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Category: Makati

  • Review of Chaplin (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)

    Review of Chaplin (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)

    When Chaplin fully launches soon this April, Century City Mall in Makati will get yet another surge of limelight—as it should. Reflective of upscale Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, this mash-up leads to a celebration of clean, vibrant, wholesome flavors.

    Vegetarians, vegans, and the growing health-conscious masses will go weak in the knees for Chaplin’s vividly hued, delicious vegetable-centric dishes, I bet. We came here for lunch yesterday and totally enjoyed the food and also conversations with Chef Myke Del Rosario and F&B Manager, JM. 🙂

    Review of Chaplin (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    For a perfect meal with friends and family, a pleasing dining area is obviously where the journey starts. Chaplin is decorated with a style that oozes sophistication and elegance with crisp, well-defined straight lines. The connection between modernity and contemporary almost looked natural and seamless. I can imagine staying here all day just appreciating its cool ambiance. 🙂

    Chaplin’s theme combines form with function with comfort in an effortless manner. Quotes posted on the walls evoke some humor which take inspiration from Charlie Chaplin. I love the exquisite chairs with round coffee tables and sofa seats at the sides for a more relaxing vibe. Lights enclosed with a cage hanging from the ceiling also looked quite unique and classy.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was friendly and professional. Staffs were attentive and quick to take requests from customers. They were also accommodating and helpful. I just hope this service level would stay consistent this way in the coming months.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Chaplin’s owners are from Israel, and this mostly explains why their dishes take inspiration largely from Israel. Bourekas (PhP 240), for instance, are the quick breakfast or brunch of choice in Israel. Also regarded as “Israeli hand pies,” these crispy pockets of dough stuffed with cheese and filled with boiled eggs, tomatoes, and pesto sauce had a good mix of texture. Taste packed a punch for summer and it was awesome, no doubt.

    Served in its cast-iron pan, shakshouka (PhP 195) came with one egg perfectly poached in a liquidy sauce of spiced tomatoes, plenty of olives, spices, and feta cheese. It’s paired with ciabatta (house bread) to wipe up all that tasty and glorious shakshouka swamp. Good stuff!

    Juicy and smooth all the way through, the Eggplant Melanzane (PhP 265) was a bomb of tomato flavors with a hint of truffle. It got a savory boost and meaty texture from the button mushrooms inside (something unexpected). Made without cheese (dairy food), this vegan dish is good enough that we will happily return. I’m sure my dad will love it.

    For our main course, we had the Chicken Steak (PhP 345)—grilled marinated chicken thigh served with side salad. It’s one of those food that you can’t help but love. The skinless and boneless chicken was moist, plump and tender without any greasiness or sogginess. Mashed potatoes on the side had a good dose of salt. Each spoonful was a delight as it’s decadently buttery but not the kind that’s heavy-tasting. Yum!

    Chaplin’s Strawberry Fruit Shake (PhP 185) was rich and thick with a prominent strawberry flavor. We liked that it was not too sweet and tasted rather real. Expect nothing of the fruit-flavored powder drink here.

    The Chaplin Tea (PhP 160) is another must-try. Made with honey, ginger, cinnamon, orange slice, and mint, this is a calming drink that brings a feeling of contentment. Tip: Use the cinnamon stick not only as the stirrer of the warm beverage but also as the straw and sip directly from it for a more aromatic taste. 😉

    The Apple Jimmy (PhP 195) was a refreshingly fruity cocktail. Made with whiskey, the liquor wasn’t too strong and wasn’t too sweet to drink alongside food. Cheers!

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Food prices at Chaplin, Century City Mall doesn’t hurt the pocket. This place works like a cafe, restaurant, and a bar altogether, or so it seemed, to us. The variety of food offered in its menu looked adventurous enough to be fun but not so adventurous that it’s intimidating. One option is to settle into a table and get familiar with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Another is to grab seats outside and breathe into the fresh air with cold alcohol drinks on hand. Either way, I hope you’d have a great experience. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/chaplin.cafe.philippines/” name=”Chaplin Café” description=”Fourth Floor, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue Corner Salamanca Street, Poblacion, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 9465335″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-03-20″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Big Jap (24H Apartment Hotel, La Paz, Makati)

    Review of Big Jap (24H Apartment Hotel, La Paz, Makati)

    At Big Jap in Makati, budget-friendly tabs and good service embellish the subdued ambiance. Big Jap is the only restaurant housed in 24H Apartment Hotel. It serves Continental breakfast from 7:00AM mostly for hotel guests and offers à la carte Japanese food from day to night. While this restaurant looks unassuming from the outside, inside this cozy venue, an experienced chef who has worked in Japan produces fabulous Japanese dishes of good quality. Awesome set meals earn plaudits of “wow.” More on these below.

    with owners Raymond and Maritess

    Review of Big Jap (24H Apartment Hotel, La Paz, Makati)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Big Jap is a relaxed, comfortable contemporary Japanese restaurant featuring sumo as its overall theme. There’s no wresting going on, but I guess part of that concept is that it serves big plates of reasonably priced food made with top quality ingredients.

