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Category: Food Reviews

  • Review of Kaleidoscope Buffet Restaurant (Atlantis The Palm, Dubai)

    Review of Kaleidoscope Buffet Restaurant (Atlantis The Palm, Dubai)

    Kaleidoscope is a five-star buffet restaurant in Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. This area at the Ambassador Lagoon is only accessible to guests staying at the hotel and those visitors with reservations. Very exclusive! We’re glad we had the help of our travel agency to book us a meal which allowed us to experience a lavish lunch with extensive varieties of local and international cuisine. We felt special in this lively atmosphere and were actually one of the first ones who entered. You know who’s excited…and hungry! Here we were welcomed to a gastronomic escapade around the world, right after we toured Aquaventure. It’s certainly a meal to remember.

    Review of Kaleidoscope Buffet Restaurant (Atlantis The Palm, Dubai)

    Ambiance:

    Kaleidoscope is a paradise for food lovers. Your eyes will feast on the rich tapestry of colors and flavors in the luxurious restaurant interior. This restaurant has a fantastic ambiance, with buffet stations and tables overflowing with the good stuff. Each one is decorated according to the cuisine being served. It sets a vibe that’s perfect for a family meal or a dine-out with friends. There’s also an open interactive kitchen with live cooking stations where chefs prepare food on that spot and you can expect food that’s fresh. The theme centers on the sea, so guests can watch the stunning exotic marine life at the Kaleidoscope’s aquarium gallery.

    Service:

    At the reception counter, we presented a printed voucher that’s valid on the date and time specified. The staff quickly ushered us to our table and we began walking around the restaurant to get our food, while other diners still patiently waited to be seated. The restaurant was very busy but not too congested. We could easily call the attention of waiters and they were quick to respond to requests. Great service overall!

    Food:

    We were suitably impressed by the diverse range of dishes available. There’s a wide selection of salads and sauces, condiments, homemade organic and spelt breads, carving station chaffing dishes, anti pasti, pasta, pizza, lunch bites sandwiches, selection of cold mezzeh, mussels sauteed to your preferences, soups, cheese, noodles, dim sum, and pastries. Needless to say, as you can see in the pictures below, there seems to be no enough room on your plate or in your stomach to try it all, so it’s best to choose wisely in order of preference.

    Our favorites are the Asian food selections (especially Chinese), fresh seafood, mouth-watering roasts, and sumptuous desserts. There are also lavish Arabian, Persian, Italian, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine, carveries, and delicate sushi to suit everyone’s appetite.

    Price for Value:

    International lunch buffet at the Kaleidoscope costs AED 180 per person excluding beverages on weekdays (Sunday – Thursday) and AED 225 per person including water and soft drinks on weekends (Friday & Saturday). It’s equivalent to around PhP 3,166.72, which is on the pricey side. However, considering its value and the fact that it is located in one of the most elite five-star hotels in Dubai, making a reservation and dining in the Kaleidoscope Buffet Restaurant is a solid choice.

    If you’re visiting Dubai, make sure to plan your meal ahead and check in on time! You won’t be disappointed with their offerings and your experience here will be worth the price to pay for sure. #YOLO;)

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.atlantisthepalm.com/restaurants/kaleidoscope” name=”Kaleidoscope Buffet Restaurant” description=”Crescent Dr, Atlantis The Palm Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-05-05″ user_review=”4.8″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of The Golden Duck Gourmet Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin Crisps Chips and Potato Chips

    Review of The Golden Duck Gourmet Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin Crisps Chips and Potato Chips

    Have you tried salted egg potato chips? If not, I think you’re missing a lot! 😛 My husband and I are fans of salted egg potato chips and fish skin and we’re always excited to taste new brands in the market. Irvins Salted Egg in SM Megamall in particular has won our hearts but it’s always sold out and sadly too hard to get. We see this as a great opportunity to explore other bags of this type of highly addictive potato chips as a savory snacking experience. Most recently, we got a chance to try The Golden Duck Gourmet Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin Crisps Chips and Potato Chips. And oh, these are mighty tasty—earthy, sweet, and lingering, the type of chips you’ll fall in love with. Here’s a short review.

