A special taste of home at Gusi
MANILA, Philippines - There are many cues that, given the right circumstances, offer us that familiar feeling of home. It could be the first step past the doorway, the feel of the floor beneath our feet, the surroundings that offer a cheerful welcome or the sight of a loved one greeting you back. For me, it’s the aroma of a freshly made meal, piping hot and delicious at first sight.
Perhaps it’s the open-air feel of the place or the spacious way the tables are set up. Whatever it is, Gusi Restaurant reminds me so much of the lanai over at my lola’s house. That, and the food which reflects the typical Filipino dining experience with a nod to some Asian cuisine. This “fusion” of tastes and styles is what make this almost two-year-old establishment a hit with the locals — not to mention some foreign guests who have heard of the restaurant’s specialty in native cuisine through word of mouth.
Located along Eugenio Lopez Sr. Street at the South Triangle in Quezon City, Gusi Restaurant is owned and operated by the Velasco family — Odette Velasco, together with her husband Rudy, runs the place with their two sons, Rod and Jordan, who are in charge of the daily operations.
The brothers are the ones who really keep the menu fresh and exciting at Gusi. Injecting a new twist to an old recipe is par for the course when it comes to restaurants trying to make a name nowadays, and Gusi is no exception. The signature snack, Longganisa Nachos, is just what its name implies — nachos topped with diced mango, bell pepper and sautéed garlic longganisa. The mango element balances out the garlic taste.
Gusi, which means “jar,” represents abundance and fortitude. That same spirit can be seen throughout the restaurant. With ample space to move around and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, people won’t feel cramped here. It’s no wonder that the nearby media network uses the place for press conferences. Gusi has a large conference-room type space near the back to accommodate nearly any function from junkets to receptions.
There is also an abundance of food that can be had from the menu. One of the traditional bestsellers is kare-kare, which continues to be a hit among returning customers. Offering a little bit of heat is the chili baby back ribs served with the equally hot siling labuyo. If hot is not your thing, the garlic T-bone steak will satisfy you. For a unique take on chicken teriyaki, you’ll be served an Oriental favorite with some local flourish. The baked marlin steak is a choice cut of marlin cooked to perfection, and the tempura Gusi style is that side dish with special Gusi sauces.
Most of the ingredients for Gusi’s highly personalized menu come from the Velascos’ own farm at their hometown in Baliuag, Bulacan. That’s quite an advantage, especially for some menu items that need special advance preparations.
Being in close proximity to a famous TV station has its perks. Many celebrities have dined at Gusi, even leaving their mark on the restaurant walls. When you visit, do notice the many plates hanging on the wall of the restaurant; each is autographed by celebrities, government officials, and even foreigners who just happened to pass by and enjoyed everything that Gusi has to offer.
It’s hard to pin down what makes Gusi so special, aside from the food, of course. It is both a quiet place to spend a lazy afternoon just lounging, and at the same time, a great place to go with your barkada at night or especially on Friday nights.
Anyone in the area owes it to himself to drop by Gusi Restaurant at least once. He will definitely be in for a great surprise.
* * *
Gusi Restaurant is located at #40 Eugenio Lopez Sr. St. corner Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City. For inquiries, call 928-1438 or fax to 928-0971.
