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Category: Food Reviews

  • Awesome Giveaway: Win 1 Year Supply Of Pizza! (BigDish x Don Henrico’s)

    Awesome Giveaway: Win 1 Year Supply Of Pizza! (BigDish x Don Henrico’s)

    PIZZA. This delicious comfort food staple has been elevated far beyond its humble roots. Now I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like eating pizza. And I’m pretty sure no one would pass the chance to win free pizza for a year! The prospect of never paying for pizza again for quite some time may sound too good to be true, but it’s possible.

    This season of giving, BigDish and Don Henrico’s Pizza, Pasta, and More… can make it possible for you. BigDish is giving away a great deal of awesome gifts, and taking home prizes will be a great way to end 2017—and the perfect way to start the New Year. Two lucky winners will get free 14-inch pizza every month for the entire 2018. These blessed people will easily become the “heroes” among their peers (or have a wild night by themselves, no judgement). 🙂 The winners will be announced on December 30th, so keep an eye on their Facebook page!

    How can you qualify for the draw?

    1. Like BigDish on Facebook
    2. Tag three (3) friends that you would share your pizza with on their post.
    3. Share the post about the contest, set the post to Public.
    4. Dine twice (2x) at Don Henrico’s in any of the participating branches (Glorietta 1, Tomas Morato, Sta. Lucia, Festival Mall, and SM MOA) use the promo code 1YRPIZZA on www.bigdish.ph or the BigDish app (IOS or Android).
    5. Dine from December 9th, 2017 until December 29th, 2017.
    6. Attend your two (2) reservations successfully and enjoy your meals with discounts.
    7. Two (2) winners will be drawn from all of the entries and will be notified by email.

    To learn more, read this: http://bit.ly/1YRPIZZA

  • Review of Seoul Train Korean BBQ (Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Quezon City)

    Review of Seoul Train Korean BBQ (Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Quezon City)

    Seoul Train Korean Barbecue in Sgt. Esguerra Avenue is an easy and excellent place to try something new. It was on soft opening when we had our dinner. This restaurant serves delicious Korean food and makes you feel like you’re in a train. The background sound effect goes “choo-choo” repeatedly over KPop music, and we thought it’s cool. Craving for Korean food? You need this in your arsenal. Seoul Train Korean BBQ is the place to come if you like the idea of grilling meat on the table and eating inside a “train.” So go forth with confidence. Your long day at work deserves it.

    Review of Seoul Train Korean BBQ (Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Korean bands’ logos, pictures of Korean idols, graffiti on the walls, and KPop artists performing on TV. No, these do not depict the actual trains in Korea, but Seoul Train Korean BBQ has a unique ambiance that’s hard not to love. It’s like dining in a train, as you’ll see signages of Korean train stations, directions to exit (way out), car number, stickers for senior citizens’ seats, and more creative visuals.

    Outside, the facade of this train-themed restaurant is complete with rails, wipers on windows, and lights. I just didn’t manage to take a picture because it was raining, I didn’t bring an umbrella, and I couldn’t step back. Anyway, entrance to the dining area requires just a push of a button. The door opened automatically as how a real train carriage’s door opens.

    In the waiting area, there are different forms of entertainment available for the waiting customers. You can buy a capsule toy (for PhP 60 each), play the claw machine (2 PhP 10 coins) and read some magazine. Seoul Train Korean Barbecue also has a VIP room which can accommodate up to 15 people. If you’re coming with a group this big, a reservation is a must. A consumable price of PhP 3000 on weekdays and PhP 5000 on weekends will be charged.

    Service:

    We booked a reservation ahead of time to make sure we could secure a spot under an hour. The staff strictly told us that we could only stay for 1.5 hours (7:30PM to 9:00PM), but since there wasn’t a heavy flow of new customers coming in that night, we were allowed to stay longer. Servers were courteous and nice, and you can get their attention by raising your hand (per usual) or by pressing the red button (similar to the stop button in a real bus which you press to signal you want to get off).

