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Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

  • Review of Vittorio’s Steak House (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of Vittorio’s Steak House (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    We were supposed to dine at Rue Bourbon in Tomas Morato since we booked lunch via Eatigo a day ago. Upon arrival, we were disappointed to find out that Rue Bourbon was closed at the time. We tried contacting Eatigo from the number posted on their app and website, but no one was answering our call. We searched for nearby restaurants, saw Vittorio’s Steakhouse Pasta & Pizza and checked right in. It was a good move.

    Named after his father, Vittorio’s Steakhouse was established by Chef Victor Daluz Jr. after working in different resorts in United States for more than three years. The first restaurant was located in Kamuning and then moved to Tomas Morato right beside the salon of Fanny Serrano. The food consists of largely steak (USDA Ribeye, USDA Porterhouse, Tomahawk steak, Sirloins steaks), pasta, and pizza.

    Review of Vittorio’s Steak House (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Instead of the usual massive, carefully decorated steakhouse setup, Vittorio’s Steakhouse has minimal design. The space looks quite trendy (if a little unpredictable), with barren walls, interesting mix of back splashes, dark wood furniture, dim and moody lighting, and noticeable music that provides a classy feel. Overall, the dark palette gives the restaurant chic sophistication with a certain air of mystery.

    Food:

    The Overload Pizza (PhP 350) was literally “overloaded” with cheese, bell peppers, and olives, reminiscent of a homemade pizza. Baked with gooey and thick cheese, this pizza was glorious. It’s big and good enough to be a crowd-pleaser. The crust didn’t come out too crispy as we liked but we’re happy it had a lightly fried texture and it’s not soggy. The crumb was a bit chewy but not as soft and fluffy as a New York–style Sicilian slice.

    Sirloin Steak with Steak Rice (PhP 710) must be a foolproof dish at Vittorio’s. Cooked medium-rare doneness as requested, it was perfectly seasoned, paired with delicious sauce, and served with corn kernels and carrots on the side. Huge on beefy flavor, the steak was moderately tender with a good marbling and a lean and tight texture (no large pockets of fat). We loved it!

    Price for Value:

    Vittorio’s Steakhouse in Tomas Morato provides good food and service that make customers’ every dining experience memorable. It’s a steakhouse you visit for a power meal: a private party, corporate dinner, any special occasion, or even a big Saturday night out because you haven’t had one in a while. If you glean one thing from this review, it should be this: Vittorio’s steak is really good. There’s something special about their US Angus steak that keeps patrons coming back. So yeah… order the steak and get your money’s worth. Your wallet may hurt a bit, but your stomach will thank you. 😉

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/vittoriosph/” name=”Vittorio’s Steakhouse” description=”32 Sct Borromeo, Tomas Morato, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila” rev_body=”For inquiries, call (02) 738 6564 or email vittoriosph@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-09-10″ user_review=”4″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Empacho (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of Empacho (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Louie has just dined here a few days ago, and he swore everything’s good, so good that it deserved a return visit right away. Empacho is a two-storey restaurant/bar offering Filipino food with a twist. Its menu is packed with so many interesting dishes served with portions to share family-style. How do Triple Bypass, Pitik Pitik Rolls, Sisig Bruschetta, Crispy Soft Shell Crab Pinakbet, Slow Cooked Beef Cheek with Adobo Sauce, and Balut Tempura sound?

    If you find yourself caught in Tomas Morato without a plan and with a group of friends in tow, head on over to Empacho for lunch or dinner and you’ll have a perfectly decent time. Their food will give you a lot of pleasure. And a lot of calories! Better be warned: If on a strict and serious diet, you should probably skip it for the sake of your health. 😛

    Review of Empacho (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Empacho is a stunner. With exposed brick walls, wood surfaces, high ceiling, and comfortable seating for small and large groups, the space screams sexy. It’s a gem in the area. Successful and sweet use of polished cement on the floor gives it a natural and classy look. They may look incomplete without colors, but the actual beauty lies within the raw texture of cement being exposed to the interior. The suspended cage pendant lights with edison light bulbs are also eye-catching. All these attractive elements in the restaurant make the place more elegant with a rustic vibe that’s welcoming and appealing.

