Category: Manila

  • Review of Mabuhay Restop and Manila Vanilla! (Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila)

    Review of Mabuhay Restop and Manila Vanilla! (Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila)

    This post is a synergy between a food review of Mabuhay Restop in Rizal Park, Ermita (near Manila Ocean Park) and a write-up on a unique musical-comedy travel show called “Manila Vanilla!” . Actually, it took me a much longer time to publish this, since it’s my first time to write on both the food/restaurant plus a live performance. In the end, I decided to go with my normal format for food review and just share with you the highlights of the show. So here it goes… 😉

    A little intro: My mom invited us to Mabuhay Restop as she purchased vouchers from MetroDeal two weeks ago. She wanted to experience what was said to be “the best of Philippine pop culture” while enjoying the dinner buffet served by the restaurant. She deserved to laugh, smile some more and just have fun as she’s going through a lot lately. Well, so did the rest of us.

    Review of Mabuhay Restop and Manila Vanilla! (Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Everything here is screaming hello, Filipino pride! Mabuhay Restop positions itself as both a museum and a travel café. The business is devoted to promote Filipino culture and heritage in creative ways while making a difference. This is seen clearly as there are several displays and merchandise on the first floor from various regions of the country. The products are truly Filipino-made. Pieces of dining furniture looked sturdy and familiar like those in typical Filipino homes.

    The counter serves as a one-stop place for guests to inquire and know more about trips and tours being arranged and community services where they can help. As a Gawad-Kalinga advocate, the owner of this restaurant/social enterprise is inclined to offer volunteerism tours and other avenues to provide visitors with an opportunity to create better lives for communities who need it most. I’m a fan of the idea. *clap clap*

    The second floor was really where we got busy. One side put forth more impressions of Filipino arts and crafts with paintings and decorations positioned everywhere, while the other side didn’t fail to attract hungry folks for food and entertainment.

    The dining area was spacious, with lots of seats for maybe a hundred people, fronting the stage show. The buffet table was strategically arranged at the far end, so diners can get food with convenience without obstructing the view of the other audiences. I thought this place can be an ideal venue for conducting seminars and gatherings for large groups.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Reservation was made and confirmed through email with ease. We were given our table number when we arrived and we were treated well throughout our stay. The staffs were pleasant and always had a smile on their faces. They were accommodating to all requests and came to assistance immediately when we needed them.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    The buffet spread looked pretty neat and delectable with favorite authentic Filipino dishes available. There were the likes of Sotanghon Guisado, Shrimp with Alavar Sauce, Beef Caldereta, Bangus Tamarind, Adobong Kangkong and more.

    Sadly for me, the food tasted decent but overall mediocre. It wasn’t very memorable but fair enough to satisfy hunger or some craving for home-style Filipino food in a warm and casual setting while in Manila.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Considering the price of food only, I would have to give 3/5 stars. However, there’s more to food in Mabuhay Restop, as we knew and expected. I was super amazed by Manila Vanilla! and I had zero negative things to say about it. 🙂

    Manila Vanilla! — A MUST-SEE CULTURAL SHOW WITH A MODERN TWIST

    Learning that Manila Vanilla! was written and directed by one of the most prominent directors in the Philippines, Nestor U. Torre, plus the fact that its music was selected by the very accomplished Filipino composer Ryan Cayabyab, we were much in delight.

    Packed with humor and song-and-dance numbers, the musical tells the story of a Filipino family who’s venturing into a bed-and-breakfast business while showcasing the beauty of the country. While they’re at it, both foreigners and locals can get to know more about quirks and idiosyncrasies of Filipinos in a creative and entertaining way.

    Many of the audiences that night were game to sing along familiar tunes such as “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit” by Leah Navarro, “Mamang Sorbetero” by Celeste Legaspi, “Magellan” by Yoyoy Villame, “Da Coconut Nut” by Smokey Mountain, “Sana’y Wala nang Wakas” by Sharon Cuneta, “Balut” popularized by Katy de la Cruz, etc.