    Food:

    Most things on the menu looked good, but we chose ones that are more familiar so our taste buds could relate better. 🙂 For starter, we had Haemul Pajeon (PhP 400), the “legendary Korean seafood pancake” that’s crispy on the outside, toasty on the edges, and soft and chewy on the inside. There’s also a vegetarian option available, so if you or your friends are vegetarians, you may request for one.

    There is something yummy and heart-warming about a sizzling bowl of bibimbap. A meal unto its own, Dolsot Bibimbap (PhP 350) was a heavenly combination of beef and flavorful vegetables cooked just right.

    Tteobokki with Cheese and Noodles (PhP 380) turned out as a heartier version of simple tteokbokki. Tteokbokki is a Korean street food snack made primarily of chewy rice cakes and fiery, funky gochujang chili paste. The final assemblage was unabashedly spicy but impossible to put down. This is the go-to hungry stomach answer for K-Poppers. Eat between sips of cold water if you can’t handle the heat.

    The star of the night? Saeng Galbi (PhP 980), of course. For pure meat taste, many Koreans prefer cuts of meat that have no marinade, especially when it’s the primmest beef short ribs you can have. A little salt and perhaps a dash of pepper will do wonders for the house special ssamjang. Banchan and lettuce can be refilled once along as requested. To eat the Korean way, place a leaf of lettuce on your palm, place meat, and a dab of dipping sauce. Then, close the lettuce and enjoy the eruption of heavenly flavors in your mouth.

    Kimbap (PhP 210) was made from steamed white rice and various other ingredients, rolled in gim and served in bite-size slices. It’s “Korean sushi” assembled with fillings of different tastes and textures. Yum!

    Price for Value:

    Sumptuous food, fun atmosphere, and great train-dining experience. Seoul Train Korean Barbecue in Sgt. Esguerra Avenue ticks all of those boxes. Prices don’t come cheap (expect to pay PhP 600-PhP 900 per head) but has fair value. This Korean restaurant offers an intangible thing beyond just the food and service that makes you want to come back.

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  • Review of Flavors Restaurant (Holiday Inn and Suites Makati)

    Review of Flavors Restaurant (Holiday Inn and Suites Makati)

    We have visited Glorietta countless of times, but it was my first time to come across Holiday Inn & Suites Makati. I was actually surprised to learn that it’s conveniently located in the Glorietta Shopping Complex and has a direct connection to the mall. It was my sister’s 25 birthday last Sunday and we celebrated the occasion having lunch at Flavors Restaurant that’s housed at the hotel’s lobby level.

    Review of Flavors Restaurant (Holiday Inn and Suites Makati)

    Ambiance:

    The restaurant design looks posh and sleek, much like what’s expected of it as one housed in a hotel in Makati. The ambiance felt cozy and merry, with Nutcracker Christmas-themed decors throughout the space. It’s a good way to make guests feel the mood of the festive holiday season, the kind that people wouldn’t want to walk past without wishing they were inside. Indulge in a feast for all your sense at Flavors. It’s a casual dining experience with a fine dining sensibility.

    Service:

    Flavors Restaurant may be formal and elegant, but the service did not seem overly stuffy. You can expect to have a refined and proper experience without feeling uncomfortable like you can’t sit back and relax. The waitstaff were courteous and helpful, rated 5-star for a 5-star Makati hotel. They also sang a happy birthday song for my sister! 🙂

    Food:

    We were wowed with an extensive spread of the premium classics (including lechon, roast beef, crabs, shrimps, and mussels), food stations artfully presented with hearty selections of meat, seafood and vegetables, and separate dessert tables for make-your-own halo-halo, chocolate fountain, cakes, bread and pastries, and fruits.

