongan Rice Platter is strong on its own. A fully bagoong alamang rice platter topped with pork humba meat, green mangoes, bell peppers and red onions. A chef recommendation that will rub and calm your bellies.

You aren’t finished until you let Kuya J feed you with their special desserts like Mango Pandan, Cebuano Mangga Cheesecake and Leche Flan.

By the end of 2015, expect about 50 branches dominating the Philippine food scene for everyone’s convenience to enjoy scrumptious Filipino food with their family and friends. Exciting!!

Seriously, Kuya J is a place to have great salo-salo with people who love to eat. At Kuya J, salo-salo ang sarap!

What do you think of Kuya J Restaurant?

Share with me your thoughts! 🙂

Cheers,

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KuyaJResto

Instagram and Twitter: @kuyajresto

Budget: PHP350++