Who doesn't love the "treasures" of the sea? Crabs. Shrimps. Mussels. Squids. Clams. Fishes. Just thinking about them makes us really hungry!
In the Metro, if you crave for a seafood feast, there are way too many options. "Dampa" concept restaurants here and there. Even Chinese Restaurants make them a staple part of their menu.
And here in Bulacan, during craving moments, choices are few. You either go to restaurants with sky-rocket prices or settle for some sidewalk treats. Sad isn't it?
But hey, worry no more! CRABALICIOUS in Calumpit is the answer to our prayers! It's barely new. About a year. Family-owned. Let's read through my review and find out what the rave's all about!
The place is basic but airconditioned. No frills. Homey. Orange theme to further ignite hunger. Palochina tables and chairs. What will catch your attention is a wall covered with a net and plastered on it are an assortment of sea shells. Cool! Looking around, you will notice it's pretty clean. Even their restroom. And that matters greatly!
What Crabalicious quite lack in ambiance, they make it up for their FOOD! And that's what we're there for anyway.
Unlike other seafood places where dishes are served on plates or banana leaves, they do it differently here. Your table will be completely covered with cling wrap. Nice!
We were initially served their bestseller. The Mixed Seafoods! An overflowing bucket-full of crabs, shrimps, mussels, clams, corn cobs and baby potatoes bathed in thick and creamy butter and garlic sauce. People familiar with seafoods will be able to gauge its freshness just by the look. And boy, Crabalicious' scream FRESHNESS! Every bite was like a fusion of flavorful bombs exploding in your palate!
And then their savory Seafood Paella which was such an amazingly complete meal in itself came next. Sticky rice with seafood mix and chunks of crab fat! Watta treat!
We also had the Sizzling (?) Bangus Sisig and it was OK. A little dry for me and ate better ones. Their Tempura and Calamares in Tartar Sauce though was another story. They were both really really good and shouldn't be missed! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! Winners!
We were also made to try their Baked Prawns in Garlic and Butter! It will be a part of their menu soon. Such a gastronomic bliss! The prawns were sssooo succulent and fresh and blended just right with the herbs and spices!
When we came in, we were greeted warmly by the crew. They were all very accommodating and friendly. Everybody made sure we had all that we needed.
Bang for the buck! This will be how prices at Crabalicious can be described. Considering the huge servings, freshness and high-quality of ingredients used and the uberly sumptuous taste of food, you are no doubt surely getting your money's worth!
The Mixed Seafood is good for about 3-4pax and already comes with 4 cups of rice and a pitcher of Iced Tea. Pocket-friendly!
WISHLIST :
Since Crabalicious is situated along the highway, locating it is easy. Hoping they just had a map in their FB Page especially for commuting customers.
The cling wrap covering the table is a smart idea. But I'd like to think it will be better that a plate for the used-up shells be provided. This will avoid them being mixed up with those not consumed yet.
An Open Kitchen perhaps? It'll be a plus when customers get to see how the live seafood and other dishes are cooked.
I wish to see Fresh Fruit Shakes and native refreshments such as Sago't Gulaman and Halo-Halo in the menu. This can help remove the "umay" factor of the seafood dishes.
I love the corner where customers' photos are pasted on the wall. The tarped posters are not quite as pleasing though. They may be replaced by actual art works.
VERDICT :
Crabalicious may not be your elegant go-to place for fine dining but who cares? The place may not satisfy your instagrammable dreams but again, who cares? Place is simple and cozy. Straight-up. And they take "providing their clientele nothing but GOOD FOOD" a serious business.
Another reason to rejoice Bulakeños! No need to hurdle the stressful traffic in the Metro to satisfy your seafood cravings. Chingpherd will definitely come back and highly recommend it to family, friends and followers! Sure-fire PANDAYO guys!
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