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Category: BGC

Review of Skippy’s Bar and Grill (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City)
Imagine, if you will, dining at an Aussie bar and grill house in BGC that’s owned by an Australian businessman who happens to be a great cook inspired by the pleasure of making everyone appreciate Australian food. Sounds promising, right?

Welcome to Skippy’s Bar and Grill, a bar-restaurant located on Forum in Seventh Avenue that serves up what is probably the most calorie-filled, bang-for-your-buck meal out there. Prepare to get overflowing fun with all manner of savory Australian food that does not scrimp on ingredients.

Review of Skippy’s Bar and Grill (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City)

Ambiance: ★★★★☆

Skippy’s Bar and Grill looks like a fantastic addition to the neighborhood. It has outdoor seating with a friendly and relaxed feel and indoor dining room where you’ll like totally transported from a world of peace and quiet to heavy Australian sports-related decors, a bar table full of liquors at the center and traditional dining sets surrounding the perimeter.

There’s a billiards table for rent (PhP 150 per hour), darts (PhP 50 per 15 minutes), and a movie projector where customers can watch their favorite football game.

Skippy’s Bar and Grill becomes full mostly at night. The ambiance makes it a perfect hangout place for food and fun in BGC. I just took one star down because of the poor air conditioning system. The electric fan turned on wasn’t enough to make the area cool for comfort.

Service: ★★★★★

The staff greeted me as I came in, and I was seated immediately. Spoilt for choices on the menu, I asked for food recommendations and they were kindly made. Everyone was nice and accommodating. Orders were served fast considering the good and careful presentations of food.

Food: ★★★★★

To start my big meal, the Imported Australian Chicken Pie (PhP 350) was served. Its crust was rich and quite moist, crumbling only when you take a fork to it. The texture was almost similar to that of a quiche. Bursting inside with flavor were bits of chicken with creamy sauce. Dash some gravy on top to enhance the taste of every bite.

Like the first entree, the Imported Australian Sausage Roll (PhP 310) is a brunch item that you won’t be eating before heading off to yoga. Although it seems to be pretty light, you might want to take a short nap after eating one. This roll turned out as blissfully delightful. The sausage wasn’t spicy but the strong flavor kicked in well.

With pepperoni, ham, back bacon, ground beef, black pitted olives, cheese, onion, jalapeno, anchovies and bell pepper, The Lot Pizza (PhP 450) is Skippy’s Bar and Grill’s specialty pizza; it’s the pizza of your dreams. With crust neither too thick nor thin, all the toppings worked out and went together in a good way. I liked how it was not too greasy, coming off more as simply an extra-crisp pizza.

The Barbecue Chicken Wings (PhP 550 for six pieces, PhP 350 for four pieces) were pure comfort food. Far from limp or flabby, the skin had this addictive sauce attached to it. These chicken wings were classic and satisfying. (Note: On Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays, you can get chicken wings all you can for only PhP 150 if you order a bucket of local beers.)

I thought I could not finish an entire Big Aussie Burger (PhP 450) alone. (And yeah, I was right.) This beefy and juicy burger, also called The Lot, was made with burger bun, double homemade beef patty, cheese, lettuce, onions, beetroot, egg, bacon, pickle, tomato and pineapple. What more can you ask for? 😆

Skippy’s Bar and Grill menu points out that you can choose ingredients to remove, otherwise everything will be added. I prefer it complete and original. In case you’re wondering, it took me more than 10 minutes to finish half of the burger.

As soon as I saw the platter of Nachos (PhP 490 for four people, PhP 350 for two people) coming, I was stoked. Made with corn chips, jalapeno, onions, red bell pepper, coriander, cheese, sour cream and chili powder, the well-salted nachos were both crisp and soft. It wasn’t one that suffers from a case of blahs.

Last but not least, I had a super tiny bit of the Pork Crackling (PhP 250), which was airy, crisp, and incredibly snackable. I thought that a handful of it would be preferred to be eaten with beers or cocktails on the side. Burp.

And now, the good news for lovers of alcohol: Skippy’s Bar and Grill offers a promotion: cocktails are unlimited from Mondays to Thursdays! I had the Down Under Cocktail (PhP 270) made with tequila, rhum and gin base. It’s a signature cocktail (colors are based on Skippy’s theme) mixed with Sprite and orange juice.

I also sipped a little of the Birdy’s Special (PhP 350) which consisted of a Jack Daniel base, Sprite, and fresh lemon juice. The drink was refreshing as it was citrus-y and fruity with a hint of alcohol.

So tell me, which of these do you feel most excited to try? 😀

Price for Value: ★★★★☆

With huge portions of delicious food, I give this establishment 4/5 stars for price for value. I guess it’s not only the food that you’re paying for here really but also the experience. Sadly, I didn’t come 8pm onwards as it’s when the real fun begins.

Skippy’s Bar and Grill fills the room with entertainment with different types and genres of live music. Here’s the schedule for their fun nights:
- Monday – Skippeoke Night
- Tuesday – Acoustic Jamming Session
- Wednesday – RnB
- Thursday – Gents’ Night to promote the four gentlemen (Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Jose Cuervo and Johnny Walker)
- Friday and Saturday – Rock Bands
Every Sunday, they offer Barbecue Lunch for PhP 450. You get three bottles of San Mig light, grilled burger or steak lamb chops.

