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  • Review of The Food Club Manila (Bluebay Walk, Pasay City)

    Review of The Food Club Manila (Bluebay Walk, Pasay City)

    Once upon a time, five-star buffet dining can only be experienced in five-star hotel’s fine dining restaurants and bistros. Nowadays, more and more standalone restaurants in the metro rise to the challenge. One of them now includes The Food Club Manila in Bluebay Walk, Pasay City, as it invites customers to dine with style. It’s located on a stretch of highway along Macapagal. The signboard is big so it’s hard to miss.

    Promo: The The Food Club had its soft opening last January 24, 2014. It has an ongoing promotion until January 30, 2014 (Grand Opening day): 50% off on all prices + 5% service charge! 🙂 A medley of international flavors awaits. Some of the most aromatic and exotic finds are: beef lengua, beef caldereta, beef rainbow, beef curry, jellyfish, pork kingdao,  pork ear, chicken sauteed in chilli, blue marlin in teriyaki sauce, marinated top blade in coriander sauce, lyonnaise potatoes with onions and bacon, palak paneer and aloo gobi.

    Review of The Food Club Manila (Bluebay Walk, Pasay City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    The Food Club Manila can be seen as a pinnacle of greasy glutonny, a truly perilous trap to ruin your diet, or a glorious smorgasbord of international dishes that do nothing else but please. Walk into this lifestyle buffet and what you’ll immediately notice are the impressive lights (bubble chandeliers draping from the high ceiling). Choose where you’d want to be seated: the sofa by the side, the regular chairs in the middle or the purple rounded sofas at the far end of the dining area. I guess the best position would be anywhere close to the buffet tables at the center. 🙂

    Service: ★★★★★

    As more people came into the restaurant for dinner, service did not become slower. That meant two things: (1) the ratio of staff and expected guests to be accommodated (around 120) is proportionate or just right and (2) the team is really quick and efficient. They were friendly and the type that would not leave customers alone until they are delighted. How exactly?

    Of course, there’s the norm—greeting and leading customers to their seats upon arrival, offering drinks, getting utensils, fulfilling requests, and showing them around. But one thing that makes their service extra special is that the waitstaff offers to carry full plates when they see diners about to head back to their seats. It happened to me twice and I thought it was a gentlemanly gesture that makes great service. I have not experienced this in other buffet restaurants before. 😀

    Food: ★★★★☆

    From appetizers to desserts, the carefully composed dishes that The Food Club chefs put together are unfailingly elegant, true works of art. Presentation struck me most. Everything looked fantastic and delicious! I found myself ogling at each course before ravaging my plate with chopsticks. 😛

    While each dish has many components, the flavors are balanced in each section I recognize as: Chinese, Japanese, Seafood and “Random” food which were heated under an induction (and not placed on regular serving trays). I could not tell which ones topped in my “favorite list,” but I’m pretty sure that all those dishes I’ve tried were beautiful, delicate food I enjoyed. Indeed, they were compelling to the palate as they were to the eye.

    Appetizers

    Chinese

    Japanese

    Seafood

    Random

    Desserts

    Drinks

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    From Mondays to Thursdays, cost per adult for lunch is PHp 800 and PHp 1000 for dinner. Kids whose height is 3.5 feet and below are FREE of charge while those whose height are above 3.5 feet are charged PHp 580 each. Rates in the weekends (Fridays to Sundays) are higher: PHp 1188 for lunch and dinner for adults and PHp 600 for kids who are taller than 3.5 feet. Likewise, kids who stand 3.5 feet and below can eat for free!

    All these are exclusive of the 5% service charge. Overall, dinners tend to be more expensive just like in other buffet restaurants, which is why lunch is a better deal. Food selections would not vary that much anyway.

    Next time I expect The Food Club to showcase more irresistible avant-garde offerings and more interesting choices that are not found elsewhere just yet among their competitors. I am positive that the direction is going there, as I was told by one of the chefs that they will be changing the menu according to the feedback and tastes of customers and retaining those that are praised.

    Meanwhile, you can join this giveaway hosted by The Food Club. Prize is FREE dinner buffet for two people. Follow the mechanics in the Rafflecopter below. Duration of the giveaway is two weeks (1/31-2/14). The winner will be contacted by the The Food Club for the prize. Note: All steps are mandatory. Good luck! 🙂

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Update: The winner is Laila Hermosa Mercado! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/TheFoodClubPH” name=”The Food Club Manila (Just across Blue Wave)” description=”Unit E Bluebaywalk, President Diosdado Macapagal corner Edsa, Pasay City, Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 02-7368001″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-01-27″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating Hours: 10:30AM-10:30PM

  • Review of El Cangrejo – Crab, Seafood and Steak Bistro (South Triangle, Quezon City)

    Review of El Cangrejo – Crab, Seafood and Steak Bistro (South Triangle, Quezon City)

    Up until last week, if you asked me where to find a seafood restaurant where you can hang out and enjoy quality food and quiet privacy in Timog area, I’d scratch my head. Now I can tell you: it’s at El Cangrejo – Crab, Seafood and Steak Bistro at South Triangle, Quezon City.

    El Cangrejo is one of the dining options located at Jardin de Zenaida, a cozy alternative to the monster malls and spread out venues in its vicinity. This restaurant may be placed in the “hinterlands of Timog” where not a lot of people usually pass by, but making the effort to go there will be worth the trip once you try their food and experience good company throughout your stay. 🙂

    Review of El Cangrejo – Crab, Seafood and Steak Bistro (South Triangle, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    As the heavy glass doors hiss shut behind your back, breathe. You’d smell the fresh aroma of lemon in the air-conditioned dining room. Next, your eyes would wander around the framed photographs, which were taken by the owner of the bistro himself and some by his friends. The interior design was personalized and crafted according to the owner’s preference and instruction. The rusty feel of the brick walls gives a hint of drama, completing the industrial, old look to the otherwise chic atmosphere.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Staffs were pleasant and courteous. Upon the customer’s entrance, they escort you to your seats and ask if you want to be served with drinks. They refill glasses with water quickly and stay available for any request customers might have. They answer questions regarding the food they offer and they’re knowledgeable about the eats. All in all, the good service at El Cangrejo makes it an outstanding place to bring your family and friends as you won’t be discomfited.

