Family-friendly options that hit the spot
He may have his hands full overseeing his website (simpol.ph) and several restaurants to boot in Quezon City and BGC, but Tatung Sarthou took time out recently to mark the second anniversary of Azadore, his restaurant located in a restored 1960s home in Quezon City.
Situated in what used to be a quiet residential area, Azadore blends into the neighborhood because much of its original structure has been retained. The main walls and stairs are intact, with spaces carved out for tables and chairs. There are even two private dining areas in what were once most probably bedrooms of the family that used to own the house.
“There were a dozen bidders for the house that had remained vacant for a while,” Sarthou told Lifestyle. “In the end, we were the ones with the winning bid. I think the owners appreciated that we had no plans of tearing down the house and putting up a new structure.”
Interior designer Ivy Almario was tapped to refurbish the space and turn it into a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining areas. A ramp was installed in front for wheelchair access, but there are stairs on the side that lead to the main entrance.
“From the start, we wanted Azadore to offer Spanish American heritage dishes, dishes that are prepared for special occasions, so you’ll find a selection of paellas and the time-consuming callos. We also have burgers, pizzas, and fried chicken—items that children often look for when they’re eating out with their families,” Sarthou said.
The chef pointed out how it’s often a test of wills deciding on where to eat when dining with a group. “Someone will want Japanese food, another will have a hankering for pasta, or Pinoy food. By offering a wide enough selection of dishes at Azadore, we’re able to attract groups and families with picky eaters.”
For the restaurant’s second anniversary, Sarthou expanded the Azadore menu with paella negra, Iberian chicken, a duo of delicious baked pomfret, and fiesta fave cochinillo (roast suckling pig).
Familiar favorites
“People now are going back to familiar favorites. In the past, it was okay if a dish they ordered at a restaurant wasn’t good. They’d just make a note not to order it again. Not anymore because money isn’t easy,” the outspoken chef said.
Tindeli, his restaurant that’s part of Palenque, a group of restaurants offering Filipino food in one corner of Gateway 2 in Araneta Center, is struggling. “There are good and bad days. It’s a mall problem—there’s very low foot traffic in that area,” he said.
There’s no problem like that at Azadore. Sarthou has already identified his market—groups and families—and takes pains to keep them coming back for more. “We wanted to celebrate the vibe of Sunday get-togethers where families, extended families, and entire neighborhoods come together. The adults would enjoy their drinks while the kids played outside. That’s the essence of Azadore,” the executive chef and coowner said in a statement.
Sarthou said he’s very particular about flavor. “When you give a dish a certain name, especially one that carries cultural weight, it should live up to its expectations. You can be creative, but if it doesn’t meet the memory and standard people associate it with, then it has missed the mark.”
He seems unafraid about setting such high standards for himself and his staff, but is he open to the criticism that comes with the territory?
“One advantage of being so visible online is that when people have feedback, whether positive or negative, they message me directly. I appreciate it because it helps us stay on top of things. Complaints aren’t just problems. They’re opportunities to fine-tune our craft,” he said.
Azadore is at 111 Scout Fernandez corner Scout Torillo streets, Quezon City.
