Some years ago, when I was in Manila, I fell in love with the island flavors. I thought I would never enjoy such meals again.
So imagine my delight to learn that there’s a full-fledged Filipino restaurant on Locust in Midtown! It opened last February and is getting rave reviews. My Internet friend, Siri, said it’s receiving 100% favorable ratings!
Owners Randy and Sally Arcega grew up in the Philippines and still maintain their love of the island cuisine. Sally is the chef, who enjoys cooking homestyle Filipino meals for their customers. Randy works the front of the restaurant alongside his employees.
A Moving Story
Like many ethnic restaurants, this one comes with a story. The couple opened their restaurant in Trenton, IL, in 2018. As word got out about the quality of their food, they found that many of their customers were making the 45-minute drive from St. Louis just to eat there.
So last February the couple moved across the river and opened Kain Tayo (pronounced Kah-Een Tah-Yoh). The name translates as “let’s eat,” which is exactly what you’ll want to do at Kain Tayo.
So what does the enthusiastic couple serve its many fans?
Menu Highlights
Lumpia is a Filipino-style egg rolls filled with ground pork, minced carrots, onions, celery, garlic and spices.
Lumpiang Hubad: Stir-fried cabbage, green beans, sweet potatoes, snow peas, carrots with peanut sauce.
An Island of Goodness in Midtown
Adobo, the tasty, national stew, highlights the menu. I’m especially eager to try the Chicken Adobo, as well as another of their stews, called Caldereta.
Sally is justifiably proud of her take on Sisig. The delicious dish is made with pork rind or chitlins in her native land, but gentrified in the Midwest by substituting minced chicken thighs.
Put this one on your culinary calendar.
Kain Tayo, 2700 Locust in Midtown, a block west of Jefferson Open: Mon-Sat 11a to 8p. Closed Sundays.
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