So, after a lazy sunday afternoon, I decided to grab a bite with my ever wonderful partner-in-crime. As always, it wasn't an easy choice as we've probably circled the immediate area for all kinds of food choices. I was craving for places where we haven't eaten while she had this bizarre craving for Buffalo Wings. We decided to get that balance and search the ever useful Zomato for possible places to eat. Lo and behold, we found a place which serves wings, and better yet, It was in the Upper Antipolo area.
We drove to the area and, I have to admit, the immediate vicinity wasn't anything special to me. It was along San Roque, Antipolo where foodies aren't really much of a find (or maybe I don't hang out here as often as I should). I parked at the nearest spot and walked closer to the place. It was 2 PM and a Sunday so I wasn't expecting much company. As it turns out, I believe we were the only customers at the time.
FILIO's interior dining area
We sat down and asked for the menu to see what the place had to offer. With some jazz and lounge music blaring from the background, I kinda felt that this was my type of establishment for chilling and relaxing. It has this artsy vibe which I have to describe as hip and calm.
FILIO's menu (back)
FILIO's menu (front)
She was craving for wings, so the first thing we looked at were possible "wing" options. They served either Ariston's Buffalo Wings or Boston Wings. We got Ariston's Buffalo Wings (Php149.00) which was the usual saucy Buffalo Wings in their homemade buffalo sauce. I have to say, the wings were very good. They had this not too tangy, not too sweet, not too spicy taste that was just about right for my tastebuds.
The Ariston's Buffalo Wings (Php 149.00) were very good, though, I wished there were more of them per order.
At places like these, I usually order pasta, so I went up and did. It was a tough choice (again) between Vegetarian Lasagna and Basil Pesto Grilled Chicken but the pesto-lover in me won. Their Basil Pesto Grilled Chicken (Php159.00) was not too pesto-y for my tastes which got me a little disappointed, but then again, I like my food very flavorful AND i prefer my pesto sauce used in NOT penne pasta. It was still a good bowl of pasta nonetheless.
Basil Pesto Grilled Chicken (Php159.00) for the pesto and pasta lovers.
I partnered my order with a sandwich (or in this case a burger). The Firestarter (Php249.00) easily caught my attention as I'm a sucker for spicy food. Sad to say, I was a little disappointed in this one as I expected quite a bit more for the hefty price. I appreciated the fries and the cute heart-shaped ketchup holder that came along with it, but, I didn't feel any sort of spiciness in my burger.
The Firestarter (Php249.00) is my least favorite of the bunch.
We had to cap off our merienda order with something of a guilty pleasure, SO, we had the guiltiest food item in the menu. Chicharones (Php129.00)! It certainly wasn't what I expected but it surely was pork at its finest. The crunchy skin, the fatty parts and the cooked-just-right meat. This was truly a delight for me (if only I weren't trying to avoid fatty foods).
Chicharones (Php129.00) and the tasty vinegar (in that cute heart cup).
FILIO Bistro is a cafe of sorts and so naturally it had its fair selection of cakes. The one thing that stood out for me was Sansrival (Php128.00). I always try out Sansrival whenever there's a chance because it's one of those desserts that I just cannot resist. The texture was great, the taste was so delicious and the serving was just enough to not tread on "too much sweets" territory.
What meal wouldn't be complete without CAKE? Sansrival (Php129.00)
All in all, the experience was well worth it. It had its ups and downs but I like the atmosphere AND the food itself was actually good. I'm pretty sure I'll be coming back just to give the other orders a try (plus another order of Sansrival and Chicarones). This deserves about 4 out of 5 stars if I had to grade my visit. ****
Happy Eaters!
FILIO Bistro is located at L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, Antipolo, 1870 Rizal, Open daily from 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM.