    Review of The Golden Duck Gourmet Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin Crisps Chips and Potato Chips

    The Gold Duck Co. is a manifestation of a bunch of food-crazy, young and hungry Singaporeans, established in 2015. It’s proudly a product from Singapore and it’s made with top-quality ingredients, thus the word “gourmet.” We shared the bags of chips with my family and we really liked it. Across the board, the flavorings are applied judiciously, and for the most part this is a good thing.

    Every chip will leave your tongue begging for the next one. It’s evenly coated and hits the spot. The chips are mild at first crunch but quickly reveal a complex blend of sweet, salty, and savory spices. Both the fish skin and potato salted egg yolk chips have this gratifying and hard-to-quit flavor profile. The fish skin chips do not taste fishy and I prefer it that way. These flavorful chips work even without any dip, and they’re perfect to munch on while watching a movie, reading a book, hanging out with friends, or just lazily sitting on the couch.

    The good news is that The Golden Duck Co. – Philippines is present in a lot of malls, grocery stores, and a few restaurants we visited in Metro Manila. Check out their stalls in U.P. Town Center, Greenhills Promenade, Robinsons Magnolia, Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Newport Mall, Rockwell Center, The Podium, and Alabang Town Center. Come check them out, grab a bite, and see what we mean and taste the gold. 🙂 Follow them on Facebook.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BhQ_-gdnunn/?taken-by=rochkirstin

  • Review of Spicy Elements (SM CDO Downtown Premier, Cagayan de Oro)

    Review of Spicy Elements (SM CDO Downtown Premier, Cagayan de Oro)

    On our last day in Cagayan de Oro, we had lunch in Spicy Elements located at the fifth level of SM CDO Downtown Premier. For Bicolano cuisine lovers, this restaurant’s appeal may be more than just nostalgia. Bicolano food is notable for flaming hot flavors in their dishes. We were enticed with Laing con Lechon on the menu and were in the mood to pair it with Salmon Head Sinigang sa Miso. Hence, after going through several restaurants in the mall, we chose this to be our last stop before our flight back to Manila.

    Review of Spicy Elements Grill, Steaks, and Bar (SM CDO Downtown Premier, Cagayan de Oro)

    Ambiance:

    The atmosphere is both a party and family-friendly. The colorful space is big and open, filled with a low-key crowd all there to do one thing: savor spicy food elements and get full experience of the heat. The bad part? Literally, there’s heavy and persistent smoke that comes out from the kitchen almost every time a dish is served to customers’ tables. We were seated just beside the kitchen (counter area), hence we were the first unlucky ones to inhale all that smoky glory. I have rhinitis so the smoke badly triggered nasal congestion. It felt miserable and made me uncomfortable.

    Food:

    Laing con Lechon (PhP 199) consisted of a toothsome medley of creamy, and tasty dried taro (gabi) leaves simmered slowly in coconut milk and hearty chunks of lechon. The meat was so tender you barely need to chew. We ate this with rice but it’s just good by itself. To give laing an even bolder, spicier flavor, breaking the green chili and adding it to each mouthful will be sublime.

    Salmon Head Sinigang sa Miso (PhP 255) kept us warm, full, and happy. Sinigang is a type of sour soup in clear broth. It’s perfect to cut through the super rich taste of coconut from laing, which makes it more satisfying because of the contrast. The salmon had a subtle fishy yet sweet inside, and the vegetables were cooked fresh and crisp. Overall, we ended the meal on a positive note. This combination of flavors in this dish was reliably good!

    Price for Value:

    From appetizers to mains, there’s something for everyone at Spicy Elements. Their straightforward and well-prepared Bicaolano fare are great picks for any meal. Prices are pretty reasonable; the food tasted fine and were served in generous amount. Service could be faster and more watchful though, and the environs could be further improved, especially the air conditioning and ventilation to keep all the smoke out.

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  • Review of Prawn House Seafood Restaurant (Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro)

    Review of Prawn House Seafood Restaurant (Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro)

    Where to eat in Cagayan de Oro? I had no idea. I thought it’s best to ask the locals and get some traveler-friendly tips at the same time. We definitely love seafood and the good news is that Northern Mindanao has a reputation of having the freshest supply of marine resources. There’s so many seafood restaurants to choose from. They pointed us to Panagatan Seafood Restaurant, Alavar’s Seafood and Grill, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island, and Prawn House Seafood Restaurant. After checking out the menus, we finally decided to try the one whose name has tickled our fancy: Prawn House Seafood Restaurant in Ayala Centrio Mall.

    prawn house seafood restaurant

    In 2015, Prawn House has won the Best Seafood Cuisine Specialty Restaurant trophy in the Golden Globe Annual Awards for Business Excellence. Their seafood dishes must be some kind of “magical” delicious. How true is this? Read this post to get a glimpse.

