Laid back Chill at Elm's Kapihan and Bar in Kapitolyo

Elm’s Kapihan and Bar, located on Brixton St in Kapitolyo is a cool place to unwind after work or a quick lunch fix. Food is familiar and uncomplicated, alcohol is priced reasonably with a good selection of local and imported spirits.

Chicharon Bulaklak (P280). I eat a piece here and there but when Irene says this is one of the best she has tasted, I’ll believe it. That sentiment was echoed by our dining companions that day. This is a must order at Elm’s Kapihan, good appetizer or a perfect bar chow.

Longganisa Nachos (P280). A Filipino style nachos platter using tasty longgaisa and surprising cubes of cucumber in addition to the cheese and chilies. I had a lot of this spicy and cheesy starter.

Sizzling Sisig (P280). A good rendition of a classic bar chow that goes equally well with plain rice.

Garlic Longganisa (P280/5 pcs.). If you love garlic then you will go crazy for this garlic studded longganisa. Fried to a good crisp, it’s a good balance of meat, fat and garlic to demolish with rice (again).

Sizzling Bopis (P190). Minced pig lungs and heart sauteed in chili, tomatoes and onions. Hard pass for me but Irene loves this dish and happy they serve it here. We’ll definitely be visiting for lunch in the future.

Beef Kare Kare (P500). They do kare kare the classic way with ground roasted rice to thicken the sauce, something you would not expect to find at a “bar” of all places.

Crispy Pata (P540). Big serving, crispy skin and flavorful meat. A sure winner if you get for a meal or as a bar chow centerpiece.

Pritong Native Itik (P300). Half local duck, marinated and deep fried and served with kropek on the side. The meat had great flavor from the marinade while the skin was crispy, reminded me of the one from Downtown Cafe in Pampanga. I’m sure Lauren will like this one a lot.

Don’t forget your cocktails, beer or wine to chill the night away. They are also offering unlimited wine for P399.

Pares. Braised beef stew with garlic rice and a cup of broth. I’ve never really understood pares but this version tasted very similar to what we make at home. The beef pieces were tender and had the distinctive star anise flavor while the garlic rice is real garlic fried rice and not the crappy garlic bits on top of rice kind.

Pritong Hito and Burong Mustasa (P300). A very Kapmpangan dish of fried fish with fermented rice paste. The buro is the mildest one to cater to local tastes but still pairs really well with the fried catfish.