    Filipino folk dances like tinikling, maglalatik, and pandanggo sa ilaw were also brought to light, as the GK Tanghal Performing Arts group performed these in between scenes.

    I enjoyed the show so much that I want to see it again! 😀 Yes, for real, haha! Time seemed to fly and it didn’t feel like we were there for over two hours. When we were back home, I searched for YouTube videos uploaded featuring Manila Vanilla! but I can’t find a good copy. I’d be happy to run across one next time.

    Not to forget, before the show ended, the performers asked for those celebrating their birthday in the month of October. We all sang the Happy Birthday song for them. Later, Sales and Marketing Director at Mabuhay Restop Billy De Jesus, called one representative of each table to come up on stage. It was me for ours.

    The Filipino folk dancers taught us steps which seemed easy to follow and we danced without music.

    I realized and recognized that the steps were of tinikling when one of the male dancers reached out to my hands. Then, the other performers behind us held the bamboo poles which they tapped against the ground in rhythm gracefully. OMG, I was even the first to try it!

    My feet hurt every time they got caught by the bamboo poles. Obviously, this dance isn’t my expertise, but it was A+ for experience. 🙂

    Dining at Mabuhay Restop and getting entertained by all Manilla Vanilla! performers had really gotten our money’s worth!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/MabuhayRestop” name=”Mabuhay Restop” description=”South Drive, Area II, Rizal Park (T.M. Kalaw St. & Roxas Blvd.) Ermita, Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 359-7927, 353-8752, 0917-810-8195 or email info@mabuhayrestops.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-10-29″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Shi Lin 士林 (Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo)

    Review of Shi Lin 士林 (Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo)

    On one lazy Sunday evening, my family and I agreed to dine out together at Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo. We were in the mood for some Chinese/Taiwanese food. Too bad that the branch of Little Asia in LCM had been closed probably because it went without an apostrophe. So we opted for this restaurant serving authentic Taiwanese epicurean delights: Shi Lin. Judging by the crowd, this one is here to stay.

    Review of Shi Lin 士林 (Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    We’re no stranger to simply designed Chinese restaurants in the hood. And honestly, we liked the ambiance here. It’s clean and nice, with lanterns, red accents and table style arrangements definitely reflecting an Asian vibe. The L-shaped space is fully utilized in the dining room, as sets of tables and chairs were neatly arranged and placed closely with one another. It has a large view to the outside street in between the main building of Lucky Chinatown Mall and the Annex building.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Food came to our table incredibly fast. Two thumbs up for the cordial and attentive service!

    Food: ★★★★☆

    I had high hopes on the Noodles with Sesame and Peanut Sauce (PhP 155) as Louie kept mentioning prior that it’s delicious. The hand pulled noodles were cooked al dente and the sauce had just the right balance of creamy and nutty. To me though, it was pretty average. Feel free to order it and taste the peanut sauce (quite odd when combined with soft pasta), but temper expectations.

    The saltiness of the Salt and Pepper Squid (PhP 345) was tolerable—not like you just swam a few laps in the ocean with your mouth open. I loved the squid as it was perfectly cooked, with a nice charred outside and buttery smooth inside. Dipping it into a small bowl of vinegar made it more appetizing.

    Served in appropriately sized, tasty chops, the Fried Chicken Chop (PhP 205) is famous here. The crispiness of Shi Lin’s fried chicken was nothing spectacular but nothing to complain about either.

    The fried chicken chop was quickly followed by a glistening bowl of Fried Rice with Shrimp and Egg (PhP 135) which was satisfying. The fried rice didn’t come as flashy as the other entrees, but it was good.

    Until the Xiao Long Bao (PhP 155 for six pieces), there wasn’t a single dish at Shi Lin that I got so much fired up about. Shi Lin’s Xiao Long Bao was juicy, meaty, and not so insanely hot that it will scald the hell out of your mouth. It’s a compelling reason to eat here in your own right.

