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Category: Food Reviews

  • Wine 101: Wine Appreciation Class (Wine Story Serendra, Philippines)

    Wine 101: Wine Appreciation Class (Wine Story Serendra, Philippines)

    I had been meaning to attend the Wine 101 Class by Wine Story Academy for months. But because of tight schedule, booking a class did not seem possible. Finally, I freed up one Saturday just before the week of our wedding to attend the wine appreciation class in Wine Story Parker Room at Serendra, BGC. For two hours, we had a cool opportunity to sample a range of wines as Wine Education Manager Carla Santos provided us a solid foundation in understanding and appreciating wines even more. In this post, I’m sharing the top 3 lessons we learned (aside from the aroma, palate, and tasting notes of wines).

    Top 3 Lessons Learned from Wine 101: Wine Appreciation Class (Wine Story Serendra, Philippines)

    1. Wine can be intimidating but it doesn’t need to be.

    Some people are not comfortable with the thought of tasting or drinking wine. Especially to those that are not familiar, it can be a confusing topic. Attending the Wine 101 Class has removed our fear and hesitation about learning what we have always wanted to learn about wine.

    Since the class had a small group of students (12 per session), our inquiries and questions were all entertained and answered. Carla started with an overview of the basic terms and principles about wine and then proceeded on covering topics such as how to properly taste wine and how to make a good selection in a restaurant or a store. We explored the process of making wine from picking the grapes in the vineyard to bottling the wine.

    The short course gave us a good insight to the introductory aspects of wine and wine tasting. At the end of the class, we felt more knowledgeable and more confident in choosing good quality wines over bad ones.

    2. There is much to learn and enjoy during an actual wine class and tasting session.

    We can always read tasting notes and wine characteristics from websites and online tutorial pages (Udemy and Coursera, for instance), but having the “taste” experience is still better and more preferable. Knowing the different flavors, mouthfeel, acidity, aromas, and colors as well as the grape varieties, food pairings, and origins requires more than just reading text from the computer screen (or mobile phone).

    The beauty about attending Wine 101 is the act of tasting different wines and making sense of what we tasted relating to description, quality, style, type, preference, drinking context, etc. It allowed us to practice wine tasting with sensory evaluation and discover our preferences in a relaxed environment. All materials were included. No prior knowledge was required.

    3. Aged wine is not always better.

    I had the misconception that wines are all meant to be aged and that aged wines are higher both in cost and value. The truth, as it stands, is that 90% of wine must be consumed within a year of production.

    Aging does bring out an array of exotic smells and tastes. (A correctly aged Pinot Noir can gain aromas of truffles; a Syrah can become fragrant with rich spices.) However, there’s science involved in wine aging and it’s not as simple as storing it in a dark room in your home for decades and expect it to taste great. Factors such as temperature fluctuations, excess vibration, and excessive light can hasten the deterioration of wine.

    Each crop of grapes is different. Each bottle of wine ages a little differently from the next; the perfect time to uncork a particular grape varietal will change with the region, the year, and the specific process the grapes undergo as they are being smashed and fermented into wine.

    WSA: Approved Program Provider of WSET

    Wine Story Academy (WSA) in the Philippines accommodates wine lovers’ desire for further wine education from any level of experience. For beginners, Wine 101 is an excellent starting point to know more about wine in a casual and organized setting. If you want something unique for your next date or acquire newfound knowledge with family or friends who love wine, booking a slot here is highly recommended. In this course, we learned how to improve our palate, overcome wine anxiety, widen our technical knowledge, and set aside any wine prejudices we have arrived with.

    For those wanting to take things a step further, WSA offers four levels of Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualification courses as an Approved Program Provider. The WSET is a worldwide organization providing high-quality training and qualifications for professionals working in the wine and spirit and hospitality trades.

    Wine Story is a luxury store in Shangri-La Mall, Serendra and One Rockwell. There is no other wine store quite like it… not in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai or even Tokyo. Wine Story offers up to 16 wines by the glass for sampling before you buy. The cutting-edge store design, state of the art ambiance and the finest wine selection of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, California Cult and large format bottles will simply take your breath away.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/WineStoryPhilippines/” name=”Wine 101: Wine Appreciation Class by Wine Story Academy” description=”Visit Wine Story’s website at http://http://winestory.com.ph/ and follow its Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/WineStoryPhilippines/ to inquire about its classes. Email info@winestory.com.ph or call 637-8888 from M-F 9am to 6pm to reserve a slot.” rev_name=”Wine 101 by Wine Story Academy” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-05-18″ user_review=”5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse (Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse (Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City)

    BGC in Taguig has enough good places now that you can legitimately crawl your way around it and go on a foodie adventure if you so choose. Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse in Burgos Circle is one of the restaurants in the area where you come for large portions of food with tons of flavor. It’s a Southern American diner where smoked and barbecued meat reigns supreme. If you appreciate a full tray of nachos with all sorts of tasty toppings, hearty sandwiches, and smoked bbq, Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse should be on the radar.

