Bistro Manila: Authentic Filipino Cuisine Makes Its Debut in Selma

Bistro Manila, a new restaurant on Broad Street, introduces Filipino cuisine to Selma as the only Filipino restaurant within a 100-mile radius. The menu includes traditional dishes with a focus on health-conscious cooking. The restaurant aims to offer a unique culinary experience and plans to expand based on customer preferences.

Bistro Manila has recently opened on Broad Street, showcasing Filipino cuisine which is rarely found in many urban areas. The restaurant is spearheaded by Ronald and Maria Nutt, with Maria hailing from the Philippines. The opening comes after the closure of Bayou Rouge at the same location, filling a culinary gap in the region.

Maria Nutt describes Filipino cuisine as “the original fusion cuisine,” due to the country’s unique blend of influences from Southeast Asia, Spain, Europe, and the Middle East, which is reflected in its diverse food offerings. Ronald Nutt emphasized that Bistro Manila is currently the only Filipino restaurant within a 100-mile radius and acknowledged the growing popularity of this cuisine.

The initial menu is concise, featuring popular dishes such as Pansit Bihon Guisado, Chicken Pork Adobo, and Lumpiang Shanghai. Ronald explained that while the food is flavorful, it differs from the often spicy offerings of Thai cuisine, providing a different taste experience. As the restaurant evolves, they plan to expand the menu based on customer preferences.

Maria stated that the dishes served at Bistro Manila are those they would typically prepare at home, emphasizing comfort and family. Ronald assured the food would not be considered health food but would prioritize healthier options compared to traditional fast food, while still providing quick service.

Customers expressed their delight with the food, including former Tally Ho owners Bob and Donna Kelly, who praised the menu’s offerings. Maria’s daughter and son-in-law, Pinch and Gilbert Golpeo, have also become part owners, relocating to Selma to join the enterprise.

During the soft opening, Ronald indicated that the turnout was impressive and shared the restaurant’s hours: takeout available Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and dine-in service on Friday evenings from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ronald reiterated, “We’re going to be different, but we’re going to focus on a taste people will like.”

Bistro Manila is a new establishment in Selma that offers a unique taste of Filipino cuisine, which combines various cultural influences. The restaurant aims to fill a culinary gap in the area as the only Filipino outlet within 100 miles, with plans to expand its menu based on customer demand. The emphasis on home-style cooking and healthier options aims to provide patrons with a satisfying dining experience.

Original Source: www.blackbeltnewsnetwork.com