    While there’s no particular dish that blew us away, there were certain ones that are on the borderline of great. International and local favorites and vegetarian options are available. Succinct to say, Flavors is a safe bet when you’re looking for a buffet restaurant delivering quality all-you-can-eat food with a variety of delightful choices. Feel free to get messy here – it’s the best way to enjoy the food.

    Price for Value:

    Makati is flush with expensive and highly rated dining spots, and Flavors Restaurant at Holiday Inn & Suites is no different. It hits the spot for any special occasion or family event. Rates are pretty fancy (P1900++/head) but definitely worth it. Especially in this holiday season, it’s the perfect time of the year to impress your loved ones with your refined palate and exquisite choice. We availed of BDO’s promo and got 50% off the bill! Promo period runs from November 1, 2017 to February 15, 2018. Check this link out for reference.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/HolidayInnMakati/” name=”Flavors Restaurant – Holiday Inn & Suites Makati” description=”Holiday Inn & Suites Makati opened on April 1, 2013 and is the first purpose-built Holiday Inn property in the Philippines. Flavors is located at the lobby level. Address is Palm Drive, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati.” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 909 0888″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-11-30″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque (SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong)

    Review of Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque (SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong)

    Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque is one of the best-rated BBQ restaurants in New York City. It has branched out to different countries in the world, including the Philippines (opened in December 2016). Brought here by Standard Hospitality Group (the same group behind Yabu and Ipuddo), this restaurant specializes in cooking and serving all-natural meats and poultry, seasoned with perfect spice blends and then smoked with wood for many, many hours until the perfect harmony of smoke and flavor emerges. We visited Mighty Quinn’s BBQ at Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall last Thursday to try out new dishes on its menu. 🙂

    Review of Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque (SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong)

    Ambiance:

    Mighty Quinn’s Slow Smoked Barbeque has an attractive interior design with a happy blend of wood and monochromatic theme. Wood takes a large part of one side, while the wall across is painted white contrasted with a few pieces of art, photographs, and the quote “cooking the old school way with wood and time.” The tables are cleverly set out and they’re generously spaced. Seating felt comfortable enough for a 1-2 hours of stay.

    Food:

    Served with two sides, three rice servings, bottomless drinks, pickles and slaw, the Chicken and Pork Belly Platter offered such an amazing textural experience. The smoked pork belly was tender, moist and juicy, and the chicken had all the right flavors in place. I especially enjoyed the pork belly, which had a nice layer of meat, a nice layer of fat, another nice layer of meat, another nice layer of fat. Meat lovers would surely rejoice. 🙂

    Their barbecue burgers, overloaded with slow smoked meats in between brioche buns, are a far cry from the usual burger patties. The pulled pork and beef brisket burgers have wonderful marbling that will have you sinking your teeth into incredible juiciness with each and every bite. Flavors were spot on and excellent, and both were notoriously tasty. Once you try either one, you may never go back to plain ground beef or pork again.

    Note: There’s no need to add sauce; great BBQ is actually less about the sauce/seasoning and more about the cooking process. But if you feel like putting on their house bbq sauce, you’re welcome.

    The same smoky and succulent Pork Belly and Beef Brisket are available in rice bowls. The complete meal with rice and egg is the ultimate Pinoy combo. Dig into meat that’s pink, juicy, and practically melting, with perfectly charred, salty-sweet burnt edges.

    For our drink, we had classic lemonade that’s tart and sweet. Its fruity flavor matched well with big, bold, robust smoked bbq.

    Price for Value:

    Even when traffic is building up in Ortigas area, especially this holiday season, you need a ride to SM Megamall and check out Mighty Quinn’s Smoked Barbeque. 😀 Good meat is often something you have to travel for! The drive, the sweet smoky aroma upon entry, the line, and then finally confronting the beautiful, massive tray of smoked meat before your face is all part of the experience.

    Prices are fair and have great value based on the level of cooking and fine ingredients used. Service was very slick indeed, with friendly and helpful waiters topping up good and no trouble getting attention. Invite some friends over, kick back and enjoy.

