“Favorite ko ‘yun e“ (“That’s my favorite”), was all I could mutter when my ex-girlfriend refused to have lunch at Rodic’s in UP Diliman (Quezon City). It was the start of our relationship, traditionally with the best foot forward, but I couldn’t care less. It was terribly hard to suppress the disappointment lacing my voice as I drove away from the Shopping Center (adjacent to the UP Chapel), where Rodic’s is waiting for the hungry student.
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- Rodics at UP Diliman
Then my ex-girlfriend, now my wife, asked why I want to eat in this non-airconditioned restaurant that resembles a slightly presentable carinderia (it has aircondition now, though still masikip, as the conyo would say it). Why not the fine dining Chateau Verde, which is just a two-minute walk away, or Chocolate Kiss at the Bahay ng Alumni, she asked. She’s a graduate of another school and she probably won’t understand my fondness for Rodic’s.
Don’t let the spartan setup of Rodic’s main branch deter you from experiencing good food and its history. Rodic’s Food Service has served many generations of UP Diliman graduates. While it’s way less famous than, say, the UP Oblation, it has become a fixture of UP life, having started in 1949, so much so that the late Larry Alcala included it in his famous cartoon-tribute to UP Diliman of the 50′s. People could easily relate to the isaw in UP, but not Rodic’s.
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- Jumbosilog at Rodic’s
It’s only in Rodic’s that I eat jumbosilog (jumbo hotdog, sinangag or fried rice, itlog or sunny side up egg) served on Rodic’s usual stainless steel plate. I’ve also tasted Rodic’s other silogs, including the more famous tapsilog (tapa, sinangag, itlog) which could give any other tapsilog a run for its money, but it’s the jumbosilog, which I (weirdly) consume with toyo (soy sauce) instead of catsup, that keeps me coming back for more (in my defense, it’s only in Rodic’s that I use toyo with hotdog, not the usual catsup, mayo and mustard). I tried cooking jumbosilog at home but it doesn’t taste the same (besides, I still can’t find where to buy that particular hotdog).
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- Famous beef tapa of Rodic’s
Back when I was still working in Makati, I was elated to discover that Rodic’s opened a branch along Salcedo Street (the branch is of course way more upscale than the main). That was years back and I don’t know if it’s still there (the UP main branch is still there, perhaps for the next generations of Isko and Iska to enjoy).
My wife now enjoys jumbosilog at Rodic’s (or at least she pretends to, in the name of, ahem, love). I didn’t expect her, just like many of you readers, to share my passion for Rodic’s and my beloved jumbosilog. Rodic’s serves no-frill, good-tasting food. For me, though, it doesn’t taste the same without the nostalgia. It’s eaten with a sense of history, a trip to the past with each delicious bite. And that’s probably why I keep coming back for more.
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hehehe…the jumbosilog tastes good, i must say. and i am not just pretending when i say that. let’s try the tapsilog next time
haven’t visited rodics in a while. hope its food remains delicious.