Love and Kisses is a byword when it comes to pizza as for generations have gone by, the pizza of their memories were nothing but made of/with/by Love and Kisses. But I have to set aside pizza for I’m going to rave about their hamburger this time. It was barely an hour after a very wonderful lunch at The Red Corner (a few months ago) when our talked centered on the burger served by this snack shop made famous by it’s home grown and Ilonggo take on pizza.
It was talked about in such a way that you can’t hold on to your seat and instantly rush to the nearest branch of Love and Kisses or better yet disparate and apparate (now where’s my wand). So I rushed to the nearest shop where I can dine in and immortalize that that gastronomic experience. It was one of the regular items on their menu often overlooked upon because of the extensive list of pizza and pasta. At PhP50 per order which could swing from cheap to expensive for some, it was a 15 minute wait for the verdict for it was cooked upon order.
When it came, I was sort of dismayed on how plain and unappetizing it looked. Just on top of sliced buttered bread with onions and something unfamiliar. But the aroma was very, very good; in fact I could even taste it through my nose. I was about to ask what the siding was when the waiter instinctively said with pride it was “puso ng saging salad” and he said it was one of the most requested/ordered in the restaurant. Now that’s a good attitude, taking pride of what you’re doing and serving plus giving customers something to ponder upon.
Despite the charred burger on the outside, patty was very, very juicy inside. In fact it’s the juiciest patty I can ever remember. So I took my first bite of, only, the patty then another and it has really a very one of a kind taste and very good too. The charred taste (I hear they use some volcanic rock on the grill-maybe I can peep in the kitchen next time) gives it a different feature and in delicious contrast is the very juicy inside.
Though it had hints of sweetness, I can’t be sure if it was the patty itself or the burger bun but it was one great burger discovery. I didn’t even bother using the condiments for I wanted to savour the taste of the patty plus its combination with the puso ng saging and onion to the last morsel.
I could have ordered two more hamburgers but I was running against time day so there will surely be another visit to Love and Kisses soon. Maybe even today and I’ll instantly order two burgers!
Love and Kisses has three branches in Iloilo with dine in stores at the Nelly Garden Arcade along E. Lopez Street in Jaro and along Jalandoni Street across University of San Agustin. It has a take out counter at The Atrium Mall at the Valeria side entrance.