    Dining area is wide and spacious, so this restaurant can accommodate small to large groups. There’s also a small function room at the back for more intimate dining with friends. This place does not mimic a full-on authentic and traditional Japanese design, but you can still fall in love with its very simple aesthetic that is clean and modest.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was kind, helpful, and accommodating. Staff handed me out the menu and gave me the Wi-Fi Internet password upon request as soon as I walked into the restaurant. Orders came out fast and served with a smile.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Rice Toppings (Donburimono)

    Oyakodon (PhP 175) is a classic form of Japanese rice bowl dish. Oyako means “parent and child” and this makes oyakodon represent “the chicken and the egg.” Big Jap’s version was both delicate and comforting. It’s not too salty and soy sauce was not too strong either. The slightly caramelized onions gave it light sweetness. Putting a thin layer of sesame seeds on the rice prior to laying down the main dish would add a nice flavor and a bit of texture.

    Gyudon (PhP 190) is another popular Japanese dish consisting of sliced beef and egg. Simmered in a sweet soy sauce-based sauce and served over a bowl of steamed white rice, the beef was tasty. I just hoped that there could be an option to add more raw eggs to give out a richer flavor and creamy consistency on the meat. Gyudon, after all, won’t taste as good without a crown—or crowns—of golden yolk.

    With mildly sweet sauce, Butanikudon (PhP 165) was a bit of a letdown for me and it wasn’t very memorably. The pork slices with onion combo was a bit too plain and dry to my liking.

    Big Jap’s Shoyu Ramen (PhP 220) had a very light, clear and thin broth that was mediocre. I thought there are better versions. The noodles were excellent though. They were not starchy and the texture was just slightly springy giving a good bite.

    Eat All You Can Set

    Nope, it’s not a seasonal deal. You can get unlimited Shrimp Tempura (PhP 250 individually), Deep-fried  Tonkatsu (pork chops) (PhP 145 individually), Scallion Rice, and the Iced Tea Special (PhP 55 individually) at only PhP 448. Exemplary! All in this set tasted supremely good. The tempura and tonkatsu were fried nicely and not too greasy. The complimentary sauces (wasabi mayo, tempura sauce, and teriyaki sauce) on the side were well-balanced and palate-pleasing.

    Set Meal

    Big Jap’s Team Sumo (PhP 758) is another great steal. If you find it hard to choose which to order, getting this sumo platter (for four people) will make your day. You can choose among “tonkatsu, teriyaki, or teppanyaki” for Pork, “katsu, teriyaki, or teppanyaki” for Chicken, and “kani tempura, katsu sakana furai, or tempura squid teppanyaki” for Seafood to make up your own set meal. This also comes with yakisoba, nikuyasai itame, gohan and red iced tea. Home run.

    Desserts at Big Jap get an A+ in my book.

    The Buco Supreme (PhP 65) was delicious and dreamy. I’m not sure why and how it’s added to a Japanese restaurant’s menu since it’s not too “Japanese.” Regardless, this is an absolute must-order! 🙂 I enjoyed the light sweetness and perfect creaminess punctuated with shredded young coconut.

    The Coffee Jelly with Ice Cream (PhP 65) tasted like holiday cheer. It’s like a soft flan with vanilla ice cream mixed with coffee explosions in your mouth. Yum!

    The Banana Surprise (PhP 125, big; PhP 85, small) easily became one of our favorites. Topped with cream, the banana fritter in cake form was made with light batter. It was thick, moist, and fluffy! This sweet treat may have cost me a few calories, but it was so worth it. 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Big Jap is a brisk ten-minute walk from Ayala. If you’re working in Makati area, this can serve as one of your go-to business lunch spots. Best of all, you can walk right in without a reservation—even if you’re not wearing black designer duds or in a formal attire. 😉 Prices have good value, considering the portion, presentation and the tastes of food. Each dish was substantial in its own way, and for that, we will definitely pay Big Jap a return visit. Thanks to Aldous for the invite!

