REVIEW: A food trip down memory lane with 'Pop Talk'

There's food that fulfills your basic gastronomic needs. Then there's food that makes you feel nostalgic and transports you to a place and time reminiscent of fond memories and old friends.

This is exactly the kind of food covered in the latest "Pop Talk" review. Host Tonipet Gaba, blogger Rudstin Estrellado, foodie mom Lou Ylaya, and beauty queen-actress and entrepreneur Alma Concepcion reviewed three "throwback" restaurants known for their longevity and delicious food. 

Are these restos able to maintain the taste of the dishes our grandparents and parents originally fell in love with a long time ago? Take a food trip down memory lane and read this "Pop Talk" review to find out.



Dayrit's Burger and Roast Beef House
Since 1974
JSB Bldg Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Sct. Delgado Laging Handa, Quezon City
Price range: P130 to P310

Dayrit's Burger and Roast Beef House was established by Wilfredo "Freddie" Dayrit Sr. back in 1974, after he realized that his popular homemade processed meat could also be served in a restaurant. Some of Dayrit's early specialties were its burgers, corned beef, chorizos and hotdogs. 

The resto's versions of these comfort food have been a foodie favorite for 40 years. In fact, one of their loyal customers is none other than President Noynoy Aquino, whose personal favorite ever since he was a congressman has been the Dayrit's Big "D" Burger.



The list of must-tries at Dayrit's doesn't end with their sandwiches. Customers can also enjoy their Fresh Corned Beef, Roast Beef Plate, Chorizo Macao, Callos a la Madrilena,and Sizzling Spaghetti. Processed meat are also sold in the restaurant for those who want to cook their own meals at home. 

"My first impression was that it's gonna be a generic experience, but when I started eating, it turned out to be very memorable," Alma shared. "I was impressed with the corned beef… 'yung may sabaw." Aside from the food, Alma thought that the restaurant's interiors also gave off a nostalgic feel. "Hindi siya masyadong avant-garde. Very homey."

Final verdict: 9 pop points



Little Quiapo
Since 1949
90 Malakas St., Pinyahan, Quezon City
Price range: P60 to P293

Miguel Caleon, current owner of Little Quiapo, claims that their restaurant's specialties had been the same ever since they were first served in the resto 65 years ago. What started as a small eatery in UP remains one of the more popular dining places in the Metro. The mere mention of the restaurant name automatically reminded Tonipet and Alma of early dining experiences with their families. "For me, when you visit Little Quiapo to eat, it's like coming home," Tonipet fondly said.

Little Quiapo serves Kare-kare, Blue Marlin Salpicao, and Pork Sisig. However, the dishes that you shouldn't miss are the Pancit Palabok, which is brimming with sauce and toppings; and the Halo-halo, which is made up of ingredients specially picked and made by the restaurant itself.

Alma personally loved the kare-kare for its distinct peanut flavor, while Lou couldn't get enough of the pork sisig. Rudstin, on the other hand, enjoyed the salpicao the most. "'Yung halo-halo, favorite naming lahat yan,” he said. “Super pop ng halo-halo nila."

Final verdict: 9 pop points



Aristocrat
Since 1936
Roxas Boulevard, San Andres St, Malate, Manila
Price range: P90 to P550

The first thing that comes to mind whenever Aristocrat is mentioned nowadays is its outstanding food and classy ambience. After all, the restaurant claims to serve "food fit for royalty." 

Despite its name and current reputation, Aristocrat actually started as a humble food kiosk, which later evolved into a rolling store. The current Aristocrat restaurant at Roxas Boulevard is the same restaurant that was built after Americans prohibited the operation of traveling canteens.

Some of Aristocrat's original dishes are the puto at dinguan and the puto bumbong. However, the restaurant's most popular dish is the Chicken Barbecue with Java Rice, which is ordered almost a thousand times on an average day. You should also try Aristocrat's Fresh Lumpiang Ubod, Crispy Pata, and Mechado. For dessert, they serve leche flan, bibingka, Torta Delos Reyes, and Mucha Leche. 

"’Pag pumunta ako ng Aristocrat, siguradong o-order ako ng pancit canton. Take out man or dine in," Lou confessed. 

"Ilang taon na 'yung Aristocrat tapos ilang beses na naming nasubukan 'yung pagkain pero hindi nakakasawa," Rudstin said. "Sa labas saka sa loob, alam mo agad na… 'Aristocrat, ah! Babalik-balikan mo 'yan.'"

Final verdict: 9 pop points

– Lara Gonzales/CM, GMA News