LJC Restaurant Group Turns 35!

35 years of Good Food and Warm Service!

The LJC Restaurant Group celebrates 35 years in the restaurant business this 2014. The Group, which bears the initials of its founder, the late restaurateur Larry J. Cruz (LJC) began in 1979, when LJC,  a journalist and information man, made a career change and opened Café Adriatico at the Remedios Circle in Malate, Manila.

Larry wanted a place where he and his friends could meet, enjoy good coffee, tasty food and drink while chatting about the day’s news. Upon the recommendation of his father, Emilio “Abe” Aguilar Cruz, Larry named his first restaurant, Café Adriatico, after the street it was on. The Café emulated the Parisian sidewalk cafes. It offered good food, warm service and a charming ambience, all at a reasonable price.  And since it opened, the café became the watering hole for Manila’s who’s who. Today it remains to be a hub for artists, celebrities, government officials and foodies enjoying Café Adriatico dishes such as Spareribs Adobo Rice, Salpicao, Callos, Lola Ising’s Adobo, Knockout Knuckles in garlic and chilies, or a fresh cup of Chocolate Eh! (hot rich Spanish chocolate drink).

After the success of Café Adriatico, LJC pressed on creating one brand after another, which offered his vision of the good life. He shaped the casual dining experience of the country with his many theme restaurants and was regarded” pioneer in theme or concept restaurants” and the man who had “shaped Philippine café society”.

Today the LJC Restaurant Group continues his legacy of good food, warm service and charming ambience in the LJC brands: Café Adriatico, serving a full menu of Filipino, Spanish and Mediterranean inspired dishes; Café Havana, a Cuban bar where guests can enjoy tapas, hearty meals, mojito, and live Latin music; Bistro Remedios, a perfect stop for those looking for regional cooking in a bistro setting; Larry’s Cafe and Bar, a cozy place where one can unwind, enjoy continental dishes and a wide range of wines and spirits; Abé, a tribute to the memory of Larry’s dad, Emilio “Abé” Aguilar Cruz, serving Capampangan cuisine; Fely J’s Kitchen, dedicated to the memory of Larry’s mom, Felicidad De Jesus-Cruz, offering Asian and home cooking; Lorenzo’s Way, a tribute to Larry J. Cruz featuring dishes that Larry himself conceptualized and that became favorites in the LJC restaurants, and his personal preferences such as baklava, paellas and tapas; Abé’s Farm, a restaurant, resort, accommodations, spa and museum nestled at the foothills of Mt. Arayat ; and the LJC Group Catering Service that brings the LJC kitchens to your doorstep.

For inquiries, please call 5220403
Website: http://www.ljcrestaurants.com.ph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LJCRestaurantGroup

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