    [schema type=”review” name=”Big Jap” description=”24 H Apartment Hotel, P. Ocampo Street, La Paz, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 2469069 ext:556″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-03-02″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Commune PH (Poblacion, Makati)

    Review of Commune PH (Poblacion, Makati)

    After having lunch at Corner Tree Cafe in Bel-Air, we drove up to Poblacion to try Commune’s fluffy animal 3D coffee art which has been trending on Instagram lately. The designs look unbearably artistic and inspiring! If you’re like us who are into ridiculously cute-looking stuff like this, it’s a no-brainer to visit Commune PH in Makati. 🙂 Otherwise, I think you’ll be fine at the confines of this chic cafe while taking a step back and simultaneously admiring the tremendous level of skill involved in making coffee.

    Review of Commune PH (Poblacion, Makati)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    The aesthetics of Commune looked clean and almost monochromatic, as is the architecture of the space itself. Each of the sections was arranged in a way that encourages social behavior but that also respects privacy. The one at the left of the serving counter featured a tall, high-top, bar-height set of table and stools, offering a comfortable setting for solo eaters.

    Running down the central portion was the long communal table, which is most ideal for those who have a sense of kinship and are fine to overhear their neighbor’s conversation. The one at the right side had regular dining tables, perfect for people who do not like rubbing elbows together with seatmates. When you’re seated here though, you get less opportunity to meet a new friend or a cute stranger. 😛

    Overall ambiance was bright but not too cozy and inviting as more cafes in the city. Adding perspective and working as an accent, the chalkboard wall with writings and scribbles makes up for a more fun and playful environment. The only thing I didn’t like and almost could not stand was the heat. Perhaps this was because we were so near the windows.


    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was kind and accommodating. Seeing the process of how the staff made our coffee was a good experience. It could be tricky to get a grasp on the dynamics. Truly, the execution of the art of the cappuccino we ordered requires some skill that elevates an ordinary cup to something special. There’s a theatrical aspect to it and it’s so satisfying when the outcome looks right.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    We had a quick scan on the menu and did not hesitate to ask the staff which item has the 3D art on it. It’s the Cappuccino (PhP 120), he replied. We had the bear, cat, and dog designs. 🙂 These coffee were blended to perfection and they felt like liquid silk on the tongue. The milk was a little too foamy and frothy but nothing disastrous. We took some minutes taking photos of the “character coffee” before finally taking our first sip.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    High expectations were met at this cafe with its irresistible coffee designs. Commune must be a new local favorite. It certainly attracts a casual crowd that relishes a “quiet enough to talk” setting. Reasonable prices matched with fair value seal the deal for a great moment to share with friends. Food entrees, and not only coffee, are also available. We have to be back next time to try! 🙂

    Because of my Gourmet Society card, I scored 20% discount off the bill! I won this card from Sam Oh’s Instagram contest a few months ago. Gourmet Society Philippines is a dining privilege card that provides its members 20% off their restaurant bill. With more than a hundred restaurants, they are rolling out more exciting offerings that will change the way dining is done here in Manila. Check out their FAQs page to learn more. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/CommunePH/” name=”Commune PH” description=”36 Polaris Street, Poblacion, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 2756324″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-02-13″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Corner Tree Cafe Vegetarian Food (Bel-Air, Makati)

    Review of Corner Tree Cafe Vegetarian Food (Bel-Air, Makati)

    Taking vegetarian fare to amazing heights, Corner Tree Cafe along Jupiter Street in Bel-Air, Makati offers creative dishes with a refreshing change. Tastes set the standard with quality-sourced vegan and vegetarian food delivered in an intimate and relaxed setting. If you want to try all-natural, earthy digs and flee from meaty havens, this is the place to go. Tasting is believing. 😉

    Review of Corner Tree Cafe Vegetarian Food (Bel-Air, Makati)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Corner Tree Cafe’s ambiance felt homely and inviting. Despite the plain and sparsely furnished interior design, the atmosphere was calm, clean, and proper. It’s an absolutely ideal place for those who want to unwind or have an engaging chat, one where bookworms can also hang out and read books on a quiet corner.

