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 | Category: | Restaurants | | Cuisine: | Pub Fare | | Location: | Quezon City |
Finally I had a chance to visit Juday's Caffe Carabana -- I've passed by this resto many times and I was ever curious as to what it has to offer. Ambience-wise, it's better to visit this place at night. From the looks of it, Caffe Carabana is a residential house-turned-resto structure. There is even a mini tree house at the porch -- if you're adventurous enough you can bring your cocktails up there and enjoy the night breeze. There are a lot of seats for al fresco dining, seats reminiscent of your aunt's garden set, or probably like those in your grandma's home. I say there's really some nostalgia in the place.
The dimly lit dining area is not your typical resto layout. Here you'll find different areas for small groups, so you can have a cozy and intimate dining experience. It's like inviting over your barkada to your own living room. If you feel like having some drinks, they have a bar featuring classic cocktails and spirits.
Caffe Carabana offers Juday's signature dishes aside from the their regular offerings, but the area was so dimly lit I couldn't see very well the menu. And so I simply ordered what stood out as I squinted my way through my options. I ordered the Beef Salpicao and Hamburger Steak.
As with any beef dish, my foremost criterion is the tenderness of the meat, and this dish passed the test. The small cuts of beef was tender and flavorful, with a hint of wine that delighted my palate. The taste had character but not too overbearing. Serving size was good for sharing, and served with a side dish of corn, carrots and peas. It's good to pair this dish with your favorite red wine. Heck, you can even pair this with SanMig Light or iced tea! Who cares? Remember, taste is personal.
As for the hamburger steak, I would rather forget it. It looked so boring and visually unappealing, with neutral tones of brown from the meat and yellow from the mashed potato on white platter. I wouldn't mind spending more for an added treat to the eyes, you know. Taste-wise, it tasted as a hamburger should but lacked the kick to make me come back and try that dish again. Nothing special or memorable about it. Just your average hamburger, nothing more.
On my next visit, I'll probably try Juday's Chicken Inasal -- if it's in the menu. Lights, please! I can't see the menu! 
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