La Parrilla in Colonia, N.J. closes after 10 years
By Cristina DC Pastor
La Parrilla de Manila, the family-owned restaurant in Colonia, New Jersey famous for its Adobong Balut, Lengua and giant Halo Halo has shuttered. Its last day was February 16.
A short announcement was made but no reason was given for the closure: “La Parrilla de Manila will be closed until further notice. Please visit our website for updates. We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout the years. Thank You.”
The FilAm tried to reach out to the family that owned the restaurant but nobody wanted to speak in an official capacity. The FilAm was told there was no specific reason for discontinuing operations except perhaps the owners were looking to retire from the restaurant business.
“It’s tough running a restaurant,” said the source seeming to convey the sentiment of the owner.
The source added, “Nobody was sick, the owner’s family did not have any fights or disagreements, no nothing,” the source said.
Before moving to Colonia, La Parrilla operated on Condict Street in New Brunswick near Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, but customers had complained about the absence of parking. The eatery was in this location for about five years from 2011 to 2015.
The move to Colonia happened in August 2015. In the beginning it experimented with fusion dishes, such as Lamb Shank Kare Kare which did not last long because of price points. The restaurant decided to stick to traditional cuisine which became a huge draw for Filipino Americans in Middlesex County looking for Filipino restaurants without having to trek to Jersey City.
“Lumpiang Sariwa was a big hit,” said the source. “Another is Fried Chicken. No matter how much gravy you put on it, it’s still crunchy.”
La Parrilla was a financial success. “A restaurant that lasted five years means you made it,” said the source. The joint thrived during the pandemic with takeout and delivery orders making it very busy.
The owner, neurologist Bernie Ponce, declined an interview with The FilAm. He is tight-lipped about his plans. It is not known if he is selling the two-storey building on Saint Georges Avenue which he owns or he is just taking a break and he will eventually return to the restaurant business.
Ponce’s family has roots in Apalit, Pampanga.
Streetfood is one of their popular features with Fishball, Isaw, Binatog, Taho and similar roadside snacks offered on Fridays for Filipinos looking to unwind at the end of the week.
Customers, meanwhile, remember their favorite La Parrilla dishes.
“My favorites are the Beef Pares, Crispy Pata, the BBQ. They were incredibly very soft and melts in your mouth delicious!
“The bilao was very delicious as well, the chicken and pork belly and Stuffed Squid is really good, and the Pork Sisig was very flavorful!” writes Joseph from Philly.
“I’ve been here several times and I absolutely love it here. The food is amazing, great BBQ, great Kare Kare, amazing Filipino breakfast, Lumpia, Pancit everything! I highly recommend!” writes Al on Yelp.
