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Category: Mandaluyong

  • Review of Jin Joo Korean Grill (The Podium, Ortigas, Mandaluyong)

    Review of Jin Joo Korean Grill (The Podium, Ortigas, Mandaluyong)

    Jin Joo Korean Grill is a modern Korean barbecue restaurant that serves an interesting mix of classic and innovative dishes. This restaurant is famous for their 8-flavored samgyeopsal including curry, herb, honey garlic, peanut, red pepper, smoky barbecue, soybean, and wine. Many of my friends gave recent positive reviews on their dining experiences at Jin Joo’s branch in Eastwood near our office.

    So when I saw a promotion on Metrodeal, which by the way was immediately sold out a few days after, I quickly grabbed the chance and bought a voucher with the advantage of getting “a sumptuous samgyeopsal grill and unlimited side dishes for P149 per person instead of P470.” The promotion, however, was limited to one person per table only.

    Following the promotion detail instructions, I made a reservation a week prior to coming. A day before, I called once more to confirm our booking and learned that senior citizen and PWD discounts cannot be used in conjunction with the promo. Since we have 5 senior citizens and 1 PWD with us, I didn’t bother anymore to present the voucher since the discounts would have a higher value to be slashed off our bill. Also, instead of availing of their unlimited samgyeopsal, we chose to order a la carte entrees as there’s plenty of interesting and exciting items on the menu to choose from.

    We dined at Jin Joo Korean Grill at The Podium with our family for the joint birthday celebration of my husband and me. 🙂

    Review of Jin Joo Korean Grill (The Podium, Ortigas, Mandaluyong)

    Ambiance:

    The restaurant’s brightly lit interior is mainly comprised of wood elements, contrasted by Instagram-worthy accent walls and pastel-colored chairs that exude a homey vibe. Basically, Jin Joo is for the most part a Korean barbecue spot that offers all-you-can-eat samgyeupsal (as a promotion), grill-your-own meat, along with a few add-on sides, in a welcoming, contemporary dinner locale with cooktop tables.

    At the peak of lunch time, the restaurant looked reliably busy, buzzing with the full-throttle energy of friends and families chowing and imbibing in cheery excess. Good thing I had reserved large tables for our party of 15 people. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have gotten free tables at all.

    Food:

    The menu places emphasis on different flavors and types of samgyeopsal, so it’s a good sign not to miss it. Each of us had a generous slab of Samgyeopsal (PhP 390). An order already includes “banchan” or Korean fixings, such as kimchi, seasoned sweet potatoes, stuffed cucumber kimchi, seaweeds, stir-fried dried anchovies, bean sprouts, etc. and a bottomless basket of leafy green lettuce.

    The staff facilitated the cooking and helped us cut the pork into bite-size pieces. And at just the right juncture, when the pork has been cooked to an irresistible crispiness, we dove right in and began eating. Each piece of meat had a good amount of lingering juiciness. However, when paired with either lettuce or the glistening fluffy rice, the grilled pork belly wasn’t fully impressive, especially when it’s not dipped into the soy bean paste and sesame oil. Perhaps it’s because it was only rubbed with salt and pepper.

    Expecting a bit more than the plain and simple mainstay samgyeopsal, we ordered what’s supposedly their best offering, Jin Joo’s 8 Flavours (PhP 1560), for bolder flavors of marinated meat. It offered the familiar comforts of Korean grilled pork belly but with more exciting flavors and aromas. This is great to share with a group of 3-4 people. Imagine intense porkiness with various spices, with some parts of pork enveloped with fat. Yum!

    Beef Bulgogi (PhP 390) was a winner for the mouth and the eyes. It came as a fusion dish of fried shrimp, vegetables, sweet corn, and Korean spicy bbq sauce. The thinly sliced beef were tender, juicy, and slightly sweet and salty.

    Dolsot Beef Bibimbap (PhP 400) also came with beautifully arranged vegetables, mushrooms, fried tofu, and Korean spicy bbq sauce, all topped with fried egg cooked just right. The flavors were enough to please our palate. Mixed with rice, this dish can be addictive and very filling. On a hot pot, it was hot indeed from the first to our last bite.