    How to Enjoy Xiao Long Bao

    As if my mom wasn’t full enough, she additionally ordered the Seafood Omelette (PhP 88). Overall, it tasted fine but this omelette didn’t get the merit to be one of our favorite versions. It lacked in ingredients and also in portion size. While we happily ate every last bite, this was probably our least favorite thing on the menu.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    Shi Lin authentic Taiwanese restaurant is named after the largest and most famous night market in the city of Taiwan, the Shih Lin Night Market. Prices are not so expensive but are not a real bargain, too. For the bill, I thought I could eat in better restaurants in the same area, but this one’s worth a try. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/SHI-LIN/170754372968415″ name=”Shi Lin” description=”G/F Lucky Chinatown Mall, Reina Regente St cor Dela Reina St Binondo, Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 516-0321″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-09-19″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Other branches:

    • Fort Bonifacio – G/F Commercenter Bldg., 4th Ave cor 31st StFort Bonifacio, Taguig |  0917 740-8567
    • The Podium – 3/F The Podium, 18 ADB AveWack Wack, Mandaluyong | (02) 477-4108
    • Power Plant Mall – 2/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive Corner Estrella Street, Rockwell Center, Makati City
  • Review of Red Spatula Chiffon Cakes (Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo)

    Review of Red Spatula Chiffon Cakes (Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo)

    Yesterday, we came across Red Spatula in Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo at the Weekend Gourmet Market after going grocery shopping at Metro Supermarket. The staff offered free tasting in a very friendly manner, and their sweet specialties on the table looked so good that it was hard to refuse. My mom and I took a small portion of their butter mamon (chiffon cake), liked it and so we quickly decided to take home a box of Red Spatula chiffon cakes in all six flavors: Mocha, Butter, Cheese, Rocky Road, Dulce de Leche, and Peanut Butter. 🙂 Yum yum!

    As told by the staff, Red Spatula started only last August 1, 2014. Right now, stalls are exhibited only in Lucky Chinatown Mall and in Eastwood Mall every weekends from Friday to Sunday. What’s interesting is that Red Spatula is owned by the Mercado family, the same [previous] owner of Red Ribbon Bakeshop (acquired by fastfood giant Jollibee Food Corporation in 2005). This explains why the Filipno mini cakes taste almost the same. The only prime difference is that Red Spatula’s current version is not too airy and light but more “siksik” and fluffy.

    At PhP 25, each piece of Red Spatula’s chiffon cake is hand-made and freshly baked every day and is “Rated “M” for mmmmm.” What’s not to love? I liked that the chiffon cakes are made buttery and not too sweet (probably less sugary than the one in Red Ribbon). However, they lack the moist crumb to stand up to what I expected. Also, if you’d allow me to pour creativity in, I’ll suggest adding a dollop of whipped cream and a smear of cherry or blueberry preserves on your own to add a spark of texture and more flavor. 😛 I’m salivating at the idea!

    Every variant of Red Spatula mamons is that kind of smile-worthy mini chiffon cake that will keep you lapping up bite after bite until it’s gone.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/redspatula88/” name=”Red Spatula – Baking the Sweet Life” description=”For inquiries, call (02) 424-6887 or 0915-1937470″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-08-25″ user_review=”4″ min_review=”4″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Cyma Greek Taverna (Robinsons Place, Manila)

    Review of Cyma Greek Taverna (Robinsons Place, Manila)

    For dinner on the day we watched Maleficent, Louie chose to go for a Greek treat, and Cyma Greek Taverna was the only restaurant that came to mind when in Robinsons Place, Manila. Everyone I know who has eaten at any Cyma branch commented that Cyma’s food taste great however prices are steep. I thought there’s a difference between “expensive” and “value for money” food. Catch my drift? We’re not the biggest fans of Greek food, but we’re interested to check whether or not Cyma’s offerings are worth the price to pay.

