Two days ago I decided to take my son and a friend on another culinary adventure. I had been eyeing this place for over a year now and I thought it was finally time to give it a try. Part of this gig is going to new places or at least new to me places and trying the food and reporting back to all of you. Good or bad I still like to leave it up to my readers to try it or not. I’m usually very forgiving because anyone of us can have an off day. There’s days when I’m cooking and things don’t turn out the way I’d like. You know its bad when the dog won’t even eat it! (That’s another post)
I often keep the places we’re going a secret not only for the surprise factor but also to keep preconceived notions out of mind. The funny thing was even though I knew where we were going and what type of cuisine we’d be trying I was totally clueless about the food or what they might be serving that day. These types of adventures are the most fun but only if you’re an openminded eater. I pulled into the Spring Valley Mall and parked in front of the Subway restaurant. There was a collective groan from the passengers, which quickly turned into inquisitive quips, as I walked to the place next door, The Tropical Hut. It’s traditional Philippine Cuisine and is a small chain of four restaurants in New Jersey and New York.
Upon entering the room we were hit with a dozen different smells. I knew right then that there would be a dish to make each person happy in our party. To the left of us was a small grocery section where foods from the Philippines could be purchased. To the right a steam table that spanned half the length restaurant was laid out with at least twenty different dishes. At first I was excited because I thought it was a buffet and I would be be able to sample all of it. I quickly learned however that I was standing at the end of the line and needed to go around to the beginning where they would give me my options. Ordering off the menu that was on the wall seemed to be available but I have to say it wasn’t made clear to me. After a few questions with each answer being a little more confusing we decided to go with the combo meals which included , fried rice or Pencit Bihon , a thin rice noodle dish. Then we had a choice of meats and vegetable side dishes. Nothing was labeled so it took a while as I asked about various dishes. The one that caught me eye was pink and spicy so of course I had to try it.
That dish was Bicol Express a traditional dish from Manilla and is a stew made from long chilies, garlic, onions, pork and fish stock or shrimp paste and cooked in coconut milk. I’m guessing my version used shrimp paste since that combined with the coconut milk would account for the pink color. My vegetable side was Jack Fruit cooked in the Bicol Express sauce, I took it only because I’ve recently been intrigued by Jack Fruit and wanted to try it cooked. The others took dishes like Chicken Teriyaki and Pork Adobo, which is Spanish for marinade and made from soy sauce and vinegar with garlic and black pepper that the meat, seafood or vegetables are simmered in. We were all given a broth that was slightly sour and tasted like pork, a lot like pork. I’m use to the strong pork flavor that you get when you use the whole hog, but to some that taste may be over powering if not entirely off putting.
Overall everyone enjoyed their dishes but those that went with known dishes like teriyaki and fried rice fared better than those that went out of their comfort zone. The restaurant was busy so there is a loyal following. I would say its one of those places that you have to try a few times before you find the right dish for you. If you’re looking for something fancy this isn’t the place it’s laid back and you are served on paper plates. While I liked my food there wasn’t one thing that I ate that made me stop and savor a bite and exclaim, “wow that’s good”. I will be going back now that I have an idea of what to order and possibly ask for a taste or two before choosing my dish. If you decide to go to the Tropical Hut please let us know what you ordered and how you liked it. The more we all give feedback, the better off everyone will be.
Thanks for stopping by and as always, if you have questions or comments please leave them in the box below. Until next time Boone Appétit!