Overall, I have enjoyed my gastronomic adventure here and you should, too! 🙂 Skippy’s Bar and Grill will be having their Grand Opening on June 28, 2014. So watch this space, mark your calendar and bookmark it as a priority. 😛

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June 2, 2014
Review of COCA Restaurant (SM Aura Premier, Taguig)

My friend, Anton, celebrated his birthday with us in COCA Restaurant in SM Aura last week. I came straight from work hurriedly, in the hope not to miss much on both food and conversation. Unfortunately, I failed to arrive in time for the appetizers, blaming the heavy traffic along EDSA.

On other news, the mini get-together with my college friends has been fun like always. I also felt glad to be in the company of people who care deeply about what they eat. With that preface out of the way, get ready to dig in!

To give a brief overview, COCA Restaurant was founded in 1957 by Mr. Srichai Phanphensophon and his wife, Mrs. Patama, in Soi Dejo, Thailand. The husband-and-wife tandem started the food business with a small restaurant that could accompany only 20 seaters. But look at how COCA has grown through more than half a decade! It has branches in Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Laos, Myanmar, South Korea and China and just last year (2013), the Philippines.

The name “COCA” is derived from Mandarin “kekou” (可口), which means “appetizing.” In writing, it’s the same “COCA” as in Coca-cola, which in Chinese is “kekou kele” (可口可乐). COCA Restaurant is pioneering in Thai-style “Suki” steamboat dining. With COCA sauce that’s made by the owner himself, customers may rest assure to enjoy a truly mouth-watering experience.

Review of Coca Restaurant (SM Aura Premier, Taguig)

Ambiance: ★★★★★

The inviting, warm tones of the dining room spells romance and privacy, bested by the matching dark wood furniture and sheer green curtains. The place looks as outlandish and elegant as ever! It’s easy to judge that COCA Restaurant is a high-caliber, modern place featuring a mix of Thai and Cantonese cooking. At a glance of its chic interior design, I was in awe.

Service: ★★★★★

The thing I don’t like in eating crabs is that it has to be messy, and getting its white meat out with spoon and fork or chopsticks proved to be a challenge. COCA Restaurant already knows that, so the waiters often approached us as they offered wet tissue and pincers.

Other good points worth to mention: The attending waiter helped in cooking food in the hotpot and as well helped in moving us from two separate tables to a bigger table where 11 of us could fit. He refilled our empty glasses with water and even replaced mine as requested immediately. He also took our group picture repeatedly in a friendly manner, until we were all satisfied with the quality of the shot. Yay!

Food: ★★★★☆

We started with the Emperor’s Platter with Ojiya (PHp 2750). Okay, let’s say it all together: it had assorted meat, seafood, vegetables and glass noodles. It’s an admirable execution of shabu-shabu or steamboat-style course. All the ingredients were in the proper size without any of them being overwhelming. My favorite among the bunch has to be the enoki mushrooms! It was a decent foundation of our meal.

Perusing the list of soup bases, we vetoed clear chicken broth (quite bland in taste) on one side and tom yum (sour and spicy) on the other. Both were prepared with fresh ingredients, herbs and spices. The induction plate was right in the middle of our round table. Without the long wait, the broth bubbled away and we began dropping the ingredients into it.

Packed with various items, the hotpot broth had developed more flavor. Some ingredients like the tofu benefited from a longer soak. Soon enough, we got them out using the wire strainer, careful not to overcook.

Along with our pot of steaming broth, we also enjoyed the Pacific Sunset (PHp 1700), which consisted of live king crab, squid, tiger prawn, pork sausage, corn with a hint of spice and aromatics. I could hardly rank the various seafood in order according to my liking, since everything was equally delicious indeed.

The Pacific Sunset came with this platter of garlic bread which was not crunchy as expected. You may forget it and opt for rice instead.

On the menu, COCA offers rice in different variants: Shrimp Fried Rice (PHp 200, Small; PHp 300, Large), Roasted Duck Rice (PHp 280), Roasted Pork Belly Rice (PHp 280), and COCA Yang Chow Fried Rice (PHp 200, Small; PHp 300, Large). I bet the first three are super strong in flavor, so the best, if you still intend to eat flavored rice rather than just plain white rice, would be the Yang Chow. And that’s exactly what we had. The judgement? I loved it, more than David’s Tea House‘s version.

Sliced thinly, against the grain, the tender slips of Steamed US Prime Striploin in Soy Sauce and Ginger (PHp 650) were a chamion. The meat was lean, supple and well-seasoned, like Maru Korean Restaurant‘s beef hash. It gets beefier when you get your second piece. If there’s one complaint to be made, it’s that it runs a tad on the greasy side. But sometimes, that’s exactly what makes it more appealing. In any case, white rice will be a great accompaniment.

Price for Value: ★★☆☆☆

A reliable, recommendable Thai-Cantonese spot is a hard to find these days, so I’m happy to point you to this one. However, unless you’re a gambling man, a meal here (or most other restaurants in SM Aura, for that matter) can feel a little unnerving because of the prices. With exceedingly expensive amount tagged to each dish on COCA Restaurant’s menu, the ordering process is most difficult. You have to make sure to get the right stuff to get your money’s worth, of course.