    “At CYMA, it’s about bringing people together for a flourishing experience that starts with great food then goes beyond by nurturing the soul and the spirit.”

    Review of Cyma Greek Taverna (Robinsons Place, Manila)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆

    Cyma Greek Taverna is one of the those places that have a high-class and cozy appeal. The interior design screams elegance and sophistication, while the environment was pretty quiet and reserved. The white walls gave a nice contrast to the brown and beige tables and chairs which also matched the color of the floor tiles. Lights were yellow and I thought they contribute to the warm contemporary look and romantic vibe of the room. Behind us was the rich-textured wall with framed mirrors to reflect light and space.

    Service: ★★

    There were only a few customers during our visit so I don’t know if customer service would be as efficient in other days. At least in our case, they were fast and helpful in letting us know immediately that what we ordered was out of stock (they’re changing menus). Clad in white uniforms, the waiters shout “OPA!” out loud whenever they serve a flaming cheese plate.

    I thought it was unnecessary as it’s distracting to people who are having a good conversation while eating. But others may find the act unique in this Greek restaurant and they’d order that plate only to be presented with the unveiling of the dish plus the loud cheer.

    Food: ★★

    The Spanakopita (PhP 350) makes for a great snack or appetizer. The spinach in the pie was so tender and generously filled. Adding dimensions were the leeks and fresh herbs on top of the oil-slicked feta which were made with honest expressions of butter that brought sweetness to balance the tang. I found the crust most impressive; it was flaky but easy to cut through and not too greasy. Inhale it in five or so bites, and probably you’d wish to get another. Very nice to munch on! 🙂

    If your impulse is to order a gyro when visiting a Greek restaurant, Louie would recommend the Chicken Gyro – Cyma’s Best! (PhP 180). He repeatedly said how wonderful this chicken gyro tasted. There must be really something special with this dish. Made with tomatoes, red onions, tzatziki and wrapped in pita, the gyro sandwich was composed of ingredients that quite build on each other the way they should. I just thought that the chicken slices were a little dry and the taste was not intense as expected. Anyway, the sauce compensated for the miss in flavor as it was pleasantly creamy. I prefer to add an overwhelming dose of basil for overall improvement.

    Similar to the chicken gyro, the skewered chicken in the Chicken Souvlaki (PhP 240) was a bit dry, under-seasoned and not juicy for my liking. Simply, the white meat here rendered almost flavorless, as anonymous as a protein can be. The texture, on the other hand, was just okay. With fresh vegetables, parsley salad and the yogurt garlic sauce, the combination was hearty but it’s not be something that would see my fork again.

    Price for Value: ★★

    My verdict is that Cyma Greek Taverna in Robinsons Place, Manila has great atmosphere and well-trained staff members. A good consideration is that serving is sizable and definitely for sharing. Other than that, I say I’d have to agree with my friends who have had a meal at Cyma: there’s nothing much to rave about. Generally, taste of food we ordered was average and it’s undeniable that prices are on the high side with not so much value.

    Then again, we may not have ordered what supposedly are the best of the house. I’m willing to could come back for another try. Meanwhile, you can suggest what to order next time. Comments are welcome. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/cymarestaurant” name=”Cyma Greek Taverna” description=”Second Floor, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 3543909″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-06-09″ user_review=”15″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Hok Kee Food Haus (Binondo, Manila)

    Review of Hok Kee Food Haus (Binondo, Manila)

    Eating is the best way to spend your money in Chinatown, Binondo, Manila. Planning for a food trip here? Then please don’t miss out on Hok Kee (福記) Food Haus in Yuchengco Street (parallel to Quintin Paredes Street). Note I’m not a shareholder or a part-owner of this Chinese restaurant 🙂 ; I’m just a foodie turned new fan of their food specialties. Let’s see how Hok Kee Food Haus delivers its own spin on Chinese cooking.

    Before I go on, however, I should apologize for the poor quality of the photos, which were all taken on my iPhone 4 camera. Because this dinner last Saturday was not at all planned, I did not carry my DSLR for blogging.