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  • Review of Red Baron Ribs and Steaks (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Review of Red Baron Ribs and Steaks (Banawe, Quezon City)

    If you’re in for baby back ribs and steaks, Red Baron Ribs and Steaks is one of the better choices in the area of Banawe. This restaurant is situated next to a car washing station. The entrance may not be facing the street and its neighborhood may be quiet, but the buzz is still going very strong. We were surprised to find that it’s jam-packed when we arrived and until we left. Word about it must have gone viral. Food here is best suited for a group of friends or family hanging out to chill or to dine together for a decent but not necessarily expensive meal.

    Red Baron Ribs and Steaks in Banawe offers budget-friendly prices but you can have less worries on footing the bill when you book your next meal with BigDish. In case you’re not yet familiar, BigDish is a brand-new way of offering dining deals and discounts. There’s no membership fee required. Just reserve online (through the website or mobile app) and get discounts depending on the number of people, date and time, and the restaurant chosen. Once booking is done, a confirmation code will show up and this should be presented to the restaurant at the time of visit. No hassle! Click here to check it out.

    Review of Red Baron Ribs and Steaks (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    The space is apparently not as big as we expected but this doesn’t stop the streams of customers coming in. The setup looks simple and the interior design is nothing sophisticated, but this place has the feel of community comfort. Arranged for practical use, the wooden tables and chairs are put closely next to one another, suggesting a more casual and intimate dining ambiance.

    Food:

    At home, we’re used to boil raw peanuts in salt water for a salty, shell-shucking-worthy treat. The Big Bowl of Dried Peanuts in Shell (PhP 69) turned out to be a good appetizer.

    Sometimes, simplicity rules the nacho game, and this rings true for Red Baron’s Nachos (PhP 153). Bathed in cheesy sauce that’s smooth and silly without tasting too overwhelming, these nachos are great for a hearty snack or an easy weeknight meal. Each chip was individually topped then baked, ensuring you get full crisp and flavor in every bite.

    Smoky, sweet, and tangy, the Smoked Baby Back Ribs (PhP 295) had a massive dose of savory flavor. The Solo set came with a wild side (corn kernels) and rice. The baby back ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, with a substantial bark, smoky character and sweet undertone. This dish is a keeper!

    The Rib Eye Steak (PhP 329), one of the house specialties, came out also properly tender. The flavor was quite satisfying, a definite standout. Think beefy and deeply savory. In terms of texture, the succulent steak tore apart with almost no effort. Cheesy garlic mashed potatoes, which was served as the perfect side dish, helped balance out the saltiness of the gravy.

    Finally, we had the Crunchy Flauta Steak Pure Meltique Striploin Goodness (PhP 473). Absolutely no rub necessary. The Meltique Beef was pretty good as it was well done. It’s an indulgence to be experienced if you have not had it before. Love the curly fries on the side!

    For drinks, we had Guyabano (PhP 142), Apple Berry (PhP 158), Strawberry Banana (PhP 138), and Kitkat Matcha (PhP 138) and tasted them all. Our verdict? The guyabano hands down stole the show. We happen to like fresh fruit juices. 🙂 If you prefer something cold and tart, with essence of berries, order either the Apple Berry or the Strawberry Banana. The thick and creamy Kitkat Matcha didn’t taste too much of matcha, but it’s a refreshing break from the fruity drink variants.