Then again, if you want to skip navigating the list for long, feel free to order the same dishes we had as these represent a portion of sure-fire hits that are guaranteed to result in return visits.

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March 10, 2014
Review of Da.U.De (Da-You-Deh) Tea Lounge (Bonifacio Global City)
Don’t you love being at moments when everything seems to click? Like fish and chips, macaroni and cheese, or peanut butter and jelly, teas and pastries are practically made to be paired with each other. Da.U.De (pronounced as Da-You-Deh) Tea Lounge is a definite supporter of this pairing. This cute and fancy establishment at the ground floor of Net Lima Building in BGC is best known as the “premiere full leaf tea company” that brings authentic tea and tea culture with pastries on the side as well as other exciting dishes in the Philippines.

After lunch with friends last Saturday at Casa Marcos Restobar, we walked into Da.U.De Tea Lounge (near Wildflour Cafe + Bakery) to continue our girl talk and get our tea fix. 😀 There was no way we could resist after it has been highly recommended by bloggers online.

Review of Da.U.De (Da-You-Deh) Tea Lounge (Bonifacio Global City)

Ambiance: ★★★★☆

Staying at this tea lounge is like sitting in someone’s cozy home but with the presence of other people who are also enjoying the nice ambiance. The vibe? Casual, relaxed and flexible. I thought that if squishy sofas were placed instead of these regular chairs, one might actually fall asleep and forget that he or she is in a public tea lounge. 🙂

I love all the light colors everywhere, as they are pleasing to the eyes. With non-obtrusive background music, customers can use their mobile devices and virtually reach out into the world. Free Wi-Fi was not available and that’s disappointing. Anyway, Da.U.De is very conducive for writing and working both alone and in groups. People-watching by the large windows is also an excellent activity that can be done without leaving the comfort of your seats.

There’s a section displaying an array of tea boxes and other products with tea as an ingredient. This makes Da.U.De not a typical restaurant where diners order food and drinks but also a store where they can purchase a variety of stuff they won’t find elsewhere. ♥

Service: ★★★★★

The service has been attentive and very kind from the time we strolled in to the time we left. The staff clearly explained the best-seller drinks and sweets and their ingredients to help us make up our minds on what to order out of the many great choices on the menu. Good service like this can totally hook a customer.

Food: ★★★★☆

Da.U.De Tea Lounge is a welcoming gateway to a wide world of food infused with teas, such as the following:
- Gravaix and Feta Salad (PHp 350) consisting of tea-cured salmon, salad greens, feta cheese, tea-infused vinaigrette and homemade focaccia bread
- Vongole (PHp 250) consisting of clams, cherry tomatoes, tea-infused aglio e olio and bavette pasta
- Beef Bolognese (PHp 225) consisting of ground beef, tea-infused tomatoes, cream, vodka, penne pasta
  …and many more.
Our purpose of visiting this place was to try their signature drinks, so we’ll have to return next time to try these food.

In addition to teas, Da.U.De also serves beer, wine and cocktails. Then we learned that these beverages are also made of tea. For instance, the Island Beer (PHp 160) is made of lemonade tea and wheat beer; the Bubble Tea Wine (PHp 300) is made of Chardonnay, Fruit Nectar and Tapioca; and the Black or White Eyed Susan (PHp 160) is made of Kape Tea and Dark Rhum. Surprising! 😀

On the “safe” side, Da.U.De offers smoothies, all-natural soda, tea with infusions of vegetables and fruits, milk teas and special tea mixes aside from the regular teas on pots. Like when we were in TWG Tea Salon, reviewing of the menu took a while.

Ultimately, we gave up and just asked for recommendations that we followed without batting an eyelash. H got the Lemon Thirst Quencher (PHp 160), which we all agreed to be really a thirst quencher. This drink could have tasted better when served colder. Tiny bits of paper straw-suckable gelatinous pulps or pearls (sorry, could not identify) gave texture to each sip. I’m not a fan of citrus drinks so while it tasted good, it’s not a delightful way for me to end a day.

G got the Rose Pink White (PHp 180) made with Xaouen tea, guava, green apple and lime. The flavor is unique but it tasted somewhat bland.

While there’s an extensive list of drinks, I saw no reason to stray away from the most familiar. For myself, I chose the Coffee Almond Tea Macchiato (PHp 190) that’s made of coffee, almond tea, milk and caramel, and I didn’t regret getting it. It had all my favorite ingredients for a drink in one, and the combined flavors turned out to be natural, savory, smooth and not overly sweet.

We shared a piece of a White and Dark Chocolate Scone served with Uncutted Cream and Lemon Curd (PHp 140). Hearty and simple to the point, the scone was more akin to a biscuit than a traditional scone when it comes to texture. It had a sugary crust which was robust and substantial.

The scone might had been put out from the oven and displayed on the front counter far too long, so the moisture, gentleness and softness I was expecting were not met. I hope Da.U.De could also offer this homemade sweet to be warmed before serving.

Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

Da.U.De Tea Lounge is a great place to unwind. Everything seemed like a must-try! What turns me a bit off are the pretty high prices. In fact, when I think about it hard, I get those maniacal spinning dollar-sign eyes you see in cartoons. Well, it may be understandable given that the space is small and people usually linger here for hours. Point being: part of the charge may actually include not only the overheads but also the opportunity costs.