    Food: ★★★★★

    We started with Baked Scallops (PHp 395) which were soft and easy to take out from the shells. The butter’s taste was very evident. So good! Add to that a squeeze of lemon and fresh greens as a mild counterpoint and you get a perfect appetizer to a meal. Note that each order typically consists of an average of 15 pieces of scallops. The count varies accordingly to the sizes of the scallop, so you may expect to have more if they come in smaller sizes and less if they come in bigger ones.

    Next up was the Shrimp Cocktail (PHp 295). I posted a picture of this appetizer on my Instagram account and immediately, it gained many likes. Why not? Its presentation was a complete stunner. I have not encountered a similar dish before, so I was surprised that the plump and tender shrimps were eaten cold. It came with ordinary tomato sauce, but what lies beneath making it slightly unconventional were the shredded cabbages that sopped the flavor of the dip and added texture to it.

    The only dish we had that night that’s not categorized under “Seafood” was the Boneless Buffalo Wings (PHp 235). El Cangrejo’s boneless buffalo wings were almost greaselessly fried with the skin remaining intact, so they stayed crispy and crunchy. The chunks of buffalo wings would make as good pica picas (pulutan) as they’re spicy and somewhat nutty. A thin coat of mayo and lemon really helped in toning down the spice.

    Last in the parade of appetizers were the Clam Steamers (PHp 150). I appreciated the ingenuity of using only the natural saltiness of the clams and not adding salt to make the sauce.

    The complementary homemade bread for this dish could be dipped into the balsamic vinegar with olive oil or the orange sauce of the clam steamers. They had two stark opposite tastes, thus it’s better to choose only one at a time to avoid the contrast.

    Just when I thought we were done for dinner, the main entrees began to come out. 😯 Whoa, seeing these gorgeous-looking Crabmeat Raviolis made me wonder what the black coat was made out of. Apparently, the coating was made with squid ink and tasted as a seafaring flavor, a jolt of the unexpected. The crab meat stuffing was also good, although I met a few tiny crab shells still in it.

    The Grilled Ulang tossed in Beurre Noisette (PHp 595) indeed commanded attention. What’s in a name, Ulang, huh? I was too shy to ask. 😛 I consulted Wikipedia instead and learned that Ulang (Tagalog) translates to “Giant Freshwater Shrimp” in English. What sets them apart from prawns are their “antennae” and larger heads. The grilled ulang was wow-perfect as they were dressed with the sweet-smelling hazelnut butter sauce. The mashed potatoes, I thought, lacked moisture, creaminess and robust flavor (maybe salt). Regardless, it was filling.

    The next two entrees, the Grilled Prawns Aglio Olio (PHp 395) and Fish and Chips with Homemade Tartare Sauce (PHp 370) were the dishes I liked the least. You can order them if you want comfort food; these make an instant recall to our list of most familiar food. But other than that, I don’t suggest choosing them out of the many other great food listed on El Cangrejo’s menu.

    Or it could be just me—I’m not a pasta person and also not one who’s fond of eating the same typical food (ahem, fries) in every restaurant every time. Even so, I tasted them. Worth to mention was that the fries were thick and robust (like KFC’s). Yup, they are fries for the true potato lover.

    We were given maroon bibs before eating the Steamed Mud Crabs tossed in Beurre Noisette (PHp 595). These crabs had the same burned butter sauce that appealed to our palate as in the Grilled Ulang. They tasted as great as they appear on the picture. And listen, it can be hard to eat them without rolling up your sleeves. It’s wise to use your hands and go comfortable to dig the crab meat. Smash the shells with the tools given and suck every morsel of the succulent sweet crab. With that said, the mud crab is not a first date kind of a dish.

    This plate consisted of about 500-600 grams of crab (El Cangrejo’s standard range). It’s said to be good for one person, but I totally disagree. (I’m speaking for myself only.) There’s no way I could finish that alone! This course is served with a choice of (1) Caesar salad or farmhouse salad or sauteed vegetables and (2) roasted mashed potatoes or fresh-cut fries or plain rice or garlic rice. So do you think one can manage to finish everything? If yes, I challenge you. Feel free to leave your comment in the Comments section to share your experience. I know I’d be in awe! 😀

    For desserts, we had the Apple Pie Ala Mode (PHp 150). The outer layer had a dense, buttery crumb that beckons you to take bite after bite. My tummy was so full but could not resist it! A shell of crisped pastry cracked off the top like an apple pie turnover. The dollop of white cream easily blended as one integrated yummy cake.

    The El Cangrejo Special Cake (PHp 190) was not to be missed as well. It’s a chocolate cheesecake with blueberry on top—super creamy, tasty and sinfully divine. The cake melts in your mouth and you may feel like the rest of the world is melting away. It’s so savory that you may finish one slice in a flash. I know it’s sometimes hard to help yourself, but watch out on the calories. 😛

    For the drinks, we had a bottle of fine white wine (La Umbra Pinot Grigio 2011) which came from Italy. It was a fresh wine with aromas of green pears and juicy nectarines. I drink wine occasionally so I’m sorry to report that I could not differentiate its taste to all the other white wines I’ve sampled. 😛

    Also, we had El Cangrejo’s Homebrewed Iced Tea (PHp 65) that was too strong for me. It had a lip-smacking aftertaste of lemon, lime and honey (not sure) and so deadly sweet that I had to request for a glass of plain water to neutralize my palate.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    With copious serving and excellent quality of food, prices of food are reasonable here. I’d say that El Cangrejo makes a suitable venue to celebrate the upcoming Valentine’s Day or the nearer special holiday, Chinese New Year. If your significant other starts to drop Olympic-sized mentions about romantic dining places to spend Valentine’s Day, El Cangrejo – Crab, Seafood and Steak Bistro in Timog has got you covered! Hey, they also do catering services so if you’re interested, see their contact numbers below to inquire.

