We ended our Cubao sojourn with a visit to Cubao's newest food landmark - Alan's Grill - here at the Cubao Expo, formerly Marikina Shoe Expo. The renaming of MAREX bodes well for the shops here because the word "Marikina" can be misleading. Anyway, if you happen to get lost in this area and find yourself in Cubao Expo, you may want to rest your tired feet here at Alan's Grill. For those in the know, it is right across Bellini's, formely the only reason to go to MAREX aside from the art shops which are mostly open by appointment only. Alan's Grill is akin to homecooked Pinoy fare - very generous and very good. The prices are very affordable, too. Nothing beats having a great meal surrounded by art (which are for sale) and good company.
The owner, Alan Flores, chats with Jeanette.
A repainted antique bike catches my attention. Behind it is a Japanese pinball machine. The stairs lead to the 2/F which seats 50 pax. It can be rented out for private parties.
Are egg trays becoming the norm in avant garde design?
Rice to the occassion! We finished two bandehados of this!
Beef shank to the rescue. Very tender! Your spoon can cut through it without effort.
One for the books. At only Php 380, a group can already splurge on this one and not have the strength to stand up after! There's a quarter chickn, liempo, several pieces of shrimp and shells, grilled eggplants and mango-tomato salad, and squid!
Alan's friend left him a cache of old books, mostly medical ones which now line the alcove.
Art is what you're having for dinner!
Surprises at every corner.
Nice touch, 'di ba?
Wicker chairs add comfort to the warm surroundings. I love the wooden floors. The legs of the tables are actually balustrades taken from old houses.
The bar. The grill is outside the restaurant so the smell won't cling to your clothes.
Heck, even the lavatory sink! Someone had the temerity to draw a face over the artwork.
The lavatory door handle. Again, sadly, it is unisex.
More artworks inside. These are already owned by Alan.
A really good one by Deng Bitancol (c. 1996). Fridays are the best time to visit as it is Oysters Night. For now, the promotional price is just Php 100/head. A band will also be performing.
We look well-fed! Photo taken by Alan himself. Kakahiya naman po!
Alan's Grill
Cubao Expo
Cubao, Quezon City
Tel. No. 913.2231 for reservations