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Operating Hours:
Mon – Thu: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Fri – Sat: 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Sun: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
February 5, 2014
Review of Casa Marcos Restobar (Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City)
Tucked in Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City (beside Forbeswood Heights Condominium), Casa Marcos spans generations and is no way a newcomer in the food arena. It finds its roots in the 1940s, when a Spanish expatriate named Marcos de Guisasola opened a restaurant in his name.

Eventually, when Señor Marcos had to go back to Spain, he passed the ownership of his successful business on to Ben del Rosario. Ben was his close friend and one of the customers who frequented the restaurant. A new branch of Casa Marcos was opened by Ben and his family in 1983, and it was in this place where the popular “Casa Marcos pan de sal” was established.

My friends and I had lunch at Casa Marcos last Saturday and spent more than two hours talking about our life’s recent updates while enjoying the food, especially the unlimited refills of pan de sal. 😉

Review of Casa Marcos Restobar (Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City)

Ambiance: ★★★★☆

At first glance, I could never have guessed that inside Casa Marcos Restobar lies gaudy décor. The first floor features a bar counter, two small dining sets, menu written on a chalkboards, and a fridge for chill drinks. Walking up the stairs to the second floor, I realized that this place is styled like a typical Spanish-style bar with antique-looking tables and chairs. The atmosphere was cozy and the setup, with brick walls, lights resembling tin cans on the ceiling, and colorful posters on the walls, was just simple yet beautiful.

Service: ★★☆☆☆

The place was quiet with reserved staff to match. I was the first customer to arrive for lunch. This meant the staff wasn’t supposed to be busy; in fact, they were just listening to music on the radio and chatting with one another. Good times, huh. They looked at me as I pushed the glass door, however there was particularly no hi, welcome, how many or anything like that verbally exchanged. In short, the staffs (about four of five of them) were not friendly or inviting.

They also did not bother to hand me the menu or ask if I need anything but let me observe around and do things in my own pace. It was as if I did not exist! One waiter came when I raised my hand to order, when I asked for the bread refill and when it was time for us to pay for the bill. Attentiveness passed the test and that’s the only good point noted.

Food: ★★★☆☆

The garlicky scent of Gambas (PHp 320) wafted from our table, and we immediately dug into the plump Spanish garlic shrimps cooked Casa Marcos style sautéed in butter and garlic. The portion was small (almost like a side dish) and might be good for only one person, but we managed to share it, hardly needing all the jazz to appreciate the flavors.

The strong flavor in gambas simply begged for rice. But instead of ordering rice, we opted for Casa Marcos Restobar’s pan de sal—and what a good move that was. These babies (so tiny, so cute) were served as a complimentary starter with butter to spread, and the bowl was refilled with more fresh pan de sal by request. The bread was soft and chewy. Allowing any of the gambas’ sauce go to waste is a sin, so we had the pan de sal soak up its glorious juices and ate it. Mmmmm…yummy!

Our single entree, Pollo de Casa Marcos (PHp 320), was ever-so-gently pan-fried in oil and garlic. The chicken breast flesh was perfectly cooked, moist and toothsome.

Price for Value: ★★☆☆☆

Average price of a course at Casa Marcos is PHp 400. I consider this to be really high as we got very small portions of food albeit in nice plating. Also, while the food tasted fine, the ingredients used, the creativity and the uniqueness of the recipes were not really too exceptional or wow-intensive to be worth such cost. But just maybe, the vivid cooking and utter lack of trendiness have their own charms. Will it bring you to Spain? If only you close your eyes and daydream for a moment, that could be possible.

In any case, if you’re planning to dine in with a group of friends or your family, Casa Marcos’ selection of paellas can be worth the splurge. They offer four different types of paella (good for 5 to 6 people):
- Paella Valenciana (PHp 795) – Hearty rice meal with chorizo, seafood, and chicken seasoned with paprika cooked over a slow fire
- Paella Marinera (PHp 745) – Classic all seafood paella
- Paella con Saffron (PHp 895) – Classic Valenciana cooked in saffron, giving it a lighter and more distinctive taste
- Paella Negra (PHp 795) – A variety of seafood, chicken and vegetables cooked in black squid ink
For those who hanker for long and lingering suppers, feel free to punctuate jovial conversation with glassfuls of bar drinks: beer, gin, vodka, cognac, whiskey, rum, tequila, mixers and fruit juices are all available with prices ranging from PHp 80 to PHp 325.

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Operating Hours: 11AM-2:30PM, 6PM-11PM

Other branch:
Unit 20a/20b, Ortigas Home Depot J. Vargas St. Pasig City | (02) 4703637
February 4, 2014
Review of Greeka Kouzina (SM Aura Premier, McKinley Pkwy, Taguig)

Whether you’re into Greek or Mediterranean cuisine or just looking to shake things up, Greeka Kouzina makes an excellent restaurant selection for a heavy lunch or dinner. Although its menu has lots of meaty items, vegetarians can also not go wrong with Greeka Kouzina as it serves plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes that won’t weigh you down. Last Saturday, I made the slow drive up at the second floor of SM Aura Premier (beside Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen) to try what’s rolling best among their offerings. 😛

Review of Greeka Kouzina (SM Aura Premier, McKinley Pkwy, Taguig)

Ambiance: ★★★★★

The ambiance of Greeka Kouzina at SM Aura Premier is very open and well decorated but not overdone. In fact, the decors are almost zen-like. The atmosphere is classy, catering to a similar audience. Colorful lamps on the sides serve as accents that bring vibrancy and a festive mood to the dining area. The textured walls gave an ever more appealing appearance, and the structured ceiling gave the space a hint of grandeur, a warm and inviting feel.

