The hallmark of a great restaurant lies in its ability to sustain the interest and curiosity of its customers resulting in a strong patron-purveyor relationship as manifested by having a constant supply of satisfied regulars. So long as you keep your customers happy with your 1) consistent food quality, 2) consistent portions, and 3) excellent service, then the factor of price becomes secondary. Patrons will continue to pay for your food if they’re happy; they shall seek you out no matter how far is the distance.
This is true with Jacopo Kebabs & Steaks, a small shophouse-sized restaurant in Mandalagan tucked behind the generator of the building across Robinson’s Bacolod Mall (see photo for details) serving fantastic Mediterranean cuisine. They have been pleasing our palates ever since they opened and they have not failed us yet.
The restaurant features warm American Moderne design with wooden tables and steel chairs embellished with muted Mediterranean kitsch suffused with the warm tangerine glow of their walls. What this means I have no idea but it sounds sophisticated and architectural. But people go here not to admire the cool interiors but to eat, taste and savor.
When we go here, we prefer taking the seats at the mezzanine floor above where we can defile the place with our chatter. And the cushioned seats and pillows help too.
Now, look at the menu (see photos). Can you see how reasonable their prices are? That’s their main draw. If only they would follow the Principles of Greenbeltsian Tariffs as espoused in Makati, then they can be sure to increase their profits while scaring off probably 99% of Negrense customers. Hence, putting an exorbitant price on their menu will mean that instead of having weekly or daily regulars coming in to try out their dishes, it would become monthly or annual regulars instead. This is why Negrenses are grateful to have Jacopo in their midst. And we can also thank our lucky stars to Rico Cajili, the restauranteur behind this and other well-trodden Bacolod restos such as Chicken House, Pepe’s and Bistro Negrense.
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No? Then let me give you a bit more push: I would recommend their Chicken samosas- such luscious morsels of curried chicken and potatoes drizzled with mango chutney. They’re quite heavy on the stomach but light on the pocket. Care to try some Feta Cheese & Spinach Ravioli? You'll swoon as if you’re in some Greenbeltsian restaurant in where else but in Greenbelt. The silkiness of the cream and the slight herby taste of spinach makes it stellar. However, the one thing that keeps us coming back for more is their Pita Platter: Head-size pita bread that comes with an assortment of 3 flavorful dips (which we sinfully mix and match): babaganoush, chili con carne (not this time though), and hummus. They are creamy and delicious. Perfect to start your meal.
The entrees of Jacopo form the basis of their existence. The kebabs are to die for. Both lamb & Angus beef kebabs are soft and well-seasoned and are paired with a creamy horseradish-garlic sauce. Mr. Cajili recommends the steaks which I totally agree. Buttery soft and juicy themselves, they come with brown pepper gravy. The taste spectrum simply explodes. A friend of mine who tried their St. Patrick steak said that he can’t stop thinking of it even the next day. It was the kind of steak he was looking for. Well, for something less than P200, I can see why.
We tried the Mediterranean Grilled Chicken (P149) and it was perfect for a "salaryless" weekend. Grilled yet juicy inside, the chicken was well seasoned with herbs (rosemary? basil? tarragon?) and was paired with luscious hummus and yellow saffron rice and a nice tart salsa of cucumber and tomatoes. More than the chicken, you’ll be amazed too by the size of your plate. They’re huge- enough to hold your head if in case it gets decapitated. So far, we’ve tried their Lamb Casserole and Curry dishes and they’re good, but I would rather go for the steaks. Each time we eat here, it's always a happy experience.
One quip we have about Jacopo is the lack of desserts. No yoghurt ice cream. No Baklavas. Brazos and Sans Rival are too plain for this place. I feel they deserve better. Perhaps they want to focus more on the main stuff but it would be great if there’s something to round it off with. Hmm. Strong Turkish coffee, perhaps?
All in all, a very satisfying dining experience. Recommended? Yes, for the sheer pleasure of eating a cuisine other than Chicken Inasal here in Bacolod City. Jacopo is one restaurant you hope not to disappear.
Jacopo Steaks & Kebabs
722 Metropolis Tower, Lacson Street, Mandalagan
Bacolod City, Philippines
