F word, no I’m not swearing here, is owned by movie director Erik Matti. F in F Word may mean anything, from food, to fusion, or however you interpret it.

F Word’s specialty is reinventing familiar Filipino foods. For starters we were served with Black Calamares, Hassle-free Gambas, and Tamaraw wings.

Isla de Maji maji

Hassle-free Gambas is love. Whoever invented the hassle free version must be praised. Let’s admit it, it is never easy to eat shrimps in restaurants with spoon and fork, unless you remove the shrimp shell using your barehand. The spice factor is just enough for me.

Tamaraw Wings is F Words’ version of the more familiar Buffalo Wings, but their version has exceed my spice tolerance level. It’s not a good idea to order the hassle free gambas and tamaraw wings altogether. The heat will just explode anytime soon.

Pakbet Soup

For soup, we tried the Pakbet soup and Potato leek arroz caldo. The Pakbet soup was a revelation. I like the consistency of its soup. It’s rich and thick. Kids who dread eating vegetables would love this creation. Potato Leek Arroz Caldo was a surprise too. The usual arroz caldo was reinvented and added with mashed potato which then made it more heavier, but the unique saltiness and garlicky flavor of arroz caldo is retained.

After the soup, we were then served with Chicken Liver with Thai daing ravioli, Hipon Labong Ravioli on Basil Gata Sauce and Tuna Tinapa on Spaghetti. I love the tuna tinapa and the Hipon Labong ravioli. But I really really love the thai daing that was topped on ravioli. It’s not too salty. I could have ordered rice for that tiny bit of dried fish!

Chicken Liver with Thai Daing Ravioli

For the main course Lamb Menudo, Lechon Kawali, Isla de Maji maji and Sole Fillet with seafood paella risotto were served. Lechon Kawali was really sinfully but so good. The meat is really tender. It was cooked for four hours in the oven before it was fried, just like the usual Lechon Kawali.

Probably among the foods served, Isla de Maji maji was the night’s winner. This is F Word’s version of the popular Tagalog dish Sinigang, but theirs has a twist. the Maji maji fish is coated in a batter made of cashew nuts then fried. It was then topped with a sour sauce with vegetables. It still have the flavor of the sinigang but it was served in a truly different way. And the flavor? Love it!

After the main course comes our sweet treats, the dessert. A sampler plate with Durian Cheesecake, Kasuy Tart and Banana Turtle Pie was served. Among the three, I heart Kasuy Tart the most. I just love its sweetness. not too sweet and not too plain either. Durian Cheesecake is OK but I don’t like the consistency of its cheesecake. It’s a bit too soft for me.

Tuna Tinapa

And as a finisher we were served with the F Soup. F Word’s version of Soup number 5. Now please don’t ask me what Soup #5 really is. Go and Google it yourself

All in all the F Word food tasting event was a whole new experience for me. It has proved that old and familiar dishes can be reinvented to add zest and excitement into our dining experience. It’s a must-try for food adventurers.

Hassle Free Gambas

This ilonggo Food can be closely compared to Luzon’s Bulanglang or Dinengdeng. Although Laswa is rich in nutritional values, one can rarely find a restaurant in Ilonggo-speaking cities like Bacolod or Iloilo that serves this recipe.

One needs to go to carinderias (hawker stalls) and get a serving of this dish. Or better yet, ask an Ilonggo friend to cook this for you.