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Category: BGC

  • Review of Misto at Seda Hotel (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Review of Misto at Seda Hotel (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Misto at Seda Hotel in BGC is where you can consider having a low-key celebration or a milestone, a special event, or just talking casually with family and friends over a decent meal. With quiet and classy ambiance, this restaurant is projected as an oasis of excellence bespeaking indulgence without a trace of pretension. We came here for lunch last Sunday to celebrate my parents’ 28th wedding anniversary. Food tastes were on point, and the servers made us feel great.

    Misto is an Italian word which translates to “mixed” in English. The reason why the restaurant was named such is that the cuisine it serves mixes both Italian and Filipino food together. While it caters breakfast buffet in the morning (mostly complimentary for hotel guests), Misto provides a varied à la carte menu during lunch and dinner with mouth-watering dishes that can tempt everyone.

    Review of Misto at Seda Hotel (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Interior design is on fleek. The mix of industrial modern contemporary and the elegance ambiance are irrevocably intertwined. Misto at Seda Hotel seems like an ideal place where you can spend a family-friendly, elegant, business-like dining by day or a romantic date at night. Color theme looks relaxing to the eyes, as it has let go of visually upsetting patterns. Nude tones and light shades create a soothing joyful atmosphere to the dining room. Tables are well-placed and seats are all comfy, too. 🙂

    Service: ★★★★★

    Presentation is everything. From the moment I called for the reservation, the service team behind Misto handled booking of the date professionally. Upon entrance, we were given freedom to choose seats and were handed the menu.

    Waiters checked on us occasionally without being obtrusive. Orders were served quite fast. This restaurant for sure has all the elements of a stellar customer service that translates to a great dining experience.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    One of the reasons why we selected this restaurant is that it offers several vegetarian courses on its menu. Since it’s our parents’ special day, we aimed to impress and delight my dad’s palate with vegetarian dishes which are more creative and a bit different from usual home-cooked ones. For appetizer, we got the Spinach Artichoke Dip (PhP 300). Two kinds of bread were paired with the dip. The spinach artichoke was rich, creamy, and velvety. It was so good that we thought it could possibly lead one down a leafy green-loving path.

    Tired of heavy salads that are overdressed? The Classic Caesar Salad with Smoked Salmon and Crispy Bacon (PhP 380) can totally change that tune. With crispy romaine hearts tossed in light caesar dressing and topped with croutons, Parmesan cheese, the salad came with lovely smoked salmon and tasty bacon bits which clang perfectly to the greens. This entree was hearty as it was flavorful.

    Another vegetarian option we had was the Porcini Mushroom Ravioli (PhP 400). The mushroom flavor came through unadulterated. Stuffed with sauteed porcini mushrooms and covered with onion cream, the ravioli tasted earthy and homey. The finishing touch of tomatoes and chopped mushrooms on top added a layer of flavor that elevated what was otherwise an utterly humble pasta dish.

    Misto’s Vegetarian Lasagna (PhP 350) was also a thing of uncomplicated joy. Baked with layers of zucchini, a pile of eggplant, and roasted tomato, the lasagna was topped with momay sauce and served with pesto toast. This is definitely highly recommended.

    To have a true sense of “Misto” (mixed), we did not pass up the chance to have a good balance of Italian and Filipino food. Our top two local picks for lunch were the Bagnet (PhP 450) and the timeless Kare-kare (PhP 650).

    Bagnet, or deep-fried pork belly, was served with garlic fried rice and pickled vegetables. It was intensely crisp and crunchy on the outside and meltingly tender within. Truly, it’s one of the great pork dishes of the world. Try it and you’ll be smitten! 🙂

    Kare-kare, on the other hand, should be perfect for those who want traditional Filipino comfort food. It’s one among the many Filipino dishes that strongly captures the essence of the Philippines’ most unique, idiosyncratic, and underrated culinary tradition. The stew was cooked with vegetables in thick, savory peanut sauce and served with white rice. It’s even better when eaten with shrimp paste (bagoong).

    For desserts, we sampled the classic Italian dessert: the Tiramisu (PhP 350). The texture turned out to be too runny and too creamy, almost like an ice cream in a shot glass. I didn’t like very much. 🙁 It lacked the furry layer of bitter cocoa powder that I was expecting from a wonderful version of tiramisu. More booze and coffee flavor onto the sponge could have added an extra oomph.

    The Chocolate Praline Mousse with Fresh Raspberry Coulis (PhP 310) looked gorgeous! The chocolate praline mousse was indulgent and velvety. It was formed like a ganache, a buttery smooth creation that literally melts on the tongue. Overall, this sweet treat was okay but not exactly what we can call “a taste of heaven.”

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Misto at the ground floor of Seda brought us satisfying and drool-worthy Filipino and Italian food for lunch. Prices are fair and have great value. We left the restaurant with a full stomach and a happy heart. 🙂

    Seda BGC Hotel is the first wholly-owned and managed brand of Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation. Seda means “silk” in Filipino and it guarantees a seamless hotel service for guests.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/sedahotels/” name=”Misto – Seda Hotel” description=”Seda Hotel, 30th Street Corner 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 9458888″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-02-28″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Susi Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Review of Susi Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    For most people, the idea of gourmet vegan cuisine is a head-scratcher, but it seems that Susi does not shy away from the challenge. Susi Vegan and Vegetarian in BGC provides interesting, “clean” eats with enough options that are 100% vegan (gluten-free, meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and cruelty-free). How does this kind of food satisfy? Does this vegan joint mimic the flavors of meat in its cooking? Can this be considered “heaven” for vegans? We ordered four of its best-selling dishes to find out.