Service: ★★★★★

We were greeted by one of the friendly hostesses upon entrance. As I’ve reserved a table for the group, we were seated abruptly.

The servers were friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and helpful in introducing the menu items which are all foreign in my book. Also, I appreciated that the staff refilled our glasses with water several times throughout the evening without us having to ask. Each course of food was served quickly and we were not bothered at any point during dinner.

Food: ★★★★☆

Greeka Kouzina’s food was truly a feast for both the eyes and mouth. First up, the stars aligned for an incredible explosion of flavors and textures of ingredients making up the Fig Roka Salata (PHp 420). The mixed greens and arugula arrived fresh. Fortified with sweet figs, walnuts, and sun-dried tomatoes, this plate was everything I could’ve hoped for: crunchy, saucy, sweet, salty and savory. The white thing that appeared to me as “lumpia wrapper” was apparently cheese! 😀 This appetizer is good for about three to five people to share. To our health, cheers!

The second dish served was only five minutes away. Easy to serve and even easier to eat, the Kalamari Tiganito (PHp 290) consisted of freshly caught fried squid sprinkled with alatopiperigano. In case you don’t know, “alatopiperigano” simply is the combination of salt (“alati”), pepper (“piperi”) and dried oregano (“rigani”). The kalamari was cooked well and it poised itself as a comforting, familiar and slightly elevated dish. Dip it to the bright lemon-olive oil Greek dressing and you might say “Ahhh delicious!” after each bite.

Next, the meat. We had the Paidakia (PHp 595), grilled lamb cutlets marinated in Greek’s signature spices. Call me caveman but I did not bother with the accompanying yoghurt and lemon slices to cut through the strong meat flavor. The lamb cut was tasty, however what I didn’t like was seeing too much fat oozing from it. While some people I know prefer that rich, wondrous and delicious fat of lamb, I was intimidated and distracted. 😛 Anyway, let’s move on.

Krasates (PHp 480) consisted of two pieces grilled pork chops, served with blue cheese, walnuts and Greek’s signature gravy. I tried a very small chunk of the pork chop and thought it was incredibly juicy and tender. Still, I won’t convert myself as a meat-eater, if that’s what you’ll be asking. 😀 Thoughtfully executed, the krasates took on that roasted flavor that’s far from bland.

Another irresistible entree was the Beef Souvlaki (PHp 430). This char-grilled skewer of meat can well satisfy your appetite for some sinful indulgence. It almost seemed like a crime to give this a miss. The cubes of beef were nicely marinated. They were moist and flavorful, completely edible and not too chewy.

I could not believe that the Watercress Pasta (PHp 180) is listed just as a siding on Greeka Kouzina’s menu. With refreshing watercress and tomatoes, the creamy watercress pasta was perfect in earthy flavor. As a light dish, this al dente pasta is one that won’t make you feeling icky after finishing the whole thing.

The Moussaka (PHp 180), made of grilled eggplant layered with beef, tomato sauce, cherry bechamel and potato topping, was refined and flavorsome. It was my first time to taste moussaka and I thought I could liken it with lasagna, except instead of noodles, you have eggplant. This serving of moussaka is considered as well as a siding that can be an entire meal for those who have a small stomach like mine. 🙂

Finally, we had Baklava (PHp 180) for desserts. It was layered with phyllo pistachio, walnuts and cashews and topped with a large ball of Greek yogurt. The nuttiness was all over. The baklava looked harmless enough in presentation, but after biting into it, you’d know a sugar party is happening. Without the Greek yogurt to tone down the sweetness, I would not love it as much.

Price for Value: ★★★★☆

Greeka Kouzina is stuffed to the brim with its namesake. You want authentic Greek food? You got it. Although the menu features food in Greek names, their respective descriptions are simple and straightforward. When in doubt, you can ask the staff to recommend and help you out. So the next time you wonder where to eat in SM Aura, this Greece-inspired restaurant must be one of the top selections! 🙂 The dining experience and the quality of food here are worth to spend reasonable amount of money for.

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Other branch:
285 Pedro Guevarra St, San Juan | (02) 624 5974

February 3, 2014
Review of ECHOcafé (Serendra, Bonifacio Global City)

Last Sunday, Louie and I went to SM Aura (Skypark) and Serendra to practice taking shots using my new DSLR. He brought his flash kit along and we experimented on ISO, aperture and shutter speed. As a newbie photographer, I set the camera on Manual mode and tried adjusting these settings to achieve the right exposure.

Basically, as my subject, he posed on different backgrounds under different lighting with the same smile plastered on his face, so it was very difficult for me to see if he was enjoying or just faking a happy countenance. (Thank You, God, for giving me a supportive boyfriend.) 😀

After our two-hour photography session, we visited the ECHOstore at Serendra, BGC where we amusingly found eco-friendly items on display.

