Inay's Manila Grill [22]

"I wouldn't suggest eating there everyday, but you should at least try it once." - Mike McEvoy

Inay's is located on the east side of The Ave between 50th and 52nd. The intangibles were off the chart for this restaurant. It really was a cool looking place with pictures, maps, aerial photos of islands, etc...

There were all sorts of entrees with an exceptionally nice lady whose name sounded like Jules or Julie. We'll go with Julia. The entrees consisted of lots of beef and pork dishes with a healthy portion of rice. The water cups themselves are big. Again, this Julia lady was really nice and helped out Mike decipher the Philippine dishes to find the right one for him.

The actual taste wasn't exquisite by any means, but Mike left with leftovers which is always a good sign. Mike thinks the Julia lady was a sweetheart.

Now to the pig ear:
There was a dish that consisted of pig ear mixed with onions and sauce. The instant Mike took a bit of said pig ear, he decided then and there that he was going to trick one of his co-workers (Jenn Lindsay) into eating it. After a brief planning meeting with Jordan (another co-worker) they put their plan into action. Mike and Jordan should earn an Emmy for the performance that followed. Within 40 seconds Mike had fully convinced Jenn that she needed to try this amazing piece of pork (which isn't a lie, per se, but the location of the origin of the pork was withheld). Jenn agreed and ate the pigs ear. It was hilarious!

Value: 7
Taste: 6
Julia moved to America 8 years ago from the Philippines. Mike was intrigued.
Intangibles: 9

Total Score: 22 out of 30

(The 22 is based on originality when it comes to Ave food...and Julia)