“Payag A Restaurant Redefining Filipino Cuisine an Attraction in Woodside Queens NY� by: Luis Pedron
photo by: Ronn Tan Payag Restaurant recently opened with a big bang, located at 51-34 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside NY 11377, defined as Casual Dining with High End Ambience. One will reminisce in how beautiful an experience is: eating at a classy restaurant ala (like) in Makati City or in Cebu City. Rena Avendula, CEO and owner of Payag said that " we created a restaurant that you can be proud of, I'm trying to change the image of Filipino restaurants: upgrading quality of food, creating a relaxing and beautiful ambience, showcasing my own design featuring raw materials from the Philippines like Kawayan ( bamboo) and capiz shell. Our main attraction are the chef created Filipino Menu thanks to our Executive Chef Raymond Ganados and his team of chefs." Chef Raymond Ganados described Payag "as Redefined Filipino Cuisine, meaning Filipino Kitchen meets American Kitchen. We will put Filipino food to a new higher level at an affordable price. Try our healthy choices of Pinoy Caesar Salad and Payag Garden Salad with Mango Tahini dressing, or indulge in our Payag specialties: Sinuglaw, BBQ Porkbelly and Sisig" Manager, Rogel de Asis, mentioned that one should come to Payag to " enjoy the fine Filipino Cuisine, the casual dining in a high end ambience, rave over the unique custom made furniture and decor from Cebu, Philippines ( designed by owner Rena Avendula ), and enjoy the friendly service from the beautiful and ethnically diverse wait staff. "
Payag Executives: Rogel de Asis (Manager), Rena Avendula (CEO, Owner), Chef Raymond Ganados ( Exec Chef ) (photo by: Ronn Tan) The Restaurant had a very big party with 300 of the who's who in the Filipino Community in NY and NJ, celebrating Rena Avendula's birthday last July 11, 2010 which doubled as the Grand opening of the place. VIP's where there to particate in the ribbon cutting ceremony including Consul Leadro Lachica and Dr & Mrs Jan Vilcek of the Vilcek Foundation.
Payag Ribbon Cutting: Consul Leandro B Lachica, Rena Avendula and Dr & Mrs Jan Vilcek (photo by: Richard M Reyes)
Payag means: Bahay Kubo or Nipa Hut in Cebuano. Payag is open the whole July 2010 for dinner from 5PM - 10PM and starting August 2010 from lunch to dinner. Payag is a two story restaurant with a capacity of 100 seats for each floor. The basement/cellar set up is available for private parties.
Payag Chefs: Paco Celdran, Junn Alipar, Chef Raymond Ganados ( Executive Chef ), Lydia Miquiabas, Hans Baang, Roy Piclago (photo by: Ronn Tan) Payag Restaurant Directions: 51-34 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside NY 11377 ( Take 7 train to 52 st Station / Q 32 Bus ) Contact: www.payagrestaurant.com Phone: (718) 476-2257