Last Saturday my culinarily-inclined friend Sherry and I attended the opening gala of Palencia, a new upscale Filipino restaurant in San Francisco's Castro district. Palencia is the first of its kind in the city. You can find Filipino restaurants here and there (Irma's Pampanga restaurant on Van Ness, the new Jollibee on 4th St.), but none are by any means upscale. Palencia is the opposite of what happens to many ethnic restaurants when they turn high end. Their food is not fusion, it's Filipino food straight up -- chicken bbq on skewers and lumpia just like Tita Baby used to make.
When we arrived the place was filled with people from the Castro and the Mission mingling with Filipino lolas. We were immediately served glistening, hot from the fryer lumpias with a ginger-soy dipping sauce. Waitresses came by with white wine and bottles of San Mig Lite. The pancit was flavorful, and served with what I first thought was Tang, but was actually the classic Filipino cantaloupe drink. Even Sherry who is not usually a fan of that melon really enjoyed it. Everyone's definitive favorite though was the grilled marinated chicken on skewers. We and three other friends ate about 25 of them, collectively.
Palencia's dining space is warm and intimate, with huge shell chandeliers and old-style fish traps turned into lampshades overhead. Owner Archie Palencia and head chef Danelle Lucero form a Pinoy powerhouse, and have created a mood that combines the warmth of a Filipino home with fine dining. We were impressed by her culinary expertise and his Gabby Concepcion charm, and will definitely be back after the official opening to find out if their full menu is as delectable as their appetizers.
Photos by Andria Lo
Posted by christine at August 24, 2007 3:50 PM
Comments
Really? I disagree. This was not authentic Filipino cuisine, the waitstaff didn't know what they were serving, and the food was over-fried. Definitely not going back there!
Posted by: Thomas at August 27, 2007 12:47 PM
The warm hospitality, the great food, the atmosphere...thanks to Palencia for opening to the community last Saturday. I'll be back for sure!
Posted by: Kathy at August 27, 2007 5:26 PM
I think Thomas was having a bad day! I was also there and the food was wonderful. At times the place was slammed and it's obviously not setup to serve that many people "standing room only" style. Let's not forget it was a *complementary* open house and they have not even officially opened for business yet. The food was delish, the staff was very friendly, the beer and wine were free flowing and it's a great space. Overall, a fantasic addition to the neighborhood! I will definitely be back!
Posted by: Jenn at August 27, 2007 5:56 PM
palencia!!!!!!!! Awesome food......
Posted by: dv at August 27, 2007 10:08 PM
I think this place is great. The food was delicious. To Thomas' point, Danelle (executive chef) did say that her lumpia was a bit too carmelized for her liking and she would adjust it moving forward. The staff is incredible (loved Marta, Phil and Sarah) and the space is wonderful. Go, go, go check it out!
Posted by: Matt at August 28, 2007 11:55 AM
WELL WHEN THOMAS TRIES TO DO SOMETHING SUCCESSFUL IN HIS LIFE, LETS HOPE HE ONLY GETS ONE TRY BEFORE OTHERS GIVE HIM ANOTHER CHANCE...HE IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF A NEGATIVE PERSON!!! FINE, YOU DIDN'T LIKE WHAT FREE FOOD YOU DID HAVE THAT DAY, BUT WHY SAY YOU WOULD NEVER GO BACK AND JUDGE THE RESTAURANT SAYING ITS NOT AUTHENTIC???!! I ENJOYED IT AND WILL RETURN TO GIVE THE REST OF THE MENU A CHANCE!! FORGET WHAT THOMAS SAYS...
Posted by: anonymous at August 28, 2007 2:24 PM
Palencia is the only and 1st Filipino restaurant to open in this upscale neighborhood that caters to all diversity. I really love the food, esp. the Okoy or Ukoy, (an appetizer made w/shrimp & covered with flour); it's not too greasy. Come and try all the food so you will know it's authentic and will know the difference. They're like food cooked at home. It's worth recommending!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous at August 28, 2007 3:11 PM
I went to dinner at Palencia last night. It was opening night. It was jam-packed. The food is delicious. Seriously, the chicken adobo is incredible as was the Turon. The wine list is pretty impressive; I would highly recommend the Mason Sauvignon Blanc. I cannot rave about this place enough.
Posted by: Matt at August 29, 2007 9:16 AM
HEY EVERYONE. IT'S ME DANELLE. THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT FEEDBACK. BUT AS YOU CAN SEE, I CANT PLEASE EVERYONE. AS FAR AS FOR THE OPENHOUSE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, WE WERE ONLY EXPECTING ABOUT 150 PEOPLE AND ABOUT 400 SHOWED UP. SO... AS OF YESTERDAY WE ARE OFFICIALY OPEN 2-5 FOR MERIENDA AND 5- 10:30 FOR DINNER. HOPE TO SEE U THERE =D
Posted by: DANELLE at August 29, 2007 12:15 PM
The FOOD + The STAFF + The ATMOSPHERE =
PURE FILPINO SATISFACTION !!!! I LOVED IT!!!
Posted by: Madelyn at August 30, 2007 1:22 PM
I came for the opening night and had the nilaga, beef steak, kare-kare and I was impressed it was delicious! Nice to know there is an upscale filipino restaurant to eat in S.F.
Posted by: Glenda at September 10, 2007 2:37 PM
LOVED the modern and sophisticated, yet stylishly classic Filipino decor. Food was surprisingly good; the Sisig really tasty and Pinakbet just like home. The Kare-Kare was slightly disappointing however; nice flavor and great cuts of ox-tail, but teeny, tiny pieces of meat. Service was great; I was surprised to hear that they had only been open for 2 weeks. So glad there's an upscale traditional restaurant take friends!
Posted by: Karen at September 12, 2007 5:07 PM
I loved this place. Great food. Friendly staff. I'v been back a few times, and it keeps getting better.
Definitely recommend this place.
Posted by: Anonymous at September 22, 2007 1:30 PM
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