THE VINTAGE NONAS KITCHEN OF PAMPANGA
The master of the kitchen
does not go by the biological name of Nona. She is Bernardita Mercado, whose
grandchild seemed to pronounce lola incorrectly
as nona, thus, the name of the
restaurant. Together with her daughter,
Lejah Gallardo, an open-aired dining establishment with eclectic interiors was
born in Pampanga through their combined culinary expertise and entrepreneurial skills.
I know for a fact that to be
served of Kapampangan cuisine is
always a feast. When a plate landed on
our table as our first meal for the day (in my case), I am certain stomach will
be full in a few minutes. And it did not
disappoint.
The meal was composed of spaghetti
that resembles pad thai of Thailand, fresh
spring rolls similar to that of Vietnam plus the condiments and a salad with
salmon as an ingredient. And so, “what are the titles of these dishes?” We eagerly asked. And there was none, as a matter of fact these
dishes were not in the menu displayed on the board, specially served for that
day. Surprisingly, no dishes are
repeated for a day’s operation. They
continuously innovate and experiment.
Quite interesting I must say.
But what’s even more interesting
of the restaurant is its eclectic vintage interior design. The façade may look like entering a usual
home grown restaurant in the province set up in a garden. But wait until the interiors are
unveiled. The charm and ambiance is even
more enhanced by the display of antiquated appliances, bottles and even capiz-shell windows. The vintage look really does wonders.
The charcoal irons come in
number and complements well with the other unused appliances. And there were statues of saints as well that
surround the main dining area inside.
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We chose to be seated
outside and it was refreshing to breathe fresh air, as we sip the fresh lemon
juice served while being surrounded by the old collectible items and unique
interiors.
Situated at A. Castro Blvd.,
Greenville Subdivision, 2000 San Fernando, Pampanga, it is truly apt to be
called Nonas Kitchen - literally a grandmother’s
kitchen.
1 comments
Thanks for supporting my classmate's resto!
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