Posted On February 6, 2007
jasonsperber
Even though Filipino Americans make up one of the largest Asian American ethnic groups in the state, if not the country, and Filipinos have a long history in agriculture in this county, Filipino...
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Even though Filipino Americans make up one of the largest Asian American ethnic groups in the state, if not the country, and Filipinos have a long history in agriculture in this county, Filipino food has yet to "cross over" as a mainstream American ethnic food like Chinese or Japanese. It's definitely different from those cuisines and their Americanized versions, rooted as it is in the mixture of regional cuisines mixed with Chinese, Spanish and American influences from centuries of trade and colonization. But it's hearty, rib-sticking food--if some still call American food "meat and potatoes," then this is "meat and rice." Lots of meat (pork is a favorite), stewed or stir-fried, with sweety, salty and sour flavors mixing and mingling.
If you want to give it a try, check out Ralene's. Besides a few small markets, it's the only game in town. For more variety, there's lots to choose from in Filipino enclaves to our south (parts of LA, Cerritos, West Covina), but Ralene's is a serviceable introduction.
This is what's called a "turo turo" or "point point" joint--basically, the familiar steam table restaurant where you point to the one or two entrees you want on your combo platter, accompanied by steamed white rice. The entrees change, but there are usually some basics. Pancit is a stir-fried noodle dish. Adobo is a sweet/sour stew, of either chicken, pork, or both. There's often a dish of beef with potatoes. Those are all good. If someone tries to recommend the "chocolate meat," um, yeah, that's made with pig's blood. And there are dishes with other variety meats in them too, or bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste, which is an acquired taste (I haven't acquired it).
There's fried fish and fried pork too (I don't think those are part of the combo plate price, though). And turon, which are like egg roll wrappers around bananas, which are fried, for dessert.
The place looks great--bright colors, art on the walls. A TV is usually playing Tagalog-language programming. Not a lot of non-Filipinos in there, usually. But don't be afraid. Check it out, and ask questions.
Especially about the "chocolate meat." Heh.
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