Located at the Ground floor of Hotel Jen Manila is Kitsho, one of the finest Japanese restaurants in the country. During our staycation, we had the pleasure of trying out their Weekend Ala Carte Buffet!
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Monday, February 26, 2018
EAT 9707: STREET FOOD WITH A JAPANESE KICK!
Though I studied in The College of St. Benilde in the 90's (Matanda na Tito Richie niyo), admittedly I had never heard of the place they call "Syfu's Grill", which seemed to be incredibly popular with La Sallians.
The sun may have set on Syfu's Grill, however from its ashes, a new concept has risen, and with consultant Chef Kel Zaguirre developing a "Street Food with a Japanese Kick" theme to the menu, Eat 9707 is shaking the foodie world to its very core.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
CAFE ENYE OPENS AT CITI PLAZA, BGC
I still remember when I tried the Brunch Menu of Cafe Enye at Eastwood, and I felt that I wouldn't be surprised to see more branches of this delicious discovery in the near future. A year later, Cafe Enye finally decided it was time to expand, with its second branch opening at Bonifacio Global City!
Monday, February 19, 2018
2 LAZCANO PLACE: URBANIDAD CAFE
Another cozy coffee shop within the 2 Lazcano Place complex is Urbanidad. Located at the ground floor of growing food hub, Urbanidad offers a wide array of comfort food and desserts to choose from, as well as coffees and other beverages. And yes, you may cross order from any of the other establishments with 2 Lazcano Place!
Thursday, February 15, 2018
2 LAZCANO PLACE: LITTLE WINE HAUS
As a testament to how diverse the establishments at 2 Lazcano Place are, there is also a Wine & Tapas place that offers a little solace for those looking to unwind over a few drinks after a long day.. The aptly named, Little Wine Haus.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
2 LAZCANO PLACE: THE BREWOLOGY CAFE
As we continued our tour eating around 2 Lazcano Place, we found ourselves enjoying the delectable desserts of an endearing little coffee shop on the second floor of the complex, called The Brewology Cafe.
Sunday, February 11, 2018
2 LAZCANO PLACE: BENTO & CO
As I mentioned in my previous about about Two Lazcano Place, the QC Food hub houses several restaurants, and I had the pleasure of sampling a few during my visit. Much like the popular "Ketchup Food Community" in Baguio, the Two Lazcano complex allows cross ordering from all the restaurants, giving you a diverse selection to choose from, ranging from Japanese Food, American Food, Mouth-watering Pastries and of course, home grown Filipino food.
The next establishment that offered me a taste of their wares, was Bento & Co., a charming little restaurant that serves Japanese food, including delicious, yet affordable bento meals.
SM NORTH EDSA EATS: KUMORI
We all headed to the Food Circuit at The Block Ground Floor and started our food crawl at Kumori, A delightful little place that bakes fresh pastries and more!
SM NORTH EATS: NADAI FUJISOBA
Just beside Kumori is a Japanese noodle place called Nadia Fujisoba. It’s a franchise from Japan that is famous for their soba and udon. I have to admit that I was a bit worried first that I would not like it as soon as I saw the term soba which is buckwheat noodles. I remember not liking it the first time I tried soba in Korea. But Nadai Fujisoba completely turned it around for me.
SM NORTH EATS: CAFE SHIBUYA
I was happy to see that there’s a Cafe Shibuya in SM North. Whenever we would go there, we would always order one of their famous toasts. During this visit, we were able to sample some of their savory items, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that they were quite delicious as well!
Saturday, February 10, 2018
THE ORIGINAL HAWAIIAN BBQ AT QUEZON CITY
As much as I love Pamana, I'm always left in a quandry between which restaurant to visit during my limited time in Tagaytay.. Pamana or The Hawaiian BBQ? Which is why I was ecstatic when I found out that the Mother Ignacia branch of Pamana, is also the home of The Original Hawaiian BBQ, where you can cross order from either restaurant's menu!
STARTERS
Even though I had this during our Tagaytay trip late last year, there was no way that I could go to Hawaiian BBQ and NOT order the Hawaiian Spam and Fries (P235) again.