    Review of Prawn House Seafood Restaurant (Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro)

    Ambiance:

    Space-wise, this restaurant has everything you expect from a big, buzzy restaurant in Cagayan de Oro’s Centrio Mall. It has wooden furniture, tables arranged for big groups, and carefully curated decor for the Valentine’s season. It’s the month of love, anyway, when we visited. In this case, there were cutouts of hearts and prawns hanging from the ceiling. The restaurant didn’t feel upscale and expensive but it has an enjoyable atmosphere where guests can dine comfortably with plenty of conversation.

    Food:

    When you’re ready to take a break from meat in the Lent season, Prawn House Seafood Restaurant is a nice place to celebrate some winning seafood. We ordered Grilled Tuna Panga (PhP 49/100g), Prawn Adobo (PhP 269), and Baked Scallops (PhP 379). Everything was tasty and well-cooked!

    When you can’t decide which to get, their prawns are excellent and definitely worth ordering. Prawn meals are available in: steam garlic sauce, sweet garlic butter, spicy garlic butter, garlic fry, gata (coconut milk sauce), barbecue, grilled lemon butter, spicy with salt and pepper, and adobo. The Prawn Adobo turned out as the star of our meal. I could have had another cup of rice to eat it with. It was salty, sweet, and comforting, all wrapped up into one.

    The Baked Scallops were another hit. Just the smell of it was already beckoning. Imagine: rich and hearty scallops, each one loaded with a little buttery, a little herbacious, and a little salty concoction, baked in golden cheese—if that’s not romance in a dish, I don’t know what is.

    Classic in every way, the Grilled Tuna Panga had a nice texture and savory flavor. Tender and packed with a smoky goodness, this tuna had a meaty center and a thin layer of browned exterior. Awesome! 🙂

    Price for Value:

    When you’re planning a date or a dinner with friends in CDO, Prawn House Seafood Restaurant is the place to do it, especially if coming with a group who appreciates seafood cooked in Filipino style. There’s a lot of energy here, and it translates into the food and experience as a whole. Prices are pretty decent and fair compared to the value. They also have noodles, veggies, beef, pork, chicken, and rice on the menu.

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  • Review of Third Space Studio Cafe (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Review of Third Space Studio Cafe (Banawe, Quezon City)

    It’s been a while since I last blogged about food reviews. Work has been very busy lately, but our interest in visiting interesting and unique restaurants hasn’t waned. Two weeks ago, we came across Third Space Studio Cafe in Banawe corner N.S. Amoranto, Quezon City and thought the place looks artsy and cozy. Call it a collector’s haven, if you may. The cafe has trinkets of treasures: vintage pieces, odd decorations you wouldn’t imagine would look good when put together, and different sets of dining tables and chairs in one setting. There’s no wonder why it’s called “Third Space Studio Cafe” in the first place!

    Third Space Studio Cafe, Banawe

    Review of Third Space Studio Cafe (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    We came here out of convenience (its location is near our home) and mostly because we wanted to try more of their food. Apparently, the ambiance is such a great considerable factor to why this cafe is a must-visit. The owners like collecting things like frames, old furniture, lighting pieces, and various carefully curated decors that can certainly pique one’s interest. There’s also a jukebox, toy vending machine, and vintage wooden horse.

    Third Space Studio Cafe is a good venue for a casual first date. Natural lighting is ample, and the tables are spread out enough that you don’t need to listen to the group next to yours. It also works well for a family dinner. Seats are comfortable so patrons can stay a longer time going down memory lane together over food and drinks.

    Food:

    Food in Third Space Studio Cafe turned out pretty average for my taste but it was fine for Louie’s. Fish and Chips (PhP 195) weren’t as crunchy as I liked, the Roast Beef Rice Meal (PhP 175) served in beef broth gravy wasn’t anything to be excited about, and their Okinawa Milk Tea was too sweet for my liking. An iconic dish we saw on Third Space Studio Cafe’s menu was the lechon burger, but it wasn’t readily available. It could have been a good candidate for being the star of our meal! We hope to try it next time.

