"Flipping through photos online doesn't do this strip mall spot in Pasadena justice. You might gather it's a half-market, half-Filipino restaurant with a turo turo counter in the back. But you haven’t experienced the beauty of Chaaste until you've sat down with a plate of homestyle cooking prepared by the cheery, close-knit family that runs this place. It also doesn't hurt that their adobo is so tender the chicken melts from the bone like halo-halo on a hot day. Mostly though, they specialize in stunning desserts like crispy hand-rolled turon and creamy ube flan (both are mandatory orders). For the full effect, enjoy a spread in the small seating area next to a mural of Manny Pacquiao." - brant cox, garrett snyder, jess basser sanders, nikko duren, sylvio martins