    Service: ★★★☆☆

    The service attendant was quick and helpful when recommending dishes on the menu, but she wasn’t gracious and friendly as we could have hoped. Perhaps that’s understandable since all other staffs were too busy on their feet attending to requests of customers as well.  They were efficient however were so focused on efficiency that we felt hurried and not totally valued as individual customers. There was little eye contact.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    For our appetizer, the Corner Tree Starter Plate (PhP 295) came out as an interesting combination of dukka and dummus. Dukka is an Egyptian fragrant dry blend of seeds, pulses, and spices with warm chunks of whole wheat bread and extra virgin olive oil. The hummus was made of chickpeas, tahini, and black olives served with vegetable sticks. The fresh, distinct, and interesting array of mixed flavors and textures in one bite make it a good option but not a must-order.

    The Spinach Feta Croquettes (PhP 210, 3 pieces) had a nice comforting flavor and were light and crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle. These tasty croquettes were made with spinach, feta, cheese and red rice served with a mint organic yogurt sauce and Corner Tree Cafe’s very own harissa on the side (great for chili lovers). We definitely recommend.

    Made with spinach, roasted bell pepper, mushroom, and three different cheeses, the Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna (PhP 450) was very aromatic and it was an absolute hit. This vegetarian lasagna was about as fresh and summery as it’s ever going to get, creamy and packed with deliciousness altogether.

    A nirvana for a vegetarian’s taste buds, the Arroz a la Cubana (PhP 255) was cooked with flavorful minced tofu, tomatoes, green olives, raisins, and fried bananas with red rice. It was topped with fried egg but that’s optional for vegans. I loved that the plating was artfully prepared, and the combination of ingredients in this dish was both hearty and comforting.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    Corner Tree Cafe in Makati showcases delectable vegan and vegetarian dishes, so guests can expect satisfaction when opting for their cuisine, especially for the most recommended dishes on the menu. It has received so many high praises and awards in recent years. Being named as the “Best Specialty Cuisine” restaurant by “Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets” (MBKRS) Awards says a lot about this cafe. Prices are on the higher end of the spectrum but dishes in general have good value.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://cornertreecafe.com/” name=”Corner Tree Cafe Vegetarian Food” description=”150 Jupiter Corner Saturn Street, Bel-Air, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 2469069 ext:147, +63 906 558-6177 or e-mail cornertreecafe@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-02-12″ user_review=”14″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: Daily 11am to 10pm

  • Review of Rekado Atbp. (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Rekado Atbp. (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Rekado Atbp. is a Filipino restaurant that ably executes traditional Pinoy food favorites and one that does so in a trendy setting. I treated my family to lunch in its branch in BGC Stopover a day before Christmas when we were exploring new restaurants in Bonifacio Global City. Serving generous portions of food, Rekado Atbp. is a laid-back spot that’s totally recommended for big-group and family-style dining.

    Review of Rekado Atbp. (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Rekado Atbp. in BGC Stopover Pavilion has classy interior design and theme that combines orange and versatile brown conveying luxury and earthiness. It’s interesting how these colors create an upbeat yet formal dining ambiance as they communicate a certain air of maturity and liveliness at the same time.

    The use of wood textures on the walls and dining fixtures made an interesting visual detail. The restaurant’s soft lighting was also a key element that heightened a more elegant experience. The chandeliers looked very nice and chic. I wished I could bring them home! 😛

    Service: ★★★★☆

    Servers were not as attentive as they should have been at the latter part of our stay. Maybe their minds were on holiday mode and they were also thinking about vacation? Anyway, for the most part, they were nice and friendly. Our orders came out fast and plates were taken as they empty.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Green mussels taste more like the sweet, briny ocean. Since mussels are such a blank canvas, dressing them up with flavors that can ultimately transform the dish to the next level must be a breeze. Tahong Chips (PhP 199) served with cream cheese dip put on a nice try. The chips were crispy and tasty with the condiment, but the true taste of mussels did not stand out in every bite.

    Tahong Sisig (PhP 250), on the other hand, was a stunner. Presented on a hot plate, the garlicky chopped green mussels were tempting and great with plain white rice. We sprinkled calamansi juice and mixed it all over. The result was a dish that’s decidedly tangy, exotic, and over-the-top delicious. Adding in chili made it even more palatable, and this is best for fans of heat. Bulls-eye!

    Binagoongan Verde (PhP 255) isn’t your standard lechon kawali. It consisted of crisp lechon kawali rubbed with shrimp paste served with green mango puree. The pork was juicy and well-spiced. The taste of bagoong was overpowering in this dish and it added a layer of pungency. For newbies, sometimes the aroma alone can be too much to handle. But for us who appreciate fermented shrimp paste, a whiff of it makes us become like a bee to flowers.

