GenSan News Online Mag

Barangay Lagao in GenSan is turning out to be the culinary center of the city.  

It hosts the famous diner’s paradise, the GenSan restaurants‘ haven – Tiongson Arcade which houses specialty restos like Gusteau’s Shrimps and Crabs, Euro Kitchen and Gio’s Mongolian Barbecue plus the 10 or more stalls selling everything from barbecue to seafoods.  

 One can also find the high-end Red Trellis at Tiongson Extension there and the roadside favorite Ballena Kainan.   Not to be missed of course is the Al Fresco strip of Robinsons Place which is Lagao’s crown jewel.  

Recently, a newcomer opened its doors unceremoniously at the corner of Tiongson Street and J. Catolico Avenue.  Guys, say hello to HARVEYS, another GenSan restaurant soon to capture your tastebuds.

Harvey’s owned by partners Malot Veneracion and Didot Calma was only less than two months old when discovered by Bariles and his brother Orman.  Being meat lovers, they immediately warmed up to the place after they were seated comfortably and shown the well-layouted menu.

They first got Harvey’s grilled baby-back ribs which was superb to say the least.  The fat-less meat which was smothered with their barbecue sauce is still soft and tender and juicy.  Complementing it are the side dishes of veggies and sweet corn.  Both had to eat them with their hands and finished up all the meat to the very bone.  It was definitely their best-seller and now both the brothers know why their slogan is:  NO BOIL.  NO FRILLS.  JUST GOOD OLD-FASHIONED RIBS.

"HARVEY;S GRILLED BABY-BACK RIBS"

Amusingly enough, Harvey’s baby-back ribs come in three sizes with the following names:

• GREEDY - extra-large ribs with sidings of marble-sized potatoes or sweet corn, this one is priced at P320 and is good for three persons.
• SELFISH - large-sized ribs with sidings of potatoes or sweet corn, and prized at P165, good for two persons.

Another version of this new GenSan restaurant is their baby-back ribs was the spicy ribs sprinkled with red and green chili which had just the right bite to it but was still succulent and uber tasty.

"HARVEY'S SPICY RIBS SPRINKLED WITH GREEN AND RED CHILI PEPPER"

Then came a surprise – the Harvey’s Chicken and Shrimp Combo, also grilled and served with atchara and sauce dip.  The shrimps were big, fat and juicy and a perfect foil for the rich meats.

"HARVEY'S CHICKEN AND SHRIMPS COMBO"

Last on their radar was the Burger Steak, two home-made beef patties, served in a sizzling plate and which was a complete meal in itself.  They could hardly finish it but the aromatic mushroom gravy smothered on top of the patties was just a big temptation.

"HARVEY'S BURGER STEAK"

For all their meat products, a variety of dips and sauces are available.  There’s the tangy, spicy and super hot Super Scott and the mustard-based Big Boris.  Then there’s their version of the classic Uncle Sam barbecue sauce called Chloe’s Choice, the garlicky Kuki Kraze or the sweet-and-sour taste of Yum-O-Yokie.

There were still a few more food on their menu like their pasta dishes, burgers, sisig, and special kinilaw but no thank you, the brothers were full.  All they could muster was a promise to the owners that for sure, they are coming back another day.

Harvey’s is located at Tiongson Street corner J.P. Catolico Avenue, Lagao.  It is open to serve lunch from 11pm and 2pm and dinner until 12 midnight.  For reservations, please call (083) 552-9838.