Friday, November 18, 2016

Chef Laudico’s Feasts Opens at SM City Clark Pampanga


It’s no secret that I’m such a foodie. But ever since I’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, I’ve learned to decline food invitations with a few exceptions of course. I’ve been asked by my friend and fellow food blogger, Edel if I wanted to represent her to experience Chef Laudico’s Feasts at SM City Clark Pampanga. Since I’m not that busy, I jumped at the chance to visit the said restaurant which I later learned turned out to be another food paradise. 



 To be perfectly honest, I’m one of those people who wonder what made celebrity couple chefs Rolando “Chef Lau” Laudico and wife Chef Jackie Laudico to open a buffet type of restaurant in Pampanga. In an interview we’ve had with them, Chef Lau and Chef Jackie openly admitted that they were discouraged by well-meaning friends to do so. It is common knowledge that Kapampangans are the best cooks in the country since Pampanga is the food capital of the Philippines. However, these chefs take pride on the fact that it is a challenge on their profession as chefs to prove that they have something new to offer even to the most discriminating palate.




 The first thing you’ll notice at Chef Laudico’s Feast was the ornaments and the festive set up that’s very Filipino. It felt like coming home to your ancestral home but with food stations well organized. With the ceiling designed with colourful buntings from fiesta and walls with banig (local mat) along with intricately designed capiz chandelier, the restaurant exudes a homey ambiance.

 They’ve got some 200++ seating capacity with some optional seating for those who smoke outside. They also have really comfy chairs which makes guests feel right at home. 
 

 “As professional chefs, we consider it a challenge to cook for people regardless of what most connoisseurs would think. We’re expanding and we hope people would appreciate what we please ourselves with, and let them try what we think is good,” said Chef Lau. To which his wife, chef Jackie agrees, adding, "“We do not choose the place. It’s the place that chooses us. There have been a number of places being offered to us. But we felt it's time to introduce our food in Clark and let other foodies to appreciate what we can offer."

"Here at Chef Laudico's Feast, we wanted our guests to feel the festive ambiance while they enjoy not only the best of the local Filipino foods but some international foods as well (such as Korean, Spanish and Japanese cuisines). We also practice food without MSG, enhancing flavours without shortcuts. We’ve been doing this since the very beginning and we want to promote real flavours. We work with suppliers to achieve this and promote the fiesta culture by using the freshest ingredients where everyone is a friend and we want our guests to experience that.”


One of our companions had a small infant and although she did not specifically requested for a high chair, the staff immediately saw this need and squeezed in a highchair that allowed room for the child to eat on his own. With such service + great food + nice homey ambiance, I see nothing else but a bright future for this restaurant to expand in the near future. 
Now, let's talk about the food...after all, this is what I came here for. Caution: You might drool so make sure you're not hungry when you read beyond this post. 
Cebu Lechon with different sauce to choose from. But really, authentic Cebu lechon's succulent crispy goodness need not any sauce to begin with. Well, it's still up to you...
Say hello to the festive ambiance with lechon Cebu.
Marinated and grilled to perfection liempo
Of course, Ilocano's Bagnet won't be left behind. In terms of flavors, crispiness and crunch, this one will surely make your trip to Clark worth while. 

Ilocano's famous Bagnet


Instead of Sisig basket (popular in Guevarra's) they have here authentic Sisig Rolls instead
Okay, so I'm a little bit biased. I'm a huge fan of Guevarra's Sisig Basket. So imagine my happiness when I discovered they have Sisig Rolls here? Same sisig goodness + crunch but on a different shape. What can i say? This is easier to eat because they're shaped like a cone which makes them easier to swallow and indulge in. 

Your tempura cravings will surely be satisfied
Too bad I wasn't able to get some shrimp tempura because they quickly ran out! 

Old time favorites of Beef Kare-kare and fiesta staple viand, Callos
 At Chef Laudico’s Feast, the food offered in buffet are presented in a different way because one chafing dish had two different viands. Some are also styled vertically because they’d want to offer as much food and maximize the space. Every dish were cooked differently and taste wise, they’re really good!

Eat all you can dimsum
 Siomai overload it is! With Nori seaweed wraps, plain pork or beef siomai--name it and they have it!

Don't be deceived by these simple looking pizza slices, they're also good!
The pizza may look really plain but when you taste them you'll know they're freshly made with that desired sweet and tangy taste. 

Healthy treats also awaits diners.
 For those on diet and who are health-conscious, you have choices too. There's steamed and grilled vegetables. Salads with different dressings--there will surely be something that you'll fancy. How does Bagoong (fermented shrimp/fish) Dijon dressing sound like? Curious? Try it!!!Go ahead and enjoy a food adventure.!
For the health conscious, there's an option to go for steamed veggies

Or grille veggies. Either way you can mix them with specially concocted sauces/dressings.

Nilasing na Hipon are so crunchy, perfect to go with a soda.

These Crablets are sure to make you smile.

Those who do not want to eat rice, can have some breads.

Freshly made sashimi at the Japanese station

Maki rolls on the roll!
Be sure to check out the food tables. From there, you could plan your snack attack, be it a breakfast or light brawl, lunch munch or dinner devouring. As for me, I would usually get something which I can’t cook at home or would get something really expensive like fresh bounties from the sea like crabs and shrimps. I would suggest that you get a piece of two of the items you crave for. Then go back in queue for your favourites. 
A lot of choices from the dessert station: cakes on shot glasses, DIY halo-halo
Fresh steamed crabs

Fresh shrimps

Everyone's favorite: Angus Roast beef slices
 Chef Laudico’s Feast offers you an extensive selection of dishes to choose from, as well as juices and Pepsi products to wash down our meal. Lining up for Chef Laudico’s Lechon Belly (it’s damn good, you wouldn’t want to miss it!), Angus Tapa (well marinated and fork tender) and Angus Roast Beef (melt-in-your-mouth Angus goodness!) is always a pleasure. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out and try their grilled tuna (they’re the best I’ve had in years) and Korean staple, Japchae. They also have a great selection of sushi and maki which are done right before your very eyes. 

Another must-try: Lechon Belly
Banofee pies are such a hit!

Guinatan on a shot glass!
A word of caution: Do not take more than you can eat. Like all other eat all you can, that means leftover are frowned upon especially if there are big portions left on your plate. 
Chef Laudico’s Feast is definitely the newest must-try dining destination when you’re around the Clark Pampanga area. For Kapampangans who live nearby and are curious about what Chef Laudico’s can offer, be sure to come and check it out. As for me, I wouldn’t mind driving all the way to Clark in order to have a wonderful meal at Chef Laudico’s—because I can assure you, it’s going to be worth it.
Chef Laudico’s Feast rates are as follows:
Lunch rates on Mondays to Fridays
Adults:  499.00
Kids: 249.00
Dinner rates on Mondays to Fridays
Adults:  599.00
Kids :299.00
Weekends and Holidays
Adults: 699.00
Kids: 349.00

Get ready to be amazed with the wide spread of dishes and the modern homey atmosphere that will greet you and your family.
Come visit Chef Laudico's Feast at the Ground Level BPO 1, SM City Clark
For Reservations call or text : 
0949.324.8382 | 0906.351.2688

 Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. Special thanks to Edel Santiago, Chef Laudico and Chef Jackie, and Ms. Yuan Yim.

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