Taste like home

THERE is no place like home, as the expression goes. Talk about comfort and other whatnots, anyone who goes somewhere will always long to go back to the most familiar ground. Or be reminded of how it feels to be at home, at the very least.

While foodies and good places sprout in almost every corner in every city, there will always be a part in every person that wishes to savor something close to a taste like home. Naturally, mom’s cooking becomes a person’s standard of good taste.

To answer that need for a familiar link, a restaurant was born on Oct. 25 at the ground floor of Avon Plaza Building, Osmena Blvd., Cebu City. Merilla’s Restaurant is the brainchild (and namesake) of Merilla and Nkomo Yap. It seeks to afford guests of a homey feel through, well, homey dishes.

“We always try to do home cooked meals,” explained Nkomo. Although currently playing around the idea of a laidback eating experience, Merilla’s team pledges to eventually think up of new and different culinary options for its guests to enjoy.

“Merilla’s Ribs” is considered the specialty of the house, not just because it carries the restaurant’s name. It is made of prime cut ribs that were sauteed deliciously in a flavorsome mix of spices and pineapple bits. One has got to take it seriously when told of how large its single serving is.

Another pride of the restaurant is the “Lamb in Honey Sauce.” It can easily be likened to a Mediterranean delicacy with a kind of Merilla’s touch, pertaining to a set of delectable spices marinated to perfection and mixed in special honey sauce.

What makes these dishes even more special is how, as Nkomo puts it, “we stay away from the usual barbecue style.” The unmistakable piquancy of the sweet and subtle spicy flavors signify the effort of Merilla’s to convey its intent of satisfying the distinctive Filipino palate.

The mother and son tandem started out with real estate, MSY Properties & Development, before finally venturing into food. While acknowledging how thriving the estate industry is, they also think it is worthy to take advantage of answering to another basic commodity, if only to “make our business more dynamic.”

At one glance, it might not be difficult to get intimidated by the looks of the restaurant—from the modish facade to the cozy interior, spacious enough to accommodate functions. The challenge was to make it known that dining in is not necessarily as expensive as the place looks from the outside.

“We also have budget meals,” says Nkomo. Such a deal is especially favorable for students, families and those budget conscious individuals.

“There is also a basement parking to settle the worries of guests (who have cars) while Wi-Fi access is at any internet buff’s disposal.”

What better way is there to experience a taste of home?