    The only downside I found in El Cangrejo for now is its location. It’s a healthy drive from anywhere who’s within or near Quezon City, especially those who are coming from the nearby hospitals, condominiums, and commercial offices (ABS-CBN and GMA networks), but it does not take one smooth train or bus ride to get there for those who are living and/or working far. Also, the establishment still has not posed a big signage outside to draw people’s attention to come visit the restaurant, so they run the risk of losing a stature.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/El-Cangrejo-Crab-Seafood-and-Steak-Bistro/160296647479640″ name=”El Cangrejo – Crab, Seafood and Steak Bistro” description=”Unit D1 Jardin de Zenaida, 34 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, South Triangle, 1103 Quezon City, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 351-0700, (02) 917-203-0154, (02) 215 1416″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-01-20″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am – 12:00 am

  • Review of Vikings Luxury Buffet (Seaside Boulevard, MOA Complex, Pasay City)

    Review of Vikings Luxury Buffet (Seaside Boulevard, MOA Complex, Pasay City)

    Last Thursday, my maternal grandmother (阿婆) has celebrated her 76th birthday at Vikings, one of those restaurants you can always count on, when it comes to buffets. After work, I met with my family at this restaurant by the bay (between Movie Stars Cafe and The Lab Gastropub) for dinner.

    Believe it or not, I have not been to Vikings before—despite how popular it is as a luxury buffet that tops many food and restaurant trending charts almost all-year round and despite that it’s too near from my workplace. Thanks to this occasion and to Uncle Peter for treating us, at last, we’ve filled our tummies with sumptuous food from one of the hottest restaurants in the Philippines right now. 😉

    This high-concept elegant buffet restaurant is perpetually packed for its modern interpretation of European, American, Japanese, Chinese and Filipino food. Basically, Vikings has a bit of each of these cuisines. If you did not book for a reservation (1-2 weeks of lead time), you may have to fight for seats or wait a long while, but once you’re seated, you will be in great hands.

    Review of Vikings Luxury Buffet (Seaside Boulevard, MOA Complex, Pasay City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    “What is Vikings?” I run a quick search through Google and learned that Vikings refers to any of the Scandinavian seafaring pirates and traders who raided and settled in many parts of northwestern Europe in the 8th–11th centuries. Sure enough, the decors of Vikings Restaurant in MOA Complex show a pirate theme but in a stylish fashion. Food was arranged on a “Viking boat,” and this exhibition is a plus for the design overall.

    The decorative hanging lantern lights were obviously not pirate-y, but they provided good atmosphere.

    The space in the dining area is almost as wide as in Buffet 101. The main difference is that the buffet tables are scattered all over the dining area, unlike in Buffet 101 where they are all clumped together. There’s also a lot more types of chairs and tables for seating. We were at the rounded tables and sofa chairs. Although the furniture and placing looked nice, it was hard to move about on those chairs.

    Service: ★★★★★

    I commend the staffs of Vikings Luxury Restaurants for being quick whenever we requested for extra utensils. Used plates on our tables were immediately taken without us having to repeatedly ask for clean-up. Our pictures were taken with grace. While food was not easily replenished on the respective trays and containers, diners could request for reservation and even have a plate full of the selected entree separated to make sure that they won’t run out once they’re out again for feasting.

    For birthday celebrants, aside from having the perk of eating for free, a serenade by the staff and management of Vikings and a cupcake with the Vikings sign were delivered.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Food was well-executed and everything tasted as delightful as it was a feast for the eyes. Just like in other buffet restaurants, my sister and I walked around first to get a glimpse of everything before deciding which to take. We only took the ones that seemed really appealing and gave up those that we’re already too familiar with. With the best bites, we left satisfied and definitely full.

    Random:

    Chinese food:

    Desserts:

    The ones we liked most were:

    • Appetizers: potato salad, colorful tacos with cheese, Chinese dim sum
    • Mains: all Japanese food
    • Desserts: green tea / macha ice cream, avocado ice cream, red velvet cake, brownies
    • Drinks: four seasons and iced Milo

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Vikings is a must-go restaurant, a place to visit on occasion but certainly not every night. I find the costs justified because there’s plenty of choices for everyone’s delight. It’s like eating buffet in a hotel with the quality of food, warm and friendly service and classy ambiance. Once you enter, buckle your seat belt. It’s time to take your palate for one heck of a ride. Click here to view the rates (vary for lunch and dinner, kids and adult).

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/VIKINGSSMMALLOFASIA” name=”Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant” description=”Building B, By The Bay, Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 02 8463888, 02 8464888″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-01-18″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00am to 12:00mn
    Other Branches

  • Review of Kimukatsu Japanese Restaurant (Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong)

    Review of Kimukatsu Japanese Restaurant (Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong)

    Sure, there’s a lot of places that serve tonkatsu, but it takes a special kind of genius to truly innovate and outshine against everybody else. I mean, where can you find tonkatsu made with 25 thin layers of pork with added fillings (seven different flavors) separating one flavor of deep, golden-fried pork cutlet from another? At Kimukatsu, no less.

    Can you see the layers? 😛

    Kimukatsu (キムカツ) originated from Japan and it now has multiple branches spread out in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Sendai, etc. Outside Japan, Kimukatsu has branches in Los Angeles, Hawaii, Korea and now in the Philippines.