    Dinner was booked through BigDish’s trusty mobile app a week ago, and we had an instant 10% 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 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.

    Review of Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse (Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance:

    Located literally within the circle at Burgos Circle, Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse can quickly capture the attention of people driving around in the search for good eats. Inside, a cozy interior awaits with a bar counter on the first floor and more seats at the second floor. Distressed wood finishing and vintage decors create an atmosphere that is natural and contemporary, intimate and vibrant. Pipe details and black-and-white drawings on the walls make up a unique, industrial-meets-rustic setting.

    Food:

    Hot Pork Poppers (PhP 175) consisted of thin slices of deep-fried rub dusted pork belly and piedmont sauce. You can think of these poppers as dried or dehyrdrated bacon that are not as salty. They’re pretty satisfying to eat and easy to share.

    With the perfect balance of sweet and salty, Jera’s Ultimate Nachos (PhP 55) managed to impress. It’s generous in size and taste and has seemingly contradictory attributes: tender but not mushy, fatty and flavorful, sweet and salty. Toppings include way too many ingredients I couldn’t speak all in one breath: seasoned tortilla chips, pulled pork, homemade bacon strips, cheese sauce, bbq sauce, alabama white bbq sauce, fried tortilla, and sliced toasted baguettes. With all these stuff, it can be put easily as the holy grail of snack food.

    Crab and Corn Soup (PhP 150) was soup of the day. It’s by far the only crab and corn soup we had where there were crab sticks and corn kernels not only cooked as flavoring but in actual chewable bits. Nice touch!

    The star of the night had to be Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse’s Smoked Beef Brisket (PhP 550). The half pound of 16 hours smoked angus beef brisket was served with two sides: Texas Dirty Rice (PhP 60) and Chicken Macaroni Salad (PhP 85). Taste-wise, think a medley of sweet, savory, and spicy, with the pickles imparting a zesty and sour lightness. The beef brisket came with a wonderful meatiness well-complemented by the smokiness but only in the background, where it lingered for seconds after each bite.

    Hot Daddy’s Burger (PhP 275) was presented with: half pound beef patty, spicy bbq suace, brioche buns, cheddar cheese, crispy jalapeno peppers, and chipotle mayo. We were asked if we wanted mild, spicy, or deadly, and we chose mild (since we could always put on more hot sauce if need be). With a smidge of heat, the burger was moist and hit the right notes for the most part, with its familiar flavors. The beef was undeniably juicy. Additional condiments were not necessary at all.

    For dessert, we had the Apple Cobbler (PhP 280), which was made with baked apple slices, cashew streusel, vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce. It had rich and holiday flavor with fruity components. Highly recommended! 🙂

    Price for Value:

    Aside from heaping scoops of ice cream and halo-halo, if there’s anything that screams summer, it’s piles of smoked meat, and Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse in Burgos Circle, BGC has some serious power in making compelling dishes of it. Expect to get melt-in-your-mouth smoked beef brisket, roasted chicken and pork, at reasonable prices, for their specialties. Local and imported beers, cocktails and fresh juices are also available to complement substantial food. We’ll visit again, next time! 🙂

    To know more about BigDish, check out its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BigDishPH/ or visit its website at https://bigdish.ph/. Click this button to book a table now:

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/fatdaddyssmokehouse/” name=”Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse” description=”Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 8876030 or 0915 5627447″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-05-15″ ]

  • Review of California Pizza Kitchen (Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong)

    Review of California Pizza Kitchen (Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong)

    We had lunch last weekend at California Pizza Kitchen in Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong and were warmly introduced to a new menu of epic proportions. CPK Philippines has its new menu replete with pizzas, pastas, salads, and for the first time in the Philippines, rice entrees! Imbued with that same California inventiveness and culinary ingenuity, their flavorful carb-bomb dishes will send you home a happy customer. We ordered the best recommended selections that matched our appetite. Here’s the food rundown.

    Review of California Pizza Kitchen (Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong)

    Ambiance:

    CPK Philippines in Shagnri-la Mall looks modern and neat. Decors and light fixtures are nothing fancy (loved the wall printed with trees), but the overall laid-back and friendly atmosphere is what makes this place an easy choice for a casual brunch, lunch, or dinner. Our only qualm? The sun shone so brilliantly in mid-afternoon that it was almost too bright to look outside, especially since we were seated by the window. Installing blinds or curtains could have been more suitable as a pleasing backdrop and functionally, to control the light and glare.

    Food:

    California Pizza Kitchen has certainly added fuel to the fire around who makes one of the best pizzas over the last few years. Although “pizza” happens to be its middle name, CPK is not solely a pizza joint. What makes it unique is that it also serves a variety of dishes for the whole family to love.

