Every working individual deserves a treat.
After a long day's work, who wouldn't want to dine out and relax?
Who wouldn't want to give themselves a break after a tight and busy schedule over the week?
Thank God, it's already Friday!
It's time for a little pampering.
Right after school (I'm a teacher), my boyfriend fetched me. We headed to Pan de Amerikana in Marikina. We have been planning to visit the place, but we never had the time to do so. We have been hearing and reading great feedback about the place, plus, it's just around the neighborhood- a tricycle away from our home.
However, visiting it now, was unplanned. Haha. Earlier that day, I texted him and demanded for a date (as busy as we are, we never got the time these days.) He agreed and right there and then, we decided to visit Pan de Amerikana.
It was an amazing facade. The view will definitely make one excited and look forward for what has to come when you get inside the premise. Unfortunately, we haven't got a shot of this. By that time, there were cars - a lot of them - parked outside.
(c) Johnnas Ceazar Macabale (the boyfriend)
The restaurant's interior, theme, and ambiance stay true to its tag line, "Pan de Amerikana Since 1950". Its quirky, unique, and antique pieces and furniture create a perfect picture of an old house in the 50's. It is a total blast from the past - a mix of a European and Filipino feel. The "lamparas" (lamp), "duyan" (swing), "kalesa" (carriage), "banga" (jars), "batibot" (chair), stained glass windows, collection of old photos and paintings, old wooden furniture, and the like will walk you down memory lane.
Apart from its vintage feel, Pan de Amerikana, Marikina branch is also known as one of the five CHESS themed restaurants in the whole world.
This is surely the place to be for chess lovers and players.
Aside from a cozy environment, a restaurant should satisfy one's raging tummy. Pan de Amerikana offers a wide variety of native Filipino and pasta dishes.
It was 5 o'clock in the afternoon so we opted for merienda choices. We ordered Tuna Pandesal and Chicken Pandesal at P30 each, Baked Mac at P70, Bolognese at P80, and a glass of Ripe Mango Shake at P45. There's no service charge and the price is definitely affordable. We enjoyed the classic pandesal. Baked Mac was creamy, cheesy, and tasty. However, I was disappointed with the Bolognese and Ripe Mango Shake. The shake lacked sweetness in it and I can't even taste the Mango flavor. With the Bolognese, it's too dry.
I love the place - its romantic and vintage feel, the garden setting - twigs and vines, koi pond, tropical rain forests plants, hanging plants, and wishing well, the tree house, and the rope bridge. The "photo opportunity" is a must when you visit this place.
As for my rating, I gave Pan de Amerikana 3 out of 5 for the food, depending only on the food that we have tried and perfect 5 for the price range, friendly customer service, and ambiance.
It was a great experience. We ended our date with a sunset viewing on the tree house.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Pan de Amerikana Bakeshop Main office is at 92 Ordonez Street Concepcion dos MARIKINA (tel. 475-2398) and now has branches located at Katipunan Avenue QUEZON CITY (tel. 421-1966) and another at Wilson Street GREENHILLS San Juan (tel.384-6741). The third branch is located at MAKATI AVENUE corner Constellation Street beside Savory.
http://pandeamerikana.multiply.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pan-de-Amerikana-Official/121119677926007
