HE'S BACK! TOM SAWYER'S FRIED CHICKEN IN TIENDESITAS!

       As a child studying in O.B. Montessori during the mid-80s, trips to Greenhills were quite frequent. We would usually stop by McDonalds for lunch, just before my 11am class. The lure of course was the happy meal and the toys that it came with. There was one instance though that I recall being extremely disappointed because we arrived a little later than usual, and the place was packed. Since we couldn't get seats, my Yaya decided that it would be best to take us somewhere else for lunch, rather than risk us being late because we were waiting for a table at McDonald's.

      You must remember that I was only a few years removed from living in the United States, so places nearby such as Goodah had absolutely no appeal to me. Thankfully, my Yaya (believe me.. If there's anyone who knows how Picky I am, it's her) spotted a restaurant that she knew would be to the approval of my finicky taste buds.

     And that was the first time I had tried Tom Sawyer's Fried Chicken.

   Events in my life unfolded, leading me to move to Cebu, where I lived until I graduated High School. As I returned back to Manila years later, the name "Tom Sawyers" was only spoken of in sentences that usually began with the words, "Whatever happened to...?".

  Enter 2014. 

  Guess what folks? He's Back! 

   You read that right.. Tom Sawyer's Old Fashioned Krispy Fried Chicken is back in the metro! 

       As Rina and I were on Libis Northbound going to Cubao, I managed to glance upon this sign hanging from the wall of Tiendesitas (Rina finds my knack of finding food signs posted on the street uncanny). 

       Seconds later, Rina was asking me, "Umm.. Why are we making a U-Turn?"

       Not many people know this, but despite the fact that there were no longer any Tom Sawyer's Branches in Metro Manila for decades now, you could still get a taste of their famous fried chicken at the restaurant "Famous Eli's" in Tagaytay. I guess the owners responded to the requests of many kids of the 80's and decided to bring back their "Krispy Fried Chicken", as they found a new home at Tiendesitas! 

  Tucked away at the new Building A of Tiendesitas in Pasig, Tom Sawyer's sparkling new branch has a clean, modern meets rustic feel, that shows that they old favorite has indeed adapted itself to modern times.. But at the same time, sticking to its classic favorites.. The Fried Chicken!

THE FOOD 

       Tom Sawyer's kept their menu relatively simple. They serve three main dishes, and a nice selection of "Extras" to choose from. 

         Of course, I needed to start with the Fried Chicken (One Piece P88/Two Piece P138). Truthfully, I don't remember how the chicken tasted back when I was a child, but I do know what delicious fried chicken is, and this is it. As I tore into the meat, I couldn't help but notice how juicy it was, and seasoned beautifully, making the natural flavor of the chicken more pronounced. The skin was fried to a delightful crisp, letting out loud sounds of crunches with every bite I took! 

     Dipping the chicken into the gravy added a tasty creaminess that went perfectly with the meat! 

         Though the Pinoy in me couldn't resist the fried chicken and rice combo, I suggest you give the Cornbread (P25) a try as well! It look very dry at first glance, but it turned to be rather moist, with whole corn kernels giving more corn flavor.  It's actually quite close to Kenny Roger's, which I also like very much.

          The most expensive item on Tom Sawyer's Menu (Not including the Chicken Party Box options of course) is the Hickory Ribs & Rice (P198). This is a long piece of pork belly, drowned in a "Hickory" Sauce, and served with Hickory Rice. 

    The Ribs were actually quite tasty, and I was happy with the fat content. I'm concerned that others may find the "sauce" a tad oily, although it honestly didn't bother me. I also felt that adding a bit of the sauce on top of the rice was a stroke of genius. 

   As good as it was, I think the sauce may would have worked even better with a bit more acid to it. Perhaps a bit of Apple Cider Vinegar might have done the trick?

   Nonetheless, the size of the dish, and the price makes this a really good deal! 

   Unfortunately, I wasn't able able to try the other main dish, the Spaghetti, but I plan to go back soon. Also, I tried ordering the Coleslaw but they were unfortunately out of stock. 

    Congratulations to the people behind Tom Sawyer's Old Fashioned Krispy Chicken for their triumphant return to the Manila food scene! 

     With very reasonable prices and delicious food, I'm looking forward to going back soon (Will take better pictures, too)! 

Tom Sawyer's Fried Chicken

Building A, Stall No. F&B-1A

Tiendesitas

Ortigas Ave. Cor. E. Rodriguez (C-5) Pasig

Metro Manila 

TOM SAWYER'S FRIED CHICKEN MENU