    Review of Susi Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Susi Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant, a two-story sleek spot with white and polished wood walls, turned out as a host of greens and creative vegan eats. The ambiance here can be described as a pleasant departure from noisy bars and restaurants in Forbes Town Center. Quirky decors, dim lighting, and comfortable seating enhance aura of peace and satisfaction, making it an ideal place to hang out and carry long conversations over a nice meal. In addition to items on the menu, packed snacks as well as memorabilia are displayed for selling beside the counter.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was spot-on. The staff made it a point to make everyone happy with their friendly accommodation and cheeriness. On each table, there were buttons for us to press if we need to call their attention for any request. These served as a discreet way of alerting them for assistance. I tried pressing a button once and was glad that it worked. Overall, our needs were met with prompt and efficiency.

    Food: ★★☆☆☆

    At one glance, Susi’s menu was impressive. Distinctive names of dishes with elaborate descriptions were written, and these were not classic digs we normally find in other vegetarian restaurants. It was also great that enthusiastic servers were present to explain them further. We took in their best recommendations and had the following:

    Sea Shepherd’s Pie (PhP 345) is said to be one of the most comforting vegan dishes. Susi made it with the classic mashed potato crust, but taste executed fell flat. The mashed potatoes could have been more flavorful when topped with cheese, cream, or fresh herbs. Proportions of salt and pepper should also be increased at pleasure, and perhaps a bit of chopped thyme or oregano would have delivered better embellishment and matched in flavors, too.

    Beet burger with chimichurri, cream cheese, pico de gallo, and sweet potato wedges made up the Instagram-worthy El Chimichurri (PhP 475). The burger bun wasn’t made of wheat, oats, or gluten but still it provided textural interest. It was hard and robust enough to stand up under the pressure of biting into a bun. As for flavor, the “beet patty” did not taste anything artificial but was earthy and quite bland. What enhanced the taste was the chimichurri, a delicious green sauce originally from Argentina. Sadly though, the result was still not as savory and decadent as we expected. The burger was a tad dry for our liking.

    The Emerson (PhP 495) consisted of baked lentil-mushroom loaf served with zucchini-aubergine ratatouille and mashed potatoes. While made with wholesome ingredients and healthfully prepared, taste was nothing other-worldly. We were looking for the hearty, umami flavor of the lentil and mushroom combination and sorry to say, this dish just missed it. 唔好食 🙁

    Tender rice grains in the Quinotto (PhP 415) held their shape and retained a pleasantly chewy texture that’s not too mushy. Topped with fresh lemon zest strips, teriyaki quinoa risotto with tamari-glazed king oyster mushroom scallops was surprisingly filling. With slightly nutty and a little sweet taste, this cohesive dish was the tastiest among these four however the overall flavor did not win us over.

    Price for Value: ★★☆☆☆

    Plant-based food gets a delicious spin at Susi Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant in Burgos Circle. The guilt-free dishes we tried might not have been right up our alley, and tabs are not so affordable either. Nonetheless, they were still worth a try. The textures and ingredients used to make food presentations were inventive, and these can possibly convert meat eaters to become vegans/vegetarians. 🙂 Check it out!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/susiphilippines” name=”Susi Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant” description=”Bellagio 2, Forbestown, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 8337874″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-08-18″ user_review=”12″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Pinoy-themed Cooking Demo by Chef Gino Gonzalez (Enderun Amphitheatre, Taguig)

    Pinoy-themed Cooking Demo by Chef Gino Gonzalez (Enderun Amphitheatre, Taguig)

    I didn’t have to say it out loud, but I grew up clearly learning that the way to a man’s heart is food. I come from a long line of very good cooks, particularly of Chinese cuisine. My mom is the queen in our kitchen, and she has this strong ability to know the ingredients and cooking method used upon tasting food—well, more or less. That was one of the reasons why my dad married her, and it is no secret. 😀

    On the flip side, I find it tedious and hard to prepare meals, especially when the recipe requires fine-chopping of vegetables and prepping food for a very long period of time. Just as my mom regards the details of the “technical stuff” that I deal with in my profession as abstruse, to me, the fussy part of cooking does not seem enjoyable. I’m sure that this rings true to other busy individuals in this generation as well, mostly if not with the help of kitchen appliances and some tricks.

    I guess this is where high-quality kitchen appliances come to the rescue. 🙂

    To showcase the use of these kitchen appliances, Yummy Magazine, the number 1 food magazine in the Philippines, and Kitchenaid premium kitchen appliances teamed up for the 2nd mouthwatering Cooking Demo, with one of the country’s most sought-after chefs and the COO and Head Instructor at the Centre for Asian Culinary Studies, Chef Gino Gonzalez, held at the Enderun Amphitheatre in Taguig City.

    Since I attended another food event prior, I came a bit late for the cooking demo introduction where avid Yummy magazine readers and food fanatics made three delicious recipes using KitchenAid appliances. The materials and ingredients used were laid out on the tables outside, so I was still able to take some photos.

