Want Some Paella from Pio’s Kitchen?

The first time I heard about Pio’s Kitchen was through my wife Ayen when she attended an intimate gathering of friends at the establishment last year. She was raving about the food and how beautiful the place was. Now that caught my attention, you see when it comes to good food I am all ears. We looked for an occasion to celebrate at Pio’s Kitchen, it was fully booked from February until last Father’s Day. The next available date was July 19, so Ayen immediately booked it. It was her Father’s Day treat for me. Oh how I love my wife!

I didn’t mind braving the three and a half hour traffic from my house to Quezon City that day cause what welcomed me was an array of sumptuous food meticulously prepared by Chef Chin Bagis and her team who welcomed us with a glass of fresh Kamias and Calamansi Juice, it was the best way to welcome us into her home.

Chef Chin served us her best dishes such as her famous Paella Negra with Seafood and Saffron Ailoi and Paella Marisco, Homemade Caesar Salad, Mexican Corn, Torta Con Patate, Baked Salmon with Lemon Caper Sauce, Gambas Al Ajillo, Roast Chicken Iberico, Roast Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Vegetables and Mushroom Gravy Sause, Roast Pork Tarragon Belly and for sweet endings we had her famous Churros with a twist with Hot Chocolate Dip, Apple Crumble Pie and Lola’s Maja Delight – a delightful layer of Lola’s Creamy Leche Flan and Maja Blanca.

Each dish Chef Chin served was a gastronomical treat that continues to linger in my taste buds, mind and heart.

Pio’s Kitchen is located in the heart of Quezon City, which happens to be the ancestral home of Chef Chin’s grandparents. She and her husband Mon converted a part of their abode into a private dining space that can seat 15pax minimum to 50pax maximum. They were able to maintain the old world charm of the home by incorporating key pieces from the original interiors such as old doors that were transformed into tables and antique lamps hanging on the ceiling.

Chef Chin says “This whole concept transcends the typical dining scene. You basically have the whole house all to yourself when you make a reservation. We encourage our guests to be casual and relaxed just like when you’re visiting your grandparents home.”