I recently visited a pop-up restaurant located inside Astra Hotel called Salo Salo (using the Otium Grill + Greens venue) with my significant other to celebrate my birthday, and the experience was exceptional. On a Friday night, the atmosphere felt intimate, with Filipino cultural flavors truly taking center stage. While I’ve had Filipino fusion in Washington, it was refreshing to experience elevated, authentic Filipino cuisine.
Our server, Ellington, was fantastic—attentive throughout the evening and even surprised us with a special dessert for my birthday. The food was excellent. We ordered the ribeye bistek with garlic rice, squid pro quo, adobo wings, and tofu sisig. The ribeye bistek was the star of the night—perfectly cooked, with flavors that blended beautifully. You can taste the quality from the first bite. While I would have liked a bit more crunch to finish off the dish, it didn’t detract from how delicious it was.
The tofu sisig was also great, especially when paired with their specialty vinegar. They mentioned they’re planning to expand the menu, and I’m excited to see what they offer next. Overall, it was an amazing...
Read moreI learned about SALO SALO and immediately had to go for dinner. It's incredibly exciting to see modern takes on Filipino flavors, and I was very impressed by the SALO SALO team. Our waiter, Jake, was friendly and attentive, and his energy helped make date night fun and positive!
We started with the ukoy fritters with calamansi aioli and kale laing. The kale was very tender, which I can't say for most kale dishes I've had. We liked the aioli, but the fritters were a perfect vehicle for the house-made spiced vinegar. We wish we could have taken a bottle home!
We also had pork and chicken BBQ skewers, lechon belly, and garlic fried rice. The skewers were bouncy and juicy, especially the pork, and with good amount of spiciness absent from typical Pinoy BBQ. The lechon belly was very crunchy and the fat literally melted in my mouth. The fried rice was also one of the most garlicky sinangag I've ever had (I wish I knew the secret).
My partner and I live just up Denny, so it would be wonderful to see SALO SALO continue to grace our neighborhood! With any luck, we'll be back before this pop-up experience expires!
(Also the plates...
Read moreThis Marriott Lounge’s Filipino restaurant pop-up is truly a feast-ival of flavors! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm, welcoming ambiance that feels like a blend of luxury and comfort. The food is a palate paradise, from savory Street Food Skewers to perfectly crispy pork belly, each dish bursts with authenticity and finesse.
But what truly makes this experience unforgettable is the phenomenal customer service, especially from Amber and Jake and the rest of the staff, as well! From bartender to host to back of the house. Their attention to detail and genuine hospitality make every guest feel man-greatly appreciated. Amber brings a halo-halo of kindness and efficiency, while Jake adds a sizzling touch of charm and professionalism.
If you’re looking for a place where the flavors are as delightful as the people, this pop-up is simply sinigang-tastic! We’ll definitely be back for another serving of that stellar service! SALAMAT...
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