Some of the products I’ve been searching for such a long time now are found there: coconut flour, cocoa powder from Malagos Resort, wild honey, vegetable chips, organic detergent, shampoo and conditioner, lotion and everything else made from plants.

What’s even greater was that there’s a café inside serving delicious and healthy food from pastas and sandwiches to soups and desserts made from fresh and organic ingredients. Wow! This is what I call my ideal place: store, deli and café in one! Dinner, here we go.

Review of ECHOcafé (Serendra, Bonifacio Global City)

Ambiance: ★★★★★

ECHO stands for “Environment & Community Hope Organization.” As described in their website, “It’s about conscious and caring consumerism that chooses fair trade and green products to help drive livelihood to the marginalized while helping our planet (ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle), eating and drinking healthy (ECHOcafé: Culture, Coffee, Community) supporting locavorism or buying food grown locally (ECHOmarket Sustainable Farms).”

Organic local delicatessen products, teas and bags from recycled materials are placed on shelves of this store-deli-café. In the limited space, a counter for ordering is placed at the back and dining sets are arranged neatly for customer accommodation. The walls are painted light-celery green, a backdrop which perfectly complemented the theme and concept of the establishment.

Service: ★★★★★

Service was fine. The gentleman who served our table was attentive and dedicated in his efforts to explain and introduce the dishes on the menu. Enough said.

Food: ★★★★★

Following the server’s recommendation, we ordered the Pasta a la Trio (PHp 250) which is ECHOcafé’s signature pasta. The pasta was cooked al dente, making it chewy and bouncy. I could taste the beautifully synchronized flavors in one mouthful; it was “party in your mouth” kind of dish — spicy, sweet, salty and sour. This could be one of the most delectable pastas I’ve ever eaten. Even if finishing a plate would mean exceeding my caloric allotment for a week, there’s no way I’d let this Pasta a la Trio pass by uneaten next time. 🙂

Satisfying and straightforward, the Chicken Longganisa (PHp 225) was agreeably cooked but didn’t score as high as the former in my palate. Small slices of longganisa were overpowered by the taste of the cream sauce that wrapped itself around the fettuccine pasta.

If you like spinach, then you’ll like the purity of the Spinach and Cheese Tortilla-wich (PHp 175, four pie slices). It consisted of crepe-like outer covering with spinach as stuffing, layered with three kinds of cheese: cheddar, white and cream cheese.

The delicate balance of sweetness and sourness struck rightly without missing the point of the dish—the spinach leaves themselves. The Spinach and Cheese Tortilla-wiches tasted clean and fresh and would be perfect for ladies and gents alike in need of detoxification. It would have been better though, if there was a more generous serving of walnuts as toppings.

Price for Value: ★★★★☆

ECHOcafé’s relaxed setting, gentle prices, gracious service and wholesome, “sustainable” food offerings sound like a recipe for long-lasting success in these recessionary times. Theirs is a menu that’s not about wowing customers with big flavors and over-complicated presentation; it is about providing simple, comforting food. Mission accomplished. 😛

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Operating hours: 9AM-9PM

Other Branch:
First Floor, Eton Centris Walk, EDSA Corner Quezon Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Contact number: 02 7097800
Operating hours: 10AM-10:45PM

November 20, 2013
Review of Balducci Ristorante and Deli (Serendra, Bonifacio Global City)

I felt honored and excited to be in for this very special treat, when I accepted an invitation from Zomato for a “Foodies Meetup” last week. We were supposedly dining at L’Opera Ristorante in The Fort Strip but later the venue has been moved to Balducci Ristorante in Serendra which is also owned and managed by the same group: The L’Opera Group.

Balducci reflects the passionate, humble and sociable attitude of Italians towards food. Food are cooked and delivered in traditional style through fresh, locally sourced ingredients and bold and simple flavors in a relaxed setting. Thus if you’re craving for authentic Italian (in particular, Tuscan) food right now, Balducci Ristorante makes an excellent bet. It has to be; to survive through the competition of restaurants piling in Bonifacio Global City is no easy task!

Review of Balducci Ristorante and Deli (Serendra, BGC)

Ambiance: ★★★★★

True to the owners’ description, Balducci Ristorante & Deli is a more laid-back version of L’Opera Ristorante. While interior design in both restaurants have exquisite touches, Balducci is far more catered to casual dining. The first floor is occupied by a small deli counter fitted with a wide refrigerated display of cold cuts, salamis, parma hams and cheeses; a wine section; and the seats which I thought were really good and appropriate for family and friends reunion.

The second floor area has ample spaces for customers to be seated, and the ambiance here is more apt for privacy.

The place was packed on a Friday night but not in an overwhelming, can’t-hear-myself-think kind of way. The scene was in controlled chaos, thanks to the staff members who appeared to handle the stress of a full restaurant very well. I could imagine that getting a table on a weekend evening would be hard. So to anyone who’s planning to visit, I suggest calling ahead for a reservation and then booking your next one on your way out. 😛

Service: ★★★★★

Composed of staff who are eager to please, Balducci’s service team is first rate. In our experience, service level was excellent as they were very attentive to our needs. They managed to refill glasses of water fast and serve dishes without intruding our personal spaces.