    Japchae (PhP 350) was one of our best-loved dishes. It came with a light and refreshing taste, made with sweet potato noodles, beef strips, assorted vegetables, and sesame oil. The stir-fried glass noodles had a bouncy texture, and the sauce was sweet and savory.

    If you’re into spicy food, Jin Joo’s Fire Chicken with Cheese (PhP 890) is a must-try. It was served on a cheese fondue dish in a large cast-iron plate of barbecue-glazed fire chicken with sticky Korean rice cakes (tteokbokki), onions, sweet potatoes, and lots of shredded mozzarella and cheddar.

    The staff helped us cook the dish on our table, and we saw how the cheese melted into a delicious golden lava. How can you say not to a generous amount of melted cheese on top of spicy caramelized chicken chunks? It’s like comfort food taken to a whole new level!

    Jin Joo Korean Grill isn’t vegetarian-friendly. For my dad who’s a vegetarian, we ordered Hameul-Pajeon (PhP 380) but we asked for the assorted seafood ingredients to be removed. It turned out to be a plain pan-fried spring onions pancake with special dipping sauce. We’re glad they accommodated our request even when it wasn’t on the menu specifically.

    Price for Value:

    Order your heart out at Jin Joo Korean Grill at The Podium where a dazzling variety of Korean food awaits. It’s not the cheapest and prices could use some sprucing up, but for decent samgyeupsal and tasty banchan without having to travel to Korea, it’s the place to go. Call ahead to reserve and brace for variable service depending on the crowd.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/JinJooKorean/” name=”Jin Joo Korean Grill” description=”The Podium, Second Floor, ADB Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig, Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 0917 248 1777″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-06-23″ user_review=”4″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque (SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong)

    Review of Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque (SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong)

    Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque is one of the best-rated BBQ restaurants in New York City. It has branched out to different countries in the world, including the Philippines (opened in December 2016). Brought here by Standard Hospitality Group (the same group behind Yabu and Ipuddo), this restaurant specializes in cooking and serving all-natural meats and poultry, seasoned with perfect spice blends and then smoked with wood for many, many hours until the perfect harmony of smoke and flavor emerges. We visited Mighty Quinn’s BBQ at Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall last Thursday to try out new dishes on its menu. 🙂

    Review of Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque (SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong)

    Ambiance:

    Mighty Quinn’s Slow Smoked Barbeque has an attractive interior design with a happy blend of wood and monochromatic theme. Wood takes a large part of one side, while the wall across is painted white contrasted with a few pieces of art, photographs, and the quote “cooking the old school way with wood and time.” The tables are cleverly set out and they’re generously spaced. Seating felt comfortable enough for a 1-2 hours of stay.

    Food:

    Served with two sides, three rice servings, bottomless drinks, pickles and slaw, the Chicken and Pork Belly Platter offered such an amazing textural experience. The smoked pork belly was tender, moist and juicy, and the chicken had all the right flavors in place. I especially enjoyed the pork belly, which had a nice layer of meat, a nice layer of fat, another nice layer of meat, another nice layer of fat. Meat lovers would surely rejoice. 🙂

    Their barbecue burgers, overloaded with slow smoked meats in between brioche buns, are a far cry from the usual burger patties. The pulled pork and beef brisket burgers have wonderful marbling that will have you sinking your teeth into incredible juiciness with each and every bite. Flavors were spot on and excellent, and both were notoriously tasty. Once you try either one, you may never go back to plain ground beef or pork again.

    Note: There’s no need to add sauce; great BBQ is actually less about the sauce/seasoning and more about the cooking process. But if you feel like putting on their house bbq sauce, you’re welcome.

    The same smoky and succulent Pork Belly and Beef Brisket are available in rice bowls. The complete meal with rice and egg is the ultimate Pinoy combo. Dig into meat that’s pink, juicy, and practically melting, with perfectly charred, salty-sweet burnt edges.

    For our drink, we had classic lemonade that’s tart and sweet. Its fruity flavor matched well with big, bold, robust smoked bbq.

