MANY OF US LIKE TO VENTURE into new foreign cuisine, but ultimately go back to what we grew up with. In the fast food business, where I have a Pinoy outlet, I notice that whenever a new place opens, our sales go down. After a week or so, however, people slowly come back, and business goes back to what it used to be.

When I first arrived in Vancouver, my sister Stella brought me to the Richmond public market, where the widest selection of fast food Chinese eateries can be found. ?So many yummy options!

After a while, however, I started looking for Filipino food. So, no matter how good a cuisine is, we all go back to our own comfort food.

Appeal

There was a time when I couldn?t find a Pinoy restaurant I could bring my foreign guests to?until I found this place at Cuneta Astrodome. It was a very informal diner, but the simple ambiance added to its appeal.

That place has since moved to a nicer location and added an array of unique regional Pinoy dishes.

Among the appetizers, it has crispy shrimps that are deep-fried and can be eaten whole. And, the century egg salad has a combination of flavors that I absolutely love.

Among the main dishes is an Ilocano specialty called dinakdakan. This is the Ilocano version of sisig, made of lean meat. The thin slices of pork are broiled, almost burned, chopped and served like a kilawin with fresh onions, slices of ginger, etc. Delicious and different!

Another is the fall-off-the-bone spare ribs, a sweet soy-based dish. Its version of Bicol express is also a must.

Among the veggies, the stuffed zucchini is also worth trying. And, if you like soup, try the sinigang na bihod or tulya soup.

Of course other staples are still there, like the broiled seafoods. Mars runs the show here.

Jaemarks is located in the Magallanes Commercial Center, beside Shakey?s. Call 851-4204 or 0918 564-5662. Happy eating!

Email sandydaza@shaw.ca