    Food:

    In for an exotic gastronomic adventure? Get Balut Tempura (PhP 350) on your table. Known as a tasty aphrodisiac, balut is that terrifying hard-boiled duck embryo that’s been popularized in Fear Factor. Battered tempura-style with micro arugula salad and salted egg aioli, the fertilized duck egg was soft and tender, dissolving in your mouth almost like a mousse. Just leave the albumen—the white part of the egg—behind, as it has the flavor and texture of a pencil eraser.

    Cooked with Empacho’s scrumptious and rich annatto peanut sauce and served with bagoong, the Crispy Pork Kare-Kare (PhP 395) was delivered in spades. The spicy deep-fried salted pork belly was juicy and properly seasoned. The exterior was salty and extra crispy, while the interior remained tender and moist. It’s a rich combination that paired surprisingly well with the nuttiness of kare-kare. Two thumbs up!

    We tried both the Aligue Rice (PhP 65) and Tinapa Rice (PhP 65), and liked the latter better. It’s every bit of delicious you could imagine it to be and every mouthful will get you satisfied! Aligue rice consisted of garlic and aligue topped with fried chili, while tinapa rice was made with tinapa flakes topped with salted egg and tomato.

    Price for Value:

    Empacho literally translates to indigestion. Whoever named this restaurant must be a genius. Dishes here are so indulgent and sinful. Every bite tempts you to eat more, and thus make you feel like your stomach would be bursting in fullness. Usually, that doesn’t sound good. But in true Empacho fashion, this just proves how much you enjoyed their food. Price for value is quite fair, considering the creativity and ingenuity of their offerings. Names of the food are also clearly well thought out of. This restaurant/bar in Tomas Morato is a must-try!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/empacho.ph/” name=”Empacho” description=”Second Floor, 170 Tomas Morato Corner Don Roces Avenue, Tomas Morato, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 0917 467 1816″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-09-03″ user_review=”4.3″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Mode Sathorn Hotel (Bangkok, Thailand)

    Review of Mode Sathorn Hotel (Bangkok, Thailand)

    We went to Bangkok last month to attend the wedding of one of my best friends. 🙂 For utmost convenience, we chose to stay in a hotel that’s closest to the church where the wedding ceremony would be held. Located just outside BTS Surasak (literally a few steps away from the station), Mode Sathorn Hotel is a four-star boutique, fashionable lifestyle hotel that looks beautiful and classy with uniquely themed rooms.

    mode sathorn hotel

    Review of Mode Sathorn Hotel (Bangkok, Thailand)

    Ambiance:

    Mode Sathorn Hotel is quite an upscale and sharp-looking hotel at the heart of Bangkok’s business-heavy Sathorn neighborhood. At the lobby, the check-in desk did not seem like the usual counter, but rather worked out with a more casual and personalized reception. Guests can sit and wait for the admin to be done.

    The Deluxe Room was fitted with a comfy king-size bed, clean sheets, soft lighting, sleek bathrooms sporting separate soaking tubs and showers, and nice touches like toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. Rendered in reserved neutrals, the walls, decors, and furnishings make an unabashedly luxe and modern statement with a strict color palette of black, white, and gray which helped maintain a cohesive feeling.

    There’s a lot of people online raving about Mode Sathorn Hotel’s 360-degree rooftop bar and its infinity pool. We went to the topmost floor to see the rooftop for ourselves. It’s entirely open-sky and the feeling of being high up in the air seemed real and impressive. You can walk around the entire circumference of the tower and discover a superb 360 view of this part of Bangkok. The bar provides a loungy setting for cocktails and simple plates to share. Some other highlights include a 24-hour gym that’s well-equipped, full-service spa, and two restaurants serving European and international cuisines.

    Food:

    Our package included complimentary breakfast at The Sathorn, which had a wide spread of food. Serving breakfast from 6am to 10:30am, The Sathorn is housed on the 10th floor of the hotel. The vibe was just right for a leisurely breakfast. We were greeted with plush and sleek interior, warm service, freshly cooked food, and show cooking stations. Featuring Thai and international dishes, flavors were robust and decent. Overall, food was tasty and admirable but nothing to shout about.