    Yummy Magazine x KitchenAid Side Bar Recipes

    The Kitchenaid 13-Cup Food Processor was perfect for making Tinapa Pate. The Hand Mixer made it really easy to make a creamy layered dessert called Ube Keso Trifle, while the 5-Speed Hand Blender created an amazingly refreshing and smooth Mango Lychee Smoothie.

    Pinoy-themed Cooking Demo by Chef Gino Gonzalez

    Chef Gino performed three recipes plus one original Yummy recipe that can be found in the official Yummy website:

    1. Asadong Vaca

    2. Henyo’s Lumpia

    3. Salted Caramel Panna Cotta

    4. Homemade Fishballs with Five-Spice Sauce

    Wrap Up

    Thanks to Yummy Magazine’s invitation, I had this opportunity and experience of attending a real-time cooking demo in a fine classroom setup. Unlike instructions shown on TV and magazine articles, this live event allowed us to smell, touch, and taste the food as well as see it prepared. Getting exposed to new methods and ingredients and noting culinary techniques from the expert himself summed up to a good sense of adventure.

    with Chef Gino

    If you’re an avid Yummy reader looking to join in future Yummy events, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Check out their website for more scrumptious recipes! 🙂

  • Review of NIU by Vikings (SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City) + Vikings Loyalty Card

    Review of NIU by Vikings (SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City) + Vikings Loyalty Card

    A staple of the metro’s dining scene, Vikings Luxury Buffet has experienced a renaissance. Formal without being too stuffy and elegant without being aloof, NIU in SM Aura Premier, BGC is the upscale restaurant by Vikings that brings people together over a good meal.

    Niu means “nine” in the Viking language. To explain why this establishment is called such, it’s the ninth restaurant in the Vikings group and it has nine food stations with a large array of dishes. Flavors are diverse and enticing as ever!

    We had dinner here, using the Vikings Loyalty Card, for the first time. What is it and how does it work? I’ll walk you through the details of the card’s uses and perks at the end of the post. First, let’s talk about NIU. 🙂

    At NIU by Vikings in SM Aura Premier, there’s no pretensions, no pomposity but just nicely spaced tables, discreet lighting, fine service, and excellent food. This is a stellar buffet restaurant that never disappoints, whether the occasion is an important business lunch or a romantic tasting experience.

    Review of NIU by Vikings (SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    The fancy chandeliers, decorative wall designs, polished floor tiles, and relaxing soft piano music playing on the background (live during dinnertime) mostly make the posh ambiance at NIU resound with high points. Add to these are arched windows that look beautiful and distinctive as an eye-catching focal point and ceiling panels that temper a warm and more welcoming appearance with interesting wavy “fabric-like” beams.

    Everything contributes to achieve a great degree of interior cohesiveness, including the color theme composed of browns and muted tones. Equally charming are the purple, brown, and white seating made of plush material, giving a contemporary look but a traditional comfy feel.

    At one glance, it’s easy to get lost for a moment in this palace-worthy buffet restaurant “fit for royalty.” But walk around once more and you’ll realize that each area is properly organized and placed. What seemed like an endless parade of all-you-can-eat exemplary cuisines are presented only at one side of the dining area. Function rooms are positioned near the entrance, while the rest of the dining are at the center taking up the rest of the space.

    Service: ★★★★★

    We felt pampered once we stepped into the restaurant. Vikings staff as always are ready to provide friendly service from the beginning and it’s clear that they want customers to have a satisfying meal. They’re attentive and never miss a beat, leaving patrons feel at home. Hospitable and unobtrusive service was expected and we were not at all disappointed. 🙂

    Food: ★★★★★

    NIU by Vikings is a masterclass in interesting flavors, and guests are free to practice the art of taking their time to experience them. Yes, please do. 🙂 Once you take a stroll along the buffet counters, don’t feel compelled to get everything on your plate all at once. There’s nothing wrong with starting slow on appetizers (or going straight to the mains or desserts) and just working your way through all the selections.

    With nothing but the freshest and the most premium ingredients, every dish is prepared for a luxurious feast. We found unusual, unexpected treasures whipped up in bite-size portions in the Appetizer section. The variety of bread, cheese, cold meat, and canapés would be great enough for you to think about them for months proceeding.

    The mains sum up to a culinary nirvana. Filling Chinese dim sum and glorious Japanese maki and sashimi were among my favorites. Excellent cuts of meat such as Salmon Coulibiac, Roasted Turkey, Rib Eye and Rack of Lamb from the Carving station also proved to be house specialties. I still dream about how Italian, French, Spanish and other European dishes from the Western table were tastefully put together. Vikings’ “customize your own pizza and pasta” is a classic fine choice, an oldie but a goodie.

    Choices for desserts are big and fabulous, ranging from cakes, chocolate fondue, fruits, and Filipino rice cakes to gelato. We tried every single flavor of gelato in small, premium scoops, and each one left a smile on our faces. It’s creamier, smoother, silkier, and denser than its American ice cream counterpart, plus the flavors naturally tasting heavenly. Yum! 🙂

    As a finishing touch on this gastronomic gem, different juices, tea, coffee, beers, and wine are all available. That’s good to know since we always enjoy sampling more than one!

