Conversion Story

6/12/2008

Every conversion is a story to tell. This holds especially true for In-yo Fusion Cuisine, a fine dining restaurant located along Esteban Abada, Quezon City, an auxiliary road parallel to Katipunan Avenue. The restaurant stands within the ancestral home owned by the Carpio family. The house was constructed in the 1950s and was among the first structures built when the area was still vast raw land and far from the commercialized status it carries today.

Back then, the vicinity of Katipunan and Loyola Heights was just a quiet town with more vacant lots than structures lining the landscape. Eventually, business establishments prospered, brought on by the presence of major universities. Likewise, a tremendous increase in the construction of private residences was witnessed in La Vista and Xavierville subdivisions. Dormitories and condominium buildings continue to rise one after another. Dining establishments equally flourished, initially but not limited to the main road, Katipunan. Then, zoning and land use regulations also accommodated a similar development along secondary roads.

Parallel to this growth, the concept of establishing a cozy fine-dining restaurant was born in September 2006. One-third of the Carpios’ ancestral home was converted into a restaurant, while the larger part was retained for residential use.

The business proponents, Niňo Laus and Cris Orocio, initially considered building a new structure in front of the 1000 square meter lot, since it boasted a generous setback. What led them to open the doors of the private home itself was their desire to offer a fine dining experience in the relaxing and peaceful ambiance of an actual home. This combination is rarely found in the fast-paced commercialized Katipunan milieu. Niňo and Cris considered themselves as the designers who spearheaded that concept. As self-styled ‘foremen,’ they closely monitored each and every step of the implementation. Their passion for good taste is true for both beauty and cuisine.

Thus the conversion story began and continues to live on. To achieve this experience, the entrepreneur-designers make it a point to delight not just one, but all the five senses. This is a challenge to hurdle but likewise a sure formula for success.

A visit to Inyo will provide you this experience. From the roadway, the signage is kept discreet and yet inviting. A cozily lit garden viewed from an open gateway arouses a passerby’s curiosity. A second look allows one to glimpse an elegant two-storey house. One is welcomed by an archway of millionaire’s vine. Passing through it, the hangings will sweep away your day’s worries and welcome you to a relaxing abode. One is then led to an al fresco dining area, cooled by a gentle breeze and the refreshing sound of cascading waters. Well selected wooden furniture and antique pieces provide the rustic flavor. The outdoor and indoor dining areas can accommodate 50 persons; yet, the privacy of each group is maintained. Latin bossa nova music is played and sets a nostalgic and romantic mood. No wonder that, as I have been told, the restaurant has already witnessed many marriage proposals and intimate wedding receptions.

With each visit, one sees something new: an interesting piece of furniture, a decorative accent, or a tasty new dish. Niňo and Cris can rightfully consider their restaurant as a story continuously unfolding with surprises. And that is the beauty of their conversion story.