The end of a great era of delighting palates with Pan-Asian food!
Day 3 is as full as the nights before. I heard 200 covers were served every night of this closing week. Looking at the faces of the staffers and wait staff, they seem tired, yet are patient and solicitous serving us. Romy Dorotan was cooking as fast as he can, with the same level of attention for each plate. He took the time to say hi, even some selfies and served wine in one table. By the time we left, the 7pm customers were already in line. One couple tried to get in, but without reservation, all seats were spoken for.
Tonight, two of us only, with no guests. We had okoy, eggplant with mango, tomatoes, jicama, bittermelon slice, and burnt coconut cream. It got paired with barbecue spareribs served on a bed of steamed bokchoy and with a light pineapple marinade. Dessert was ube tikoy with champoy ice cream. The last time I ate champoy was 6 decades ago. There’s no mistaking their high quality, unique flavors – ube tikoy is not available anywhere else except here.
When Purple Yam – Brooklyn closes, it is a sad realization that this era of great Filipino foods with organic, fresh ingredients has come to an end. Yet, ever grateful that they held their own with integrity to only serve the best, healthy dishes that support our healthy bodies, causing no harm.
Well there is, as I want to eat everything in the menu, but my stomach’s capacity is limited. Joking aside, this restaurant serving dishes fit for royalty has one more night, tomorrow, Friday, before they close their doors in Brooklyn.
I am so happy I went back 3 times this week to eat my favorites.
Maraming Salamat Amy Besa and Romy Dorotan. Your two restaurants, Cendrillon and Purple Yam Brooklyn, that were operated for 25 years, have left us beautiful memories of what royalty dishes must be, exceeding palates’ expectations and not making them weary with too much salt, too much fat and too much sugar. Your balance of flavors delivered to our plates is exceptional in harmony and stunning colors!
27, 805 steps in four days of travelling in New York