    Price for Value:

    Ribs and steaks are not particularly hard to find in Metro Manila. Almost every city here has a handful of local joints that serve up their own great rendition. Those that offer good value for money, on the other hand, require some digging. Red Baron Ribs and Steaks in Banawe is one of those. I highly recommend booking via BigDish, not only to get discounts, but also to make sure you have your sure seats especially when you plan to visit during prime dining times. 😉

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/redbaronribs/” name=”Red Baron Ribs & Steaks” description=”143 D. Tuazon Corner Calamba Street, Lourdes, Banawe, Quezon City Other branch: 1357 Severino Reyes Street Corner Bambang” rev_body=”For inquiries, call 3545970″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-10-26″ user_review=”4.1″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Grand Launch of Fredley Banawe Complex (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Grand Launch of Fredley Banawe Complex (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Fredley Food and Beverages, Inc. has been introducing exciting food concepts for the past four years. This year, they’re proud to have built their own complex with three of their brands—Macao Imperial Tea, Shabu-shabu Ichiban, and Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku—all housed at Fredley Banawe Complex. Today was the grand launch, and we were honored to take part in the event, witness the ribbon cutting ceremony, and try out their food specialties.

    Macao Imperial Tea Philippines

    As one of the fastest-growing cafe chains that’s proudly born in Macau, Macao Imperial Tea takes a deeply-rooted approach that highlights a mix of the rich Macanese culture and a personalized experience. Genuine, memorable, and special—this is what Macao Imperial Tea brings in each and every cup that’s especially made for their customers’ satisfaction. This cafe brought massive hype to social media with its cute tumblers and unique drinks. When we visited for the first time, I thought it’s very much worthy of the praise.

    The vibe was charming and the location seemed apt as a hangout place for friends to spend hours enjoying drinks and pastries over a nice chat. Macao Imperial Tea in Banawe is open from 7am to 12mn, so you can be sure you won’t miss out.

    Their menu is filled with interesting options such as chestnut cream, milk tea, coffee and quirky drinks like Kitten Milk Tea, Ginger Milk Tea, Walnut Black Sesame Fresh Milk, and Taro Sweet Potato Fresh Milk. I was truly spoiled for choice and then just asked the staff for best recommendations. We ended up trying their best-sellers, Chestnut Cream Cocoa (PhP 130) and Cream Cheese Oreo Milk Tea (PhP 120), and liked them both. A lot. I’m telling you, it’s a must-try!

    Topped with a creamy cheese foam made with whipped cream, milk and cream cheese, the drinks were both salty and sweet at the same time. Taste was simply exquisite, and thickness was decadent. Sipping straight from the cup without stirring and without a straw is recommended. 🙂 The drinks were also chocolatey, with the right amount of cream cheese bursting with complex flavor in every gulp. We also shared a piece of their almond chocolate cookie and loved it, too!

    Shabu-shabu Ichiban

    Shabu-shabu Ichiban is a popular hotpot restaurant from Nagoya, Japan. It gives patrons an authentic Japanese hotpot experience by providing plenty of interesting soup base options and unlimited servings of meat, sushi, and king crab. Like Chinese hot pot, Japanese shabu-shabu is also communal. Not only do you sit down to eat with all your companions, but you cook the food together in the same pot of simmering broth.

    Shabu-shabu Ichiban offers a reasonably priced and delicious introduction to a golden meal. This Japanese restaurant in Banawe has all-you-can-eat and a la carte options available on the menu. Overall, food is great, generous in servings, and you definitely won’t sit through your meal hungry. Indulging in Japanese shabu-shabu is good way to bond with the family or celebrate an occasion.

    We each had Set B (Weekdays: PhP 688 lunch, PhP 788 dinner; Weekends and Holidays: PhP 888) which was quite a mouthful. It consisted of: Sushi and Sashimi Platter, Vegetable Platter, US Angus Chuck Eye Roll, US Beef Short Plate, Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder), Chicken Leg Quarter, Chicken and Pork Dumplings, Assorted Balls, Shrimp Tempura, Fried Chicken Wings, Kushikatsu, Udon and Ramen Noodles, Dessert (Coffee Jelly), and Drinks. The soup bases we chose (tantan and spicy szechuan) were both spicy broths, perfect for the cold, rainy weather.