    Price for Value:

    Even when traffic is building up in Ortigas area, especially this holiday season, you need a ride to SM Megamall and check out Mighty Quinn’s Smoked Barbeque. 😀 Good meat is often something you have to travel for! The drive, the sweet smoky aroma upon entry, the line, and then finally confronting the beautiful, massive tray of smoked meat before your face is all part of the experience.

    Prices are fair and have great value based on the level of cooking and fine ingredients used. Service was very slick indeed, with friendly and helpful waiters topping up good and no trouble getting attention. Invite some friends over, kick back and enjoy.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pg/MightyQuinnsPH/” name=”Mighty Quinn’s” description=”3F Mega Fashion Hall, Megamall, Mandaluyong, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 7211733″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-11-14″ user_review=”4.6″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Yayoi Philippines (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    Review of Yayoi Philippines (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    Beyond sushi and sashimi, there are far more interesting dishes that Japanese restaurants offer. One such must-try meal is “Teishoku” 定食, which Yayoi takes pride in. Teishoku is a type of Japanese set meal, where all of the dishes in the course are served together as a set. Teishoku dining is based on the ichiju-issai (or “one soup, one side”) traditional meals offered at Zen temples, which included a main, soup, rice, and pickles. The concept eventually spread throughout Japan and transformed into the convenient meal sets found at restaurants and cafeterias today.

    Yayoi Philippines in SM Megamall Building B has just celebrated its first-year anniversary last September 16, 2017. We were one of the many customers who availed of their “buy one take one of teishoku” promotion that was valid only on that day, “Yayoi Teishoku Day,” as it was called.

    Review of Yayoi Philippines (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    Ambiance:

    The vibe was buzzing and the venue was packed with quite a lot of people, but noise level was tolerable. For the most part, Yayoi’s ambiance conveys clean lines and abundant lighting, and the palette is inspired by wood. Revealing a zen-like appeal with sleek, minimalist style with no superfluous decorations, neutral, subtle colors throughout the restaurant were pleasing and easy to the eyes. Walls were creamy white with wooden panel accents.

    Service:

    Since it was their anniversary day, operations looked very busy. The queue of customers outside was long, but it moved quickly since service was fast and efficient. The ordering process was a product of innovation. Customers choose food and drinks and submit their selections through an iPad. A few presses on the screen and a confirmation message will appear.

    There’s no need to ask for the staff; they’ll serve the dishes momentarily on the table, and then come back later to process the bill when customers press on the “Pay Now” button. The menu on the iPad comes in English and Japanese languages. A physical menu is also available for less “techie” customers.

    Food:

    Common types of teishoku include tonkatsu (pork cutlet), yakizakana (grilled fish), and tempura (deep-fried battered fish and vegetables). We decided to try Yayoi’s best-sellers. Here’s the food rundown:

    Sukiyaki Teishoku (PhP 595) was presented as beef hotpot with assorted vegetables stewed in teriyaki sauce. The slices of beef or the noodles were the main event, but the accompaniments (tofu, mushrooms, and miso soup) were equally upstanding. The sweetness of sukiyaki and teriyaki sauce and the savoriness of beef came together as basically more a feeling than a flavor. Adding beaten egg to the beef was part of the enjoyment.

    Mix Toji Teishoku (PhP 475) is a mix of everything you would describe as Japanese comfort food: breaded pork loin, fried shrimp and sukiyaki beef simmered in special sauce and egg. I love how each piece had its own integrity and flavor. The sauce was rich and just gloriously creamy. Delicious.

    Namban Teishoku (PhP 450) is a succulent chicken dish drizzled with special sauce and topped with Yayoi dressing. The fried chicken steak was amazing with the crispy skin combined with the meat. If you feel like it, place the chicken on the lettuce leaves and you’ve got a nice chicken salad!

    Teriyaki Salmon Teishoku (PhP 595) was served with stir-fried salmon and vegetables with teriyaki sauce. When it comes to teriyaki salmon, I like the glaze sweet enough to cut through some of the fattiness of the fish. Sadly though, the pieces of salmon were neither juicy nor moist but too dried up for my liking (might have been a bit overcooked).

