I'm bumping this thread back to the top since I FINALLY got a chance to check this place in Fern Creek out last night.
I was impressed enough to want to try to promote them in order to keep them open. I rarely see cars in the parking lot, but it's certainly NOT an issue of them serving bad food.
Granted, this was my first foray into Filipino cuisine, but from one visit, I can tell I'm definitely going to be a fan. I do believe the location is perhaps its biggest enemy as it is tucked away between CVS and a street leading into a subdivision. Perhaps folks think it's difficult to get in and out of, but there's a traffic light leading out of the adjoining CVS parking lot.
When we first entered we had to track someone down in the kitchen to seat us and take our orders, but that was because we were the only customers other than a couple who were enjoying the karaoke at the far end of the restaurant. Once we were discovered by the staff, the service was excellent, and our server was extremely funny, charming, and willing to explain the menu.
I had the chicken Tambayan Adobo ($9.99) which was served with lumpia, mixed vegetables, and white rice. The menu bills this dish as the national dish of the Philippines: chunks of chicken cooked in soy sauce and vinegar with carrots and potatoes. The chunks of chicken were generously sized and tasty. I find it pretty safe to say I'm going to be addicted to lumpia now. I washed the slightly spicy food down with a glass of Mango juice ($2.49).
My boyfriend had a combination platter with pork Tambayan Adobo and Bicol Express ($15.99). Of course I sampled his plate, and the pork pieces were also generously sized and the meat was very flavorful. I am generally not a big pork eater, especially in stir-fried dishes, but this may make me a convert. The Bicol Express was not quite like anything I've ever tasted: pork sauteed in soy sauce, garlic, coconut milk, and shrimp paste.
I was so hungry I unfortunately forgot to take pictures of our dishes before we wolfed it all down.
Other items on the menu we are curious to try include Bulgogi ($11.99), sweet and sour tilapia ($9.99), and Lau-Lau ($11.99).
Entrees run from $8.99 (bbq chicken inasal, bbq grilled pork, and the ubiquitous chicken strips for those who are less adventurous) up to $13.99 (Lechon, whole roast pig). They offer "family size platters" that will serve 2-4 for $9.99 to $13.99. Combination platters are from $14.99 to $17.99. Most items can be served a la carte including lumpia (beef or pork) which make for yummy appetizers (10 pieces of pork lumpia are $6.75, 5 pieces of beef lumpia are also $6.75).
We were too stuffed for dessert, but the server intrigued us by suggesting Halo-Halo which is crushed ice topped with Filipino fruits ($4.99). I know I'll be going back to try that. Other desserts include Cassava cake ($3.25) and Pichi-Pichi ($3.25 for 5 pieces).
I am not a beer drinker, but they do offer San Miguel and Red Horse, Filipino beers, for those of you who are into international beers, in addition to the "usual suspects." San Miguel and Red Horse are $3.75 a bottle.
A meal for two was a very reasonable $30 (skipping apps and alcohol). Neither of us being accomplished singers, we avoided the karaoke end of the restaurant.
So on behalf of a Creeker who would like to see this place remain open, I encourage others to come try Tambayan.
