1st Colonial Grill: A Legazpi Chef’s Delight
Layout Design and Text by Katherine C. Eustaquio
Photos by JC Agustin
Published in Sidetrip Travel Magazine Jan-March 2011
TRIVIA: Their first branch was located at the old Milwaukee Hospital building in the Old Albay District that was used by the Japanese soldiers as part of their quarters in 1942. Thus the name “colonial.”
BABY BACK RIBS
The very tender pork meat has been rubbed with an array
of savory spices and then grilled. (P299.00)
KANDINGGA
The classic bopis dish with a Bicolano twist. (P159.00)
Highly Recommended
TINAPA FRIED RICE
The restaurant’s signature “complete meal” dish is the one that puts them
on the map of Legazpi City. Flavorful fried rice with tinapa flakes and slices of salted egg, green mangoes, and tomatoes are served in a small “kawali.” (P199.00)
BUKO CHOPSUEY
An interesting twist of the staple chopsuey dish
that makes use of coconut milk and fresh, young coconut slices. (P179.00)
BICOL EXPRESS
The entire Bicol region has over 25 versions of the famous Bicol Express dish.
The one served at 1st Colonial Grill is one of the most notable of all.
FIVE-SPICE GRILLED CHICKEN
Perfect for families and big groups, the chicken is marinated
in five secret spices and then grilled to perfection.
(P180.00 half / P360.00 whole)
Highly Recommended
WINGS OF FIRE
Buffalo wings are usually eaten with beer. Here, they cook the wings in beer.
A must-try for the fans of spicy food, the fiery wings are cooked in a thick,
spicy sauce and then topped with bits of siling labuyo for that extra hot factor. (P265.00)
Highly Recommended
Pasta Bicolana
The Pasta Bicolana is a new item on the menu. Al dente pasta is tossed
in an olive oil-based sauce sprinkled with the local
and very tasty Guinobatan Longganisa.
Home of Unusual Ice Cream Flavors
Get a taste of some of the most rare ice cream flavors in the country. Their Sili Ice Cream (P79.00) is, perhaps, the most intriguing of all. Ironically, it’s not as hot as its name suggests.
The Malunggay Ice Cream (P79.00) tastes a little bit like Green Tea ice cream while the Tinutong [rice] na Ice Cream (P79.00) will remind you of the pinipig crunch in a staple halo-halo dish. On the other hand, their Pili Ice Cream (P79.00) is remarkably smooth and flavorful with just the right crunch from the sprinkling of pili nuts.
1st Colonial Grill helps boost Legazpi City’s tourism by using local ingredients that can be found in the province. The branch in Villa Amada Hotel opens early to accommodate the crowd of students from nearby universities who frequent the restaurant for breakfast. Its homey and laid-back interior plus its strategic locations make it a favorite lunch and dinner place for locals and vacationing backpackers.
Next time you’re in Legazpi City, make sure you drop by 1st Colonial Grill for a taste of home-cooked Bicolano dishes and genuine hospitality and warm greetings not only from the restaurant staff but also from the owners themselves.
1st Colonial Grill is located at the following:
Villa Amada Hotel, Daraga City
Pacific Mall, Legazpi City