    Price for Value:

    Our dining experience at Yayoi in SM Megamall wasn’t life-changing, but overall it was satisfactory. You’ll be glad to know that they don’t skimp on the good stuff. Their #YAYfor1 promotion was a great deal! If you’re into Japanese food, you’ll love it here. Stick to their teishoku and you’ll be in good shape. Food tastes and quality of dishes served are worth the prices, with discount or without. 🙂

    Yayoi Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/yayoiphilippines/” name=”Yayoi Philippines” description=”3rd Level, SM Megamall Bldg. B, SM Megamall EDSA corner Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 634-4865″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-09-21″ user_review=”4.4″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of California Pizza Kitchen (Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong)

    Review of California Pizza Kitchen (Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong)

    We had lunch last weekend at California Pizza Kitchen in Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong and were warmly introduced to a new menu of epic proportions. CPK Philippines has its new menu replete with pizzas, pastas, salads, and for the first time in the Philippines, rice entrees! Imbued with that same California inventiveness and culinary ingenuity, their flavorful carb-bomb dishes will send you home a happy customer. We ordered the best recommended selections that matched our appetite. Here’s the food rundown.

    Review of California Pizza Kitchen (Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong)

    Ambiance:

    CPK Philippines in Shagnri-la Mall looks modern and neat. Decors and light fixtures are nothing fancy (loved the wall printed with trees), but the overall laid-back and friendly atmosphere is what makes this place an easy choice for a casual brunch, lunch, or dinner. Our only qualm? The sun shone so brilliantly in mid-afternoon that it was almost too bright to look outside, especially since we were seated by the window. Installing blinds or curtains could have been more suitable as a pleasing backdrop and functionally, to control the light and glare.

    Food:

    California Pizza Kitchen has certainly added fuel to the fire around who makes one of the best pizzas over the last few years. Although “pizza” happens to be its middle name, CPK is not solely a pizza joint. What makes it unique is that it also serves a variety of dishes for the whole family to love.

    We got our meal started on the right foot. Freshness ruled with the Grilled Shrimp, Strawberry and Goat Cheese (PhP 550). The combination of strawberries, peas, mixed greens, almond flakes and goat cheese tossed in homemade honey Dijon vinaigrette is a home run in creativity, taste (briny + sweet), and execution.

    Dips Sampler (PhP 375) had a stellar presentation with bacon crack, zesty corn, and tzatziki cucumber and pita, flatbread and white tortilla chips in one large plate. My fave? It’s hands down, the tzatziki cucumber. The rich flavor and creaminess were mostly present. There’s something oddly addicting about tangy-thick yogurt, crunchy grated cucumber, olive oil, garlic and aromatic fresh mint put together.

    Among their new pizza creations, we tried the Grilled Chicken Chipotle and Avocado (PhP 475). We’ve never been a believer in avocado slices on pizza until this one. It was really good! Toppings consisted of grilled chicken, Monterey Jack, Queso Quesadilla with housemade roasted corn, black bean chipotle salsa, avocado, jalapeno, cilantro and lime crema. The salsa and jalapenos round out a true nod to nachos in festive pizza form. This is the kind of fusion we could get used to.

    If you’re craving Mexican, you’ll also be enthused to get the Cali-mex Chicken Salsa. Served with grilled chicken and topped with housemade chipotle salsa and jalapeno, this rice entrée was supposed to come with rice. But instead of getting regular rice, we chose to upgrade to quinoa (additional charge: PhP 45), riding on the bandwagon of health consciousness in today’s culture. Ahem. 😛 Every texture, spice and flavor simply worked. Blue corn tortilla cheese and lime crema made the dish even more fantastic.

    The sautéed shrimps in Sweet Flame Shrimp (PhP 385) were succulent, the mango-cucumber salsa packed sweet and spicy flavors cohesively, and the fresh cilantro gave the dish an oomph. Yummy!

