What's up in Bop Bernie?

These past few days, I have been careful with what I eat. I have noticed that I slowly developed a double chin, so I detest those days when I find myself in restaurants. Talk about food trips/ food tasting in my friends' kitchen and invitations to new restos in the city that I cannot escape. Now, I'm faced with a scenario of still going to more new restaurants but only eating minimally. I pray I would endure since food (for me) is really tempting and sinful.

One Monday morning, I was off to a restaurant for an assignment (as it always goes). I told myself to just nimble on each food before me, or else this assignment would ruin my diet (Oops, I need to control my food intake or gain back those pounds …haha!) There I was with my photographer Iste (who share my sentiments) waiting for the food for the pictorial. We were warmly greeted by Ma'am Bernadette "Bernie" Jingco (part-owner of the restaurant). Ma'am Bernie led us to Glynda Jingco (wife of Edwin "Bop" Jingco, also a part-owner) who introduced to me their place.

They named the resto as Bop Bernie after Ma'am Bernadette and Edwin's nicknames. On May 12, 2006, the Jingcos finally gave in to the requests and suggestions of friends and colleagues to put up a restaurant since they are topnotch cooks. Though Bop is a computer analyst and Bernie is on sales and marketing, they have inherited their great grandmother's DNA in cooking good Kapampangan dishes. Since they came from a lineage known to be obsessed with food and cooking, it is no surpise that the next generation has inherit such remarkable talent.

Bop Bernie serves international dishes with Kapampangan specialties, handed down to the Jingco siblings from their great grandmothers. Upon mentioning of the word Kapampangan, I knew my diet was ruined! Found in the menu is Mamang's corner where Kapampangan dishes are listed.

They serve the very intriguing grilled porkchop in town, which is their specialty and top selling offer. Each serving weighs 24 ounces and up, imported from Brazil. This dish is grilled with a 16-spice rub served with potato concoction or rice. According to Bop, those who can guess the 16 spices will have free grilled porkchops for a year when dining at Bop Bernie. Too bad, I only guessed one spice. Tip: they are not using the usual spices/herbs we use in the kitchen. Even a chef from a famous hotel named only 10. This is one interesting trivia this restaurant has. Keep on guessing until you can name all. Shall I say that this dish is a wild card since this was not part of the original menu? Due to their clients' requests, they opted to include it in the line up and eventually innovated the taste until they came up with a top selling fare. Ma'am Bernie emphasized how vital it is for a restaurant to keep their secret techniques and ingredients to avoid piracy and to gain distinction. The Jingcos are personally manning the kitchen.

Another dish cooked with a secret ingredient is pancit palabok. This is one of the many specialties handed down to the Jingcos from their forebears. The secret ingredient is used instead of shrimps. Ji's adobo rice is a unique addition to the list of options. Cubed chicken or pork belly is added to the cooked rice topped with fresh green mango, scrambled egg, red tomato, cucumber and pickled vegetables. Seven specialties were served before us and we couldn't help but be tempted. I tried to nibble until I forgot about my diet! And the price? There are no dishes above Php 200. Nestled in Unit 4 G/F Casera Bldg. Don Gil Street, in the vicinity of Chong Hua Hospital, Bop Bernie is accessible to students from nearby schools, doctors, medical professionals, hotel lodgers and walk-in customers.

According to Ma'am Glynda, Bop Bernie is a haven for authentic home-style cooking. Their personalized service is an edge over the others. If a customer wants mashed potato instead of rice, then they replace it accordingly. No additional charge. Customers are welcomed to order what are in the menu. Just inform the kitchen beforehand, like a day before. They also offer packages for parties, corporate meetings and mini events, depending on the budget. They are into catering services with delivery within the vicinity. For reservations, orders and deliveries, one may call tel. no. 253 0866 and look for Glynda.