    Adobong Kangkong at Tokwa (PhP 95) was made with river spinach and tofu cooked in soy sauce and topped with toasted garlic. It’s got a nice kick and contrast between the sour vinegar, sweet soy sauce, and nutty garlic. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians gotta love it. 🙂

    Combined with vegetables, Bulalo Soup (PhP 460) was commendable in its simplicity, but it slightly lacked the taste of beef shank that we imagined. There’s nothing too bad about it, but it’s not life-changing either. The beef was really tender and fell off of the bone. It won’t hurt to eat the beef fat inside the marrow once in a while, especially this holiday season. It’s pure decadence!

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Finding a good restaurant in BGC is easy. It’s a culinary zone that’s expanding fast with new delicious spots in just about every corner. Still, it’s a breath of fresh air when the food is legitimately awesome. Rekado Atbp. is a recommended Filipino restaurant that serves great food at great value. 🙂 The next time you’re on the hunt for some Pinoy comfort food or need a reward for working late at the office in BGC, Rekado Atbp. is the move.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/rekadoatbp/” name=”Rekado Atbp.” description=”31st Street Corner 2nd Avenue, BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 3307720″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-12-28″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Other branch: Rekado The Columns, Salcedo Village, Makati City – Ground Floor, The Columns Tower 2, Ayala Corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Bel-Air, Makati City

  • Review of Yumchee (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Yumchee (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Yumchee at BGC Stopover Pavilion is a newly opened premium fastfood restaurant that aims more toward serving traditional Chinese comfort food in a contemporary, hip setting. Chinese comfort food can be a dangerous game to play now with fierce competition in Metro Manila. So many places mess it up, and the catastrophes tend to be bigger than those at more straightforward restaurants. But I tell you, Yumchee does it incredibly well. This is where savory Chinese dimsum and congee sit nicely aside bowls of noodle soup and some delicious combinations of viands. I had lunch here with my KTG foodie friends two weeks ago. 🙂

    Review of Yumchee (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Arriving at Yumchee felt very much like discovering a little-known gem. The setup is similar to regular casual fastfood joints where dining guests view the menu behind the counter to order and pay. What’s notably different though is that the menu is animated. 🙂 Photos of food are enhanced with hot steam smoke, an effect that makes dishes look more appetizing.

    Yumchee is outfitted with simple fixtures, comfortable furnishings, clean flooring, and bright lighting. It’s spacious enough to accommodate big groups. For business lunches, family dinners, or after-work meals, this is the place to be.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Everything was pleasant. Dishes came out fast as what you would normally anticipate from a fastfood or quick-service restaurant. We met the owners and they were very accommodating. Staffs were also attentive and helpful. I hope that this positive attitude will remain consistent even after their soft opening.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Dim Sum

    “Dim sum” is to the Chinese what tapas is to the Spanish. It’s all about small servings of different dishes representing a variety of great foods and tastes. We tried the following and thought they were absolutely well executed—a far cry from food stalls normally selling such a hearty delicacy in the busy parts of the city.

    The Pork Shrimp Siomai (PhP 85), the Beancurd Shrimp Roll (PhP 85), and the Shrimp Dumpling (PhP 85) were stuffed to the brim without overwhelming the wrapper. I guess it’s worth mentioning that the wrapper was moderately thick and not doughy. It was tender but with a bit of elastic chew. Translucency was made perfect, barely revealing what’s stuffed inside. The fillings were moist and packed with the true flavor.

    Not skimpy on the meat filling as well, Fried Wanton (PhP 85) had a crisp crust and the sauce served with it was quite delicious. It could have been a deeper golden brown though, to add points for attraction.

    Yumchee’s Asado Siopao or BBQ Pork Buns (PhP 85) had three defining components: the fluffy steamed bun, tenderness of the pork, and its aromatic asado flavor. When combined, it resulted to a messy, colorful, glorious snack of sweet delight, with multiple textures to boot. It’s one of the dim sum you can order and eat while on-the-go.

    Noodle Soup

    Clean and thin in texture, the Wanton Noodle Soup (PhP 159) in itself was a filling meal with delicate flavors and a soul-satisfying warmth. Bouncy pork was the star. Overall, this entree tasted okay but not at par with the wanton soup of my youth, the one that originally made me fall in love with the salty, slippery comforting soup dish. I thought the difference lies in the broth. It’s a worthy dish to try at Yumchee nonetheless.