Food: ★★★★★

Balducci treated us to a series of earthy Tuscan food seasoned with fresh vegetables and perfumed with herbs and spices. Overall, tastes were elaborate and distinct, and plating was clean and creative.

Right off the bat, the appetizer won bonus points from the olive oil mix, richness of the tomatoes and lettuce that went so well with the crisp, home made bread.

It was quickly followed by the Zuppa di Pomodoro con Sformatino de Ricotta, a classic Italian light tomato soup with ricotta cheesecake. The texture was rich and full. I liked it especially when eaten together with the real sliced tomatoes on the sides of the soup bowl.

For the main courses, we had three types of raviolis. And I dare say ravioli lovers will be in heaven with these freshly made ravioli options on the menu. I was worried that they would all taste the same, but my fears were unfounded. There’s a reason they had different fillings and all were so good. Each served on an understated plate and a piece good for one person, these pastas left us off the charts pleasantly full:

The Agnellotti al Salmone – Mezzaluna consisted of half moon raviolis in light cream sauce filled with salmon. I almost did not recognize that it was salmon because it was not fishy at all. These raviolis could not have been better.

The Cannelloni Della Casa, Ricotta e Spinaci consisted of cannelloni with ricotta cheese in bechamel sauce. Each pocket of spinach and cheese was nothing short of spectacular, nothing like an “average Italian food.”

The Tortelli d’ Anatra al Profumo di Tartufo consisted of duck-filled raviolis which were light and soft. Balducci did a good job of balancing the creamy base of the truffle sauce that complemented the filling rather than overpower. Same dish can be found in L’Opera Ristorante.

The main star arrived next, featuring a fit-for-a-king platter with French-cut rack of lamb, roasted pork chop, chicken, sausage and vegetables. Everything looked scrumptious, but I opted only to taste a tiny bit of the sausage and the vegetables. This ensemble of meat cannot be found on the menu as it is; each constitutes to one dish on the list and I’m not sure which one is which because I’m not familiar with Italian name dishes. Tip: It’s best to ask the knowledgeable staff when ordering.

For dessert, we split the Panettone con gelato, which was gelato on sweet bread loaf topped with walnuts and honey. It was sweet, delicate and gone all too soon! This sort of dessert doesn’t weigh you down. Perfect for the coming holiday season. 😀

Price for Value: ★★★★☆

It was a great night with a price tag to match. Balducci is an upscale restaurant so expect to pay high prices for quality food. Since most of the entrees are good for sharing, it’s best to come with a large group so you can get to try several dishes in one seating and share the bill fairly. Also, you won’t feel so bad and so alone in paying up entirely for the cost.

I recommend Balducci Ristorante & Deli, especially to people who are entertaining guests who have not been to BGC. To make room for budget, you can skip the movies and give this place your money. For sure, you won’t be disappointed. 😀

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Operating hours: 11:30am – 11pm daily

November 18, 2013
Review of Silk Road Thai Bistro (Bonifacio Global City)

If you’re in the 4th Avenue and 31st Street area in Fort Bonifacio and want to be borderline painfully full, go for Silk Road Thai Bistro. Nine bloggers left pretty happy after scoring a delicious and extravagant dinner at this newest Thai restaurant of “Chef in Stilettos” Cecille Chang last Saturday night.

Executive Chef Cecille is at her best when working with Thai cooking, since she garnered her culinary skills from Bangkok, Thailand way back in 2000. With her love for Thai food, she has been continuing to improve her knowledge and competency by developing avant garde restaurants concepts and menus for Thai at Silk Restaurant, Thaipan Restaurant and Simply Thai Resaturant and Bar. Just recently, she has established her very own “babies” as she call them: Thai Bistro in Robinsons Magnolia and the soon-to-officially-open Silk Road Thai Bistro in BGC.

While Thai Bistro has started operating in August 13, 2012, Silk Road will have its grand launch on October 25, 2013. Deserving significant attention, this “new kid on the block” is where Chef Cecille devotes all her focus and time now. She’s managing the business very well, assuring customers to feel a something-for-everyone vibe early upon entrance.

Review of Silk Road Thai Bistro (Bonifacio Global City)

Ambiance: ★★★★★

Trendy, intimate and utilitarian chic—these are the three big adjectives, I think, that best describe the ambiance of Silk Road Thai Bistro. It’s not exactly a place for family luncheons but one place where you can bring your date. Dominating the restaurant, the long bar is where diners can just enjoy drinks after dinner. Roller shades will be installed soon to control the light and bring new perspective to the space.

The dining area in the ground floor becomes a lounge at 10:30PM. There are music bands from different promoters playing live from Wednesdays to Saturdays. In December, they will be launching their lunch buffet featuring 12 dishes paired with drink-all-you-can wine at a minimal price.

The second floor houses the close-curtain VIP area, where politicians, celebrities and other popular figures can keep their privacy. Silk Road accepts reservations for its function room that can accommodate up to 30 people.

Service: ★★★★★

Silk Road treats their customers at the best as royal guests and offers them a warm welcome and friendly service. They consider privacy very well but also stay vigilant and attentive to all requests.

There’s an extensive list of drinks on their beverages menu, ranging from stellar wines (glass or bottled), cocktails, martinis and mocktails to fruit juices, teas, sodas, coffee and water. If you’re unsure which ones to match with the food you ordered, the staff will be more than glad to suggest the best combos.

