CRISPY ‘PATA,’ GRILLED SCALLOPS, ‘CHORIZO DINAMITOS’ TO MARK CHAIN’S 100TH STORE
“Does Jericho Rosales own Kuya J,” we asked, wanting to set the record straight regarding the popular belief that the actor owns the restaurant chain.
Smiling heartily at the question, Winglip Chang, president and CEO of iKitchen, said, “No. He’s our official endorser, but we welcome the confusion.”
October was a milestone for Chang and his company, as Kuya J opened its 100th store in Puerto Princesa City. An exclusive media event was held there at the newly opened SM City Puerto Princesa.
Rosales flew to Palawan to open the branch, helping Chang cut the ribbon on Oct. 7. Rosales wowed media guests by taking up the role of a Kuya J waiter—he served the first dish to the media table, Kuya J’s now renowned specialty, Crispy Pata.
Kuya J is one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in the islands. It started as a small
carinderia in Cebu that Chang later bought; he decided to retain the name.
“The name Kuya J resonates with many Filipino families,” Chang observed. “Our market study says that a lot of Filipinos have a family member with a name that starts with J, so we believe it’s a catchy name. And of course, our endorser’s name starts with a J as well.”
Apart from Crispy Pata, guests were treated to Kuya J’s famous Grilled Scallops, an absolute must-try. The scallops are shipped to the 100 Kuya J branches from Cebu daily, said Chang. They are served with generous amounts of butter and cheese, making the dish an indulgent treat.
Particular choice was the new dish, Sinigang na Tadyang ng Baka, a sour tamarind soup with seasoned and boiled beef ribs. Crowd favorites also included Chorizo Dinamitos (deep fried jalapeños stuffed with beef and cheese), Kare-Kare, Lumpia Presko, Bulalo, Sisig, and Kuya J Roast Chicken.
“We are not going to stop at 100 stores,” Chang declared. “We want to continue building as many stores as possible together with continuous improvement.”
Beach hopping
As added treat, media guests, alongside the hardworking Kuya J staff, went on a beach tour of Puerto Princesa. On Isla Pandan, Honda Bay, guests could buy five pieces of whole sea urchin for P100, a bargain.
After the tiring but enjoyable beach tour, the Kuya J special halo-halo was the perfect
merienda to end the hot day. –CONTRIBUTED INQ