    Two times better than the Wanton Noodle Soup, the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup (PhP 159) had sizable portions of juicy and tender beef brisket that lent body and flavor to the broth for the most part. The soup tasted like it was made with care in a real kitchen using real ingredients. This version was good enough as it did not come out strong on MSG. Would I want to hunker down on a cold night with only this bowl to keep me company? Probably yes, when I’m in BGC. 🙂

    Congee

    Congee or Chinese porridge is a staple in our home. The right water to rice ratio is the key to cooking it perfectly, and both Yumchee’s Pork with Century + Salted Egg Congee (PhP 159) and Mixed Seafood Congee (PhP 189) were able to pass our taste test. They’re silky and comforting while not being sludgy or overly heavy. The grains of rice were soft and thoroughly blended together. Yummy!


    Set Meals

    Set meals at Yumchee consist of one main dish, one side dish, and rice or soup. Options are as follows: Steamed Rice + Soup, Vegetable Fried Rice + Soup, Stir-fried Noodles + Soup, Seasonal Vegetables. I highly recommend the Chicken Chop (PhP 199) which reminded me of Taiwan’s crispy chicken chops, Orange Chicken (PhP 199) for its sweet orange-y kick, Beef Brisket (PhP 219) for the well-marbled meat, and the Fish Fillet with Tofu (PhP 199) which was presented in a mild sauce with melt-in-your-mouth soft fish fillet and tofu.

    Drinks and Desserts

    Drinks and desserts served were wickedly refreshing. I had the Iced Milk Tea (PhP 68) and was successfully satisfied. It was smooth, creamy, and fragrant. 🙂 Shaved ice with fruits (PhP 78 each) were awesome thirst-quenching concoctions with condensed milk. The combination of fruit selections kept every bite an interesting one. (Note: You get to pick two toppings for each order.) In the hot and sticky heat in the Philippines, a bowl of Shaved Ice will hydrate and cool you down fast.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    I have to admit, I entered Yumchee with low expectation and some trepidation. I grew up and still live in Chinatown, so pretty much, tasty and authentic Chinese food is easily accessible both in restaurants nearby and at home.

    Biting into our first dim sum at Yumchee, I wondered then, could this possibly be any good? The answer is yes!  Prices are no way on the steep side and their menu is solid, too—better than most Chinese fastfood joints away from Binondo. 🙂

    Yumchee Menu

    On the same venue, we also got to greet Boss Spanky a happy birthday since he had just celebrated his birthday a few days ago. The birthday cake with The Kain Tulog Gang’s logo was made by Goldilocks. The cake’s print design looked really adorable and it’s incredibly edible! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yumchee/848347238595929″ name=”Yumchee” description=”G/F Bonifactio Stopover, 31st St., cor Rizal Drive, BGC, Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call +63917 7172821″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-12-05″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: 10:30am-10pm

  • Review of Sultan Mediterranean Grill (Salcedo Village, Makati City)

    Review of Sultan Mediterranean Grill (Salcedo Village, Makati City)

    On the “keeper” list in Makati, Sultan Mediterranean Grill features delightful Mediterranean plates that are set down in tasty digs accompanied with drinks. This restaurant was established back in January 2010 but closed down after a while. With its reopening last January 2015, renovation and redesign were done, making its interior pass the eye test with flying colors. Bustling crowds are expected especially during weekdays when people from corporate offices nearby come for lunch.

    Sultan Grill will be opening a new branch in Wilson Street on November 15, 2015. So far, its well-conceived menu full of scrumptious specialties and the growing number of patrons in the neighborhood are enough to justify expansions.

    Review of Sultan Mediterranean Grill (Salcedo Village, Makati City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    With clean and crisp interior, Sultan Grill fits into a rectangular space with many large tables across the dining room. Black sofas beautifully offset the colorful accents and decors which likewise provide a stately elegance to the blue and white adjacent walls. Lights give in ample brightness over the tables and help make a lighthearted atmosphere, but chandeliers with distinctive industrial appearance can further create a modern and interesting appeal.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Engaging staffers served us with glorious cuisine and explained the ingredients of each dish when asked. A restuarant’s service team is one of the crucial elements in its operations, and I’m happy to report that Sultan Grill’s staffs well-trained, well-versed on the menu, and friendly. I mostly appreciate their warm welcome and modesty.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Falafel is one of the signature starters of Mediterranean cuisine—and with good reason. Sultan Grill’s version of Falafel on top of Hummus (PhP 250) did not disappoint. It’s an obvious choice for vegetarians. Made and processed with very finely chopped chickpeas, falafel is a great substitute for meatballs or sausage. Texture was coherent, and the crust was pleasantly crisp and not a bit greasy. Hummus added another dimension to the taste and it’s definitely worth a try.