    We knew we just couldn’t go wrong with Chicken and Sausage Fajita Pasta (PhP 495). For those who like it hot, this pasta made with smoked sausage, grilled chicken, tri-color peppers and jalapeno with spinach, fettucine and roasted garlic cream sauce is sure to please.

    For beverages, there’s a large selection of shakes, milkshakes, and smoothies. For those looking for tasty booze, CPK also offers alcoholic drinks. Wines are available by the glass and by the bottle. Sangrias, margarita, spirited cocktails, mojitos, and shots can seal the deal. We tried the Avocado-Banana Smoothie (PhP 225) and Cheesecake with Oreo Cookies Milkshake and liked them both. Count the calories later.

    Butter cakes to me seem like a blank canvas begging to be painted and drizzled with fruits and a dollop of cream. With lemon zest, CPK’s Lemon Butter Cake (PhP 325) came out good and moist enough. Unlike some other cakes, this one didn’t go to mush. It was served warm with vanilla ice cream and homemade whipped cream. Again, count the calories later! 😉

    Topped with blueberry compote, the Blueberry-Oreo Cheesecake (PhP 275) consisted of cheesecake in a crust made with real Oreo cookies. Each bite was a burst of sweetness that can’t be beat. It’s delightful, a must-order for those who have a sweet tooth.

    Price for Value:

    Featuring exceptional new favorites and retaining some classic items on the menu, California Pizza Kitchen is a heaven for pizza and pasta lovers alike. Prices are not relatively expensive compared to its value, and most agree you get a lot for your money. Really, the portions are for sharing. I just hoped the waitstaff would turn the tables more efficiently. In any case, CPK in Shangri-la Mall is a great go-to restaurant for a quality meal. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/CPKPhilippines/” name=”California Pizza Kitchen Philippines” description=”2302-2304, East Wing Building Shangri-la Mall, EDSA Corner Shaw Blvd, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 696 1125″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-05-12″ ]

  • Company Christmas Party: A Sumptuous Feast at Planet Grapes (Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong)

    Company Christmas Party: A Sumptuous Feast at Planet Grapes (Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong)

    At this time of the year, most of us take “dieting” to a pause and reward ourselves with decadent food. Christmas celebrations are everywhere! I’ve been to at least five events with different groups in two weeks, and the parties don’t stop until the first week of the New Year. Last Friday, we held our company Christmas get-together at Planet Grapes – Shangri-La. Food served buffet-style from a special menu were palatable, toothsome, and even more enticing with wine. We enjoyed merry-making and eating until we waved a white flag. Full and satisfied tummy = blissful surrender. 🙂

    Company Christmas Party: A Sumptuous Feast at Planet Grapes (Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong)

    When it comes to ambiance, Planet Grapes definitely knows how to push all the right buttons. With glamorous interior design, dim lighting, enomatic machines, and wine bottles displayed on the walls, this restaurant makes for the perfect balance of convenience and space for a party of 70-80 people.

    Planet Grapes is a great go-to place for a la carte meals, but it can also be dressed up and host private special occasions. So whether heading in with a group of dining companions in search of a decent function room or just coupling up for a quiet, intimate lunch or dinner, you won’t need to look further. Street food meets wine at Planet Grapes, where wine lovers young and old can enjoy international wine with Filipino comfort food.

    Food Rundown: Street Food Meets Wine

    In my book, Paella is a party dish, the kind of endeavor you’d only undertake if you plan on feeding at least 10, if not 20 people. Planet Grapes’ Seafood Paella worked as a great comfort food, elegant and down-to-earth all at once. With the top layer of rice nice and crisp like those of big Spanish paella pans, the result was a hot and hearty meal, full of shrimps, slices of green and red peppers, and eggs. The best part? The rice soaked up all the flavor of the saffron, so even without the feisty ingredients, taste was spot on.

    Porchetta was as delicious as it looked, and we’re glad it’s available in Planet Grapes’ Christmas Package. How can you go wrong with succulent pork with tender, juicy, well-seasoned meat and crunchy skin? The impressiveness of this monster roast makes it a “can’t-miss dish” for the holiday table, but it’s so good that’ll you’ll want to eat it all year. Yum!

