Cycle 5 – Item 117

2 (Fri) May 2014

Adobong Kambing

2.0

at Oarhouse

-Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines-

solo

The plan was to meet for dinner and drinks at Oarhouse, around 1900.  But then, while I was home, taking a break after work, around 1800, one of the eeriest weather events that I’ve ever witnessed: the city was suddenly engulfed in a black cloud, like something from a horror movie, lightning zigzagging, thunder thundering, rain downpouring, lasted maybe 30 minutes.  When it was over, the streets were already flooded, which I could see from my apartment.  I went to the bar and waited for an hour, but nobody showed up (they did after I left).

Oarhouse is a pub.  The bar serves a small range of beers and hard liquor.  The kitchen serves mostly Filipino dishes, along with a few Western items, all appropriate booze accompaniments.  Popular hangout for WHO staff.

Because the streets of Manila are so polluted, flood waters are considered to be highly infectious with various bacteria/viruses/parasites that can cause severe illness (e.g., leptospirosis).  Most expats tend to bust out galoshes when it floods, even a little bit, though locals splash around in flip-flops.

Having been there a couple times, I don’t like the place because it’s too smoky.  Small, improperly ventilated, lots of smokers.  I’m surprised that WHO staff can stand it.

When I saw adobong kambing at the top of the menu -“kambing = goat – I had to order it, never having tried goat before.  Due to the extreme flavors of adobong, however, I couldn’t taste the meat.   The texture was kinda dry.  Whatever.

I went home early to clean up the apartment in preparation of my family’s arrival late tonight, their first visit.  They got in safe and sound.  IZ immediately made himself at home. We’ll be flying to Cebu tomorrow.

(See also GLOBAL FOOD GLOSSARY)

(See also RESTAURANTS IN PHILIPPINES)