    We got our meal started on the right foot. Freshness ruled with the Grilled Shrimp, Strawberry and Goat Cheese (PhP 550). The combination of strawberries, peas, mixed greens, almond flakes and goat cheese tossed in homemade honey Dijon vinaigrette is a home run in creativity, taste (briny + sweet), and execution.

    Dips Sampler (PhP 375) had a stellar presentation with bacon crack, zesty corn, and tzatziki cucumber and pita, flatbread and white tortilla chips in one large plate. My fave? It’s hands down, the tzatziki cucumber. The rich flavor and creaminess were mostly present. There’s something oddly addicting about tangy-thick yogurt, crunchy grated cucumber, olive oil, garlic and aromatic fresh mint put together.

    Among their new pizza creations, we tried the Grilled Chicken Chipotle and Avocado (PhP 475). We’ve never been a believer in avocado slices on pizza until this one. It was really good! Toppings consisted of grilled chicken, Monterey Jack, Queso Quesadilla with housemade roasted corn, black bean chipotle salsa, avocado, jalapeno, cilantro and lime crema. The salsa and jalapenos round out a true nod to nachos in festive pizza form. This is the kind of fusion we could get used to.

    If you’re craving Mexican, you’ll also be enthused to get the Cali-mex Chicken Salsa. Served with grilled chicken and topped with housemade chipotle salsa and jalapeno, this rice entrée was supposed to come with rice. But instead of getting regular rice, we chose to upgrade to quinoa (additional charge: PhP 45), riding on the bandwagon of health consciousness in today’s culture. Ahem. 😛 Every texture, spice and flavor simply worked. Blue corn tortilla cheese and lime crema made the dish even more fantastic.

    The sautéed shrimps in Sweet Flame Shrimp (PhP 385) were succulent, the mango-cucumber salsa packed sweet and spicy flavors cohesively, and the fresh cilantro gave the dish an oomph. Yummy!

    We knew we just couldn’t go wrong with Chicken and Sausage Fajita Pasta (PhP 495). For those who like it hot, this pasta made with smoked sausage, grilled chicken, tri-color peppers and jalapeno with spinach, fettucine and roasted garlic cream sauce is sure to please.

    For beverages, there’s a large selection of shakes, milkshakes, and smoothies. For those looking for tasty booze, CPK also offers alcoholic drinks. Wines are available by the glass and by the bottle. Sangrias, margarita, spirited cocktails, mojitos, and shots can seal the deal. We tried the Avocado-Banana Smoothie (PhP 225) and Cheesecake with Oreo Cookies Milkshake and liked them both. Count the calories later.

    Butter cakes to me seem like a blank canvas begging to be painted and drizzled with fruits and a dollop of cream. With lemon zest, CPK’s Lemon Butter Cake (PhP 325) came out good and moist enough. Unlike some other cakes, this one didn’t go to mush. It was served warm with vanilla ice cream and homemade whipped cream. Again, count the calories later! 😉

    Topped with blueberry compote, the Blueberry-Oreo Cheesecake (PhP 275) consisted of cheesecake in a crust made with real Oreo cookies. Each bite was a burst of sweetness that can’t be beat. It’s delightful, a must-order for those who have a sweet tooth.

    Price for Value:

    Featuring exceptional new favorites and retaining some classic items on the menu, California Pizza Kitchen is a heaven for pizza and pasta lovers alike. Prices are not relatively expensive compared to its value, and most agree you get a lot for your money. Really, the portions are for sharing. I just hoped the waitstaff would turn the tables more efficiently. In any case, CPK in Shangri-la Mall is a great go-to restaurant for a quality meal. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/CPKPhilippines/” name=”California Pizza Kitchen Philippines” description=”2302-2304, East Wing Building Shangri-la Mall, EDSA Corner Shaw Blvd, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 696 1125″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-05-12″ ]

  • Review of Finnians Irish Pub (Little Baguio, San Juan)

    Review of Finnians Irish Pub (Little Baguio, San Juan)

    It’s been a long time since we last visited San Juan to discover and try new restaurants in the radar. Finnians Irish Pub invited us for dinner, and we thought we’ll have a great time chowing on a decent shepherd’s pie and then washing it down with cocktails. Finnians Irish Pub in Little Baguio (operating hours: 7PM to 3AM, except Mondays) is a cozy, non-nonsense pub where you can grab yummy food and wind down with casual beer. It’s best to go with up to three other people and indulge yourself in a variety of things on the menu.

    Review of Finnians Irish Pub (Little Baguio, San Juan)

    Ambiance:

    Sick of the same casual restaurant you dine in over and over?  Finnians Irish Pub will get you out of your rut. The atmosphere was pleasant and laid-back, and overall vibe was not stuffy, not too old, and not too young. It’s a nice haven where you can have a good catch-up with friends. Irish tunes were on the background and the volume was kept low to allow guests to keep up with conversations. Completing the Irish pub ambiance were: a wall-mounted TV playing sports, a nice bar area on the center, textured tiles, simple wooden tables, and comfortable benches and stools with no policy on seating arrangement.

