Pampanga 2016: Amare by Chef Chris x Abe’s Farm x House of Chops
Abe’s Farm was the destination of choice for this year’s family Holy Week retreat. Abe’s Farm is operated by the beloved LJC Group and is just a barely two hour drive away from Manila. It promises a sanctuary where you can get in touch with nature, stay in traditional nipa huts (don’t worry, they’re air-conditioned!), and get value for money spa treatment.
AMARE by CHEF CHRIS
However, our first stopover was at Amare by Chef Chris located inside Royce Hotel and Casino in Clark. Chef Chris’s prowess in Italian cuisine is recognizable in Manila’s dining scene due to his concepts, C’ Italian Dining and My Kitchen (in Paco, Manila) which educated us in all things rollizza!
The interiors are sleek, but welcoming, befitting for the anchor restaurant located on the lobby of a hotel. As we were a large and diverse group, we opted to share two orders of rollizzas and each order a main dish of our own.
TONIO (P790)
We ordered the Tonio and Andrea variants as these were abstinence-friendly (it was a Good Friday). The former boasted of slices of smoked salmon, smoky mushrooms, fresh tomatoes and capers; while the Andrea (P790) was the saltier of the two as it came with a generous serving of sundried tomatoes and fresh shrimp.
RISOTTO FRUTI DI MARE CLASSICO (P760)
My main dish of choice featured a wonderful fresh seafood selection of snapper, salmon, shrimp, and mussels; however, the risotto in its entirety was just alright. The tomato-saffron base was underwhelming, and the risotto was too watery for me.
Amare by Chef Chris
GF Royce Hotel and Casino, Clark Freeport City
Date of Visit: March 25, 2016 with Wilson Chua, Lily Chua, Jared Chua, Jem Chua, David Tan, Moriah Tan, Nathan Tan (and Yaya), Johner Fernandez, and Clau Candy
ABE’S FARM
Abe’s Farm provides a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city; but be prepared to spend the day without mobile signal, without television, and without internet. The rooms are air-conditioned, and furnished with a decent shower; however, expect the interiors to be modest. With rooms ranging from Php3000 (hut for 2 persons) to Php15000 (family room for 15 persons) inclusive of free breakfast; it’s more than reasonable! I suggest opting for its non-hut rooms though (such as the Deluxe Rooms), as the family room we stayed in was rained in when we stayed there.
TOCINO
The Abe’s restaurant in Abe’s Farm essentially features the same menu as that of Manila’s, with the addition of a breakfast menu featuring beloved Filipino breakfast favorites. However, when in Pampanga, we always opt for the killer combination of Hot Tsokolate and Tocino!
Abe’s Farm
Magalang Pampanga
Date of Visit: March 25-26, 2016 with Wilson Chua, Lily Chua, Jared Chua, Jem Chua, David Tan, Moriah Tan, Nathan Tan (and Yaya), Johner Fernandez, and Clau Candy
HOUSE OF CHOPS
THREE CHEESE AND BACON STUFFED DOUBLE CUT PORK CHOP (P700)
Before trooping back to Manila, we made a stop at House of Chops. House of Chops features a droolworthy meat selection that’s perfect for sharing. Each meat platter comes with a veggie side of parmesan creamed corn and spinach, buttered veggies, or garlic mashed potatoes; and a huge cup of rice of your choice (steamed, mushroom pilaf, cheesy broccoli, or steak fried rice).
CORNED BEEF BRISKET WITH CABBAGE AND HORSERADISH CREAM (P820)
The Corned Beef Brisket was amazing. The meat wasn’t as tender as I’d like it to be; but each slice was perfectly prepared. The horseradish cream was also spot-on. Not a bad alternative to Old Swiss Inn’s Corned Beef. The Pork Chop was more of a let-down. Its three cheese and bacon stuffing is bound to bring excitement to the table; but the chops were far from succulent, making them quite tedious to eat through.
SLOW ROASTED US BEEF BELLY WITH PEPPERCORN GRAVY (P820)
Opt for the Slow Roasted US Beef Belly instead as the beef slices were perfectly seasoned to give the right balance to the peppercorn gravy. Pair this with the Steak Fried Rice for a more delicious combination. You would be paying an extra P80 for the Steak Fried Rice option but each peso’s well spent once you see how much meat the huge bowl comes with!
The restaurant can get pretty packed quickly, so do call in for reservations! If these heavyweight platters are too much for you, they do have lighter dishes that are quite commendable such as the moist Pesto Stuffed Chicken Roulade (P280)! A stop at House of Chops definitely makes a Pampanga road trip worth it!
House of Chops
Lot 1 MA Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone
Date of Visit: March 26, 2016 with Wilson Chua, Lily Chua, Jared Chua, Jem Chua, David Tan, Moriah Tan, Nathan Tan (and Yaya), Johner Fernandez, and Clau Candy
