The pursuit of genuine ethnic food rages on — and I’m happy to report a find in Savannah Filipino Authentic Cuisine off Waters Avenue at 70th Street.
I haven’t had authentic Filipino chow since a generous neighbor used to ply me with lumpia to de–ice her car windows. It was a worthwhile trade.
Of course, I went straight for the fried lumpia, egg roll–like bundles stuffed with your choice of chicken, shrimp or vegetables — or a combination of the three. These were crisp on the outside — and packed with great flavors and textures. I dipped mine in a house–made sweet and sour sauce; there is also peanut sauce.
Shunning fried foods? No problem. A fresh lumpia features the same fillings — only packaged in a sticky rice wrapper.
I happily worked my way through a generous portion of pancit bihon — light, seasoned rice noodles laced with chicken, cabbage, carrots and celery. It was hot, filling and satisfying.
I can’t wait to return. I have my eye on adobo, chicken braised in vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce and special seasonings — then served over Jasmine rice.
The place has about a half–dozen eat–in seats, but is already doing a good carry–out business and is filling catering orders.
Other dishes to try: empanadas, shrimp fritters and inasal: Filipino BBQ chicken on a stick. The dessert case looks equally interesting, with flan, cassava cake and biko, a sweet rice cake with caramel topping and sesame seeds.
Hours are Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m./5515 Waters Ave. (At 72th Street)/201.3541
Spice hunt
Coming up short on your spices for holiday cooking or baking? There are lots of options, including:
• The Salt Table, 51 Barnard St., big selection of spices and salts in various sizes, oils and vinegars. Flavored sugars and gourmet teas.
• Spice and Tea Exchange, 104 W. Broughton St., spices, salts, rubs and custom blending of your own rubs, olive oils, teas and flavored sugars.
• Lowcountry Gourmet Foods, 123 E. Liberty St., huge selection of aged balsamic vinegars and flavored olive oils arranged as a tasting bar —try before you buy. Also, sauces, rubs, salts, peppers and fresh ground grains.
• Kitchenware Outfitters, 5500 Abercorn St., spices, peppers, gourmet rubs and marinades, sea salts and bulk fill olive oil.