    The Vitamin Boost Salad (PhP 250) had a citrus kick, thanks to the orange-cranberry dressing. This plus the heartiness of nuts and greens, this baby can give enough sustenance to get you through a whole day. If you’re on a detox or diet plan, this is good dish you can even share with a buddy over any meal.

    If you’re not a fan of starters, feel free to go directly to the main course. Braised Lamb Shanks (PhP 550) is something you don’t screw around with. Sure, it’s easily one of the most expensive items on the menu, but with the juiciness of the lamb shanks and the multitude of flavors from the Mediterannean, it’s a must order for domestic bliss. Served with rice, the lamb shanks were braised for three hours and what resulted were deeply substantive and savory taste and texture.

    Consisting of well-seasoned hunks of lamb, beef, chicken, and seafood, the Kebab Platter (PhP 580) is a good pick if you want to try just about every kebab available in Sultan Grill. This platter can comfortable feed four or more people. While variety is a plus, I did not think that the beef and lamb were tender enough. Rather, the meats veered toward dry without the spicy richness it could have offered for extra satisfaction.


    The Lobia Rice (PhP 95) was made with rice, string beans, and chicken with a twist of Mediterranean taste. It’s one of those food where you can let your eyes be your best guide. The orange color alone hinted that it’s appetizing. 🙂 This bowl of rice went truly well with the Kebab Platter.

    Moussaka (PhP 250) – A uniquely Greek traditional dish of layered minced beef, eggplant and cheeses, baked like Italian Lasagna. Each bite was completed with rich taste of the ground beef and the sauce. Texture was far from being too chewy, mushy, and crappy.

    The Chicken Curry (PhP 210) was another one that good amount of depth and character. It reminded me most of the Indian curry because of the smell. The curry was cooked with a combination of herbs and spices and coconut milk that provided a nice thick sauce. What slightly turned me off though was that the potatoes were still too hard to cut through.

    Banana Yogurt Shake (PhP 100) was the perfect drink to sip in between bites. I love that the banana flavor was evident, and the yogurt shake was  thick, rich, and yummy.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Mediterranean food can still be intimidating since there are not a lot of restaurants in the metro that widely serves this cuisine unlike Japanese, Chinese, Italian, American, and of course, Filipino local bites. I like that Sultan Mediterranean Grill in Makati keeps the mood light and casual and their staffs recommend the best dishes to try. Prices are average and has good value considering the portions served and the quality of food served.

     [schema type=”review” url=”http://sultanph.com/” name=”Sultan Mediterranean Grill” description=”G 9, Valero Plaza Condiminium, San Augustin Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 8945909″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-10-15″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: 11:00AM – 10:00PM Daily

  • My Top 5 Picks at the Ultimate Taste Test 2015 (Glorietta Activity Center, Ayala Center Makati)

    My Top 5 Picks at the Ultimate Taste Test 2015 (Glorietta Activity Center, Ayala Center Makati)

    Last September 12, 2015, Saturday, a thousand of foodies participated in the Ultimate Taste Test 2015 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati. Organized by Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet and San Miguel Lifestyle Brews, this food tasting event gave food lovers a chance to become food critics for a day. Over 40 food suppliers consisting of home-based food businesses and new ventures joined and served mouth-watering new flavors to guests.

    Ultimate Taste Test 2015

    It was my first time to attend such an event, and I was floored with the many different selections of food available.

    The mechanics are pretty simple. Each of us was given one plate and a spoon to be used for the entire food sampling duration, so part of the challenge was to keep the plate neat and clean after getting and tasting food from the first booth to the last.

    We were also handed out the map of the activity area and the rating sheet where we had to rate the food supplier accordingly on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest):

    1 – Thanks, but it could be better.
    2 – It is OK.
    3 – We had a good time.
    4 – I love it!
    5 – Awesome! I would recommend it!

    The Ultimate Taste Test 2015’s official results are not out yet, and everyone is excited to find out who got the highest ratings. Meanwhile, here are my personal top picks that scored a perfect “5” and won my heart completely. 🙂

    My Top 5 Picks at the Ultimate Taste Test 2015 (Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City)

    1. Chocoliquor – Cakes by Maricar

    “Imagine biting into a high quality chocolate bonbon then taking the smallest sip of excellent red wine, just enough to enhance the flavor. That was our inspiration.” – Maricar Reyes-Poon

    The chocoliquor cake turned out moist and rich with a great chocolate flavor. It was delicately sweet with just a small hint of bitterness. The liquor’s taste was not too intense and overly done to overwhelm one’s tastes, so the cake can be quite friendly for both adults and children.

