Preserving Cherished Family Recipes at 49B Heirloom Kitchen

A culinary family's third generation shares their recipes in a quaint and homey spot in Quezon City... 

49B Heirloom Kitchen is one of those delightful culinary finds in Quezon City (see my previous post on my first visit to 49B Heirloom Kitchen here), recreating treasured family recipes with its wide range of comforting dishes prepared by young chef and owner Erica Aquino.

The family's rich culinary tradition includes San Juan's legendary Leonardo's Lechon (more on Leonardo's Lechon on my previous post here), serving some of the very best lechon since 1947. It's no surprise then to find Erica Aquino pursuing her own business in the same family tradition. At Chef Erica Aquino's 49B Heirloom Kitchen, the comforting and homey vibe makes it feel like dining in your favorite aunt's place. Start your dining experience with Chef Erica's Squash Fritter Flowers (P 210), a refreshing and light vegetarian option with deep-fried squash flowers stuffed with herb cheddar cheese and served with a rich and tart marinara sauce. It's the perfect starter before the signature mains...

Chef Erica then recreates an old and traditional family favorite, the Paella Valencia (P 355 Small/P 580 Large), with soft and fluffy rice simmered with chunks of tender pork, chicken, plump shrimps and mussels topped with egg, vegetables and peppers. The perfectly cooked and moist rice is infused with the rich flavors of the various ingredients, with each spoonful bursting with vibrant flavors.

Chef Erica Aquino's signature Beef Lengua (P 375), based on another family recipe and a staple in their family celebrations and reunions, with tender beef tongue slowly cooked in a rich mushroom cream sauce, served with buttered vegetables with either mashed potatoes or steamed rice. The Beef Lengua is so tender, it almost melts in your mouth, with a layer of richness from the mushroom cream sauce to round out the flavors.

No meal at 49B heirloom Kitchen is complete without their popular Sinigang na Lechon (P 420), with spit-roasted pork simmered in a tart and sour tamarind broth with string beans, gabi, radish, and eggplant. Chef Erica remembers how their family enjoyed an oversupply of lechon from their Lola Pinay's Leonardo's Lechon, and this is how they would transform the remaining lechon. Instead of the usual lechon kawali or paksiw, the Sinigang na Lechon is a new and refreshing flavor experience with its simmered lechon skin, meat, and bones in the traditional sinigang broth. The tart broth cuts the richness of the lechon for balanced flavors, just perfect for a rainy day. Or any day, really.

Cap your comforting meal with a robust cup of freshly drip-brewed coffee, paired with Chef Erica's indulgent desserts...

...like the Hot Ginger Banana Brulee (P 185), with torched bananas with a pronounced hint of ginger, inspired by trip to Boracay where Chef Erica discovered a lone beach shack serving "hot ginger bananas." The natural sweetness of the caramelized bananas are punctuated by the sharp and distinct notes of the ginger for a surprisingly sweet and spicy blend. Chef Erica's take on the Boracay favorite includes a scoop of velvety smooth vanilla ice cream to complete the flavors.

Or go for Chef Erica's younger sister's chunky and chewy Mary Ann's Chocolate Chip Cookies (P 125) that just pairs so well with 49B Heirloom Kitchen's freshly drip-brewed coffee. Home-style and comforting classics, with generous servings and reasonable prices, find it all here at 49B Heirloom Kitchen.

49B Heirloom Kitchen is located at 49-B Scout Tobias corner Scout Fuentabella Street, Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City or visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/49bheirloomk for more information.

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