    The broth was nowhere near as complex as ramen soup bases in Japanese ramen restaurants, but we dropped in udon and ramen noodles anyway since hotpot broth always develops more flavor as you cook various items in it. The noodles took seconds to cook, the fatty cuts of meat required just a quick dip, and the assorted balls and fish cakes benefited from a longer soak.

    Thankfully, the settings on the in-table induction plate were carefully controlled by the staff. Just as we were getting into the hotpot groove, we also had bites of the remarkably greaseless tempura, sushi, and fried chicken in between. Yum! 🙂

    Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku

    After eating loads of food, we figured we have to return for another visit to Fredley Banawe Complex to experience their yakiniku special next time. Otherwise, we could have left bloated instead of pleasantly full. 😛

    Sharing the same space as Shabu-shabu Ichiban, Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku is the newest concept among the three, offering authentic Japanese Yakiniku. A Japanese term for “fulfill,” Mitasu is said to live up to its name with the many kinds of Japanese favorites that will certainly leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking to get fancy with Japanese Yakiniku in Banawe, this is where you do it.

    [schema type=”review” name=”Fredley Banawe Complex” description=”780 Banawe Street, Quezon City” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-10-14″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Alice Tea Salon (The Pearl Place, Ortigas, Pasig City)

    Review of Alice Tea Salon (The Pearl Place, Ortigas, Pasig City)

    I’m a big fan of Alice in Wonderland, so when I heard about Alice Tea Salon which opened up recently in Ortigas, I knew we definitely had to visit it right away. 🙂 Talk about fantasy dining. We love quirky venues that scream unique individuality. Alice Tea Salon in The Pearl Place is an Alice in Wonderland-themed cafe filled with a combination of baby blue and white colors as inspired by Alice’s dress and quotes such as “Drink Me” and “We’re All Mad Here.” Here you may find a simple scenery of the world of Alice once you pass the charmingly designed-card door representing the Red Queen.

    Review of Alice Tea Salon (The Pearl Place, Ortigas, Pasig City)

    Ambiance:

    There was an ongoing baby shower party when we arrived, and the event occupied half of the place. Fortunately, we were still allowed to get in and have our own “fairy tale” experience. This place is a hidden gem that brings Mad Hatter’s eternal tea damnation to life with their Alice in Wonderland-themed interior and tea-centric menu. Alice Tea Salon conveys a clean layout with familiar features straight from Alice in Wonderland. From its porch, the red two-door Queen of Hearts embellished with card suits, to their black and white tiled floors and classy interior, it definitely is the perfect space for Instagram-worthy photos!

    Food/Drinks:

    A tea party isn’t complete without the tea. Alice Tea Salon offers various types of tea (hot and cold are both available) brewed using an espresso machine with tea leaves sourced from Taiwan. Their bestselling variant is roasted oolong tea, and other original tea recommendations include English Breakfast, Earl Gray, Assam, and Darjeeling tea. They also offer sweet and delicious beverages like tea lattes, tea-based milkshakes, ice cream smoothies, and con pannas that don’t disappoint as well.

    We tried Hot Wintermelon Macchiato (PhP 145), Strawberry Choco Smoothie (PhP 170), and Ruby Cappuccino (PhP 110). To match with the drinks and satisfy our sweet tooth, we had Ube Cheesecake (PhP 150) and Lemon Bars (PhP 50) which were also theme-appropriate. The ube cheesecake is a winner. The graham bottom worked as a natural pairing to the lushness of ube cream cheese. The delightfully nutty crust added a moderating element and some textural variation. 🙂 The tart, fruity flavor of lemon in the lemon bar was also much appreciated.