    Beautifully moist and evenly cooked, the Chicken Barbecue hit the right sweet, tangy, fruity, and spicy notes a barbecue sauce should. With an intoxicating smoky-sweet aroma, it was meaty, flavorful, and not too saucy. Love it!

    Steamed meatloaf prepared the Filipino way, the Pork Embutido had a slight pâté-liver-like smokiness from the ground meat combined with the sweetness of the raisins and the bits of veggies stuffed in it. It’s another Pinoy celebration staple that’s simple and homey.

    Buttered garlic shrimps were cooked with garlic and butter—two of the greatest pleasures in life, also the two ingredients I could probably live off of for the rest of my life. 😛 Every last juicy bite of the shrimp was completely worth devouring and cheating your diet for. Some of us kept returning to the buffet table to get more of these!

    A bowl of Tinolang Manok was particularly warm, wholesome, and soothing. It’s chicken soup made with bone-chicken, wedges of green papaya, and ginger-flavored broth. If you’re wondering how’s tinolang Manok with wine? I thought it’s fantastic. At Planet Grapes, you can be adventurous and try to mix and match the pairing of food and wine or ask the staff for the best recommendation. A sip of white wine provided a welcome note of freshness and contrast, almost like a squeeze of lemon or an extra layer of flavor. Usually, the saltier the broth, the better high-acid wines tend to taste.

    Hugel 2013 Alsatian Riesling came with a bouquet of green apple, peach, lime, almond, and a plush mouthfeel with the usual lashings of acidity.

    For desserts, we had Suman with Latik (Coconut Caramel Sauce) and Chocolate Balls and Leche Flan (Sweet Egg Custard). Both were heavenly luscious! It’s really hard to choose one over the other. These are the kinds of treats that make me close my eyes for a moment while solely appreciating the taste and texture of food with a smile on my face. Thank you, Planet Grapes. #foodporn #foodcoma 🙂 Happy holidays, everyone!

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.planetgrapes.com.ph/” name=”Planet Grapes” description=”Discover wine, one grape at a time. North Wing, Shangri-la Plaza, Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 531 8207″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-12-27″ ]

  • Food Rundown: Pork Dishes by Chef Phil Neil at Planet Grapes

    Food Rundown: Pork Dishes by Chef Phil Neil at Planet Grapes

    Planet Grapes-Shangri-La isn’t good only for one meal. I’ve been back several times and it keeps getting better and better. It’s a cool and elegant place serving fun yet sophisticated food, with wine at its core. Last week, I was invited here to taste fine dishes cooked and prepared by Chef Phil Neil, the head chef of Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group. Chef Phil visited the Philippines and we were pleased to have personally experienced his cooking at Planet Grapes. The theme of the night? Pork dishes, using quality pork straight from the UK. There’s no doubt about it. We were in for a special treat! 🙂

    Food Rundown: Pork Dishes by Chef Phil Neil at Planet Grapes

    For starters, the combination of skewered pork chops in garlic and oil, breaded pig ears in strips, and seasoned meatballs made of pork shoulder with scotch eggs was pretty much spot on across the board. Everything was well-constructed with great textures. The pig ears were light yet crisp to the bite; the pork chops, juicy; and the pork shoulder balls, hearty and meaty with a nice crispy sear on the outside and really moist inside. Satay sauce and the olives with chives tartar sauce served as perfect accompaniments to taste.

    Braised to fork-tenderness for three hours, the pork cheeks were moist and relatively lean. Zesty notes of the carrot puree, shallots, and potatoes did a good job to complement the natural flavors of the pork.

    Teeming with sweet and savory flavors, the pork ribs cooked with jasmine tea, ketchup, soy sauce, honey, and peanut butter and then topped with sesame seeds didn’t disappoint. Given the heft of the various elements, I didn’t expect them to be well-matched. Overall, the result was an enjoyable bomb of aromatics. Thumbs up!