    This cake has been featured before on Kris TV, and it rightfully deserved so. Presented in a gold tin/box, this alcohol-based cake is an awesome treat to the family or a gift for a friend. I’m surprised that prices are more on the affordable end:

    3.5″ round gold tin – PhP 290 (required pre-order, minimum of 12 pieces)
    6.5″ round gold tin – PhP 550
    9″ × 8″ rectangle in gold box – PhP 850

    To learn more about Chocoliquor – Cakes by Maricar, visit/like its Facebook page or contact 09178648282 to order/inquire.

    2. Fisher Farms, Inc.

    I knew I would love the Smoked Milkfish – Pure Belly Cut by Fisher Farms, Inc. just by the smell of it. 🙂 It was mouth-watering, especially with rice. What made it special are the facts that they use the most premium part of the bangus and virgin beechwood chips imported from Germany to create not only a juicy texture and robust smokey flavor of the fish but also make it chemical-free and safe.

    This is also best recommended for those who don’t have the time to cook and prepare food, since the item is microwaveable and can be easily served in minutes. The Smoked Milkfish – Pure Belly Cut by Fisher Farms, Inc. doesn’t contain artificial ingredients and chemical preservatives. It’s healthy since it’s a good source of protein and Omega-3, has zero trans fat, and is free from gluten, casein, nitrites, and MSG.

    Fisher Farms, Inc. also sells meaty fishy sausages without the strong fishy taste. Products are available in Rustan’s and S&R. For more info, visit their website.

    3. Gelato Lab

    The softness and smoothness of the gelato served by Gelato Lab definitely stood out. My favorite flavor was the Matcha Choco Chip. 🙂 Mixed with chocolate bits that added a contrast, the Matcha Choco Chip gelato was made from high grade Japanese green tea powder thus produced an authentic full-bodied flavor.

    Others were also enjoyable and satisfactory. To achieve the Coffee Stracciatella gelato, Gelato Lab used premium Colombian beans to produce an intense, creamy taste of coffee without any acidity or bitterness. The beans were blended with thin bittersweet chocolate flecks, which perfectly complemented the richness of the coffee. To make the Mango Pudding gelato, real mangoes were used in the recipe and small mango bits were mixed in to add more juice to the bite. The Bailey’s Irish Cream had a unique taste of boozy flavor with just the right subtle touch of alcohol. Glorious!

    Aside from these presented in the Ultimate Taste Test booth, Gelato Lab also offers a good range of flavors from classic favorites (like dark chocolate and strawberry) and interesting combinations (like almond mascarpone) to the unusual (like thai milk tea, or pumpkin spice) and liquor-based (like pina colada).

    For more info, visit or like their Facebook Page.

    4. The Beef Barn

    My mom somewhat got addicted to going back a couple of times to The Beef Barn’s booth to relish their house specialty: the Roast Angus Beef with Wild Mushroom Sauce. Nothing could be more sinful and comforting than a huge chunk of fatty Angus beef smothered with a creamy wild mushroom gravy.

    The beef was crusted on all four sides and it had that melt-in-your-mouth wow factor that’s worth a minor heart attack. 😛 Indeed, the roast angus beef by The Beef Barn is a winner in our book.

    For more info, visit its website.

    5. Chivy & Co.

    If you want to get the famous Tian Tian hainanese chicken rice without having to fly to Singapore, Chivy & Co. can get you covered. Chivy & Co. created a recipe that’s inspired from the original and thought that they could make it even better.

    I can tell that they got it right. 🙂 How? They were able to retain the moisture and tenderness of the Sous Vide Hainanese Chicken and cook it in its natural juices perfectly. Three different types of sauces (ginger sauce, sweet soy sauce and chili sauce) were served together with the fragrant Hainanese rice. Absolutely delicious!

    Wrap Up

    The Ultimate Taste Test has been a fun event with something for everybody—appetizers, mains, drinks, desserts—you name it. As stated by Anton Diaz of OAP, “it is impossible to taste all the food in one session.” My mom and I went back three times to the Ultimate Taste Test (UTT15) activity area to give rest to our stomachs and set a good pace. 🙂 In between, we walked from Glorietta to SM, SM to Greenbelt, Greenbelt to Landmark and then back to Glorietta.

    We spent almost seven hours in the area and were happy to also spot some of our KTG friends. At the end of the day, we were able to taste and rate dishes from 40/49 food purveyors. Hooray! We can’t wait for the actual results. 🙂