Before our trip to Auckland, I had wondered if there was a Filipino restaurant near our hotel. So as usual, I looked up "Ube" and found that Boracay Garden was less than a 10-min walk from our hotel. But most importantly, they had my favorite eggplant omelette, tortang talong (eggplant). We had decided that we would brunch there on our first leisurely/discover day.
Because the restaurant opened at 11 am, we were finally able to sleep in and took our time getting ready. However. The weather was looking pretty wretched out there, not much people walking around for the time of day. Luckily, we had our raincoats and finally putting it to good use.
First, make sure you have good shoes with good grip as mine had poor grip and so it took us a bit longer to get to the restaurant.
When we walked in, we notice the size of the restaurant. Large seating area up front an even more tables in the back. We were the first and only patrons that morning. Because there was no one at the hostess podium, we walked up to the register that was across the kitchen where the cook, probably the owner, called out to his hostess that we were here.
Sweet girl that sat us and found out later that she's from the same province as my parents.
When we ordered, the very item we came for, the eggplant omelette, was out of stock. However, the delivery man came in about 5-mins later and let us know the eggplants were available and we ordered the large omelette. Although our breakfast was really good, which you really can't go wrong with tocino and fish, the eggplant omelette did not disappoint. For me this is comfort food and so much needed on a rainy day. The eggplant was grilled and perfectly charred and crispy on the edges just like how mom made it. And why is this important, because not many restaurants cook it like this.
Honestly, I didn't expect it but Boracay Garden exceeded my expectations. If ever I get a chance to return to Auckland, this will be a must on my list. read more