    Price for Value:

    Mode Sathorn Hotel has a special charm that you’d go crazy about, but staying in a well-kept and modern hotel comes with a price. We spent around PhP 4500 per night. It’s one of the most expensive hotel accommodations we ever paid for while abroad. In any case, it’s well worth paying a little more for a contemporary room with the best details and food which gives a nod to our taste. The place looks very stylish and polished, and service is second to none. If you’re planning to go to Bangkok, Thailand, this is a recommended hotel where most things are easily accessible, especially public transportation. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.modesathorn.com/” name=”Mode Sathorn Hotel” description=”North, 144 Si Lom, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call +6626234555 or email info@modesathorn.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-09-03″ user_review=”4.8″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Kandle Cafe is one of the restaurants that are offering discounts when you reserve via BigDish. The food on the menu looked interesting, so we decided to drive to Mother Ignacia Avenue for late lunch last weekend to give it a try. The whole concept of naming the cafe “Kandle” takes well. It’s derived from the initials of the four siblings (Khyrss, Dong King, Leslie, and Eli) who own the place. Kandle Cafe has an easygoing neighborhood feel. It’s the kind of spot where the food speaks for itself and nothing is trying too hard to impress you; it effortlessly draws you in and makes you want to be there.

    Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Kandle Cafe is a comfortable space, and it’s definitely cooler than your average coffee shop. Brewed and blended coffee, an attractive refrigerated display of pastries, and creative dishes should help keep you going while you do whatever it is you’re doing on your laptop. But there’s more. The ambiance features a modern layout with wooden furnishing. Decorative elements introducing splashes of color on the wall certainly bring out a homey feel and inviting atmosphere. Greenery is also dotted about the space. The wood theme is continued at the back patio, where diners can enjoy the al fresco dining setup. If weather is nice, sit out there and enjoy the chill.

    Food:

    We started our meal with Paella Croquettes (PhP 210): chicken in toasted rice balls. We’re no stranger to paella, but paella presented in balls is unique and something we couldn’t have imagined. Taste was incredibly flavorful for being so simple, nothing dry or crumbly. Inside, there’s a burst of cheesy goodness that melts in the mouth. Yup, these paella croquettes are awesome.

    Kandle Cafe’s BBQ Chicken (PhP 250) was marinated in hickory smoke sauce and served with 63 degree poached egg, charred corn kernels, and greens. It’s not our favorite version of charred chicken but it was not bad. I’m a fan of the assortment of tastes and textures in just one dish. It’s like party on a plate! This dish is perfect for brunch when you want something healthy and hearty, or any time of day when you’re hankering for a bite of the Southwest.

    Finally, we had the best-selling and most recommended Ms. Eggy & Mr. Eggoy Pasta (PhP 240). The name is already catchy enough to get us, but it’s the ingredients that won our hearts. 😍 It’s fresh squid ink pasta sauteed in smoked bacon and onion, light cream sauce, with 63 degree poached egg garnished with crispy bacon and toasted pan de mie. I could not seem to distinguish between the pasta and the squid; it’s hard to tell them apart. Both were tad thick, springy, and ropy. The squid ink flavor was mostly present, tasting briny and earthy. There’s an even more substantial build-up of savoriness when we mixed the egg.

    Price for Value:

    Kandle Cafe in Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City is quite a foodie destination. It serves up great food in a somewhat unexpected setting, and to top things off, the menu represents a fantastic value as well. What I love most is how it’s designed to have a continuous indoors-outdoors relationship which allows guests to interact with fresh air towards the garden for a nice change of pace. Will I be back? You can count on it. I’d like to try their coffee next time. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” name=”Kandle Cafe” description=”1103, 113 Mother Ignacia Ave, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 0998 276 1571″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-08-29″ user_review=”4.3″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Pitmaster’s Smokehouse BBQ (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Review of Pitmaster’s Smokehouse BBQ (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    After having a decent meal at Pitmaster’s Smokehouse BBQ in Kapitolyo, Pasig City, we can say we’ve turned into fans of this grill restaurant. Our overall experience was certainly classed-up. Their specialty? Smoked meat cooked using only local wood and a unique blend of spices, and then paired with a collection of homemade sauces like Apple (sweet), East Capitol (spicy), and Hazelnut (something close to a spread that you love). Local beers are served daily.