    Review of Hok Kee Food Haus (Binondo, Manila)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    Hok Kee Food Haus is a hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant that’s minimally designed. Plain white walls, clean tables, green and orange chairs, and a “vertically rectangular” area welcomed us. Bright lights illuminated the colorful photos of food posted on the walls.

    A door at the back further brings more room to diners (yup, we were surprised). At one glance, you would not notice that Hok Kee Food Haus could accommodate up to about 70 people. Add the dining area on the second floor, which is currently under renovation, and this house can end up serving up to 100 diners altogether.

    Service: ★★★

    Three staffs worked very efficiently as they greeted, mingled and served customers in quick paces. They were cheerful, the type that deserves to receive some customer service tip at the end of the meal.

    Food: ★★★

    I’ve never read any review of this restaurant before, but we had a clue that the food here are generally delicious and full-flavored, thanks to Chinoy TV’s feature in one of its episodes.

    One of Hok Kee’s most recommended dish happens to also be my favorite: Hok Kee Hot Shrimp Salad (PhP 310). Their version of the hot shrimp salad is very similar to Wan Chai Tea House and Uno Seafood Wharf Restaurant. Essentially, it’s a platter of skinless shrimps with fruit salad and mayonnaise. The shrimps were fried until just-crisp. The subtle flavor of the shrimps held its own against the other elements.

    Next was another seafood dish: Hok Kee Oyster Cake (PhP 175) which did not scrimp on quality and ingredients. The “cake” was bounty with oysters unlike other oyster cakes served in most Chinese restaurants. In fact, this oyster cake wowed us. We were also suitably impressed at how the busy flavors of egg and veggies give one another massive amounts of flavor high-fives!

    Perhaps everyone would love the Hok Kee Fried Chicken (Half, PhP 200). Perfectly cooked, the white meat was tender and moist. Taste was unpretentious and was even improved with the accompanying gravy. The chicken skin brought a satisfying crunch and crisp which was just so good! Oh, we could forget about being allergic for one moment.

    The Kiampong (Chinese Rice Casserole or 鹹飯) was not transcendentally good; it was okay. It’s pretty close to the kiampong prepared in Buddhist temples. It was saddening that this bowl of sticky rice did not contain any shiitake mushroom I was expecting.

    Desserts options on the menu are quite limited, so your meal may seem to finish rather abruptly. Chances are, by the time you are done eating, you’d be full and leave happy anyway.

    Menu (and my sister behind ^_^):

    Price for Value: ★★★

    If there’s any Chinese restaurant that should draw you into coming to Chinatown and trying out the best of Chinese food, Hok Kee Food Haus must one of them in your list of destinations. Prices are decent and reasonable for the quality of tastes. They are especially fair if you’re more accustomed to prices of food in highly commercialized places. Serving sizes are generous. (One order is enough to feed two to three.)

    Unsure of what to get? Follow ours or follow your nose—you’ll smell delicious food in other tables and before you know it, you’re already sold, craving for their food over and over again. 😛

    [schema type=”review” name=”Hok Kee Food Haus” description=”433 Yuchengco St. near Padilla St. (formerly Nueva St.) Binondo Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 554-5555″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-05-26″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Tempura Japanese Grill (Robinsons Place, Manila)

    Review of Tempura Japanese Grill (Robinsons Place, Manila)

    It was Holy Week last week and He is risen. Given the plenty of vacation time in the long weekend, we did not pursue another outing (just got back from Caliraya Resort Club) but stayed at home instead. Malls were closed last Thursday to Friday, so we quickly decided to go to the nearby mall—Robinsons Place, Manila—on Black Saturday, to fend off the “going-out-of-the-house” craving. After hours of window-shopping, we took delight and had dinner at Tempura Japanese Grill.