    Pork belly (liempo) delivered in spades. Oh baby, this is what dreams are made of. It demonstrated a mix of crispy and supple textures with fats, along with a heady, porky taste that was evened out by the brightness of veggies. Lentils, carrots, and thinly sliced onions gave a nice contrast, a refreshing respite from the hearty portions of pork.

    Glorious pork ribs were back in action, but this time they were braised with apple sauce. It’s wonderful how the meat was infused with a sweet and succulent accent of apple. Not to be taken as a “meh” side dish, the roasted potato fries cooked in duck fat had gorgeous silkiness and golden-crisp edges. This is the type of thing you wake up in the middle of the night shaking for because you want it so bad! 😛

    Lastly, the pork shoulder rubbed with salt and pepper showed off all the classic goodness that you’d expect in pork. It has got everything a killer dish should have: big on flavor, properly tender, and certainly praiseworthy with a hint of heat. I can imagine it would also be sublime in a sandwich or tacos. 🙂

    And of course, when in Planet Grapes, whether it be a casual midweek lunch, a birthday throw-down, or a classy get-together with friends, it’s a must to dine in with wine. There’s a ton of variety to choose from. Get it by 1/4, 1/2, or one full glass, from the enomatic machine, or by the bottle.

    We had the 2009 Chateau Siaurac, Lalande-de-Pomerol to drink through our sumptuous meal. This full-bodied red wine from France has a flexible structure and a long finish, with harmoniously interwoven notes of black currant, black cherry, licorice and underbrush.

    Leche flan, crepe, turon and chocolate cake—you can’t go wrong with any of these for desserts. I highly recommend the leche flan which had rich, creamy, smooth, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It’s sweet but not to the point where you’d reach a cheek-tingling sugar panic. So yummy! 🙂

    photo-op with Chef Phil

    [schema type=”review” name=”Planet Grapes Shangri-la” description=”Unit GD 103, North Wing, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Edsa cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 531-8207/ (02) 532-2950″ rev_body=”Business Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:00am-12:00am Fri-Sat 11:00am-1:00am” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-10-04″ ]

  • Review of Indulgence by Irene Cheesecakes (Matcha and Tablea S’Mores)

    Review of Indulgence by Irene Cheesecakes (Matcha and Tablea S’Mores)

    There are destination cafés and restaurants that dish up incredibly breathtaking cakes that are worth the trip. There are also those home-based pastry shops that present and produce high-quality, artful and rich cakes. Indulgence by Irene, whose operations started in 2012, is one of the perfect examples. Irene’s cheesecakes have been featured multiple times in food magazines, food blogs, newspapers, and other honorable sites consistently through the years. As a treat for my teammates last month, I ordered the Matcha and the Tablea S’Mores and had them delivered to our unit in Astoria Plaza during our staycation. What do we say? Irene’s cheesecakes are the ultimate indulgence, indeed! 🙂

    Review of Indulgence by Irene Cheesecakes (Matcha and Tablea S’Mores)

    If you love matcha, Irene’s Matcha Cheesecake is a must-try. Formed with the creamy goodness of cream cheese that melts in your mouth, though not the most eye-catching, it was irresistibly tasty. For me, the more predominant the green tea flavor, the better, as matcha can be one of those ingredients that can “perfume” a recipe. In this cheesecake, matcha came out slightly bitter and sweet at the same time. Texture was also spot on. This will impress your most discriminating guests.

    The Tablea S’Mores Cheesecake, on the other hand, was sweeter and much more scrumptious and decadent. With creamy chocolate filling, graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallows on top, this cheesecake is easy to love. Beyond aesthetics, this one delivered flavor. If you’re thinking of giving it as a gift to a friend or special someone, you can’t go wrong. Make sure to eat it with an extra long spoon to get each component in every bite. 😉

    Regular Flavors – Quezo de Bola, Tablea, Choc Nut, Calamansi, and Corn
    9 inch – P1000
    6 inch – P 550
    4 inch – P 220

    Premium Flavors – Ube, London Fog, Matcha, QDB-Ube Duo
    9 inch – P1200
    6 inch – P 650
    4 inch – P 250

