The continued legacy of Binondo’s San Jacinto restaurant
IF you have ever spent time in the Old Binondo area, most likely you have dined at the famed San Jacinto restaurant and enjoyed its ambience.
Established in 1894, San Jacinto was known for its scrumptious Cantonese dishes but most importantly, it was known as a place where family gathered to celebrate life’s milestones.
Juliet Bato would know for she grew up in the restaurant’s famed walls. In fact, some of her earliest memories was learning how to count money with her dad.
“I would help my dad and was his assistant cashier on weekends. He would teach me how to count money, use cash, and write receipts,” she revealed.
Through the years, I have heard Juliet’s fond memories of the restaurant
that is closely tied with her memories of her father. Unfortunately, the doors of San Jacinto closed in 2009 when Juliet’s dad passed away. Since then, Jul iet became determined to continue her father’s legacy. Juliet believed that she needed experience elsewhere before she could fully establish herself in the family business.
“I worked in Public Relations and Business Development after college and it taught me a lot about managing businesses. After having worked in the corporate setting for more than five years, I woke up one day and realized that this was the time for me,” she continued.
Juliet was then inspired to become who she always dreamed of being and to hustle for herself and her family the same way her dad did, “I know no one is completely ready but the experiences I have had has made me confident enough to pursue this.”
This is what led Juliet to open Cantina Antigua, a food enterprise that caters to parties and now to individual consumers through a stall in Sidcor Market in Eton Centris in Quezon City every Sunday.
For Juliet, it was a dream that took a while to come true.
“I have been planning to pursue this for the longest time but it wasn’t until I pitched it to my mama Nancy, who takes care of the cooking and keeps the family recipes close to her heart, and my boyfriend Nick that I was inspired to be really serious about pursuing it. My boyfriend really encouraged me to pursue this dream, he pushed me to actually execute it,” she related further.
Staying true to San Jacinto’s tradition of good food, Cantina Antigua continues to serve dishes known to San Jacinto loyalists and new clients as well – with their cold cuts best sellers that include Char Siu which is charcoal- roasted marinated pork, Lechon Macau, Soy and White Chicken, all paired with side dishes and their own special sauce.
Today, Juliet is more than happy to serve old and new foodie fans alike but most importantly, she feels fulfilled because of what Cantina Antigua means to her and her family.
“It’s how I keep my father’s memory alive,” she stressed.
And that is what keeps Juliet going – her desire to serve customers in a way that resonates with them.
“My vision for Cantina Antigua is for the brand to be known by future generations and for it to be relevant to them the same way that San Jacinto was to older generations. We want to be there for every celebration, we want to be included in their life’s important moments,” the San Jacinto Restaurant heiress concluded.
I am pretty sure that Juliet’s papa is definitely smiling on his little girl from heaven, proud of the woman she has become.
To know more about Cantina Antigua, you can like them on Facebook or call 09561235425.