    Food:

    Finnians Irish Pub is a good place to hang for drinks, but the menu is more than fish and chips. It serves a fusion of Filipino and Australian comfort food favorites, which otherwise does not exist in too many dining places around here. Food takes on tasty flavors. We started with Shepherd’s Pie (PhP 275), which is always a good choice when you’re in an Irish pub or restaurant. After a weekend of revelry, there’s nothing better than digging into a bowl of warm, meaty pie topped with buttery mashed potatoes. It’s worth ordering and not just a waste of calories.

    Garlic Buttered Chicken (PhP 240) was one of our favorite items on the menu. Even without gravy, it was spot-on delicious, with the right level of salt and not a hint of excess greasiness. The chicken was juicy (loved that), and the garlic and butter combo didn’t fail to make the flavor better.

    Cordon Bleu (PhP 245) was another crowd-pleaser. It’s got substance and something that’s a little bit fancy about it. The oven-baked fried chicken was wrapped around with ham and cheese and topped with rich white sauce. We hardly paused to breathe between bites.

    Finnian Irish Pub’s Fish and Chips (PhP 175) was served as a classic dish of fried battered fish and golden-brown fries. It nailed all the essentials: crisp, thinly-cut chips and fish that retained plenty of succulence and an appealing creaminess underneath a golden fried exterior. We got two orders for the group and enjoyed every bite.

    The Honey Bourbon Ribs (PhP 340) consisted of melt-in-your-mouth baby back pork ribs smothered with flavorful honey bourbon. The meat was tender with a nice smokiness to it. The sauce was sweet, thick, with an acidic tang and a discernible fruitiness. It’s a must-order.

    For drinks, we tried the Melon Ball (PhP 125) which was made with a concoction of melon, vodka, and pineapple juice. It’s refreshing, not too sweet, and a pretty awesome upgrade from the usual flavored cocktails. Our other friends on the table were happy with the Blue Lagoon (PhP 125) (vodka, blue curacao, sprite) and Tequila Sunrise (PhP 125) (tequila, orange juice, grenadine).

    Price for Value:

    Finnians Irish Pub has a special ambiance and charm subtly put together, where people can come to relax and be themselves. Prices are affordable and very reasonable. The servers were warm, hospitable, and really looked like they were on top of their game. Start your night here and enjoy a great meal, listen to music, and take part in the art of conversation over a few pints. Help yourself with Guinness beer.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/FinniansPub/” name=”Finnians Irish Pub” description=”403 F. Calderon, San Juan, Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 750 2654″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-05-07″ ]

  • Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Dinner in a decent yet affordable Thai restaurant serving Thailand’s culinary treasures, plus an instant discount upon booking? Sign me up. Inspired by the lively and intoxicating ambiance of Jatujak Market in Thailand, Jatujak in SM Mall of Asia presents delicious Thai food, a needed breather among the tastes of Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino dishes we usually have in most times of the week. With a great menu, unpretentious vibes, and a truly beautiful space, this restaurant in SM MOA is the definition of impressive. Check it out.

    We visited Jatujak last Saturday after booking a time slot via the BigDish mobile application. BigDish is a restaurant reservation app that lets users enjoy up to 50% off their bill. Registration is quick and easy. There’s no need for credit card, reservation fee, and coupons to print. Just choose the restaurant and the date and time you’d be visiting where the discount is incorporated. Once reservation is done, confirmation will be sent through e-mail and sms. Show the message to the restaurant staff and voilà, you’ll get your meal at a discount hassle-free. 🙂

    Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Ambiance:

    Jatujak in SM Mall of Asia has its wooden and bricked walls artfully decorated with Thai scripts and memorabilia. The muted and subtle colors create a restful, leisurely family atmosphere. Housed in a cozy and modern setting, it captures the street-side appeal of Thai food and brings it home to the Philippines. Lighting is good and seats are comfortable enough for an afternoon’s worth of chilling. Jatujak is well-spaced and not stuffy. It’s your kind of spot to go for a casual lunch, dinner, or a last-minute date night with friends.

    Food:

    Jatujak’s Sampler Appetizer (PhP 215) is hard to turn down. It’s made up of shrimp cakes, fresh vegetarian spring rolls and pork spring rolls. Light yet full of flavor, this sampling dish is the perfect kick-off before the heavy flavors make their entrances.

    Tom Yum Mixed Seafood (Tom Yum Talay) (PhP 290) delivered all of the yes for us. It is the exact combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy we want after a long day of playing adult. The spiciness is bold, brash, and not always for the faint of heart. It’s one of the dishes you can describe as an authentic and fully-realized flavor of Thailand. And that’s exciting. I especially like the natural sweetness of the shrimps as it really did shine through.

    Vegetarian Pad Thai (PhP 200), made up of firm pan-fried flat rice noodles, tofu and carrots is the holy trinity of curing a hangover. It struck a balance between sweet and sour, with a hint of tamarind flavor leading the way. This is a good dish to order during the Lent season.