    Kimukatsu opened at Shangri-la Plaza last December 20, 2013. It is located at the fifth level of the new wing of the mall just beside Ikkoryu Fukkuoka Ramen. Invited by Marketing Manager Rizza Meriado, I had the pleasure of meeting Kenji Komuro, Public Relations Director, for the second time and dining here together with other bloggers last Saturday. 🙂

    Review of Kimukatsu Japanese Restaurant (Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    The place is quite spacious as it can fit around 60 customers. Designed with black chairs, black tables, black walls, black floor tiles and black lanterns hanging down from the ceiling, interior is very modern and minimalist.  The booths on the sides are cushy and the overall feel is cozy. Notice that there’s like an embossed illustration of cherry blossoms on one side of the wall. The picture is very captivating and this piece of art was one of the first things that caught my attention upon entrance to the dining area.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Hot tea was served immediately after I was seated, to give comfort. The waiter handed me their menu with easy grace.  Attentive and polite, staffs refill our glasses with water and tea cups with tea when they’re empty or nearly empty. I found this definitely a plus. Overall, their superb service made a big difference to our dining experience.

    Food: ★★★★★

    First on the taste test lineup was the Negi Shio Tofu (PHp 130 for three pieces). I was bit surprised that it was not served hot but not “bone-chilling cold” neither. The pieces were soft and silky and it was almost hard to grab with chopsticks. Flavor-wise, the tofu was subtle, a good appetizer for any meal.

    Next was the Ebi Mayo (PHp 210), a simple but also fantastic appetizer. I thought the shrimps tasted like sweet gambas dipped on light mayonnaise and spruced with lime on the side. The presentation was drool-worthy so it can easily be a conversation piece for your dinner.

    The star of the night, 7 Flavor Kimukatsu Set (PHp 2400), consisted of the following flavors:
    1. Plain (PHp 380) – The katsu was fried slowly in low temperature and then set vertically to steam, allowing the heat to spread evenly inside. Covered in homemade Panko crumbs, this pork cutlet was light and juicy. The excess oil and fat drip down to the wire rack placed underneath, so each piece of katsu wasn’t greasy at all. The plain tonkatsu would be best ordered by purists who do not prefer the true flavor of the pork to be somewhat lost because of the flavored fillings.
    2. Yuzu Kosho (PHp 430) – This exotic flavor is a traditional Japanese taste of yuzu fruits and green chili pepper. It was absolutely spicy! If you’re not eating it with rice, I bid you good luck. 😛 To tone the spice down, feel free to remove some of the green pepper surrounded by the layers of pork.
    3. Negi Shio (PHp 380) – This is a refreshing flavor of marinated spring onions in every bite. It was tasty but not amazing compared to others.
    4. Ume Shiso (PHp 430) – “Ume” is sour plum. This flavor is popular among females in Japan. The plum was sweet and tad weird to be combined with the tonkatsu.
    5. Garlic (PHp 380 if ordered individually) – This comprised of fresh minced garlic, which I thought somewhat hid the true flavor of the pork.
    6. Black Pepper (PHp 390) – The crispy exterior was well seasoned with a strong side of high-grade pepper.
    7. Cheese (PHp 390) – With savory cheddar cheese oozing from the middle, this flavor hails as the best-selling flavor in Japan. This was also the best for me.

    Kimukatsu offers three dips: the thick Kimukatsu sauce which is sweet, the ponzu sauce (vinegar) that has a nice citrus zing, and the Himalayan salt that gives a complementary whirl to the taste of the katsu. Customers can also add on the black sesame seeds to enhance the flavor of each condiment.

    As part of the Kimukatsu set, the following items (unlimited, refills upon request) had also been good accompaniments to the katsu:

    Fresh and crisp Shredded Cabbage makes a good salad by just adding vinaigrette

    Crunchy Radish pickled in a spicy mixture and Assorted Veggies

    Miso Soup in two variations (red/akai – stronger miso taste and white/shiro – milder miso taste and less salty)

    The rice was not the ordinary Japanese rice served elsewhere but a special type also imported from Japan. Kimukatsu uses a slow-cooking process for the rice, bringing out a great glutenous texture. It’s cooked only at the moment customers order, so you can be rest assured that it tastes new and fresh (note: 15 minutes waiting time). The resulting individual grains were smooth and round.

    With all the unli side dishes and rice, we were completely full (almost over-stuffed). But hey, how can we say no to desserts? 😉

    We had the Sesame Seed Ice Cream (PHp 110) and Kurogoma Pudding (PHp 110), two sesame seed-inspired desserts that are extremely delicious. The fragrance of black sesame seeds was evident and the taste was divine and wholly addictive. These are the perfect candidates to end a meal and clean your palate.

    Finally, we enjoyed the Japanese Panna Cotta (PHp 110) and the Macha Parfait (PHp 230). Different from the regular panna cotta texture, the Japanese Panna Cotta was not firm but soft and very creamy. The green tea parfait served with red bean paste, chestnut and shiratama, on the other hand, was as loaded as macha ice cream gets. The green tea flavor was grassy and robust but with sweet vanilla undertones. It was not inedibly bitter as the infused ingredients hinted on sweetness as well.

    Price for Value: ★★★★★

    Like many quality Japanese restaurants, Kimukatsu isn’t cheap. But what would you expect from a restaurant seated at Shangri-la Plaza? This place spells everything high class, and the prices are already quite reasonable considering the obvious: a massive amount of time and complexity goes into making the 25-layer pork katsu as delicious as possible.

    I asked Kenji-san how much an order of katsu set costs in Japan. He said it’s more than PHp 900 and people there find the price average. I researched for prices offered at branches in the US and they’re a little over PHp 600+ when converted to Philippine pesos. Here, you can get the plain katsu with consistent and the same taste as the original for only PHp 380—and remember, that comes with all-you-can-eat Japanese rice, miso soup, cabbages and condiments. I have nothing to complain.

    Confession: 我唔食豬. I don’t really eat pork and my body has allergic reactions to meat. Not long after dinner, I felt the itchiness on my skin, but it was bearable. I have my medications anyway. To encounter Kimukatsu’s signature katsu, an exception can surely be made.