    Price for Value:

    While the cafe decors didn’t look cohesive, they strangely work. “Third Space Studio Cafe is the result of random and pleasant coincidences. It is a product of being given the chance to create, being presented with the opportunity to do something very fun, and the will to collaborate with other artists.” We enjoyed the concept and creativity put in the exhibition. As a whole, this cafe in Banawe is worth going to. The food and price for value could be better.

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  • Review of Little Winehaus (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Review of Little Winehaus (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Comfortably sitting 10 people indoors or al fresco for bigger groups, Little Winehaus transports you to another city other than Manila. Think Spain or Italy, and reminisce wine cellars in Europe. The setting is a mixed of traditional and contemporary, with natural stone and brick walls, barrels made into tables, modern lighted menu board and paintings, and several traditional decors.

    little winehaus

    Review of Little Winehaus (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Little Winehaus in Paligsahan, Quezon City is a good first date spot. It’s not spacious inside but it has charm. The atmosphere is cool and casual, where simultaneously feeling laid-back and happening. It’s where you stop for some wine or a glass of sangria and a decent snack for more of a sit-down situation.

    The wine menu consists of red and white varieties from various countries. Some of the popular choices are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Malbec, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, and Moscato. There’s also a wide range of cheese to pair with wine. The best thing of all? Their wines are at Happy Hour prices! For food, house specialties include the Caviar Pie, Jamon Serrano, Callos, Li’l Brats, Cheesecake and Dulong.

    We loved their sangria, dulong. lil brat 2, cheesecake, and jamon spread. You will, too! Try pairing different food and wine and discover a new favorite. If things look promising and you want a full-meal route, there’s no problem and no hassle ordering food from other restaurants within the same food hub.

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  • Review of Kusina Juan Republika (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Review of Kusina Juan Republika (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Gifts, days off work, drinking booze in the middle of the day – these are some of the greatest parts of the holiday season. Also, chow time and family time! If you still don’t know where to go, check out Kusina Juan Republika in Paligsahan, Quezon City. Their specialty? Kapampangan food with a twist!

    Established in May 2016, this Filipino restaurant prides itself with serving home-cooked Pinoy favorites, the way your mom does it, with TLC (Tender Loving Care). It’s a recommended a venue for gatherings, be it special celebrations or simple meetups with family and friends, where the ambiance is “home away from home.” There’s a huge selection of dishes from appetizers, entrees, soup, noodles, rice, and sets, so you can expect a delicious and exciting meal whenever you come.

    Review of Kusina Juan Republika (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Kusina Juan Republika serves great, fairly priced Filipino food and always guarantees you won’t leave at all hungry. The waitstaff is set on making sure you have an excellent time, Christmas, holiday or otherwise.

    Our meal started out with a serious helping of Sizzling Balut (PhP 190)- preserved duck eggs cooked in an appetizing sauce. Try this Filipino delicacy if you’re into exotic food. Built a bit like a parfait, you have the egg white at the bottom, the duck in the middle and then the yolk in layers.

    Do not miss the Krispy Pata (PhP 495). A porcine obsession of many Filipinos, the deep-fried pork knuckles had a great separation of fat and lean, with a pleasant, firm texture. The pork struck a balance between tenderness and chew and showed off a wonderfully crisp exterior to boot. It’s quite good when eaten alone but better with vinegar and chili sauce for a touch of tartness and a more balanced taste.

    My mom dearly loves grilled catfish or “Inihaw na Hito” (PhP 220), and we’re glad it didn’t have a muddy taste. It was our first time to try it with Buro’t Mustasa. Buro is a local delicacy of Pampanga which is made of fermented rice. It has a pungent smell and is usually paired with fried food like pork, chicken, and fish. Mustasa refers to preserved or pickled mustard greens. It’s definition a good option to eat catfish with this condiment, but I still think that the classic combination of vinegar and soy sauce would work well with the catfish.

    I’m usually not a fan of sisig, but even I must admit that Kusina Juan Republika’s sisig isn’t bad. They actually offer two versions: one is Sisig ala Manila (PhP 195) which came out crunchier and the other is Sisig ala Pampanga (PhP 195) made with grilled pork with fresh onions, chicken liver, and fresh chili pepper.