    Call it Whole Fish Pla Pla with Garlic Chili Sauce or pla kao sam rod or god’s gift of eternal happiness (if you love eating fried fish), it doesn’t matter. The fish is perfectly fried and the sweet, sour and hot sauce on top made it more appetizing. Get this, or you’re going home having missed out on something exceptional.

    I was surprised to see bagoong fried rice on the menu because I thought it’s a Filipino-style recipe. Thai Bagoong Rice though tastes a little different because of the herbs and spices used. Jatujak’s Bagoong Rice (Kao Kluk gapi) (PhP 185) has multiple sweet, salt and sour components which make up the spectrum of Thai flavors altogether on a single plate.

    Crispy Pata in Red Curry Sauce (kaeng ped ka moo) (PhP 580) is an interesting coconut-based curry dish with a milder taste and aroma, a delightful twist to the curry we know. Interestingly, it’s not spicy and the creamy coconut milk masks the pungent smell of the curry paste. If you love crispy pata and a Thai cuisine devotee yourself, consider this a must-try. 🙂

    Lemongrass Tea (Nam takray) (PhP 80) is so refreshing and delightfully healthy. It’s good for digestion, full of antioxidants, regulates high blood pressure, boosts metabolism and burns fat. We had it bottomless and totally loved the citrusy flavor of lemongrass, which is milder and sweeter in taste than lemon.

    We had Sticky Rice with Mango (koo niew mamuang) (PhP 135) for dessert. It’s palatable, comforting, and just enjoyable as it’s something closer to home. The glutinous rice with sweet and sour mangoes can be described as a tasty antidote to calm your still spice-singed mouth.

    Price for Value:

    Thanks to the BigDish app, our pleasant dining experience at Jatujak Thai Restaurant in MOA came with a bonus (10% discount). Yay! Thai dishes here are a good steal for the prices and will not break your wallet. Serving sizes are good for sharing and food portions are generous. We will try another restaurant that’s featured by BigDish Philippines next time. With BigDish Philippines, getting a discount through the app is only a few button presses away.

    To know more about BigDish, check out its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BigDishPH/ or visit its website at https://bigdish.ph/. Click this button to book a table now:

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/jatujakthaifood/” name=”Jatujak Thai Restaurant” description=”2nd Level unit 237 Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 556-0850″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2017-04-04″ ]

  • 6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Planet Grapes in Shangri-La at the Fort

    6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Planet Grapes in Shangri-La at the Fort

    Planet Grapes opened at the ground floor of High Street Park, Shangri-La at the Fort in Taguig on March 21, 2017. Once again, we were enthralled with their classy street food paired with wine. Like their branch in Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong, Planet Grapes (PG) at the Fort (located between Toby’s Estate and Pink’s Hot Dogs) is a paradise and a great hangout spot that’s worth checking out. In this post, I’m sharing six compelling reasons why you should visit it soon. 😉 #PlanetGrapesShangFort #PlanetGrapesPH

    6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Planet Grapes in Shangri-La at the Fort

    1. Knowledgeable and Confident Service

    With such a wealth of knowledge overflowing from this city, you’d think that a wine bar that so thoroughly holds your hand through the ordering process would feel a bit condescending. The staff at Planet Grapes proves otherwise. These guys take their wine seriously, and that flows into their service. Have questions regarding best food and wine pairings? They got the answers. Orders are served in a hygienic, professional, timely, and efficient manner.

    2. Mouthwatering Appetizers

    We visited Planet Grapes Shangri-La at the Fort both at lunch and dinner times. (Click here to see their menus.) Mouthwatering appetizers are presented as “small plates” on the menu, but the portions are actually good enough for sharing.

    Baboy, Bagoong, Singkamas, at Mangga or “BBSM” (PhP 290) for short is one of the best classic Filipino street food with a blend of sweet and sour that can easily whet your appetite. The combination is skillful and I imagine the dish tasting even better with smaller shrimps for a more concentrated flavor.

    Planet Grapes Street Food Platter (PhP 395) deserves more attention. It’s composed of Chorizo de Cebu, Vigan longganisa, garlic bangus longganisa, squid balls, kwek-kwek, and chicken skin. Everything is good on its own. This is the best entree to share with a bunch of friends. You go from zero to feeling-more-like-a-real-person in just a few bites.

    Planet Grapes Sisig (PhP 245) is always a good choice. It can stand as an appetizer or a hearty meal served with extra rice. PG Sisig is crispy pork mask served sizzling with a fresh organic egg and a refreshing tomato salsa. Tastes and textures are spot on. There’s a great hit of salt and crunch from the pork parts.

    Their famous Chicharon with Tinapa Dip (PhP 215) is also a must-order. It’s crispy pork rind served with a tart cream cheese and smoked milkfish dip. It’s the perfect starter to get while everyone warms up with a glass of wine.