    Come try Kimukatsu’s flavored katsu for yourself and you probably won’t be satisfied with pork cutlets from other outlets again. Yup, be warned, this is a katsu crack. (They also have chicken katsu, scallop fry, ebi fry, seafood fry and vegetable fry sets.) If you’re not a fan of katsu, I also recommend you give Kimukatsu a try. It might just change your mind. Tip: Theirs are way better than Yabu’s. 😀

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/kimukatsuph” name=”Kimukatsu Japanese Restaurant” description=”Level 5 Shangri-la Plaza East Wing, Shaw Boulevard cor. Edsa, Mandaluyong” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 727 0333″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-01-13″ user_review=”20″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Solaire Resort and Casino’s Food Court (Tambo, Paranaque City)

    Review of Solaire Resort and Casino’s Food Court (Tambo, Paranaque City)

    Hello 2014! I heard that this year is a good and lucky year for the Year of the Snake (me). 😀 Irrespective, I would still not place a bet and gamble away in style. What’s the point of going to Solaire Resort & Casino then, in the first weekend of the year? Well…there’s the food! :mrgreen:

    I have always been excited to go to Solaire Resort & Casino ever since it opened in March 2013, but because of series of planned events last year, I just did not have spare time. Thank God for those busy days. 😛 Now that my schedule is cleared up, I thought it’s the perfect window to go to the tallest hotel in Manila Bay area and first casino in Entertainment City for food and entertainment. By food, I meant “food court” and “entertainment” meant watching other people play games and hit it big at the roulette table.

    Upon arrival, we registered for membership and got a card. We walked around for a bit and took pictures of the lobby, the halls, chic boutiques and the restaurant facades (taking photos of the gaming area is prohibited). Before coming, I did my research on reviews of the restaurants (Fresh, Yakumi, Lucky Noodle, Red Lantern, Dragon Bar, Finestra, Eclipse, The Strip Steakhouse) and found many “horror stories” on unexpected and surprising food bills.

    If you’re on a conservative budget, the safest you can go to is the Solaire Food Court, where the “Best of Everything” lies. It has six stations: Sapporo, Pan Asian, Hong Kong, Chicken Licken, Americano and Patisserie.

    Solaire Resort and Casino’s website has not updated the menus of these stations to date and it only shows a brief description of the general. For sure, some people are like me who fancy reading into details. So I take the first step in sharing the food menus (see bottom of the post, except Patisserie — sorry for that) for everyone’s reference and convenience. You’re welcome! 😉

    Now let’s get it on for the review.

    Review of Solaire Resort and Casino’s Food Court (Tambo, Paranaque City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    After involuntarily inhaling a lot of cigarette fumes from the entire gaming area of the casino, I give a thumbs-up to Solaire Resort and Casino’s Food Court for its cleaner air and lower temperature that made us feel and breathe comfortably. An orange motif was used as inspiration for decors from the ceiling, walls and lights to even the chairs. Seating arragnement was like a spiral (not boxy), and the space was maximized without compromising the walkways.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Like typical fast food stalls, each one had about one to two servers. The servers were polite and quick. I could not expect more. When an order is placed, customers are given a restaurant pager that lights up and vibrates to signal picking up the food when ready. This device makes waiting guests free to roam around any area within the immediate vicinity of the food court inside Solaire.

    House water is available beside Sapporo and likewise is self-service. Maintenance guys clean up tables once they are freed.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    With so many options available, we took so much time in choosing what to order. I wanted to grab a bite of at least one dish per station, but our stomachs could not fill them all in. So using the elimination method, we resorted to getting food from Pan Asian, Sapporo and Patisserie.

    From Pan Asian, I had the Prawns in Coconut Gravy with Steamed Rice (PHp 240). The coconut gravy tasted a bit pungent and sour and the coconut milk’s flavor was consistent. I would prefer the gravy to be richer and thicker though. The texture of the prawns was quite gummy. The prawns were not traditionally breaded but naked and headless. The six pieces failed to absorb the flavor of the gravy. Sad.

    My sister had the Black Peppered Beef with Steamed Rice (PHp 240) also from Pan Asian, and she happily shared bits of the beef with us. It came with warming spices and aromatics, cooked down long enough for the braising liquid to evaporate. The tender beef chunks were well infused with black pepper. A letdown could be that the peppery taste was so overpowering that finishing the whole dish in one go was hard. I suggest adding lime on the side to contrast and brighten up your palate considerably.

    Food selections for vegetarians at this joint are kept to minimum. Either you go to Americano and order the Four Cheese Pizza (PHp 130/slice) or take Jap Chae (PHp 220) from Sapporo. We figured to give the latter a go. Their Jap Chae was sweet and savory but nothing special. It’s the classic Korean noodle dish cooked with stir-fried vegetables, toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar.

    Meanwhile, my mom contented herself with the lavish Tow Cheong Meehoon (PHp 190)—fried vermicelli with fish tofu and fermented bean paste. The noodles had a springy, chewy texture. It’s one of the staples of Malaysian cuisine. With the seafood ingredients shining through, this dish was the best among everything we had for dinner that night.

    For desserts, the Carrot Zucchini Muffin (PHp 70) and Blueberry Muffin (PHp 70) from Patisserie were neither too sweet nor absolutely divine but satisfactorily enough to give our taste buds a pleasant departure from the spicy, strong and bold Asian dishes. The pastries had just the right amount of moist inside, yet I’d rather want them to be melt-in-your-mouth softer.