    with Chef Dan

    Pitmaster’s Smokehouse BBQ humbly began as a simple ihaw-ihaw barbecue concept that has grown into a more technical “smoking” barbecue restaurant serving mouthwatering smoked meats. This is a great spot to expand your horizons on grilled dishes and delicious comfort food without committing to breaking the bank. It’s a destination for family and certified foodies looking to diversify their curious palate. To further relieve worries on the bill, reserving through BigDish is recommended. Book online and score a huge discount of up to 50% off!

    In case you’re not yet familiar, BigDish is a brand-new way of offering dining deals and discounts. There’s no membership fee required. Just reserve online (through the website or mobile app) and get discounts depending on the number of people, date and time, and the restaurant chosen. Once booking is done, a confirmation code will show up and this should be presented to the restaurant at the time of visit. No hassle! Click here to book your next meal at Pitmaster’s Smokehouse BBQ.

    Review of Pitmaster’s Smokehouse BBQ (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Ambiance:

    Casual urban elegance meets modern aesthetics at Pitmaster’s Smokehouse BBQ. Wood surroundings mostly make up its rustic approachability, and brick walls adorned with creative drawings and some food posters further add on to the consistency of a cozy feel. Splashes of color are introduced in the form of writings on the chalkboard menu. Ample lighting is available but there’s also a lot of natural lighting from the restaurant’s windows. Layout is kept simple, maximizing the seating zones arranged throughout the indoor area, while also having an outdoor space for al fresco dining.

    Food:

    Chicken skin is usually salty but Pitmaster’s does it differently. Their deep-fried Chicken Skin (PhP 145) had a great balance of honey-sweet and garlicky flavor that provides a nice change of pace from the traditional dish you’re familiar with. It excited our appetite and made us look forward to the next entrees with eager anticipation, which is what every good appetizer should do. The chicken skin was punchy and perfect to order on your cheat day. 🙂

    Pulled Pork Roll with Kesong Puti (PhP 200) is a definite mainstay on the menu. It’s not lumpiang Shanghai or any ordinary fried spring rolls, though it may look like it, but shredded smoked pork butt tossed in Gochujang, rolled and deep fried. Here you get the best of both worlds: thick, slightly chewy and juicy meat and crunchy bark. It’s a nice pica-pica dish while having smooth conversations over a meal. Kesong puti on the side bounced against the gentle flavor of pork without fear of overwhelming the senses.

    Pit Caesar Salad (PhP 240) is classic Caesar salad mixed with smoked bacon strips and homemade anchovy sauce. Here you have salty, smoky, and sweet flavors in a balanced medley. The greens were sparkingly fresh and what elevated the dish even more was the poached egg on top, which wasn’t meant for only decoration, but really as a palatable component. And oh, the smoked bacon gave depth to what might otherwise be just a boring salad.

    We saved the best for last. For our main course, we had The Pit Platter (PhP 1500) which consisted of five smoked specialties with regular sides (see list below) and carafe iced tea. It’s good for four people to share! Some food are simply too wonderful to ignore, and this smoked meat platter definitely falls into this category. Visually and flavor-wise, the Pitmaster’s Smoked Ribs and Smoked Corriander Chicken for me were the most tantalizing. All the other meat varieties were done right as well, featuring perfect charred crust in savory and smoky goodness. The sides, especially our favorite Elotes or Mexican-style corn on the cub, also scored A in our book. Yum!

