A few weeks ago, I went with my parents to visit my Aunt and Uncle’s house in San Marcos. They are foodies too so they have been raving about and frequenting a newly opened Filipino/Islander Restaurant in Escondido. And when I say frequenting, I mean an average of 3 times a week since the place opened in mid-April. They’ve gone so often that they have befriended the owner and all the family/personnel that are at the restaurant at any given time of the day.
Located fairly close to the 15 freeway, right on Valley Parkway there was ample parking. The décor outside was minimal but had a very clear and distinct sign on 2 walls.
Since they pride themselves on fresh Filipino and Islander food, they don’t cook your food until you order it, which they forewarn you on their menu. Since there were 6 in our group, our order was sizeable. They offer a good representation of Filipino appetizers, dishes, and desserts as well as a number of Islander favorites such as BBQ short ribs. The Islander portion of the menu comes with rice and your choice of salad or macaroni salad. The Filipino entrees are ala carte with your choice of garlic or steamed rice.
I wanted to try their Island Grilled Short Ribs because I’m a sucker for short ribs so I HAD to try them =p
The rest of the family ordered:
Pork Adobo: Seasoned pork in Soy Citrus Sauce (pictured below)
Chopsuey: Stir fry vegetable medly
Lechon Kawali: Deep fried roast pork served with lechon sauce of Island Spiced Vinegar (pictured below)
Daing na Bangus: Boneless Milk fish marinated in garlic and vinegar
Bistek Tagalog: Beef slow cooked in soy citrus sauce
Garlic Fried Rice
I got my food before everyone else and so all eyes were on my food. The plate comes with a good-sized portion of rice and macaroni salad. Also, I had 5 strips of the short ribs. I’m used to getting 3 from L&L or other Hawaiian food places. The marinade had just the right amount of sweetness to it.
I come from a family of extremely talented cooks so it’s pretty hard to impress me with Filipino food. I’d rather eat at home than any Filipino turo-turo (point point aka take out). Everything we ordered was very tasty and had a home cooked flavor. The Chopsuey was reminiscent of the taste back in the Philippines, according to my parents. We repeatedly asked for the Island spiced vinegar because it tasted good with everything! Well, maybe not everything, but it did add an extra umph to my short ribs, the daing na bangus, and lechon kawali. I could literally drink that stuff, lol.
I think since my visit to Island Hut Grille, my Aunt and Uncle had sampled everything on their menu. The owner Maria and her daughter Vanna, who served us that evening, were very hospitable. We were also lucky enough to meet Maria’s cousin the Chef and her parents. It really is a family affair at the Island Hut Grille. Although we were stuffed, we sampled the buko pina pie, which was delicious. The crust had just enough flakiness and the filling was not overly sweet. As a non coconut fan, like myself, I’d highly recommend it. The Aunt and Mom got halo-halo; which is a Medley of preserved fruits in shaved ice and milk topped with Philippine flavored ice cream.
I’d definitely come back if not for the short ribs alone -- with a bowl of that Island Spice Vinegar!
Island Hut Grille
511 W Valley Pkwy
(between Centre City Pky & Hickory St)
Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 839-5880
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