When we meet 39-year-old taxi driver Richard Maglanke, it is four in the afternoon and he is on his way to eat a late lunch. As he enthusiastically drives us to Juan Spoon Eatery in Makati, he tells us that our timing is perfect.
Upon entering Juan Spoon, smiles from the staff greet us as Maglanke easily falls into an animated conversation with the people working there. He became friends with the owner and the service staff because they are all from the province of Samar. This carinderia serves comfort Pinoy food but its space is bigger compared to other eateries we’ve been to. The waitress says Juan Spoon is popular with cab drivers — one reason could be its 24/7 operations.
This afternoon, Maglanke, who is married and has three children, admits that he is very hungry after long hours on the road, so he orders two cups of rice, beef tapa and caldereta. He likes the caldereta in particular because it’s neither sweet nor spicy. The beef tapa, he confesses to us after his lunch, tasted just alright. The meal comes with a free hot soup, which makes Maglanke’s lunch more enjoyable. But what really catches our attention is the generous portions at Juan Spoon.
WHAT THE CABBIE ATE: Caldereta, beef tapa and two cups of rice for PHP100.
CABBIE’S WORDS OF WISDOM: “Hindi mahirap magkaroon ng anak kasi kapag may anak ka, dapat hindi mo iniisip na mahirap. Iniisip mo dapat na kaya mo silang palakihin sa maayos na hanapbuhay at hindi ka nanloloko ng kapwa. Kasama din ang Diyos sa pagpapalaki mo sa kanila.”
Juan Spoon Eatery, 2045 Edison St, San Isidro, Makati; +63 2 2391191. Daily 24 hours.
This story first appeared on Coconuts Manila.
WATCH MORE CARINDERIA CRAWL VIDEOS:
– Episode 1: KC Tapsilogan at Lugawan on P. Noval Street, Manila
– Episode 2: Menes Eatery on E. Remigio Street, Manila
– Episode 3: Juan Spoon Eatery on Edison Street, Makati
– Episode 4: 15th Avenue Carinderia in Cubao, Quezon City
– Episode 5: Carinderia crawl: Sizzling beef and mushrooms at McDOKS Sizzling
– Episode 6: Tocino and tortang talong at Honey’s Canteen on West Avenue
– Episode 7: Dinengdeng and lapu-lapu at Carol’s Eatery on Retiro Avenue, QC
– Episode 8- Pork sisig at Ilar’s Tapsilog in Manila
– Episode 9: Red Gate Eatery in Caloocan
– Episode 10: Bangsilog at Erlin’s Tapsilog in Manila
– Episode 11: Pork BBQ and liempo at B-B-Q Zone in Teacher’s Village
– Episode 12: Pancit batil patung in Kamuning, Quezon City
– Episode 13: Beef and chicken pita at Hijo d’Pita in Teacher’s Village
– Episode 14: Special bulalo at Bulaluhan sa España in Manila
– Episode 15: Kanto Freestyle Breakfast in Bo Kapitolyo, Pasig
– Episode 16: Mang Tootz in Sampaloc, Manila
– Episode 17: Juana’s Budbod and Coffee in Sampaloc, Manila
– Episode 18: Manang’s Food House at Ateneo de Manila
– Episode 19: Sizzling pork sisig at Aysee
– Episode 20: Bagnet-themed dishes at Bagneto
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