    Tempura Japanese Grill serves up traditional and exotic Japanese fare in substantial portions. It’s a casual dining restaurant that’s one of the best spots for food aficionados trying out Japanese dishes. Out of all the foodie places in the mall, I chose this as I’ve always wanted to try the ramen burger ever since the craze began last year. Also, I was missing the taste of my favorite bite-size yummies: sushi!

    Review of Tempura Japanese Grill (Robinsons Place, Manila)

    Ambiance: ★★★

    Mirrors on the wall permit diners to sample the sight of fellow diners’ faces. A plethora of Japanese hanging lanterns brought a certain feel that suggested some class and traditional elegance in this modern-themed restaurant. The area was quite cramped; the aisle was so narrow that no two average-sized people could pass through at the same time. So this place can get pretty noisy when it’s full of guests. A section at the back offers more privacy for conservative folks.

    Service: ★★★

    You know how it goes—when you’re asked to be seated on the sofa chair or on the regular chair, I bet that most would choose the sofa type for comfort. As part of the majority, we occupied a dining booth with the sofa and the grill at the center of the table. Later, we smelled something strong and awful like poo. Apparently, we were near the toilet. I guess there was something wrong with the flush system. The staffs were kind to move us to a clean table near the entrance. They were fast in taking our orders, serving food and taking the bill.

    Food: ★★★★

    My dad had the Agedashi Tofu (PHp 105). I’ve tried this three times before and during all those times, I have always been satisfied with the lovely texture of the deep-fried Japanese bean curd. It melts in your mouth like milk chocolate would! The five agedashi tofu pieces were topped with special sauce and bonito flakes.

    I didn’t know what bonito flakes are. Upon checking for the description now, my mind just exclaimed OMG. “Bonito flakes are a staple in Japanese Cuisine made from dried, fermented, shaved fish.” My dad is a vegetarian for 26 years now and cannot take any bit of non-vegetable food in. Otherwise, he’d feel ill. Maybe he ate just a few serving of these flakes, so nothing bad happened.

    We experienced difficulty in choosing which sushi to order, torn between Uncle Sam’s Maki (PHp 210) and Hawaiian Maki (PHp 190). Finally, we went with the latter, following the restaurant’s best recommendation. Hawaiian Maki is made with pineapple chunks and spicy crunchy salmon bits. These inside-out cooked rice rolls were so delicious that we could not help but fetch a piece right after swallowing another.

    Grease. Whether you love it, hate it, or feel only a mild ambivalence towards it, it’s a key feature on the katsu landscape. And whether it be tonkatsu, chicken katsu, fish katsu or vegetable katsu, with properly balanced and flavorful oil, it can be absolutely magnificent. This time, we had Tempura Japanese Grill’s newest item on the menu: Salmon Katsu (PHp 435). Thanks to its inherent flavor, the deep fried salmon katsu came out tender and tasty. I totally love salmon sashimi, but this cooked salmon is equally fine. Dip it into the special sauce and eat the lettuce on the side to experience a mouthful of harmony.

    The salmon katsu arrived with a bowl of Japanese rice called gohan ideally good for one person. Since it was too filling, my mom, sister and I managed to share without short supply. The sesame seeds on top added a pleasing crunch and kept the rice’s usual bland taste at bay.

    The Ramen Burger (PHp 245) turned out to be not twice as unique-tasting as the standard burger variety, but man, was it good. The beef patty was perfectly fried; you’re able to get a bit of crunchy coating and meat in every bite. In between, the honey-cured bacon stripped to thin slices was juicy and packed with flavor together with roasted onions with sesame seeds and garden fresh lettuce. The sweet-sour signature Japanese barbecue sauce did a good job in cutting through the rich fat, too.

    The most awesome highlight in this burger must be the pan-fried ramen buns, which we originally thought to be hard but were actually soft with great texture. On the side, potato chips were provided as necessary accompaniment. If you haven’t tried the ramen burger yet, then the next time you see it on the menu, you would know that it basically translates to, “The rest of the menu means nothing; I must order that.” 😛 Trust that it would be great!