    Appetizers

     Western

    Japanese

    Mediterranean

    Chinese

    Carving

    Desserts

    Beverages

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Vikings is known for its scrumptious buffet items and for good reason—it has truly redefined the all-you-can-eat dining experience over the years. Now with NIU, that experience is made even better.

    Prices of NIU are higher than those of the regular Vikings Luxury Buffet, but it will be worth it, I promise. Book your reservation and come check it out to know why. 🙂 (Note: Make sure to reserve the function rooms early for special occasions or exclusive gatherings.)

    Prices Weekday lunch Weekday dinner/ weekend and holiday lunch and dinner
    Kids below 3 ft or 3 years old Free Free
    Kids (3ft. to 4ft. or 3 years to 7 years old) PhP 288 PhP 388
    Kids (4ft. to 4 ft 6” or 8 to 10 years old) PhP 588 PhP 688
    Adults PhP 888+5% SC PhP 1388+
    75 years old and above 50% special discount 50% special discount

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://niu.ph” name=”NIU by Vikings” description=”6th floor, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street Corner McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig” rev_name=”For inquiries and reservations, call +632 478-3888, 847-3888, +63 917 586-6888, & +63 919 999-6888 or send an e-mail to niubyvikings@gmail.com ” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-08-07″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Everything You Need to Know About Vikings’ Loyalty Program

    Registration is easy. 🙂

    VIKINGS LOYALTY CARD PERKS AND PRIVILEGES MEMBERSHIP LEVEL
    Basic
    (0 – 999 points)    		 Silver
    (1000 – 1500 points)    		 Gold
    (1501 points and above)
    Receive exclusive discounts with partners and affiliates X X
    Access to exclusive Vikings discount X X
    (5% cash, 3% card) (10% cash, 8% card)
    Invitation to Special Events X X
    Priority Entrance during opening hours X X
    One full paying adult requirement for 1 week* X X
    One full paying adult requirement for 2 weeks** X
    *1 week birthday promo flexibility: 3 days before and 3 days after actual day of birthday.
    ** 2 weeks birthday promo flexibility: 7 days before and 7 days after actual day of birthday.

    For FAQs, please refer to this page. Enjoy!

  • Review of Tonchaya Japanese Kitchen and Bar トン茶屋 (The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Tonchaya Japanese Kitchen and Bar トン茶屋 (The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City)

    Aside from Chinese food, Japanese food is also my favorite. I appreciate the subtlety and complexity of its flavors very much. Sadly, I don’t have the budget to fly to Japan to eat the best Japanese food whenever I feel like it—at least not until a lottery winner would freely donate some % of the cash prize to me. 😛 So for now, Tonchaya Japanese Kitchen and Bar トン茶屋 at The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City will do. And it does so pretty well!

    Last Sunday during lunch, we were told that stepping into Tonchaya (or Ton’s Kitchen, when translated to English) is about as close as entering an izakaya in Japan. Its design and arrangement are inspired by traditional Japanese drinking establishments where everyone enjoys food and drinks.

    When asked about Tonchaya’s specialty, various Japanese food came as reply. Their menu is huge and it includes teishoku sets, bento meals, ramen, sushi, curry rice, teppan, agemono, yakimono, etc. With that much to choose from, I thought it will be inevitable that dish selections here can be hit or miss. Let’s see how it fared on the taste test.

    Review of Tonchaya Japanese Kitchen and Bar トン茶屋 (The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    The festive red walls must have said it all. Tonchaya’s ambiance is stimulating and awakening. It isn’t razzle-dazzle but it can be buzzy at peak dining hours of the day. The interior design was tastefully made and the setting looked modern, with touches of Japanese-inspired arts and paintings displayed throughout. I especially liked the accented brick wall with shelves of wine bottles that make the place even more attractive.

    Service: ★★★★★

    We were warmly welcomed and served by Tonchaya’s polite and courteous service crew. The staff knew what to recommend and how it’s best to introduce dishes with fervor.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Topped with fresh salmon slices and crisp toasts with wasabi dressing, Tonchaya’s Cruncy Salmon Salad (PhP 295) was pretty hard to go wrong. The salad gave quality fresh lettuce and a dash of seafood sweetness that bounced in each mouthful.

    One bite into Tonchaya’s Special Okonomiyaki (PhP 320) got us all nodding with satisfaction. Tagged as Japanese pizza with pork and shrimp with cabbage and eggs, the okonomiyaki had just enough mayonnaise to make it sweet and creamy. We also loved the generous serving of bonito flakes for that added savoriness.

    Craving for some hot soup to go with your meal? The Spicy Seafood Ramen (PhP 380), which has a base of spicy soup stock with mixed seafood, is a good choice. I liked that all kinds of seafood in the ramen were fresh and tender with a light lingering taste. The broth was spicy but not to the level that makes you sweat.

    If you prefer “rich, salty and porky” and can’t take the heat, a bowl of the Shoyu Chashu Ramen (PhP 350) would do you good. It consisted of soy-based soup stock with slow-cooked tender chashu slices, onsen egg and vegetables. First mouthful got me cringing at the saltiness, but for ramen lovers, this might be a safe bet.

