As part of my "blog renovation", I have made a regular topic schedule for all Fridays of the month which is in the 'My Fridays' menu
It's a tradition in our family to have Sunday lunch at my parent's place, together with my brother and his family. Dining out is usually reserved for special occasions, hosting get-togethers, trying a new resto nearby, or when mother simply wants to take a break from cooking for us (",)
Last Sunday, my brother thought we should try this recently opened Chinese-Cantonese restaurant just a few blocks away from my parents' house, called Prosperous. We also invited a couple of relatives to join us for this mini luncheon get-together, and I'd say, we were quite a happy bunch that day enjoying a Xiamen-style feast of good eats!
Of course, for first-timers in a new restaurant, it is always advisable to order the specialties of the house. And we are game for anything as we are all hearty eaters in the family. Prosperous boasts of its Fried Chicken, Kikiam, Longaniza, and Oyster Cake. Obviously, we ordered them except for the longaniza.
The chicken. I can't describe the taste except that it has a very nice balance of salty-sweet-spicy. Light crunchy skin and juicy white meat, perfectly marinated and cooked just right. I later learned this was a secret recipe from the cook, as with the Kikiam. A perfectly simple and delicious all-time favorite. Everyone really liked this unassuming Fried Chicken, and it was hit with the kids too! I was lucky I even got a shot of the plate with a few pieces left, as my favorite wing part was already swiped!
One of my favorite Chinese dishes is the Oyster Cake. For one, I love oysters -- uncooked or cooked in any way. The aunties and parents were even seriously discussing how to make a perfect 'cake' for this very succulent aphrodisiac. From the type of flour to the actual frying, I really didn't care much since I was really enjoying my meal while clicking away with the camera before everything gets wiped out. When you look at this dish, it would seem unappealing, but you need to dig in and savor it! I think it's all about the freshness of the oysters, the batter mixture and the frying technique to make a good oyster cake. Only P180 for a large plateful. Another winner for me. With just a drizzle of ketchup and special hot sauce, I could finish half a plate of this!
The only vegetable dish we had was this Spinach with Garlic. Another simple dish that anyone can stir-fry at home. But the key is the variety of spinach you can source. Based on the feedback from the rest of the adults, this one needs improvement. We guessed that the slight bitter aftertaste was attributed to using local spinach. Other varieties, I believe, produces a more sweet, clean taste. Oh well, you can't win them all. This was just okay with me, bitterness and all. (",)
My brother took the initiative to order at least two plates of each viand, just enough for a voracious lot, and this last dish earned raves as well. I missed this from the menu but I think this is Steamed Fish Fillet in Black Bean Sauce.
The fillets were just melt-in-your-mouth tender, and fresh, and again the saltiness of the black bean sauce did not drown the natural flavor of the fish. Two thumbs up.
Some points of improvements are their customer service and more lighting inside the dining area. I just remembered an instance when I asked for a straw for my soda, and the server just handed me a red straw with her bare hands! And it would not hurt either if they have better training of their waitstaff to be more personable and knowledgeable of the menu. The resto can seat around 24 pax.
Our Sunday lunch extended till early afternoon and this only means that nothing beats great food and good company to make for an amazing dining experience that bonds a family.
Prosperous Xiamen-Cantonese Restaurant
Villa Ortigas, Granada Street
Bgy. Valencia, New Manila Q.C.
Tel.: (632) 7265187
Note as of May 9, 2010:
I was sad to hear this restaurant is now closed.
You might like to try these other dining places I've featured:
Mmmmm, I miss this kind of homestyle Chinese food!! Maybe I should learn how to make the Oyster Cake. It's been awhile since I've had that!
ReplyDeleteWow, I love oyster cake and the noodles but everything looks good.
ReplyDeleteI guess oyster cake seems to be everyone's favorite. If you manage to get the recipe from the "aunties", do share. :) It will be most appreciated.
ReplyDeleteJen, Tina: I'll see what i can do with the oyster cake and will let you know :)
ReplyDeleteDivina: since you're my "resident chef" (hehehe), would you happen to have a good recipe of this favorite dish of ours?
I think this is the same SINCERITY restaurant in Nueva st. Binondo Manila....
ReplyDeleteAndrea: I got similar feedbacks from friends, and I was able to confirm that the head cook of Prosperous is related to the Sincerity family. Though the specialties are almost the same, the two restaurants are not affiliated business-wise.
ReplyDelete