Food: ★★★★☆

For starters, we had the Siam Roti with Tomato Salsa and Curry Dip and Coconut Cream (PHp 195). The naan bread was buttery, not as crispy as I prefer and not unbelievably elastic as I thought it would be, but still good. It was soft and steaming and a little bit chewy on the inside. Between the two dips, I liked the house curry dipping more as it reminded me of Indian food. Yum. 🙂

The second appetizer was a plate of Thai Spring Rolls with Sweet Chilli Sauce (PHp 260). Unlike the typical Shanghai spring rolls that are like omnipresent in birthday parties and celebrations, these Thai spring rolls were light, crisp, and perfectly fried. Rolled in rice paper, the vegetables and noodles paired with the sweet chilli sauce were brightly herbaceous and tangy.

Next came the Son-in-law Eggs (PHp 195) or “khai luuk kheuy,” made with just hard-boiled eggs (still can’t believe those were actually just eggs) presented in an imaginative way. Once your fork cuts through the “white thing,” you’ll see the oozy yellow yolk making its way onto your mouth. Bite into the bitter leaf that disguises itself as its plate and you get a crazy mix of flavors in one quick chomp.

And as if we were not satisfied with much appetizers we thought were already main courses (*gasp*), Thai Ravioli with Lime Sauce (PHp 330) was served on the table. I was delighted as to how shitake mushrooms with well-seasoned sesame beef and shrimp were carefully wrapped with feathery-light skins of steamed rice paper. Together with the lime sauce, the Thai Ravioli had a bold melange of sweet, salty and sour taste I would dare not forget.

Last in the appetizers series was the Soi Langsuan Salad (PHp 340), which was composed of green mangoes, seared salmon, heart of palm and slices of apples in coco lime garlic sauce. It had pleasing litheness but was just too spicy for me. Maybe next time I can request to leave the chili out of this dish for a lighter and more refreshing salad blend.

Okay, now we move on to the actual main courses. First, the Siamese Pork Ribs (PHp 310) — grilled cinnamon caramel pork ribs. Four tastes of Thailand (sugar, chili flakes, vinegar and fish sauce) were also served as complementary condiments. Under these smoky ribs were stacked chunks of charcoal in a bucket covered with leaves. I’m sorry to report that aside from the presentation, I can’t say anything else about this because I don’t eat pork. 😀

Next was the famous Pad Thai (PHp 340). Like all handmade pastas, these wonders are a special occasion fare. Especially that the pastas were covered in cheese net, I’m sure that it takes both time and finesse to assemble. The resulting pad thai with pork, shrimps, egg and bean sprouts was well worth the effort in wow factor alone. However, it tasted a little bland to me, or I might not have added enough crushed nuts to taste.

The Kha (PHp 295) and Hormok (PHp 285) were my top picks among all the dishes. Made with fish, these two entrees were most unique! The Kha consisted of fried fish fillet tossed in caramelized ginger chilli sauce, while the Hormok consisted of steamed fish with curry mousse at the bottom. Both were perfect to be paired with the Steamed Jasmine Rice (PHp 70, a cup). I liked the contrast of the curry into the fish mousse. The smooth filling was like heaven. Expect the aftertaste to kick in.

Stealing the show, house specialty Lamb Shank Massaman (PHp 120/100g) took all attention as the waiter noted that it was slow-cooked in eight hours with a special type of curry sauce. Its sophistication with shallots, crispy fried noodles and sweet potato chips on the sides can justify your tears of joy. While I didn’t eat the meat, I did manage to taste the chips and the noodles that crackled and shattered on first bite. For that alone, I sensed that the chips and noodles were a decent effort, having enough girth to allow the flavor of the meat come through while still exhibiting plenty of crunch. The sauce, on the other hand, reigned supreme prominence and I could already have an impression on how the lamb tasted like. Strong.

For desserts, the Silk Nest (PHp 240) arrived next. The crispy shell made out of taro and sweet potatoes did not help in improving the coconut taste of the ice cream, but the accompanying chocolate sauce did. Densely packed, it had an addictive textural contrast which only heightened the intensity of the coconut flavor.

Completing our awesome dinner was the Silk Road Dessert Sampler (PHp 295), which consisted of Sticky Rice with Mango, Ice Cream (Durian, Mango and Coconut), Takhoo Thai and Strawberry Sago (with tapioca pearls). When put individually, each item seemed to be no-fuss desserts on its own. But when cohesively placed and meticulously presented into one platter, the “quadro” instantly can become the dessert sampler of your dreams.

Price for Value: ★★★★☆

Thai dishes are nothing new to Filipinos, since there are a lot of Thai restaurants now in the Philippines that offer quite the same dishes. Silk Road Thai Bistro owner is aware of this but one thing she’s sure about is that hers are the improved version. With a strong statement like that, you gotta be intrigued on how the dishes taste and look like—or at least I was!

The great atmosphere at Silk Road Thai Bistro, replete with excellent food and customer service, can compensate for the costs. So forgive the high prices for now because they are reasonable for the quality, which can be another reason why it would be worth waiting for a reservation. 😀

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Operating Hours: 11AM-3PM (lunch); 6PM-2AM (dinner)

October 22, 2013