    Rundown:

    • Pitmaster’s Smoked Ribs – 7-hour smoked pork ribs
    • Black Angus Brisket – 15-hour smoked black angus beef brisket
    • Smoked Bacon Strips – homemade 7-day cured and smoked bacon strips
    • Smoked Corriander Chicken – chicken leg quarter with honey chili-garlic glaze (mild, hot, magma)
    • Pit Smoked Sausage – homemade smoked sausages with your choice of either garlic & herb or sweet pepper
    • Sides: Kimchi Rice (PhP 65), Pepper Rice (PhP 60), Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Thyme Bechamel (PhP 95)

    Price for Value:

    In the landmarked “foodie” space of Kapitolyo, piles of restaurants left and right fight for attention. If you’re looking for grilled and smoked meat, look no further than Pitmaster’s Smokehouse BBQ, which lives up to its name. (By definition, a pitmaster is one who operates a barbecue pit, one who is skilled at barbecuing.) This restaurant serves really good smoked meats matched with tasty sauces that don’t overpower but complement and blend together well with the dishes.

    Prices aren’t much of a bargain but pretty reasonable for the quality of food and friendly service. Click here to book your next meal at Pitmaster’s Smokehouse BBQ to get a discount and invite your friends to indulge in reliably good bites! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://goo.gl/5ak8xK” name=”Pitmaster’s Smokehouse BBQ” description=”64 East Capitol Dr, Pasig” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 0917 3160255 or (02) 616 7919″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-08-17″ ]

  • Our Experience at Bangkok Float Center (Thailand’s Largest & Most Advanced Float Center)

    Our Experience at Bangkok Float Center (Thailand’s Largest & Most Advanced Float Center)

    My husband Louie has been mentioning about floating for several months now. He was very psyched when he discovered that there’s a float center in Manila. Unfortunately, after contacting them, we learned that it’s temporarily closed as it will be moving to another location from Makati. Since we were going to Bangkok to attend a friend’s wedding, we looked for available float centers online and actually found Bangkok Float Center in Show DC Mall.

    We booked via Gowabi and were lucky to even had scored a good discount. Bangkok Float Center is in the heart of Bangkok at SHOW DC Entertainment Mall. Bangkok’s first retail and entertainment mega-complex. In this post, I’ll talk about what floating is, the benefits of floating, what to expect, some tips, and all about our unique experience. So, what is it really like to float in a sensory-deprivation tank?

    Our Experience at Bangkok Float Center (Thailand’s Largest & Most Advanced Float Center)

    We went to Bangkok Float Center on our first day in Thailand. The experience was smooth and we had a good interaction with the friendly and eloquent staff. With a serene spa-like reception, the ambiance of the float center was really nice and zen-like. Its facilities were easily accessible and convenient for use throughout our stay. Outside the treatment rooms, there’s a nice sitting area with water and tea for refreshments and hydration.

    What is floating?

    The way I see it, floating is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from devices, detach from both the physical and digital worlds, and just connect with yourself. It is a water therapy product originating from Dr. John Lilly from the USA in the 1950’s that’s designed to aid total relaxation of body and mind by taking the effort out of floating on water. I think you’ll get a similar experience by floating in the sea, as salt water is denser than freshwater. However, floating mindlessly in the sea carries the risk of being taken away from shore by an outgoing tide. Whoops! As float is designed to be used in a swimming pool, it’s likely to be a safer alternative.

    Floating weightlessly is such a cool experience because it lets the mind drift into the deepest state of relaxation possible. The ultra-deep relaxation of floating “resets” the body’s hormonal and metabolic balance, strengthening resistance to and accelerating recovery from the effects of stress, illness, injury or strenuous exercise. It allows you to be free from all sensation of gravity, temperature, touch, sight and sound.

    Inside the tank, there’s 600 kilograms of Epsom salt added to 1000 liters of water, creating a 30-cm deep solution heated to 35.5 degrees Celsius. The skin-temperature liquid is just good enough for the body to be “in peace” with the water. This means that once you’re settled inside, it will be virtually impossible to distinguish between parts of the body that are in contact with the water and those that aren’t.

    What are the physical benefits of floating?

    Since we’re first timers, we had a guided orientation about floating. All our questions were answered before we entered our private Dreampod rooms. The staff of Bangkok Float Center explained the floating process and mentioned that there are several good health benefits of floating primarily because of the magnesium content from the Epsom salt that’s absorbed by the skin. Magnesium is a mineral that helps relieve constipation, relax muscle tension, and promote calmness and peaceful relaxation in the body.