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    By the time the meal ended, so had my sushi and ramen burger envy. These dishes we ordered at Tempura Japanese Grill were good enough as our attention was not diverted to other tables. Prices are expensive yet dining here in the midst of Holy Week is still cheaper than a vacation.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/tempurajapanesegrill” name=”Tempura Japanese Grill” description=”Ground Floor, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 5672447″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-04-22″ user_review=”15″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of The Old Spaghetti House (SM Manila)

    Review of The Old Spaghetti House (SM Manila)

    SM Manila houses a lot of eateries that look great, and it continues to attract a growing pride of restaurants — both at the high-end and low-end, from mediocre to expensive. One of the restaurants that impress me is The Old Spaghetti House (TOSH), located on the fourth floor of the building.

    The name pretty much is a dead giveaway, so you have the initial impression that TOSH specializes in spaghetti. But the Old Spaghetti House is well known for many sorts of pastas other than spaghetti; this restaurant also has a bunch of other great food on the menu. Dining in is decidedly civilized. Let’s go! 😛

    Review of The Old Spaghetti House (SM Manila)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    The Old Spaghetti Shop feels enchanting, rustic and homey. Considering that it’s inside a busy mall, it’s tad surprising how the ambiance can be very quiet and secluded with cozy couches. The space is contained with dark floors, dimly-lit lights setting off a romantic vibe and vintage furniture. The walls are designed with decorations reminiscent of the colonial revival style, all of it something you don’t see in modern interiors anymore.  What I also liked was the background music — all worship songs played by Hillsong United, which happens to be one of the most favorite Christian bands of all times.

    Service: ★★★☆☆

    When everyone was seated, immediately the staff arrived, took all orders and served food on the table after around 10 minutes on the clock. However, she was not attentive enough to see me raise my hand for additional requests. I had to shout out “Miss” and stand up to really get noticeable. I thought that the waitstaff had to be reminded that just because there were only a handful of customers does not mean that she can go easy and relaxed on a chair.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    I would describe TOSH’s menu to be “contemporary post-classic,” as I found that they offer dishes that use classic references as launchpad to create new dishes. One example is the Thai Bagoong Pizza (PHp 260) which I think can only be found in TOSH. It’s a modern version of pizza far from the regular tomato-based pizza with all sorts of usual toppings like pepperoni, ham, cheese, pineapple. In contrast, it’s an innovative dish that has both the foundation of “bagoong” and “pizza,” with slices of semi-ripe sour mango, bacon bits, tomatoes and cheese over a thin crust.

    I was satisfied with the burst of different basic but strong tastes (sweet, sour, salty and spicy) all incorporated in one bite. A familiar flavor that’s skidded into a whole new other realm, the Thai Bagoong Pizza is a gutbomb of the finest order, and it deserves to be heralded as such. 😛

    Another entrée that pleased us last Sunday was the Mushroom Jack Chicken (PHp 180) which consisted of fresh chicken breast with sauteed mushrooms and melted jack cheese. The zesty honey-lemon taste on the lettuce elevated my dining senses with a tang that left me double thumbs up for this simple yet beautifully cooked dish.

    Mom had the Beef Burger Steak in Pepper Gravy Sauce and Vietnamese Garlic Pasta with Rice (PHp 150) from viands offered in the Mix ‘Em Match ‘Em Treasure Deal (available every day from 11AM-6PM) which she happily shared to us as well. The pasta was oddly sweet, a good rendition of Italian pasta but not so much wow-impressive.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    The Old Spaghetti House is a top pasta parlor with dishes worthy of fireworks. It can be your usual hot date spot where you are guaranteed to be fed with reliably tasty comfort food, something to appeal to any diner. Portions are enough for sharing and prices are affordable. My heart sank for two minutes because of slow service but everything else was fine. 😀

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/TheOldSpaghettiHouse?ref=ts” name=”The Old Spaghetti House (TOSH)” description=”4th Floor, SM Manila, Ermita” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 353-TOSH (8674)” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2013-11-03″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Click here for a listing of their branches’ locations and respective contact numbers.