    Menu of Americano:

    • Reuben Sandwich (PHp 230) peppered beef with sauerkraut
    • Spaghetti with Meatballs in Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Cheese (PHp 220)
    • Hand-chopped Beef Burger (PHp 240) with lettuce, tomatoes, onion rings, bacon and French fries
    • Pizza slice (PHp 130) Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Four Cheese
    • Quesadilla (PHp 200) with Salsa Mexicana
    • Chili Dog (PHp 240) with French fries
    • Cheese Fries (PHp 150)
    • Chili Nachos (PHp 150) with Monterrey Jack Cheese and Salsa Mexicana

    Menu of Hong Kong / Filipino:

    • Pork Adobo (PHp 240) – stewed pork belly with steamed rice
    • Asado Rice Bowl (PHp 240) – marinated barbecue pork with steamed rice
    • Ampalaya sa Hipon (PHp 240) – bittergourd prawns with jasmine rice and cucumber relish
    • Beef Caldereta (PHp 240) – stewed beef in tomato sauce with steamed rice
    • Soy Ginger Fish (PHp 240) with steamed rice
    • Pritong Bangus (PHp 240) – fried milkfish with spicy vinegar
    • Sinangag (PHp 200) – with fried garlic rice, egg and salted fish
    • Lumpiang Prito (PHp 190) – with sweet chili sauce

    Menu of Pan Asian:

    • Beef Rendang (PHp 250) – with mango chutney and basmati rice
    • Kerala Chicken Curry (PHp 240) – with mango chutney and basmati rice
    • Fish Curry Tomatoes (PHp 230) – with fragrant rice
    • Prawns in Coconut Gravy (PHp 240) – with steamed rice
    • Nasi Goreng (PHp 210) – spicy fried rice with shrimps and eggs
    • Black Peppered Beef (PHp 240) – with steamed rice
    • Fish Ball Noodle Soup (PHp 200)
    • Sweet and Sour Pork (PHp 210) with Davao pineapple chunks and steamed jasmine rice
    • Prawn and Egg Rice Bowl (PHp 240)
    • Kung Pao Chicken (PHp 220) with steamed rice
    • Towcheong Meehoon (PHp 190)

    Menu of Sapporo:

    • Salmon Teriyaki Bowl with Rice and Pickled Ginger (PHp 240)
    • Yakibuta Ramen (PHp 240) – braised pork belly ramen soup with mushrooms in Shoyu broth
    • Yaki Udon (PHp 220) – stir-fried Udon noodles with seafood and vegetables
    • Gyoza (PHp 175) – pan-fried pork dumpling with soy ginger
    • Mochi (PHp 60)
    • Sul Rung-tang (PHp 250) – brisket and beef broth with sweet potato noodles
    • Bibimbap (PHp 240) – rice with sauteed vegetables, beef and egg
    • Bulgogi (PHp 240) – grilled marinated beef slice and steamed rice
    • Jap Chae (PHp 220) – wok-fried potato noodles with vegetables
    • Kimchee Fried Rice (PHp 200) – with chopped beef, eggs and scallions

    Menu of Chicken Licken:

    • Chicken Caesar Salad (PHp 180) – Romaine lettuce, garlic toast, shaved Parmesan and bacon bits
    • Southern Fried Chicken (PHp 230) – with Cajun fries and homemade roll
    • Rotisserie Chicken (PHp 250) – with bacon mashed potatoes, homemade roll and garlic gravy
    • Grilled Chicken Pasta (PHp 230) – penne pasta in herb tomato sauce and grated Parmesan cheese
    • Chicken Wings (PHp 230) – with honey barbecue sauce and French fries

    A Glimpse of Everything:

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    Solaire’s food court definitely has pricier food than most of the food courts we have been accustomed to (think SM malls, Ayala malls, Robinsons malls, etc.). For the most part, food here are just made with simple ingredients and presented in a nondescript manner however with lovelier ambiance. Prices range from PHp 180 to PHp 250 per serving, For a mere food court, they are not really justified. I’m less likely to swing by unless they improve the quality and taste of food.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/SolaireResort” name=”Solaire Resort and Casino’s Food Court” description=”1 Solaire Boulevard / Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, Parañaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact +632 888-8888″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-01-06″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • 3 Life Lessons that Made Mark in 2013

    3 Life Lessons that Made Mark in 2013

    2013 is almost over. Last Friday was our last working day for the year, so I finally found the time to recollect golden snippets of life lessons that made their mark this year. But before writing the list, I made a quick review of relevant year-end posts published since I started blogging:

    If you’ve read all these, you rock! 🙂 If not, you have the chance now to get to know me more. Reading through each, somehow I feel like the same person still. My style of writing makes me smile the most for no apparent reason. Anyway, let’s leave it at that! Cheers to another start of the year and to all those people who shared 2013 with me, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. 😀 Now we go back…

    3 Life Lessons that Made Mark in 2013

    1. Speak up.

    Speaking up is an elaborate exercise, a demonstration of one’s capability to conceptualize and present ideas and conclusions. It is not a matter of just elaborating rants and raves but defending points that should count.

    Compared to the previous year, I have practiced and enhanced my communication skills this time, as communicating what seems to be technical and abstruse is required daily by my job. Every presentation with people from different divisions and even our internal IT team is like defending a thesis to an examining panel who are too critical of minute details. Every word, phrase and sentence coming out from my mouth should be consistent and logical.

    To quote Louis Pasteur, “Luck favors the prepared mind.” So always being prepared is a great strategic move. Preparation before speaking up involves analyzing gathered data, processing data, reporting then arriving at recommendations and directions for business sponsors or management to follow or decide upon.

    Sometimes anxiety fills me in before chairing a meeting, since I tend to think and anticipate a lot of questions on the issue and comments that are difficult to address and handle. Well, I have learned to maintain an outward calm and I don’t think anybody notices that I freak out deep inside. 😆

    2. Dare to try whatever is tugging at your heart.

    There are two sets of people: one consists of those who are willing to try whatever the risk, while the other consists of those who are afraid to dare try in any cost. Of course, there are people that fall in between—including myself. I guess I would not know things I’m really capable of doing or things I like and don’t like without trying them first.

    2013 was another year of many firsts for me. Some of them include perming my hair, driving, racing, traveling with other bloggers (essentially, people I know little of), keeping a business online, getting IPL treatments, wearing contact lenses and learning photography. I dare try whatever that interests me which I think would be worth it.