    Unlike lying on a mattress, lying in water allows blood to flow freely all throughout the body. There’s no need to readjust your position to get comfortable. Floating also helps improve circulation, increase distribution of oxygen and nutrients, reduce blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption, and many more. If you have a difficulty falling into deep sleep, this may be the answer to your problem.

    What feeling to expect?

    In the first 10-15 minutes, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable and have a hard time finding a good position for the body and head. It’s also normal to feel strain in the neck. The key is to relax your head and let the water support it, focus on breathing, forget you’re in a float pod, let go of control, and enjoy the feeling of weightlessness. Many floaters report a feeling of total relaxation comparable to an intense yoga or meditation session. Some people fall into sleep, and it’s totally safe.

    Contained in a totally private room for maximum comfort, the Dreampod can be left open for those who are claustrophobic, and the lights can stay on for those who are afraid or feel uneasy in the dark. There are buttons inside to adjust the light and sound/music. I preferred complete darkness (even when eyes were opened) so I turned the lights off and closed the tank. There was no visual input and no audible input. I heard nothing inside but my own stomach growling a few times and my heartbeat. I thought my brain slowed down and took a break. Time meant nothing; the hour didn’t feel too long or short. For a moment, there’s nothing to worry about.

    The water in the tank felt slippery, but after a while, it couldn’t be felt at all. We floated for an hour and a half gravity-free. After emerging from the tank, my back felt lighter and more pain-free than it had in months. I also felt clear-headed and somehow tired, as if I had just swam tens of laps in a pool. We took a shower to wash off the salt, and our skin felt soft like silk.

    Wrap Up

    Floating at Bangkok Float Center is one of the most surreal yet relaxing experiences I’ve ever had. The sensation of being completely weightless was hard to grapple at first. I tried about three times to forcefully touch the bottom of the tank but I kept bobbing back up. It took me less than five minutes to find my most comfortable position and lie motionless.

    Floating gives an overall feeling of freedom and it eliminates toxins and stress. It’s soothing and we came out feeling refreshed and content. I recommend this to anyone looking to put health and well-being on the forefront. It’s definitely worth a try! 😉 Price for four of us for 90 minutes is 7,704 baht.

    Things to bring:

    • Guests do not need to bring anything. Swim wear is NOT necessary; we were advised to be naked so we would feel free and in tune with the body and mind.
    • Towels, shampoo, soap, earplugs, and other toiletries (and even foundation, powder, and makeup remover) are all provided. Each of us had our own personal spa suite with Dreampod, private shower, and dressing area. We also had full access to a chill out lounge directly outside the float room.

    Things to avoid:

    • Avoid floating after a big meal or when you haven’t eaten at all.
    • Avoid drinking anything for at least two hours before floating. You don’t want a full bladder ripping you away from “the zone,” so make sure to go in empty.
    • Avoid shaving prior to floating. When you have cuts, you may use Vaseline or waterproof bandaids to cover.
    • Avoid drifting in the tank. Drifting will cause you to ping off the walls and in some cases will give you a sense of spinning. Simply touch the sides of the tank with your hands and feet until your body is centered. This can take up to a minute or two depending on how much you disturbed the water.
    • Avoid putting your hands on your eyes when in the tank because it’s saltwater. It will sting a lot.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/bangkokfloatcenter/” name=”Bangkok Float Center” description=”Show Dc Entertainment Mall, 99/9-99/6 Rama 9, (next to RCA), Rachada, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand” rev_name=”For inquiries, call +66 98 628 9599″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-08-12″ user_review=”4.9″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Grind Bistro (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Review of Grind Bistro (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Grind Bistro in Net Park Building, BGC offers food that’s creative, tasty, and beautifully plated. It has earned its way into the conversation when it comes to American comfort food. Opened in May 2016, this restaurant is an upscale version of your textbook American fastfood joint. Grind Bistro is well known for their 100% USDA beef Grind Burger and steaks, but certainly there are far more interesting dishes to try. We visited last Saturday for lunch and had an excellent dining experience.

