Consuelo by Chef Vince Garcia: Best Food Experience in Clark
By Joey Pavia
As a longtime journalist, I have had the privilege of visiting and tasting food at several restaurants in the Clark Freeport Zone. I can safely say that Clark is home to some of the best restaurants in Pampanga.
According to the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), there are around 150 food establishments in the Freeport Zone. One of them is Consuelo by Chef Vince Garcia, located at the Barn House, Building 2092, R.C. Santos, near the CDC Parade Grounds.
Last week, I was invited to try some of Consuelo’s specialties. They served me five of their bestsellers: pindang damulag, asadong dila, kare-kareng baka, fried hito with buro, and native sisig.
I thought I would simply enjoy the food, much like I have at other restaurants in Clark. I was wrong. I was thoroughly impressed.
The five dishes were among the best versions of these Kapampangan favorites I have tasted in a long time.
The pindang damulag was flavorful and tender, while the asadong dila was perfectly cooked and rich in flavor.
The kare-kareng baka was, for me, the best version I have tasted. The fried hito was fresh and crisp, while the accompanying buro was delicious.
The native sisig was equally satisfying, with the distinct flavors that make this Kapampangan favorite so popular.
Consuelo, which serves heirloom recipes and authentic Kapampangan and Filipino cuisine, is certainly a cut above the rest. No wonder it is fast becoming a popular and much-sought-after dining destination.
The restaurant was founded and is owned by 36-year-old Executive Chef Vince Garcia, who also operates Rainforest Kitchen, Chef Baboy Unlimited Premium Korean BBQ, and VG Bakery + Bistro.
Garcia has been in the food business for 16 years, and judging from the success of his restaurants, he appears to have the Midas touch.
I arrived at Consuelo shortly after it opened at 10 a.m. Within minutes, customers were already coming in and placing their orders. The restaurant is open daily until 9 p.m.
Consuelo General Manager Raven Lising advised customers to contact the restaurant ahead of time, especially on weekends, to make sure that
seats are available. The restaurant can be found on Facebook by searching for “Consuelo by Chef Vince Garcia,” where customers can get
its contact information.
“Even on Mondays and the rest of the working days, we have lots of customers,” Lising said.
Lising also shared that the furniture inside Consuelo consists of collections personally acquired by Garcia from various towns and
cities in Pampanga. Although the pieces are different from one another, they blend well and give the restaurant its cozy and distinctive character.
The staff at Consuelo are professional and friendly. The restaurant also has a VIP room that can accommodate up to 30 people.
According to Lising, Garcia dedicated Consuelo to his wife, Sheena. The name “Consuelo” means “comfort” in English. And comfort is exactly what many people seem to find when they dine there.
Lising recalled a customer from Porac who was sick and had lost his appetite. After eating his favorite dishes at Consuelo, the customer
regained his appetite. That, perhaps, is one of the greatest compliments a restaurant can receive.
Indeed, Consuelo has become my best food experience—not only in Clark but in the entire Pampanga, a province widely regarded as the culinary capital of the Philippines.
