When Seafood Garden Restaurant opened its doors on March 28, 2021, the pandemic was still disrupting businesses and livelihoods. For owner Vivian Calaycay, however, it was also an opportunity to build something meaningful for her community.
A Restaurant Born During the Pandemic
Located along the Govic Highway in Iba, Zambales, the restaurant was established with a clear vision: to give locals a place to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, particularly seafood dishes prepared using traditional techniques.
“I was lucky enough to get my chef’s staff because they were out of work at the time. They used to be working with an authentic Chinese restaurant, and I was able to work with them”, Calaycay shares.
Since then, she has worked closely with her kitchen team to develop a menu that highlights the flavors and techniques of Chinese cooking while making room for familiar Filipino favorites.
Fresh from the Zambales Coast
One of Seafood Garden’s biggest advantages is its location. Situated near the coast and directly in front of the public market, the restaurant has convenient access to fresh seafood and local produce.
“Outsourcing fresh fish, shrimps, and squid is easier”, Calaycay explains.
Iba also serves as a central trading point for agricultural and seafood harvests from nearby towns, including Santa Cruz, Candelaria, Palauig, and Masinloc. The restaurant also sources prawns from local hatcheries.
While its seafood comes from nearby communities, its Chinese condiments are sourced from trusted Chinese suppliers to preserve the authentic flavors of its dishes.
Chinese Specialties and Filipino Favorites
Among the restaurant’s bestsellers are its salt-and-pepper spareribs and squid, along with its Szechuan preparations. These dishes showcase the bold flavors and familiar techniques of Chinese cuisine.
However, Calaycay also understands that diners have different cravings. To accommodate guests looking for something closer to home, she introduced Filipino dishes such as crispy pata, sinigang na pampano or lapu-lapu, and adobong pusit sa gata.
Most of the restaurant’s customers are Filipino diners, although it also welcomes Chinese, American, and European guests.
A Taste Worth Coming Back For
Beyond the food, Calaycay wants every visit to feel welcoming and memorable. Guests are treated to complimentary tea and peanuts while waiting for their orders, creating an atmosphere where they can relax and enjoy good conversation.
“I want them to remember how we serve and prepare the food and the experience of the flavor. That way, when they come back, they will say, ‘Gusto ko doon kasi masarap yun.’ Babalik sila,” Calaycay says.
“I think it’s the authentic taste that we’re able to also serve them with. And the service,” her daughter, Kahlil, added, reflecting on why the guests would find their way back to the restaurant.
With Kahlil gradually preparing to become more involved in the business, Calaycay hopes to continue building Seafood Garden’s place in the local dining scene.
For those exploring Zambales, Seafood Garden Restaurant offers a chance to enjoy fresh local seafood alongside the comforting flavors of authentic Chinese cooking.
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