    For me, a Japanese meal won’t feel complete without sushi. That’s why having been served with the Spicy Salmon Maki (PhP 280) made my day. Filled with salmon and sprinkled with mayo, it had the perfect level of spiciness and crispiness brought in by the crumbs in between. Yummy! 🙂

    Next, we had Beef Teppan (PhP 395) cooked with juicy US beef cubes marinated in teppan sauce and vegetables on the side. Thinly sliced and nicely done, the beef was beautifully tender. It’s great that it didn’t have fatty pieces but lean meat all the way.

    Light golden brown in color, another winner was the Ebi Fry (PhP 275, 3 pieces). The shrimp was soft yet it was complimented well with the fried breading on the outside. The tempura was also remarkably greaseless, good to be eaten with rice.

    Speaking of rice…the Seafood Gomoku Chahan (PhP 295) came in the right time. It’s Japanese-style stir fried rice with seafood, egg, and mixed vegetables. This chahan seemed somewhat Chinese soy rice, as both has a distinct flavor that’s not strong but still good with a faint sweetness to it.

    Lastly, for desserts, we had the Chocolate, Coconut and Strawberry Mochi with Grenadine Sauce. Humble in appearance, the mochi balls were superb! They were delightfully soft and chewy like marshmallows served cold with creamy and silky ice cream fillings taking the center stage within. I want more of these, please! 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Because this restaurant sits in The Fort Strip in BGC, my initial assumption was that prices of food are supremely high and possibly will burn a small hole in the pocket. But no, prices, considering the quality and taste of food, excellent service and comfortable seating, are fair. As always, it’s wise to bring a larger company when deciding to dine here so you can try more food and split up the bill as much as possible. 🙂

    Tonchaya Japanese Kitchen and Bar will be expanding to more locations soon. There’s no word yet on where exactly the upcoming branches will be placed but immediate plans revealed include bringing its delectable Japanese dishes to the doorsteps of its clientele via a delivery service and catering service for corporate banquets. Wherever they’d be, I’m sure that Tonchaya restaurant branches can be regarded as places where people can decently “eat, drink and have a good time”—just like in a true izakaya.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tonchaya-Japanese-Kitchen-Bar/590987347586972″ name=”Tonchaya Japanese Kitchen and Bar トン茶屋” description=”Fort Bonifacio The Fort Strip, Katipunan Circle, 7th Ave. cor. 26th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 703 6110″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-12-19″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Nest Manila (The W Fifth Avenue, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Nest Manila (The W Fifth Avenue, Bonifacio Global City)

    There’s something about rooftops, especially at night, that I love. Maybe it’s the feeling of being above everyone else, or it’s just the chill vibe that follows and breeds romantic thoughts. Keeping a nice and modern interior, Nest Modern Table and Bar (Nest Manila) located at the roof deck of the W Tower in BGC (beside F1 Hotel Manila) is a restaurant/bar that serves a fusion of Asian flavors and Western-style cooking plus a long list of concocted signature cocktails.

    It’s good to come here if you’re looking for a decent place to celebrate a special occasion. Get a front-row seat to some of the most creative food presentations…and some really good tunes. Single and lonely this holiday season? Nest Manila also looks like a good venue to meet a potential special someone. Ayiiiiie! 😛

    Nest MNL had its soft opening last July 18, 2014. The grand launch may happen anytime soon.

    Review of Nest Manila (The W Fifth Avenue, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    As mentioned in the intro, the appeal of this restaurant on the roof deck amazes me. Having its own unique personality, the look and feel of this “restobar” is so inviting. Being at the top with this super nice ambiance felt like being in a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city scene. I thought I would want to hang here a lot if I lived in the neighborhood. But probably not during summer. This place is not air-conditioned, so the only things that can keep patrons cool are the fan and a cold drink.

    Nest MNL is where you can seek peace and stillness, and it can also be where you can just relax by listening to music. Acoustic is played every Wednesday night and they have a DJ playing songs every Friday from 10PM. Fans of R&B, on the other hand, are welcome to enjoy and rejoice on Saturdays from 10PM to about 2AM or 3AM. 🙂

    Service: ★★★★★

    Nest MNL’s staffs made good impressions from the start. They greeted us courteously upon arrival and guided us right until we got our seats, on the way to the washroom and on our way out. What made our dining experience great was their attentiveness to our requests.

    They have also given us the right sense that we were in a fine-dining setup as they’ve corrected the right placement of utensils based on the food being served and changed our plates in a timely manner.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Navigating through Nest MNL’s menu can be a little overwhelming. With so many attractive options for both food and drinks, which would you get? Here’s a rundown of items we’ve been served and maybe some, if not all, will fit your liking.

    Starters

    Coming out first with an appetizing food presentation was the Beetroot Carpaccio (PhP 300). Don’t be fooled with the flat, round, dark red thingy topped with eggs there. We all thought it was pepperoni and later felt as if cheated when we learned it was beetroot! 😆 OK lah, this was one example of a lesson saying we shouldn’t judge food by appearance. Overall, the Beetroot Carpaccio was fresh, tangy, earthy and sweet, with feta cheese, citrus, segments, candied walnuts and garlic confit.

    Secondly, Nest presented us with their signature Ham and Eggs (PhP 250). This combination had a good contrast of flavors, an exploration of taste each time with different levels of salty and savory combined.  With the egg yolk dissected, the soft-boiled egg was guaranteed cook to the right level. Asparagus and the other veggies on the same plate worked well, too.