    Our meal was booked through BigDish’s app, and we had an instant discount off the bill. In case you haven’t heard about it yet, BigDish is a brand-new way of offering dining deals and discounts. There’s no membership fee required. Just reserve online (through the website or mobile app) and get discounts off your bill depending on the number of people, date and time, and the restaurant chosen. Once booking is done, a confirmation code will show up and this should be presented to the restaurant at the time of visit. No hassle!

    Review of Grind Bistro (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Ambiance:

    Grind Bistro in BGC is a great foodie destination where guests can enjoy American comfort food and New World wines in a cozy setting. The atmosphere makes for an excellent date spot or a family luncheon. It’s neither too loud to cut off conversation nor too intimate that the awkward silences are painful. The light fixtures hanging boldly from the ceiling look very decorative. They add a retro flavor with the black cage pendant design, giving off soft and tender lighting to the surroundings. Appropriately so, the black chairs in the dining area are a good match. The accent chairs on the side look stylish and comfortable, with a pop of orange shades for a good visual contrast.

    Food:

    For starters, we had the thinly-sliced potato chips fired to a light airy crisp. It looks simple but prepare to be wowed. Tad salty and super crispy, these chips were truly satisfying and every bite kept us wanting to get more. The sweet homemade condiment also proved to be a good complement.

    Next, we tried the Sliders (PhP 395), or what you may call “small bites of beef heaven.” This appetizing entree was presented as three mini Grind burgers made with 100% USDA ground beef “sandwiched” in brioche with onions and pickles. The beef was cooked medium-rare, as we requested, and all the other components worked together like a great jazz rhythm section.

    When in Grind Bistro, don’t miss the Nutty Black Chicken (PhP 595). We expected this best-selling dish to be a hit, and we got it! The chicken may look burned but really it isn’t. Coated in squid ink mixed in tempura batter, the boneless skinless chicken was juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful. Plus points go to the crunch of its exterior. The hazelnut romesco gave a subtly nutty and refined taste.

    Pancetta, garlic, black pepper, cream, and egg yolk made up the Truffled Penne Carbonara (PhP 495). It was lip-smacking delicious and we were all smiles. We love anything with truffle and so far, this one did not let us down.

    Topped with pesto, asparagus, and fresh ricotta, the Squid Ink Raviolis (PhP 370) were light, delicate pillows of devilish goodness, each filled with housemade steak and leek. Tinted with the ink of a cephalopod, the ravioli looked striking against a white plate, creating a “black tie” effect that’s appealing to the eye. Although the ink comes from a sea dweller, it did not taste fishy mostly because of the marinara sauce. The combination of flavors was well played.

    Price for Value:

    The brainchild of husband-and-wife team Chef Steven and trained wine sommelier Cristina Imperial Carl, Grind Bistro prepares food that are delivered with an elegant style and grace. Their menu is regularly reviewed and updated to make sure they keep their customers’ favorites and at the same time offer new items that give diners a fresh experience each time they visit. Reasonable prices, inviting ambiance, and friendly and efficient service are other good reasons to return. Book a table through BigDish and get up to 50% off discount. Can’t beat this deal! 😉

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/GrindBistro/” name=”Grind Bistro” description=”Ground Floor, Netpark Building, Fifth Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 946-3870 or 0956-889-8348” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-08-01″ ]

  • Review of Pink Panda Southeast Asian Diner (Poblacion, Makati City)

    Review of Pink Panda Southeast Asian Diner (Poblacion, Makati City)

    Pink Panda is housed on the ground floor of Y2 Residence Hotel across A. Venue Mall. On the surface, it would be easy to assume that it’s just another under-the-radar casual spot in Makati. But one step in and you’ll realize it’s far from that. It’s a dimly-lit restaurant where you can take delight in Southeast Asian food flavors and get a quick alcohol fix. Featuring Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Chinese, and Filipino comfort food, Pink Panda updates its menu every six months, retaining those that received warm accolade from customers and replacing those that didn’t. Aside from serving a la carte dishes for lunch and dinner, it also caters to breakfast of hotel guests daily buffet-style.