Thin strips of the world's most famous luncheon meat is fried with caramelized onions and crisp French Fries, then coated in Hawaiian BBQ's homemade BBQ Sauce, creating one of the most addicting items on their menu.
Hawaiian BBQ's claim to fame has to be their Original Hawaiian Baby Back Ribs (P380 Small/P765 Medium/P990 Large). Lip smacking, fall off the bone ribs, glazed in the Hawaiian BBQ Sauce that offers a sweet and tangy touch. The Ribs are best paired with their selection of sides, including Roasted Garlic Mashed Potato, Coleslaw Salad, Taro Shoestring Fries, Buttered Corn and Carrots, and French Fries.
The Barbecue Platter (P940) is an assembly of some of Hawaiian BBQ's greatest hits in one magnificent wooden slab. Before ordering, you have choose from their signature sauces, which includes the Original Hawaiian BBQ, Sam Choi's Spicy Rub, or Coconut Honey.
The platter consists of Plump Shrimp skewers, masterfully grilled Mussels, and juicy Pork and Chicken BBQ, and my personal favorite, Barbecued Pork Belly.
The restaurant's name alone makes it clear that family comes first in the Ongpauco household, which is why going there with my KTG family was only fitting, and made my visit to Pamana even more enjoyable. Not to mentoned, having the Hawaiian BBQ Menu readily available will truly making your dining experience something special.
Pamana & Hawaiian BBQ
Mother Ignacia Avenue
Tomas Morato, South Triangle,
Quezon City, Metro Manila
MALINGAP CENTRAL FOOD HALL PART 10: TAZA PLATITO
TAZA PLATITO
I wouldn't be surprised if you begin hearing the name "Taza Platito" more often in the coming months. This desserts specialist serves up some innovative and delicious desserts.
MALINGAP CENTRAL FOOD HALL PART 9: HAPITORI
Given that Malingap Central Food Hall has the makings of a great watering hole, It makes sense that there would be Beer Friendly items, such as Hapitori's Skewered Meats, also known as Japanese Yakitori.
MALINGAP CENTRAL FOOD HALL PART 8: STICKY PIG
Hearing the name "Sticky Pig" immediately made me think of a Rib Shack. Although Grilled Baby Ribs are one of their specialties, Sticky Pig also offers an extensive range of Seafood dishes to choose from, which is pretty impressive for a food hall stall. You can even have fun with the menu by ordering the Surf and Turf Combos which even includes pasta!
MALINGAP CENTRAL FOOD HALL PART 7: SHISK-K
Mediterranean flavors are brought to life in Malingap Central Food Hall through the stall, "Shish-K", home to some of the most affordable and delicious kebabs in the metro.
Friday, February 9, 2018
2 LAZCANO PLACE: KUSINA JUAN REPLUBLIKA
I mentioned this in my earlier blog posts, but when I moved back to Manila from Cebu right after high school, I first lived with my grandfather at the Scout Area of Quezon City. Dining at the Scout Area didn't have the gems that are there today. In fact, if we wanted a decent meal, we would have to drive over to the bustling Tomas Morato Ave, where legendary restaurants, such as Mario's, Anabels' and the like still stand today.
But to think of getting a delicious meal just walking distance from my grandfather's place was unheard of. Sadly, more than 20 years after moving out of that QC neighborhood, it has become quite a food haven. And as you may have it, I found an amazing hub just down the street for my Grandfather's house, called 2 Lazcano Place, which housed a charming little Filipino restaurant that I thoroughly enjoyed... Kusina Juan Republika.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
MALINGAP CENTRAL FOOD HALL PART 6: ALFRED'S ROAST BEEF STATION
I find that Roast Beef is my usual "go-to" dish when dining at food parks, courts and markets. And if I visited Malingap Central Food Hall on my own, there's a very good chance that Alfred's Roast Beef Combo would have been my choice as well.
MALINGAP CENTRAL FOOD HALL PART 5: QUIOXTE
With the backing of Spanish food icon Dulcinea behind it, Quixote serves up delicious Paellas and Churros that will make your mouth water.