    A Filipino meal just wouldn’t seem complete without some sort of rice. In this case, ordering Pinakbet Rice with Seafoods (PhP 180) would be for your maximum pleasure. It had an abundance of varying flavors at play. The cast iron pan was loaded with a vibrant mix of seafoods, vegetables, and fluffy grains of rice that were powerfully flavored. The sweet, briny flavor of the mussels and the delicate flavor of the squid shone throughout the dish and was enjoyed by all.

    Kusina Juan Republika is located at the same compound (or “food park,” if you will) as Bento & Co, Urbanidad Cafe, Little Winehaus, Open Table, Adelaida’s Delicacies, 5YNCO Bar, and Brewology Cafe. They offer “menu sharing.” This means that you can get food from other establishments within these restaurants whenever you’re seated. Ask one of the staff for the menu and request to have desserts or drinks served at your location, at no additional service fee.

    Kusina Juan Republika has also been featured in Taste Buddies (GMA News TV). Watch the video here:

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  • Review of The Brewology Cafe (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Review of The Brewology Cafe (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    If you want to be at home all day but also think it might be healthy to have a change of scenery, check out The Brewology Cafe. It’s a small cafe in Scout Lazcano Street serving equally-excellent specialty coffee and baked goods. I predict you’ll stick around long enough to have time for both. Especially if you have a sweet tooth, this place is for you. ♥

    We tried all their best offerings recently. If we’re talking about the most number of amazing desserts I had in one seating, this must have set a record here! 🙂

    Review of The Brewology Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    The Brewology Cafe features a minimalist interior with light wood fixtures and cozy spots to curl up with your coffee or chat with a friend. It showcases a beautiful interplay between pure form and function, keeping the place feeling natural yet modern. It’s unassuming, comfortable in its own skin and all the more chic for it. This cafe has enough space for groups of people to hang out, and the setting can work for a low-key date, too.

    The aroma of coffee plus the relaxed atmosphere makes it feel like being at home. Window blinds work well to take the flare out, control the amount of sunshine, and encourage privacy inside. Overall, there’s nothing particularly striking or compelling with the design. The food and drinks here have more stories to tell.

    Food:

    The menu looks overwhelming with all things nice and sweet. We settled for the following: Heaven on Earth (H.O.E.) (PhP 165), Cheesecake Brownie (PhP 75), Cappuccino Cheesecake (PhP 145), S’mores Brownie (PhP 70), Red Velvet Brookie (PhP 65), Slutty Brownie (PhP 80), Chocolate Cake (PhP 90), Waffogato (PhP 160), S’mores Waffle (PhP 190), Manual Brew (PhP 160), Latte (PhP 155), Babysitter Coffee (PhP 160), and Scramble Milkshake (PhP 120).

    There wasn’t anything there that didn’t taste like heaven. The baked goods were soft, moist, and truly delectable. Everything you order will be good no matter what, so share with a friend. Or don’t. 😛

    My five favorites:
    1. Red Velvet Brookie – This brownie-cookie hybrid will leave you punch-drunk in brookie love! Its texture, taste, and the layer of golden, buttery, chocolatey top were divine.
    2. S’mores Waffle – It’s not diabetes-inducing sweet and I enjoyed the marshmallows. My heart was content.
    3. Slutty Brownie – Covered in a layer of fudgy gooey brownie, this is the ultimate marriage of chocolate chip cookie and Oreo fudge bar.
    4. Babysitter – It’s strong mocha coffee with pillowy soft and rich-flavored marshmallows melt on top. Yuuum!
    5. Heaven on Earth – It’s literally what the name implies. It’s a step-up version of the regular affogato, with coffee jelly, mocha cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a cold brew instead of espresso.

    Price for Value:

    The Brewology Cafe is your new reason for getting out of bed in the morning. Prices are fair and decent given the value. If you want to get refreshing drinks and eat clouds of sweetness, visit this place at least once, and you’ll be hooked in no time. A huge plus is that you can order food from this cafe when you’re dining in any restaurant within the same food hub. They offer “menu sharing.”

    Ask one of the staff for the menu and request to have desserts or drinks served at your location (Kusina Juan, Bento & Co, Urbanidad Cafe, Little Winehaus, Open Table, Adelaida’s Delicacies, or 5YNCO Bar) at no additional service fee.

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