    Dinner was booked through BigDish’s app, and we had an instant discount off our meal. In case you’re not yet familiar, BigDish is a brand-new way of offering dining deals and discounts. There’s no membership fee required. Just reserve online (through the website or mobile app) and get discounts off your bill depending on the number of people, date and time, and the restaurant chosen. Once booking is done, a confirmation code will show up and this should be presented to the restaurant at the time of visit. No hassle!

    Review of Pink Panda Southeast Asian Diner (Poblacion, Makati City)

    Ambiance:

    Pink Panda in Makati opened in 2014 and it’s owned by Erwan Heusaff and his friends. It is a nice change of pace if you’re ever in need of a quieter meal in Makati, perfect for a date night, dinner with the family, or a cool hangout session with friends. Its interior design and theme exude a genteel charm. The modern space looks artsy and colorful, filled with Asian decors and influences. The bicycle on the wall and the ceiling panels are sleek accents that are most striking and unexpected. While the lighting and overall ambiance seemingly attract a grown-up crowd, this restaurant doesn’t feel stuffy in the slightest.

    Food:

    We started dinner with the Prawn Toasties (PhP 220) and were completely smitten with the taste and texture. I’m seriously craving for it while typing right now! Presented as small triangles of bread with sesame seeds and sweet chili sauce on the side, these toasts were savory. They were fried to a light bronze and had a mild, unobtrusive flavor.

    Pink Panda’s Chicken and Dumpling Noodle (PhP 240) is awesome stuff that reminded me of childhood. It’s a chicken-rich and particularly hearty soup that consisted of roasted chicken, spinach dumpling, garlic chips, and egg noodles cooked in lemongrass ginger broth that’s aromatic. The soup had a good amount of salt, and the noodles had a good bite to it. The dumplings were flavorful and stuffed full, folded into little round parcels. Yum!

    Who eats at Pink Panda without getting their signature Pink Panda Pork Bun (PhP 190)? Made with Chinese sausage, wood ear mushroom, and salted egg, these “siopao” pork buns are must-orders. They’re huge and tasty, especially with the sweet sauce. I liked that the pork did not have too much fat. We appreciated more of the meatiness in the fluffy steamed bun.

    Dimsum and then Some (PhP 330) is a must-order when you want to relish a quality yum cha meal. Three different types of shrimp dumplings (more like “hakaw”) were served hot on the table: chili, pumpkin, and kinchay. Honestly I couldn’t choose which one was the best. All were great and really satisfying, with or without the accompaniment of chili soy sauce.

    Crispy Beef Rendang (PhP 220) was the star of the night. It’s one of the best-selling dishes at Pink Panda, and the reason is pretty obvious. The short ribs were perfectly fried, with a crisp exterior and a tender inside. Swimming in spiced coconut sauce and a coating of delicious spices, their rendition of the beef rendang was so mouthwatering that we had to order two extra cups of jasmine rice (PhP 50) to maximize our enjoyment of the meal. Crunchy and fragrant, it’s a fiery fare that’s like an explosion of great flavors. Totally addictive.

    Finally, we had Char Kway Teow (PhP 285), a popular dish in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. It’s a rich dish emboldened by chicken, Chinese sausage, hearty hofan, egg noodles, chili, and sweet soy, with a scattering of bean sprouts to add crunch. If you’re trying char kway teow for the first time, go for the gusto!

    Price for Value:

    If you’re interested in trying Asian fusion food, Pink Panda Southeast Asian Diner in Y2 Residence Hotel is the place to be. Open for walk-ins from 11am to 12mn, it serves a variety of popular Southeast Asian dishes with a modern twist in a hip and creative environment. Prices are good for those on a budget; you can order a lot without spending a lot. Be adventurous, and try reserving through BigDish to get up to 50% instant discount off your bill. Check out this link to get started.

    Y2 Residence Hotel offers the weary soul a distinctly serene and tranquil ambiance even when it’s merely a few minutes away from the city’s Central Business District as well as several world-class shopping destinations and vibrant nightspots.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pg/thepinkpandadiner/” name=”Pink Panda” description=”Ground Floor Y2 Residence Hotel, 4687 Santiago St. corner B. Valdez & Singian Street, Makati City” rev_name=” For inquiries, call +63 (917) 794-2005 or +632 224-3000 loc 3057″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-07-26″ ]