[dropcap]I[/dropcap] was fortunate to have been invited to the opening of a new carinderia or eatery in Gensan a few weeks back, named LUTO NI DOC (Lutong Kapampangan).  Making this very special for me is the fact that the owner, Dr. Rose Manansala Evangelio, an ob-gyn is a first cousin who loves to cook, having been trained since she was a kid by her mother who hails from Pampanga.

LUTO NI DOC, KAPAMPANGAN FOOD, PINOY RESTAURANT
LUTO NI DOC AT ITS CLARO M. RECTO STREET OUTLET

We used to gather at their house along CM Recto Street on New Year’s Day to pay respects to Dr. Rose’s dad, Ompong, who is the eldest among his siblings, my father included.  Oh I remember feasting on all sorts of mouth-watering dishes whipped out by my Aunt Toyang with the assistance of Rose and her sisters.

I do not have to dwell on the fact that Kapampangan dishes are the richest and most flavorful Pinoy fare and that was what I was expecting from Dra. Rose’s offerings in her “LUTO NI DOC” Carinderia located at the spot beside their ancestral house that used to be a small grapes vineyard.  Dra. Rose has also passed on her mother’s recipes to her sons, notably Ian, Bren and Janjan, who will be managing the eatery and running the kitchen.

LUTO NI DOC
BUSINESSMAN MANNY YAPHOCKUN AND MS. MEG SANTOS CUT THE RIBBON TO SIGNAL THE OPENING OF LUTO NI DOC. ON THE EXTREME LEFT IS DR. ROSE EVANGELIO. EXTREME RIGHT IS DR. ROSE’S SON ANDREIH.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was administered by former City Councilor and Dr. Rose’s highschool classmate Meg Santos, together with businessman Mr. Manny Yaphockun, whose daughter Bianca is married to Dr. Rose’s second son, Bren, Chief of Staff of Congressman Manny Pacquiao.

After this and a quick prayer by a pastor from the Iglesia ni Cristo, who is also a niece, I and other guests were immediately served a variety of Dr. Rose’s menu offerings that did not disappoint.  CLICK ON EACH PHOTO FOR A LARGER VIEW AFTER THE JUMP. 

READ: TAPATAN NI TUNYING TRACES PACQUIAO’S ROOTS IN GENSAN (WITH INTERVIEW OF BREN EVANGELIO)

I immediately looked for the Giniling na Torta which is comfort food for me.  I was so delighted that it tastes just the right Kapampangan way, and just like how my Aunt and yes, my Dad, would have cooked it!  My other cousins in attendance had the same happy reaction.

LUTO NI DOC, KAPAMPANGAN FOOD
DR. ROSE’S ELDER AND HANDSOME BROTHER AND MY COUSIN, KUYA BERTING WITH HIS GOODLOOKING BROOD, INCLUDING BUSINESSWOMAN ROMELA & HUBBY DANNY, BEFORE ENJOYING THE FEAST SERVED BY LUTO NI DOC

Each serving of these super delicious Kapampangan delight costs P25 to P30.  Unfortunately, Luto ni Doc only opens for lunch and everyday, due to word of mouth, their food runs out by 2pm.

LUTO NI NANAY, KAPAMPANGAN FOOD
THE AUTHOR (FAT GUY IN GREEN) WITH DR. ROSE MANANSALA-EVANGELIO (IN RED), FORMER CITY COUNCILOR MEG SANTOS, THE HOST’S SISTER LINDA SALANGSANG AND BEAUTIFUL NIECE ARLENE DUQUE AND SOME FRIENDS, INCLUDING BUSINESSMAN MARZ, BANKER RALPH AND CEBU BLOGGER SINJIN.

Luto ni Doc’s airy dining area can accommodate about 25 hungry people only so make sure to be there before 12 noon for you to be seated comfortably. They are open Monday to Friday from 10AM to 2PM.

LUTO NI DOC LOGO

As a closing, let ME share with you more photos of LUTO NI DOC’s delectable dishes. CLICK ON EACH PIC FOR A LARGER VIEW.

WHERE IS LUTO NI DOC?  Luto ni Doc can be found at C.M. Recto Street corner Mangustan Street and can be reached at telephone #s 0932 370 9632.  To check out their menu daily, like their Facebook Page by CLICKING HERE.