MALINGAP CENTRAL FOOD HALL PART 4: EL SOMBRERO
El Sombrero is a charming little Mexican Cantina that offers a suprisingly wide selection of classic Mexican dishes that belies its small size.
MALINGAP CENTRAL FOOD HALL PART 3: NICE TO MEAT YOU
Described as a " Chinese Pinoy Eatery", Nice to meat you has a nice selection of predominantly meat based dishes, that will please even the fiercest carnivore (me).
MALINGAP CENTRAL FOOD HALL PART 2: HONEY BUTTER FRIED CHICKEN
I'm a fan of sweet meets savory, and all things buttery, so I did a quadruple backflip when I heard Malingap Food Hall had a stall called "Honey Butter Fried Chicken", which apparently is the brainchild of the group that brought you "Rub Ribs".
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
AN UNLIMITED DIMSUM FEAST AT LI LI AT NEW WORLD MANILA BAY
Rarely do the Zamoras find ourselves in the Manila area, but we would cross oceans and climb mountains for some awesome dimsum, and Li Li, the premiere Chinese restaurant of AG New World Manila Bay Hotel, is the home of one of the best Dimsum All You Can Promos that you can find in Metro Manila!
Monday, February 5, 2018
WELCOMING THE YEAR OF THE DOG AT LUNG HIN, MARCO POLO MANILA
If you read my previous post on Marco Polo Hotel at Ortigas, then you'll know that I find Lung Hin to be among the finest restaurants in the country today, regardless of the cuisine. Chef Terry Lai is indeed one of the best in the business, and this 2018 Chinese New Year media event was a wonderful way to sample some of his new dishes, while ushering in the Year of the Dog.
Sunday, February 4, 2018
INDUSTRIE FOOD LOFT: NIKU NIKU
Niku Niku is a stall at Industrie Food Loft that serves a whole slew of different grilled Japanese skewers for you to choose from, and also gives you the liberty to pair it with the sauce of your choice.
Wagyu Cubes have recently become a craze, and I hate to admit it, but I've fallen in love with it as well, so I wanted to try their Saikoro Wagyu with Tare sauce, and I was not disappointed. The meat virtually melted in my mouth and the Tare sauce offered a blend of soy meets sweet flavors that paired nicely with the cubes.
I'll make sure to drop by again soon so I can review the other stalls at Industrie Food Hall!
INDUSTRIE FOOD LOFT
2/F CityGolf PlazaJulia Vargas Ave.,
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
INDUSTRIE FOOD LOFT: THE BROKEN OVEN
I think 2017 was the year that the Food Park concept really took the metro by storm. Dropping by a food park makes me feel like im in Disneyland or something to that effect, but my problem is, living in the Philippines, we usually have to deal with the heat. Which is sort of why I tend to prefer the Food Hall concept more than the park.
The difference, you ask? AIR CON.
It may sounds like a small difference, but believe you me, its often a deal breaker for me when deciding where to eat.
Which is why I was excited when I heard about Industrie Food Loft. With a whole bunch of exciting gastronomic purveyors, housed under one air-conditioned roof? Count me in!
And the best part? It's located in Ortigas, which is located near me!
Here's a quick review of some stalls I was able to try during my first visit to Industrie Food Loft.
DINING AT MARCO POLO: CONNECT LOUNGE
For afternoon refreshments, you may drop by the Connect Lounge, located at the 24th floor. Again, the draw here is the breathtaking view of the metropolis, which you can gaze at while enjoying their Afternoon Tea Set (P788) which is available everyday from 2pm-6pm.
Friday, February 2, 2018
SM NORTH EDSA EATS: 3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT IHOP FRESH & GO!
Three words that always brings a smile to my face... "ALL DAY BREAKFAST". Considering how IHOP exploded on to the scene a few years ago, it's clear that we Pinoys have a fascination with the integral morning meal. IHOP brought in their fast casual style restaurant "IHOP Fresh and Go" to our shores, introducing yet another delectable way to enjoy your breakfast, and was the last stop of our mini food crawl around SM NORTH EDSA!