The Brown Paper Bag, Libis

Rating:
Situated in that small eskinita behind Citibank Tower at Eastwood City, Libis, is a small hole-in-the-wall eatery called The Brown Paper Bag (not to be confused with Brown Bag). You won't miss it along the rows of other carinderias because it's the only one that plays music. The day I visited, it was jazz but it varies day to day (chill out, rock, new wave, etc...) the only thing they don't play is R&B (the chef has a thing about r&b).

This is a place to get an affordable lunch or a place to unwind after a long day's work. In fact, you can see people drinking beer almost 24/7 as the call center people who work in the area troop here at the end of their shifts.

The food is a fusion of many things-- Japanese, European, lutong bahay and it is surprisingly good given the very affordable php50 - 100 price per dish. The portions are a bit too small for me but then again I eat a lot.

I spoke with the owner/proprietor who is known as "tita" and she is a very charming and personable woman. Her son who studies at the CCA concocts the dishes while she runs the whole place. The cozy interiors were designed by a Fine Arts student and the whole place emits this cool, steady and intimate vibe.

Because of Oktoberfest, beer for the whole of October costs only Php20!

I'm giving this four pawikans because of its Saguijo-ish no-frills feel, tasty food, music and cheap beer. Minus points for smelling like stale cigarette smoke after eating inside (eat in the open-air area instead!).