    Super Premium Flavors – Coffee With Bailey’s, Halo-Halo, Tablea S’Mores
    9 inch – P1400
    6 inch – P 750
    4 inch – P 300

    Pick-up locations:
    1. Astoria Plaza – Ortigas
    2. Aseana – schooldays early morning and afternoon of Tuesday and Thursday
    3. Shell Buendia cor. EDSA – Tuesdays 3pm, Thursdays 2pm
    4. Serendra – Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/IndulgencebyIrene/” name=”Indulgence by Irene” description=”For inquiries, call 0917-6225800 (at least 2 days advance order)” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-16″ ]

  • My Birthday Celebration at Tim Ho Wan (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    My Birthday Celebration at Tim Ho Wan (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    It has been over a year now since my sister and I have last dined in at Tim Ho Wan in SM Megamall. This time ’round, we came in with our parents and grandfather, to celebrate my birthday. 🙂 Yay! Tim Ho Wan is one of my favorite restaurants when it comes to Chinese food. Its dimsum entrees definitely leave everyone wanting for more. When in Tim Ho Wan, especially when with a large bunch of friends or family, expect your table to look a bit…messy but magnificent. 😛 Just look at all these food!

    Birthday Celebration at Tim Ho Wan (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    Arriving flavorful and deliciously presented, the Wasabi Salad Prawn Dumpling (PhP 140) was like a taste of garden by the sea. Stuffed with prawn and some greens, these fried dumplings are worth an order. The wrap was crisp and light. Not the “singe-your-nose-hairs” kind, the wasabi dressing on top wasn’t too spicy and just gave a “horseradish” kick, so don’t worry about it.

    Conveying a combination of sweet and savory, the Beancurd Skin Roll with Shrimp (PhP 150) was also well-fried. It left a small trail of oil on my lips but that’s okay. These rolls presented a flavor profile reminiscent of a more robust version of the Vietnamese pancake we have tried in Saigon Steak in Vietnam. I liked that the bean curd wrapper was not too thick. I thought dipping these rolls in black vinegar will bring a smoky punch with a light, pleasant bitterness.

    Next up, the Vermicelli Roll with Sweet and Sesame Sauce (PhP 140) was soft and satisfying. It’s a great choice also for my grandfather who did not want to chew hard. The sesame sauce was excellent as it’s aromatic.

    Beef Ball with Beancurd Skin (PhP 120) tasted nothing fancy, but its heartiness and juiciness are winning factors. Thumbs up for that. 🙂

    Dinner would not be complete without a rice entree. Louie and I shared the Spare Ribs Rice (PhP 170). Coated with tasty sauce that enveloped all throughout the rice underneath, the spare ribs had a silky smooth and supple texture. Meat was tender and juicy, not so fatty. Love it.

    So far, we enjoy eating anything with pork floss. When my sister told me Tim Ho Wan features a new dish such as the Tofu with Pork Floss (PhP 130), we knew we had to try it. It was really good. The silken tofu was very soft inside yet the exterior managed to stay firm. Flavor bomb exploded with every bite. Almost like cotton candy, the fluffy pork floss was as expected. It’s the real deal.

    Finally, we also shared a bowl of Braised Soup in HK Style with Shredded Chicken and Mushroom (PhP 160) (good for two). Comforting, warm, and tasty, it’s an awesome treat for those dreaming of the ultimate Chinese food.

    Tim Ho Wan has a special place in my heart. I highly recommend it! ♥

    Tim Ho Wan is a Michelin Star hole-in-the-wall eatery in Hongkong, famous for Baked Pork Buns.

    Branches:

    G/F SM Mega Fashion Hall
    470-8836
    10:00AM – 10:00PM

    G/F Glorietta 3
    729-9367
    10:00AM – 10:00PM

    SM North EDSA
    374-2966
    10:00AM – 10:00PM

    1F Midtown Wing
    Robinsons Place Manila
    354-3562
    10:00AM – 9:00PM

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/TimHoWanPH/” name=”Tim Ho Wan” description=”G/F SM Mega Fashion Hall ” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 470-8836″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-06″ ]