Chef Rolando Laudico reviews Carla Abellana's all-American restaurant
Situated in the street of Loyola Heights, Quezon City exists a Southern-themed restaurant that is owned and co-managed by Kapuso actress Carla Abellana.
Established by Carla with her brother-in-law Chef Red Espiritu in 2016, Holy Smokes BBQ was built for customers who want to get a taste of Texas-style meat dishes without hurting the wallet.
“Marami talaga dito 'yung mga galing sa office, expats, and foreigners na dumadaan kasi residential 'yung area,” the actress revealed to Pop Talk host Tonipet Gaba when asked about the foot traffic within the vicinity.
Just because their specialties are on the more reasonable side, think PhP 400 to PhP 600 per plate, Carla reveals that they never scrimp on quality and taste when preparing their food.
For example, the restaurant's smoker was custom-built for the establishment itself.
“Pinagawa talaga siya and 'di lang siya mabibili anywhere. Custom itong smoker na ito,” she said.
“Mahirap mag-own ng restaurant kasi iba talaga 'yung challenges lalo na dahil you're dealing with food kaya 'yung consistency mo at 'yung quality ay dapat laging pareho.”
Some of the best of the best that Holy Smokes BBQ can offer include pork ribs, smokey chicken with cilantro sauce, and their signature Wagyu Beef Brisket that made Chef Rolando Laudico say, “Holy smokes indeed, ang sarap!”
The acclaimed chef noted that the meat dish took 14 hours to be smoked before it was served on their plates.
“Hindi siya 'yung super tender cut but if you cook it long and slow, like what you do here in Holy Smokes, grabe 'yun 'yung fall off the bone,” he said.
“I'm a very big fan of slow cooking kasi and 'yung traditional cooking kaya these guys know what they are doing. I really appreciate the effort that went behind it.
“Malalasahan mo talaga 'yung meat. I mean, masarap 'yung barbeque sauces but just by itself, you can appreciate the time na niluto siya because it's really super tender.
“Sa tagal niyang ini-smoke, it's not also overly smokey.”
During this time of the pandemic, Holy Smokes BBQ is open for dine-in customers from Thursdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. only. Customers must reserve their tables and are encouraged to pre-order their meals.
Deliveries are also welcome within the areas of Makati, Taguig, Pasay, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Juan, and Pasig. Customers must place their orders a day in advance and must meet the minimum of PhP 2,500.
Visit Holy Smokes BBQ at The PopUp, Katipunan Ave. corner Xavierville Ave., Loyola Heights, 1108, Quezon City.