  • Review of Hainanese Delights (Robinsons Place, Manila)

    Review of Hainanese Delights (Robinsons Place, Manila)

    Almost no matter where you are on the globe, you’ll find some sort of “chicken and rice” dish. Singaporeans perform their version with delicious justice. After all, chicken rice as a Singaporean staple is hands down one of the most popular food in Asia. One reason could be that it’s just soothing—exactly what you should order when you want to take a break from the usual fiery dishes. Almost every chicken rice I’ve ever sampled in their local hawkers was good. I have also come across a vegetarian chicken rice made from veggie meat which was equally good.

    In the Philippines, one casual joint serving Hainanese chicken rice is Hainanese Delights. This fast food chain has several branches now all over the country. Hainanese Delights was opened by Chinese owners who already have other successful chains of restaurants under their belt. This time around, they have established Hainanese Delights which specializes in Singaporean cuisine. To invite more Pinoy foodies, they have this all-you-can-eat rice scheme offered to diners (just like Tokyo Tokyo, Mang Inasal, etc.) because Filipinos are known to love eating unlimited rice. ♥

    After watching Monsters University on a Sunday, Louie and I passed by Hainanese Delights in Robinsons Place, Manila and decided to give their signature dish, chicken rice, a try and see if it matches the authenticity of the “original” Hainanese flavor as expected from its name.

    Review of Hainanese Delights (Robinsons Place, Manila)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Simple and straightforward, the ambiance here is very fast-food-restaurant-like. With nice contrasting colors, the tables are black and the chairs are white. This branch has spacious area (both indoor and outdoor). Inside got minimalistic designs with pictures of food all on the walls. Spotlights on the ceiling made the place extra classy and quite elegant. Generally, it’s a good venue for hangouts with a bunch of friends.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Paying before you eat is a thing at Hainanese Delights. You can either sit down and be handed a copy of their menu before ordering and paying at the counter or proceed directly to the counter. In either way, wait staff would serve food on trays promptly and courteously.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    When compared to the authentic chicken rice from Singapore (or Malaysia), Hainanese Delights’ chicken rice (PHp 130) is not very close. It tasted like ordinary steamed white chicken that was not too dry but rather supple and delicate.

    The chicken pieces were not really seasoned well so you have to put a lot of ginger purée, dark soy sauce and chili sauce for it to taste strong enough and for your buds to accept and realize that it’s chicken rice you’re eating.

    Of course, the “chicken rice” dish would not be complete when there’s no chicken rice which typically is cooked from the flavorful stock made from the oily fat of the chicken. Hainanese Delights’ rice, on the contrary, was not aptly gratifying; it failed to be a beautiful accompaniment to the chicken. In my humble opinion, I thought it was only spiced with salt and colored with light yellow to appear like the usual serving of chicken rice. Hmph. 🙁 The texture though was lovely as each grain was easily separated.

    In addition to the supposedly “highlight” of our dinner, we had the [EAT THE HEAT] Spicy Fried Squid (PHp 190) that tasted decent. It was salty and spicy so we put lots of vinegar to enhance the taste even more. I could say it was worthy of our calories and thus made the night! 😀

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    A plate of chicken with rice, in average, costs S$3-4 in Singapore. So in conversion, the price is likely the same here. Basing on the prices alone, food in this restaurant are affordable. Budget per person is less than PHp 200.

    Note: If you’re expecting to find authentic tastes then resorting to other restaurants like Wee Nam Kee, Makan Makan and Old Penang for chicken rice may most probably be a better idea.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/HainaneseDelightsPhilippines” name=”Hainanese Delights” description=”G/F Robinsons Place Manila, Padre Faura corner M. Adriatico Streets, Ermita, City of Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines” rev_name=” For inquiries, call (02) 5255583″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2013-08-05″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]