    We soar and stumble, and this cycle is inevitable in life. Daring to try is the first step but oftentimes is also the most difficult one. The secret is to stop putting barriers where there shouldn’t be any or see shadows where there aren’t. Setting sail is second. There are no guarantees; failure may occur because of having fuzzy, too many or unrealistic goals, or simply poor planning. But as the cliché goes, it’s okay to fail. Hugs and much support from loved ones are essential to survival. The third step is moving on. And the next? Keep going. Keep going. Keep going.

    3. Set and reach godly goals.

    I set goals every year but this time I learned that goals will be more achievable if they are godly. To further explain, let me pose this question: “Have you ever declared a goal and grew zeal for change only to sense your initial enthusiasm lose momentum and your resolutions slowly disintegrate?” I bet many people would say yes.

    Modesty aside, I haven’t had that in a while since I began to establish “godly goals.” These are the goals that are aligned with God’s guidance through prayer. During my prayer time each morning, I pray over the goals I have for the day, the week and the month.

    This “solemn practice” has produced several significant improvements. It helped me become more mindful of my commitments before God. Every time pray, I am reminded that nothing is impossible if we put our trust with God. I’m happy to have a direct relationship with Him to ask for confidence, strength and grace.

    Wrap Up

    2013, by any measure, was a great year. These life lessons may seem basic and easy to say, but it takes solid experiences to really understand and grasp their meaning. My choices and decisions may not be the better ones to take, yet this does not mean that I’m not getting something else, just as valuable, in return. In life there are many divergences and roadblocks. Living is about getting up and learning how to get back on track. 2014年我一定會更努力的。 继续努力加油。 😉

  • Review of Sharmila Ihaw-Ihaw Paluto Restaurant (Dampa, Pasay City)

    Review of Sharmila Ihaw-Ihaw Paluto Restaurant (Dampa, Pasay City)

    For most of us in the Philippines, Christmas is not just about any religious holiday. A lot of extravagant meal plans come with it! Wrestle with festive food and you’re set. On Christmas Day, we chowed down with a variety of seafood in Sharmila Ihaw-Ihaw Paluto Restaurant located at Dampa.

    Why not? The Seaside Market in Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City is one of the nicest places in the metro where you can find affordable seafood. It houses a seafood market and many Filipino and Chinese restaurants that cook and serve up dishes according to your preferred style.

    My dad and sister stayed at the restaurant, while my grandfather, mom, boyfriend and I went to the market to get food for “paluto.” Several Asian foreigners were roaming for a food trip that night and it was funny when vendors thought we were among them. Take this lady for instance, who was so willing to have her picture taken holding the crab. 😀 She repeatedly said “Picture picture!” till I finally took a shot.

    Review of Sharmila Ihaw-Ihaw Paluto Restaurant (Dampa, Pasay City)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    Sharmila Ihaw-Ihaw Paluto Restaurant’s ambiance recalls that of a cafeteria where wide and bare tables are dominated by families who are prepared to eat like a maharani. This place is often visited by large groups who get a bit of every seafood that’s sold in the Seaside Market. The interior design is pretty simple, suitable for both daylight and evening dining, but not one that could serve as excellent inspiration for a relaxed home.

    We have dined here about three times in a span of five years. I just wondered why the pertinent acoustic band did not play and was not at all present in our most recent visit. On the positive end, it wasn’t noisy so we could hear ourselves talk and converse while dining. Also, I say hooray for there was also not even one toddler in sight racing around! 😛

    The deal-breaker was that air conditioning was not enough to keep the area cool. To compensate, staff put up and turned on standing fans as they were highly requested as necessary.

    Service: ★★☆☆☆

    Our food came out almost an hour after we arrived. But that’s quite reasonable since the place was busy with customers and cooking these many food which are not from the menu require much cooking and preparation time. What’s not acceptable was that waiters were not attentive and even rice and tempura sauce were only served after we asked for them in like over five times. The trappings of professionalism was quite missing. 🙁

    Food: ★★★★★

    In a city full of mediocre shrimp-and-grits preparations, Sharmila’s version of Buttered Shrimps is the only one I have tasted that I regard as a must-try. Big word, yeah. These shrimps in orange sauce are the best! There’s no polite way to eat and slurp the sauce. It’s either you take the hard way of removing the shrimps’ shells using spoon and fork or go comfortable by using your hands. And no, there should be no shame in scraping the bits off the plate after you demolish the seafood. But first, make sure you’ve cleaned your hands thoroughly. (Feel free to walk into the faucet just outside the restaurant near the entrance.)

    The Spicy Crab did have a lot of punch in terms of flavor. The crab’s meat ran silkily paired with the spicy red sauce that practically begged to be eaten with plain white rice. By the end of the meal, our dinner table was like a scene of horrific crustacean wreckage, where discarded shells and hollow crab claws litter. Well, it won’t count as a dignified meal if you leave without sauce under your fingernails. 😛

    Filling enough to knock hunger, the Shrimp Tempura was delightful. This is the dish that deserves an obligatory nod to dining customers who don’t know what to order. The fried tempura was well-executed but was not exciting because they tasted like traditional. The crumbs were crisp with enough substance to make their presence known.

    The Steamed Lapu-Lapu (Chinese Style) was equally crave-able. It was seasoned in salt, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce and maybe sugar (because I sensed sweetness in the sauce). It was cooked just right and tasted fresh and gingery without the fishy odor. The leeks enhanced the dish with a complex savory aftertaste in each bite. The sauce was so nice with rice as it sank in and imbued its flavor.

    The Baked Oysters arrived last. The picture-perfect oysters’ exterior gave way to a silky inside. It was a lovely dish where the cheese blended with the butter where we needed a moment to appreciate all of it. And we did; every last drop!