    Next was another beautifully plated dish that had a delicious aroma. The Foie Gras and Mushrooms (PhP 550) was made with poached eggs, croutons, slices of foie gras, and balsamic-infused medley of mushrooms. It may not sound like much, but the tastes of the ingredients were powerful and compelling.

    Discover how Nest puts foie gras as one of the best pieces of meat your mouth will ever have the privilege of tasting. If you’re like me though who’s not so fond of meat, the mushrooms would be indulgent enough.

    Mains

    The Roast Chicken Supreme (PhP 280) was composed of a quarter chicken, duxelle, marble potatoes, veloute and snap peas. Wonderfully seasoned, the chicken meat was juicy, moist and tender inside. The vegetables in light sauce and the marble potatoes were quite addicting. Ordering this alone at Nest MNL will make you already full and satisfied.

    There was a winner with the taste of the 5 Spiced Roast Pork Belly (PhP 250). The quality of the soy and garlic noodle was excellent. It’s the saucing that will be remembered for its incredible depth. Adding an interesting texture to the dish and offering a refreshing twist, the Sesame Cucumber Relish was a delightful complement.

    Looking very palatable at any angle, the Rack of Lamb (PhP 950) made with Herb and Mustard Glaze and Smoked Eggplant Glazed Zucchini was tender and almost the melt-in-your-mouth type. I found that that this lamb doesn’t give an aftertaste. Getting it even for those who don’t like lamb won’t be a bad idea.

    Bar Bites

    I dipped the Beef, Cheese and Miso Spring Rolls (PhP 250) in the creamy sriracha hot sauce and mayonnaise. Sadly, I found the sauce to be so overpowering that it masked the taste that was supposed to be the star of the dish. It was a tad too spicy, though the veggies slices helped to add a refreshing touch to it. That said, I forgot to give attention to how relatively crispy the skin of the spring rolls was with each bite. Whoops. 😯

    Yakitori basically means skewered and grilled food. Everything in Yakitori (Assorted Chicken, Pork, Salmon and Shrimp) (PhP 200) was cooked to perfection. The sweetness absorbed by the meat, poultry and seafood had also brought the savory dish to the next level. It was good that the yakitori sauce was not too watery and it was able to coat the meat while successfully delivering a punch in flavor. Know that you can order the full fledged pieces, but they also come with full fledged price tags: Chicken (PhP 250), Pork (PhP 250), Salmon (PhP 350), and Shrimp (PhP 315).

    Desserts

    Can you ever end a hearty meal without some desserts? Not for us anyway, as we were pampered with the Chocolate Textures (PhP 200) with Chocolate Marquise, Raspberry Coulis, Fudge Brownies and Strawberries. It was super rich chocolate-y goodness! Just by looking at how beautiful this piece looked like, I bet anyone would easily succumb to it.

    The layers were made with different textures forming a perfect harmony. On hindsight, while I loved the cake as it was, I thought it could also be served warm. Pairing it with ice cream or a whoop of whipped cream would supplement another dimension.

    Equally tempting, Reese’s Sansrival (PhP 200) with Peanut Butter Cream and Chocolate Ganache captured our hearts as well. This is a version of sansrival that’s made glorious by virtue of its divine combination. It was very smooth and tasted decadent with its buttery and sugary goodness.

    Served warm and fresh, the Donuts and Dips (PhP 200) platter was also a hit for us. I liked how this gave us the liberty to choose among three dips: salted caramel, strawberry jam and peanut butter cream. My personal favorite had to be the strawberry jam. The donuts tasted good, with just the right amount of gooey, crunchy, and fluffy.

    Drinks

    My drink of choice for the evening was Sexy and I Know It (PhP 331) which packed Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Rose Syrup, Lemon and Maraschino Cherry Liqueur. The lingering taste of rose with a hint of vanilla helped to give a nice twist to the otherwise heavy-tasting dishes we had. Loved it! 🙂

    Smokin’ (PhP 414) – Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch, Coconut Syrup, Honey and Lime

    Green Mojito (PhP 414) – Bacardi Silver, Green Apple Puree, Green Charteuses, Mint and Ginger Beer

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    While the food and drinks at Nest MNL deserve a thumbs-up (good eats are good eats), the real treat for me was the stellar ambiance and also the service. I can’t emphasize enough how lovely this place is and how the customer service team cares about apparently everyone who walks in the door. That’s something that goes a long, long way—and what makes the prices worth the value. 😀

    Thanks to Ahia Richard for the invite. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/NestMNL” name=”Nest MNL” description=”Roofdeck, The W Fifth Avenue Building, 5th Avenue Corner 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call +63 9178749999″ rev_body=”Operating hours: 5PM to 2AM (Monday-Saturday)” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-11-26″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of F All Day Dining (F1 Hotel Manila, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of F All Day Dining (F1 Hotel Manila, Bonifacio Global City)

    Trouble deciding where to eat in BGC? There are many restaurants and cafés for your selection, and one good option is F All Day Dining (F Café). F All Day Dining serves both ala carte and buffet all-day for breakfast, lunch and dinner expertly prepared by the chefs. I see this place as a hidden gem, since we can’t see it from the street. Neither is it directly accessible and open like restaurants residing in a mall. Rather, it sits at the third floor of F1 Hotel Manila, my new-found place and recommended spot for a nice business lunch or celebratory dinner with the family.