    3.  Tasty and Decadent Mains

    The mains aren’t too groundbreaking, but it’s impossible to fault well-cooked dishes. Beautifully prepared, all these entrees have harmonious tastes that fascinate the palate.

    For seafood lovers: Grilled Norwegian Salmon (PhP 665) – Grilled Norwegian Salmon seasoned simply with salt and pepper then finished off with fresh salsa verde, served with a light kamut salsa

    For pasta lovers: Spaghettini and Meatballs (PhP 315) – all beef meatballs braised in a rich tomato sauce served on a bed of al dente spaghettini and topped off with Parmesan cheese

    For spareribs lovers: BBQ Spareribs (PhP 690) – fork-off-the-bone pork ribs doused with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce

    4. Yummy Desserts

    At Planet Grapes, you’d want to end your meal with a bang. I’ll say YES to any of these yummy desserts any day: Planet Grapes Leche Flan (PhP 150) – silky and dense leche flan made from carabao’s milk, Sapin-sapin with Salted Egg Sauce (PhP 215) – glutinous rice cakes combined with sweetened jackfruit and ube halaya, all topped with a rich salted egg sauce, Chilled Taho Sampler (PhP 175) – soy milk taho topped with strawberry, matcha, and caramelized sugar syrup, served with sago pearls, and Turon Trilogy (PhP 165) – filo pastry wrapped sweet plantains and ube halaya resting on a bed of preserved jackfruit coulis.

    The difficult part is when you’re pressured to choose only one of the desserts here. When that happens, I recommend to go with the Sapin-sapin with Salted Egg Sauce. It’s unique, somewhat addictive, and has a very appealing quality to it. Their version of sapin-sapin is unorthodox and unabashedly bold. It works together ingeniously with the salted egg sauce, truly one of a kind. 🙂

    5. Chill and Cozy Ambiance

    Planet Grapes at Shangri-La Fort is not a big place that can accommodate hundreds of guests, but with the chill and cozy ambiance that complements your satisfying meal, what’s there to complain about? This restaurant/wine bar feels modern, chic, and sleek. The chandelier with wine bottle details make up for Planet Grapes’ excellent signature interior design. Comfy couches on the side contribute to the relaxed atmosphere as well.

    6. Excellent Wine Selection

    If you love wine or want to try tasting wines, don’t let Planet Grapes Shangri-La Fort slip under your radar! Come here after work and drink some fine wine with your date, friend or co-worker, and leave the drama out. Customers can have wine by the glass in sip, half, or full serving or take it by the bottle for a more exquisite experience. Make reservations because word spreads fast, and this will be every foodie and wine lover’s new spot in BGC in no time. 🙂

    My current favorite? It’s the white wine Clos Des Verdots Bergerac Rouge 2014 Rouge. I love its crisp, fruity, light, and refreshing characteristics. We also sampled other red wines which have taste notes along a fresh bouquet of black and red berry fruits, black pepper, and raspberries.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlanetGrapes/
    I    nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/planet_grapes/

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://planetgrapes.com.ph/” name=”Planet Grapes Shangri-La Fort” description=”Unit GF10, Ground Floor, Shangri-La The Fort BGC, Taguig City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 772-6614″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2017-03-22″ ]

    Business Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:00am-12:00pm, Fri-Sat 11:00am-2:00am

  • Review of Crisostomo Restaurant (UP Town Center, Katipunan Ave, Diliman, Quezon City)

    Review of Crisostomo Restaurant (UP Town Center, Katipunan Ave, Diliman, Quezon City)

    Crisostomo is one of the best known protagonists in Jose Rizal’s novels. A restaurant serving authentic Filipino cuisine with a sophisticated twist is just aptly named Crisostomo by no less than the accomplished Chef Florabel Co-Yatco who has a vision of providing an excellent fine dining experience that is non-intimidating and affordable, closer to the reach of many. I’ve been passing by Crisostomo Restaurant in Eastwood Mall on multiple occasions since my office is nearby, but this was my first time to finally have the chance to try it out. We had dinner at its UP Town Center branch after finishing a fun painting session at Sip & Gogh Ayala Heights. 🙂

    Review of Crisostomo Restaurant (UP Town Center, Katipunan Ave, Diliman, Quezon City)

    Food:

    Crisostomo Restaurant features a fusion of lola’s secret recipes sprinkled with style and flavor. It’s not the regular Filipino restaurant that you can stumble upon in almost every corner in the metro. Crisostomo offers turn-of-the-century dining. Bringing some next-level moments of radiance, it’s one of the better places to eat in UP Town Center where the entire family can enjoy food. Most of its menu items are coined with character names from Rizal’s novels, and rightfully so, because every nibble is a mouthful that hits home.

    For appetizers, we had Bolas de Fuego (PhP 255) and Bagumbayan Lechon (PhP 295). Bolas de Fuego was presented as a friendly entree for both adults and kids alike. It came with deep fried crispy fish and squid balls and sweet chili and fish ball sauce on the side. If you miss eating clean Filipino street food, you’d want this on your table.