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Sharmila Ihaw-Ihaw Paluto Restaurant is a likeable restaurant in Dampa area. The smell of their food is incredible as it passes through the dining room. This is the kind of eating you want to associate with the holidays — the kind that makes us feel good for years to come. Cooking fee depends on the weight of the seafood and the cooking style. It usually clocks in under PHp 300 for a viand, a true deal for the quality of food you get.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharmila-Ihaw-ihaw-Paluto-Seaside-Macapagal/177423139038892?ref=br_tf” name=”Sharmila Ihaw-Ihaw Paluto Restaurant” description=”Seaside, Macapagal, San Jose, Pasay City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact +63 9209232340″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2013-12-28″ user_review=”14″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating Hours: 8AM-12MN

    Other branches:
    Seaside, D. Macapagal Avenue, San Dionisio, Paranaque City | +63 9499036931
    Dona Julia Vargas Ave Pasig, Metro Manila | (02) 515-0326

  • Review of Sentro 1771 Restaurant (Greenbelt 3, Makati City)

    Review of Sentro 1771 Restaurant (Greenbelt 3, Makati City)

    Sentro 1771 gave away gift certificates last time (if you have not read my review of Sentro – Serendra branch, click here) and it was time to make good use of them last Saturday. I was supposed to have a date with wushu friends, but something happened so it did not push through. Thank goodness, my family was available then to spend time with me over dinner. Their prize? A treat they deserve at Sentro Greenbelt 3.

    Review of Sentro 1771 (Greenbelt 3, Makati City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    At a fine-dining destination like Sentro 1771, there’s no denying that ambiance leaves a lasting impact. Much like its branch at Serendra BGC, the central area of the back of the restaurant is occupied by this long and attractive counter table where specialties of the house are displayed. Other features mostly alike are the color and theme. Modern and elegant—something you would imagine seeing in a city. I am absolutely in love with this place. 😀

    The place was busy and packed both at the al freco area and inside. The good thing is that it’s spacious so Sentro 1771 makes a great brunch spot for groups and families. We were lucky a table was emptied when we arrived and we were seated promptly right after it was cleaned.

    Service: ★★★★★

    I like it every time the attending waiter/waitress personally introduces his/her name. It shows more hospitality from their end. This is how Sentro’s staff operates as they treat you like guests to their own home with easy-going chill and relax style rather than business. Menu was well provided and water was served quickly.  While taking our orders, the attendant took extra attention in checking if we wanted our mains to be served together or after the starters. I truly appreciate the attentiveness to minute details and that spelled all the difference in a good dining experience.

    Food: ★★★★★

    We started with the Crispy Pork Kilawin (PHp 280), a dish that I suppose many meat lovers would love. The kilawin flavor was beautifully infused and the richness of that simple key ingredient (vinegar) was given justice in this plate. The Crispy Pork Kilawin was slathered with thinly sliced leeks, carrots and onions. You may be wondering if I ate it at all. Answer is yes, just a tiny bit, to make it to the “report card.” Else I would not be able to give a nice description, right? :mrgreen:

    Next, we had the Seafood Bagoong Rice (PHp 530), which still tops as my favorite here at Sentro. If there’s any one and only dish you have to order, it is this. And check out that plating…piles after piles of grilled squid, garlic shrimps and hito flakes on bagoong rice. This dish is a definite stunner!

    Moving on to vegetarian finds, the Vegetarian Red Rice (PHp 180) was healthy and refreshing. It consisted of red organic rice stir-fried with garlic, carrots, cabbage, celery, onions and chickpeas. The texture of the grains was perfect and the mixed taste of everything was divine. This is the item on the menu that our eyes could not ignore, and I’m happy to say we’ve made the right choice.

    Accompanying the red rice was the Tofu Steak Tocho (PHp 90). Get these two and you can call it a nice, fulfilling meal. With a hint of vinegar and sesame oil, this fried tofu entree was topped with sweet-sour sauce made of tausi, fermented tofu, onions and tomatoes. It was full of beany flavor. Too bad Sentro does not have soy milk to wash it down with. They would have made a great combination.

    Following Mom’s request, we had the Sauteed Lengua with Mushrooms Salpicao (PHp 550). As you may recall, she typically wants those food that she cannot cook herself. The tender-to-the-bite tongue was lightly fried in olive oil and topped with seasoned mushrooms. The sauce was sweet and thick; I’m thinking it was made with soy sauce, brown sugar and oyster sauce. By itself, the sauce can already be eaten with rice without the meat. But that’s just me. My mom liked it very much so I guess you can trust her palate on that.

    Another “carnivorous” dish was the Lamb Caldereta (PHp 480)—boneless lamb stewed with carrots, bell peppers, tomato sauce and spices. For this, we were given the options “mild” and “spicy,” and we chose the former because my sister does not like eating spicy food. The sauce tasted like the typical caldereta sauce cooked in most Filipino homes. The lamb had this bold and strong intensity that was beyond what words could possibly describe. I didn’t like the after-taste and the smell. Hmmmm 🙁

    Finally, we had the Catfish Adobo Flakes (PHp 360), accented with native garlic and yellow ginger. It’s a nice pica-pica dish that goes well with white rice. The hito flakes were crispy and they’re the same catfish adobo flakes that were used as toppings on the Seafood Bagoong Rice.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    If you’re into classy Filipino restaurants, you have to come here at least once. This place is freakin’ gourmet! All-in-all, it was a good night for us; although on the spendy side, food, service and ambiance were worth the trip. Your mouth would water looking at food other customers have on their tables.

    I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. Sentro 1771 Restaurant is the perfect place to ring in the New Year or celebrate anything. Just make that reservation ahead and be ready for an amazing meal. 🙂

    This is located beside Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.)

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/sentro1771″ name=”Sentro 1771″ description=”2/F Greenbelt 3, Esperanza St Legazpi Village, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 757-3941″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2013-12-26″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Other Branch
    Serendra, Bonifacio Global City | (02) 856-0581 –> read review here