    It’s rare to find a restaurant inside a hotel with PhP 1k+ and not over the range of over PhP 2k+ for a meal, and that’s exactly what we discovered in F1’s “F”. Their food is not made up of overpriced garbage that appeal only to those wearing a suit and fancy four-star diners.

    Review of F All Day Dining (F1 Hotel Manila, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Seating arrangements spot a relaxed setting, and the ambiance was elegant enough to host business and holiday meals. Contributing to the cheery feel of the place were the combination of lively and muted colors and ample lighting.

    The dining tables were appropriately separated from the next, making it comfortable for guests to move around and get another plate of sumptuous food from the buffet tables (which happen to be set up appropriately according to food type: salads and appetizers, mains and desserts).

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service rendered by a bunch of dedicated staffs at F All Day Dining restaurant was great. They took special efforts to speak to diners between service to make sure that they get all requests done without the long wait. The satisfying customer service here (well, aside from the food) is no coincidence that most patrons left contented.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Eating all these food would probably require four extra miles on the treadmill the next day. Let me share the best things we’ve tried here.

    BREAKFAST BUFFET

    The Mini Burger Patties were like Jollibee’s burger steak with mushroom sauce. I liked that the burger steak wasn’t dry and the sauce made it even juicier. I did mix it with mashed potatoes, which was simple yet a really good compliment as it balanced out the saltiness of the burger patties.

    The cheesy Broccoli Gratin had blown me away. The creaminess blended well with the crunchiness of the broccoli. A thing of warming beauty, this is a true comfort food. Yummy!

    I had three short servings of the light and moist Scrambled Eggs. I wanted to get more but had to reserve space in my tummy for other food. Scrambled eggs are, after all, the king of the breakfast table! 🙂 I thought these eggs were cooked using the low and slow cook method, and the healthy knob of butter was key to make them soft and perfect.

    Presented as amazing little bites, the Fresh Cold Ham were some nicely sized pieces best paired with Pan De Sal at the bread counter.

    The Fish Fillet in lemon butter sauce was particularly good with garlic rice. It was tad tangy and inviting. I see sunshine. 🙂 If presentation was not enough to wow, the flavor and texture were spot on.

    Perfectly seasoned, the popular breakfast dish in the Philippines—Chicken Tocino—wasn’t too salty and was just sweet enough. It tasted homemade and all-natural, also good to pair with rice.

    Sorry, man. Bacon wasn’t available every time I visited the buffet table. It was so sold out that I haven’t taken a picture of the ridiculously good-tasting crispy bacon. I didn’t realize it was that serious until I checked the photos in my camera. I know these tiny leftovers aren’t enough to do justice, nevertheless… :mrgreen:

    “CHRISTMAS” LUNCH BUFFET (available on December 24, 25, 30, 31 and January 1)

    Make little bites of the different variants of cheese and be happy. In this coming holiday season, it would seem only fair to give everything a shot. 😉

    The Glazed Ham has always been a yuletide essential. But F All Day Dining took the next level and infused pineapples and cherries in the recipe. You really need to taste this glorious thing. Looking and tasting as fantastic, another festive dish we tried was the Chicken Galantina. It was made with plump by the savory stuffed chicken inside. I’ve learned that it’s a French dish adapted by the Filipinos. The Beef Morcon consisted of marinated ground beef filled with sausages rolled up to form a marvelous slice. Sound good? It is.

    A classic entree during Christmas, turkey is popular and on the radar. The turkey at F All Day Dining tasted good but it could have been a little more moist. In any case, I bet you won’t have second thoughts to give it a try.

    If you dig Tempura, absolutely get their lightly deep fried shrimp and vegetable tempura dish. The tempura had an incredible crispy outside layer and a firm but delicate interior. Season with soy sauce for the ultimate salty and sweet finish. Moving on, the Eggplant Lasagna was truly solid. They’re the best eggplant lasagna we’ve had in a long time. Another winner was the Roasted Salmon With Orange And Rosemary Beurre Blanc. You know, I’m crazy about salmon and this one’s highly tasty! The sauce made it SO much more palatable.

    Lamb Caldereta—I’m not a big meat eater and I have a hard time eating this stuff without feeling like I’ve somehow given up. But the lamb caldereta they made here was commendable for it didn’t have that strong aftertaste that’s typical when eating lamb. The sauce’s flavor was bold and intense. Therefore, I conclude that this is a must-try, even if you’re not a fan of lamb.

    The Spicy Crabs were cooked well and they’re so spicy that I think they’ve been marinated in fire. It’s the spiciest item we had at “F” actually, and you definitely should not mess with this if you can’t handle some heat.

    Lapu-lapu—You want at least two servings on your table. Good lord! The fish was so fresh and there was not one bit of fish bone.

    Sashimi and sushi? Always a crowd-pleaser.

    The Bulalo Soup was the kind of rich and flavorful “authentic Filipino” soup that makes life worth living. It’s a dish that tasted far superior than what it looked.

    Can you ever end a hearty meal without some sweet treats? Not for us as we were pampered with a variety of fruity type desserts and a whole section of cakes, halo-halo, leche flan and other pastries. These calories-laden desserts are surely not for the diabetics and for the faint-hearted.

    The best for my taste was the red velvet cake which was velvety and delicious by virtue of its divine combination with chocolate. Loved it!