    Bagumbayan Lechon was another amazing entree that’s reliably good for scratching your itch for familiar Pinoy food. Deviating from tradition slightly bit, it’s not the usual chicharon you can expect but lechon kawali chips paired with liver sauce and garlic vinegar. It’s almost sinful so I’m sure some people may be torn between the balance of eating for pleasure and eating for health.

    Moving on, we had Sinuglaw Tarsilo (PhP 310) which was composed of grilled pork belly and tuna cooked by soaking in vinegar. It’s downtown culinary play and uptown elegant class. We loved it with rice. Altogether, the taste was tart, bright, complex, refreshing and a little sharp with acid. The fish stood out as it was firm on the exterior but with a tender, translucent center.

    Kangkong Con Selo (PhP 150) could bring joy even to non-vegetarians not only because garlic kangkong (water convolvulus or water spinach) tastes absolutely delicious but also because there’s lechon kawali chips in the mix. Kangkong is also one of my favorite greens to eat. They’re long and almost noodle-like, fun to twirl up with chopsticks, even if they get messy sometimes. 😉

    Stuffed with laing (taro leaves cooked in coconut milk) and served with crab fat sauce, tempura-style prawns Legazpi (PhP 525) were so filling and modernly mouthwatering. Packed with so much flavor, this dish is what you can consider funky enough to be distinctive. One week later, I was still dreaming about eating it…again and again!

    Pinoy Paella (PhP 450) was especially enticing because of its vibrant color and aromatic ingredients. It was carefully assembled with prawns, chicken, inihaw na liempo, and chorizo and yielded tender grains of Spanish rice. This paella can be described as homely in the best sense. It’s about marrying lots of different elements rather than elevating one big thing. The precise combination of these give it is characteristic flavor.

    Price for Value:

    Prices of food at Crisostomo Restaurant aren’t exactly cheap, but price range considering value is good. The dishes are top notch and you certainly get what you pay for. If you’re craving for great Filipino food, this is a good place to go. Everything seemed to be so palatable you’ll hope there’s unli rice! 😛

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/www.crisostomo.ph/” name=”Crisostomo Restaurant” description=”1st Level UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 02 6225347 or +63 9178371346″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2017-03-01″ user_review=”9″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”10″ ]

  • Top 10 Korean Restaurants and Cafes We Tried in Seoul, South Korea

    Top 10 Korean Restaurants and Cafes We Tried in Seoul, South Korea

    Food tripping in South Korea where food is mostly tasty and spicy is a joyous dining experience. Whether it’s a formal restaurant, a casual one, or just in the streets, the visceral thrill of trying out Korean food right at the heart of Seoul is downright enjoyable. With the many places we explored, we found out that there’s much more to Korean cuisine than kimchi and bulgogi. Next time you’re going to Korea, here are some of our restaurant  and food suggestions for you to consider. 🙂

    Top 10 Korean Restaurants and Cafes We Tried in Seoul, South Korea

    1. VIPS Barbecue at Incheon International Airport

    We’re not fans of ordering packed food in the airplane. Hence, upon arrival at the Incheon International Airport, hunger struck intensely. There are plenty of food joints in the airport, but VIPS BBQ & Salad was closest to the arrival hall and the menu looked most attractive. VIPS Barbecue appealed as a hole-in-the-wall restaurant but it’s a gem. We ordered Seoul Rice—a mixture of rice, eggs, vegetables, meat, and seaweeds. Taste was a combination of sweet, savory and a little spicy.


    2. Han’s Deli in Myeongdong

    After about two hours of travel from the airport to our hotel in Myeongdong, we hunted down food again and discovered Han’s Deli (한스델리) in Jongno-gu. Han’s Deli is known as the “most celebrated deli” in Korea. Its first humble steps date back to 2004. The menu is Western with an Asian-Korean twist, lots of pasta, pizza, salads, tonkatsu stuffed with cheese and sweet potato. Portions are large and are good for sharing. Prices are reasonable by Korean standards.


    3. Gogungddurak Museum Shop and Cafe

    On the next day, we looked forward to watch the epic Sumunjang (Royal Guard) Changing Ceremony in the Gyeongbokgung Palace only to find out that it was cancelled that day because of the rain. What’s more sad was that we left the hotel early in the morning without having breakfast. Gogungddurak Museum Shop and Cafe was recommended by one of the guardsmen of the palace and we were relieved when it’s just a few steps away. This cafe is a must-try because food and drinks are made and served according to the Royal Recipe! We tried the Buckwheat Crepe and Goldongban (Bibimbap) and drank jeho-tang, one of the drinks that the emperor gives to retainers in the fifth day of the fifth month.