    Price for Value:

    We had a lovely time at Alice Tea Salon. The ambiance is quite enjoyable and service is on-point, too. It matched my expectation for sure. Prices are fair, not exceedingly higher or lower than the usual cafe or coffee shop in Metro Manila. This is a good place to stay all afternoon while chatting with friends. It’s just a few minutes of walking away from EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, Shangri-la Mall, and SM Megamall.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/AliceTeaSalon/” name=”Alice Tea Salon” description=”30 Pearl Dr, San Antonio, Pasig, 1600 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries/reservations, call (02) 925 1213″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-10-01″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Downtown and Halsted (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Review of Downtown and Halsted (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    When searching for where to eat in BGC, the term “destination restaurants” comes up a lot. This means that the food must be killer, the vibe is close to perfect, and the space is worth sitting an hour at. If you want all these, check out Downtown and Halsted. Stylized as DWNTOWN & HALSTED, this edgy bar-restaurant was conceptualized by Perry Quimbo (Piedra, Dillingers, Prohibition, Bugsy’s, Red Rabbit).

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

    Review of Downtown and Halsted (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Ambiance:

    Downtown and Halsted is envisioned as an avenue where artists could showcase their work, hence it’s flush with Deviant art, urban photographs, sketches, and other artwork featured throughout the place. Adding these pop-art vibes on the walls brings in unconventional style and evokes the feel of the street. These pieces on nondescript backdrops create a cohesive interior concept with urban flair.

    Overall, I love the theme and the spacious layout. Each booth provides privacy for every group, resulting in less chaotic seating and creating more intimate and functional zones. However, I just can’t imagine how the setup could accommodate larger groups of diners. You can be spotted sitting on the bar stools or on the comfy quilted restaurant booth seating.

    Food:

    We had Baby Calamari with Salted Egg Aioli (PhP 190) as our first starter dish. It consisted of bite-sized squid in crispy batter, basically everything you’d want in a weeknight seafood dish. These baby calamari came out stunningly golden-brown and still so tender and light inside. The salted egg aioli wasn’t too flavorful but it wasn’t bad. A nice squeeze of lemon and a sprinkling of salt would make it better.

    The Buffalo Tenders (PhP 290) were full-on crisp, crackly, ever-so-slightly greasy, perfectly juicy and succulent. Its accompanying dip was a great complement to the sauce-coated, tangy, vinegary buffalo perfection in every lick-lipping, finger-dripping bite. It’s enough to warm up your palate for the next to come.

    Their Housemade Chili Topped Potato Skins (PhP 150) were definitely a winner. It was so good that we kept talking about how we could replicate the recipe and make it at home ourselves! The earthy and slightly salty taste of the potato skin was delightful, and the chunky chili con carne packed a good deal of spice. This appetizer (for sharing) was well executed, no doubt.

    Downtown and Halsted’s Skewer Platter had sweet and savory profiles consisting of Lengua (PhP 250), Chicken (PhP 150), and Pork (PhP 150). These skewers delivered a good blend between tenderness and depth of flavor, with no sauce required.

    Probably our favorite main course, the insanely delicious Braised Barbecued Short Ribs (PhP 750) possessed a flesh that was tender and fatty but not overwhelmingly so. It’s one of the most comforting of comfort foods, with mashed potatoes served alongside it. Full of beefy flavor, the braised barbecued short ribs were far from dry. Adding points of interest were the crisp veggies on top. A must-order!

    The Crispy Pork Knuckles (PhP 580) were wonderfully crispy, yet fatty, with melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The meat had a pleasant firm texture, and it was paired well with the vinegar sauce, which gave each forkful of pork a tartness that really worked. It’s a dignified centerpiece for just about any table, something your taste buds will treasure for a while.

    Price for Value:

    Sitting alongside Locavore, Frank & Dean, and Bugsy’s Bar & Bistro in Burgos Circle, Downtown & Halsted in BGC dishes up the kind of trendy cuisine with tasty presentations that hit the comfort-food sweet spot we have. It serves designer cocktails, wines, with a good selection of single malts, bourbon, a huge dose of good music and fun, too. Prices are reasonable for the given value, and they’re not shockingly high, to be fair. Book a reservation now through BigDish (link here) to get discounts up to 50%!

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