    BARBECUE DINNER

    We were supposed to be having the barbecue dinner at the Canary Lounge at the poolside of F1 Hotel Manila, but since it rained in the afternoon, dinner was served at the “F” restaurant and we were lucky to avoid the rain.

    The BBQ dinner consisted of a medley of grilled meat and seafood with corn kernels and buttered vegetables. While I wasn’t pleased biting into the rubbery grilled pork belly and chewy beef, the flavors were definitely there—bold to say the least. On a separate note, the Hungarian sausage was good and shined on its own accord.

    I had mixed feelings with the meaty finds, but the grilled seafood entrees were a blast, a joy to savor. The plate came with the mackerel, shrimps and squid tasting great and flavorsome. It wasn’t hard to sense the natural sweetness in the seafood that’s owed to the freshness of the ingredients.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    Nothing was inconspicuous about the honest cooking of the chefs behind the scenes. Lunch/dinner buffet rate (as of date) is at PhP 1399 pax, and the barbecue meal set is about PhP 2200+ (good for 5-7 people to share). Given that, I still don’t suggest dining in at F All Day Dining if you don’t have to mainly because of the price. But for times when you need an up-to-standard option in BGC, Taguig for any celebration or special occasion, this restaurant at F1 Hotel Manila is your jam.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.f1hotelmanila.com” name=”F All Day Dining (F Café)” description=”32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 9289888 and 908.7888 or email inquiry@f1hotelsandresorts.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-10-08″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Chelsea Grand Café (Serendra, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Chelsea Grand Café (Serendra, Bonifacio Global City)

    Rain poured incessantly from mid-afternoon to about 9PM last Friday. Traffic along Buendia and Ayala Avenue to The Fort was really bad. So the unfortunate thing happened: I did not make it in time for the highlight of food entrees prepared for us by Chelsea Grand Café in Serendra. Instead, I joined the bloggers and moved to desserts quickly as I arrived at the venue. This was better than missing out on Chelsea’s great bites on the whole. 🙂

    Review of Chelsea Grand Café (Serendra, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Whenever I go to Serendra, I have a habit of checking out the restaurants from the outside to have a “window-shopping” view of those chic hot spots. And boy, there are always things happening in Chelsea Grand Café. This place is hardly empty and it looks like a beehive of glam-up people meeting and dining to enjoy its bright and inviting interiors.

    The name “Chelsea” was inspired by the Chelsea Market in New York. I’m not sure if the ambiance also has a semblance, but I can assure that the ambiance here in Chelsea Grand Café is laid-back, casual and light. Various food items for sale are displayed on the divider in the middle of the dining area.

    This restaurant grants customers privacy and welcomes them with companionship as they need it most. It is where you can complete your dining experience with a homey environment and take your time to relax after a busy day in the center of the city.

    Service: ★★★★★

    I have a few favorite destinations in this upscale “food court” in Serendra, BGC, Taguig, including Mamou, Balducci Ristorante and Deli, and Sentro 1771 not only because of good food but also because of great customer service. Chelsea by Raintree Restaurants is one that I can certainly add into the mix. Service provided has been sincere and friendly, not to mention quick.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Eating desserts first was weird but it was a good try. Why not, right? 😛 My meal started with the Chelsea Peach Melba (250). Looking gorgeous, the treat had the combination of colors which appeared as sunset in a jar. It was made with peaches wrapped with a thick layer of cream, strawberry sauce, mantecado, toasted almonds, and cookie crumble. I liked that their version of the peach melba was not too sweet. Adding hints of cinnamon and pairing it with warm buttermilk biscuits would be nice!

    Over the peach melba, I preferred the Baked S’mores (PhP 275) more, which was soooo good. It had the combination of a warm brownie topped with toasted mallows, mantecado ice cream, nuts, and graham crackers. Dense and fudgy but not thin, the s’mores absolutely did not taste like an average brownie. Very filling.

    I asked the waiter for the best recommended drink and he offered the Strawberry Mint (PhP 195). Every sip was refreshing. The flavors of strawberry and mint together had a delicate sweetness that was not overwhelming or sickly.

    Finally, for my main course, I ordered the Char-Grilled Norwegian Salmon (PhP 595), which had salmon as its star, with salsa verde, toasted pine nuts, glazed country vegetables, olive oil and mashed potatoes on the side.

    The salmon’s freshness was excellent. I loved how it was cooked and seasoned perfectly. On another note, the small squares of vegetables had a faint taste, so I didn’t understand if they were put into the same plate just for decoration.

    Price for Value: ★★☆☆☆

    No doubt about it—Chelsea serves food at astronomical prices! This establishment pretty much becomes attractive when feasting on some celebrations or impressing a date. Its menu features items that are all good options for any meal if you’re okay to set back at least PhP 500 per person. I consider returning for another visit to let my family also try their food but will reserve it for a momentous occasion.

    group pic with bloggers

    //I felt quite rushed for coming late but still thank Aldous for the invite. 😛

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/raintreechelsea” name=”Chelsea Grand Café” description=”Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 901-5817, (02) 909-7011 or (02) 909-7012″ rev_body=”Operating hours: 8AM to 11PM” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-09-01″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Chelsea will be opening Chelsea Kitchen in SM Megamall Fashion Hall soon!