    4. Yoogane in Myeongdong

    When in Yoogane, there’s no better food to order than Chicken Galbi with Mozzarella Cheese. Tender chicken meat marinated in spicy sauce and rice were prepared and cooked onto the huge pan on our table right in front of our eyes. It’s hard to go wrong with fried rice, seaweed, and cheese. We absolutely loved this power combo dish! I hope we’ll also have Yoogane again in Manila (it closed some months back). The branch closest to Myeongdong Station is open from 10:00 am to 1:00 am. The branch furthest from Myeongdong Station is open from 10:45 am to 12:00 am.

    5. Asian Family Restaurant Dongmoon in Nami Island

    Located in BAPLEX, center plaza of Nami Island, Asian Family Restaurant Dongmoon is a halal certified restaurant which serves more than 30 varieties of Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, Singaporean, and Vietnamese food, using only the freshest ingredients every day. We ate Noodles with Black Soybean Sauce and Bulgogi with Rice. When it’s cold outside and every food you can think of seems too heavy or rich, these marvelous bowls of comfort are your safest bet. Both were good enough to satisfy our palate. My sister was happy to finally taste authentic black noodles she usually sees in Korean television series. 🙂


    6. Shao Long (少龍) Chinese Pub in Myeongdong

    There’s a lot of delicious gimbap rolls and bibimbap restaurants to go to in Myeongdong, but the lines are long, the tables are full, and the diners are often drunk and loud. There’s no better place to feed us on a cold and late night out for dinner but Shao Long (少龍) Chinese Pub, which was only three stores away from our hotel.

    While ambiance and interior design aren’t much of a looker, food deserved a thumbs up. The Spicy Fried Rice and Gimbap were good, not greasy, and did not leave us feeling heavy afterwards. Prices, as you can see on the menu below, will not put your wallet in danger. It’s also worth to note that there was only one staff who welcomed us in, the same staff who took our orders, cooked the food, served it and handed us the bill. Neat!


    7. Korean Food Court inside Folk Museum, Lotte World

    Lotte World has a wide variety of dining choices but we opted to have lunch in one of the restaurants in the Korean Folk Museum for a more traditional Korean fare. This food court in the museum looked like Singapore’s Food Republic. We had Beef Rib Stew, Korean-style Raw Beef Mixed Rice, and Octopus Rice. At first we felt a little squeamish about the thought of eating octopus. But guess what? Out of the three, we loved it the most. The octopus’ texture fell somewhere between soft and chewy.  The raw beef, on the other hand, beckoned an interesting riff on the usual bulgogi rice. It was blissfully meaty with an amazing depth of flavor.

    8. Paris Croissant Cafe in Palace Station

    Near the palaces, the all-day Paris Croissant Cafe in Palace Station revolves around the fresh, artisan breads and pastries that demand attention. Especially if you love bread, picking a favorite anything from this cafe is like picking a favorite child: it’s impossible. The buttery and flaky pineapple pastry was beyond good. The sausage with curry filling was also a hit. These are just what you need to start (or end) a day. 🙂 Paris Croissant also has a branch in Incheong International Airport.

    9. San Jin Grill Restaurant in Myeongdong

    Food tripping in Seoul won’t be complete without Samgyeopsal. We’re lucky that Korean restaurants specializing in grilled pork belly BBQ are literally beside and across our hotel. 😀 We went to San Jin Grill Restaurant in Myeongdong for dinner to celebrate our friend’s birthday. Our meal consisted of thick and fatty slices of pork belly meat that’s seasoned well. Accompaniments consumed included lettuce, sliced raw garlic, onions, and aged kimchi. The thin slices of marinated pork were perfectly tender with unique and bold spiciness. We couldn’t get enough! 🙂

    10. Four Seasons 100% Milk Snowflake House

    After a feast day of epic proportions, don’t forget to try Korean desserts. We capped off our last night in Myeongdong with Injeolmi Bingsu, the best-selling choice of the house. When faced with a sinful treat like this, solo dining can be a pain. The Injeolmi Bingsu is topped with almond slices, pumpkin seeds, rice cakes, soybean powder, and a great big pile of shaved ice. What’s intriguing was that when the ice started melting, the Injeolmi powder turned chewy. The condensed milk furthermore made each spoonful luxuriously smooth and tasty. Patbingsu is a cool dessert that’s substantial without being too rich. With all its different components, it won’t bore your taste buds for sure. 😉

    Wrap Up

    With an empty stomach and strong resolve, you can fill up on must-eat Korean food in Seoul where food prices don’t have to blow your budget. Take your friends along on a culinary adventure, and depending how much you devour, you can get away with spending less than $30 a head all day. Home-style Korean options shine the brightest for my liking, but ultimately, whether you’re in the mood for barbecue, a vat of kimchi soup, or even a bibimbap-esque salad, there are certainly restaurants in almost every corner that can efficiently and happily satisfy your Korean food craving.

    [schema type=”review” name=”Top 10 Korean Restaurants and Cafes We Tried in Seoul, South Korea” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2017-02-21″ ]