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Category: Food Reviews

  • What is your favorite restaurant? Vote Now for The Choice 2016!

    What is your favorite restaurant? Vote Now for The Choice 2016!

    What is your favorite hotel buffet? What is your favorite pizza joint? What is your favorite fine dining restaurant? Which offers the best ambiance? Best service? LET’S FACE IT: It’s getting harder and harder to answer these questions now that every month, every week, and almost every day it seems, there’s a new restaurant opening in Metro Manila. There are a lot of great new dining choices, side by side with the perennials, the classics that we grew up with.

    As food bloggers, writers, and members of the F&B industry, we’re always very curious about the crowd favorites. The popular vote, if you will. 

    So, Our Awesome Planet and the Blogger Collective known as the KTG (Kain Tulog Gang),and World Food Expo (WOFEX) have partnered to conduct the one and only People’s Choice Awards for their Favorite Food, Restaurants, Bars, and more~ or simply, “The Choice“.

    If you have the time and want to have a say in recognizing THE BEST restaurants in various categories, please answer the survey here –> The Choice 2016 Survey 

    About The Choice Awards

    We conducted an intense first round of voting among ourselves, and our resulting finalists have made us very pleased. We feel it’s a very diverse and fair representation of all our Metro Manila favorites. The categories are very broad, as they should be in a democratic vote. 

    However, we’d like to emphasize that this is NOT a “Best of…” list. Our good friends and respected colleagues from The MBKRS are doing an excellent job of recognizing the restaurants and restaurateurs in their prestigious bi-annual awards.

    The MBKRS are rightly regarded as the Oscars of our ever growing foodie community. So we’d like “The Choice” to be the Golden Globes ~ a bit more irreverent, surely less formal, and yes, it ought to be greatly biased. After all, YOU will be voting for your favorites, this is YOUR CHOICE!!!

    We had a total of 2,075 respondents during the inaugural The Choice 2015 survey. Click here for a look back at our inaugural awards held at the SMX Mall of Asia in August of 2015.

    Vote Now!

    You can vote your favorite restaurants here: The 2016 People’s Choice Restaurant Awards!

    The Choice 2016 Voting is open for 2 weeks starting from August 15 and ends on August 31, 2016 12 midnight. The Choice Restaurant Awarding will happen on September 17, Saturday during the Ultimate Taste Test 2016! Check this out for more details of the UTT 2016.

    The Survey Parameters

    1. For the Favorite New Restaurant category, our coverage period includes restaurants that opened between June 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016.

    2. There are 50 questions in this survey and answering this survey should take around 5-10 minutes. It is best to give a definitive answer on each question and feel free to skip if you can’t decide.

    3. All answers are treated confidential and final once you click on the submit button. One survey response for one person only.

    4. Please give us your name and email address for our random validation of the survey responses.

    5. For the Favorite Out-of-Town Destination category, we now changed it to have a more detailed Favorite Restaurant Category for each foodie destination. 

    The KTG

    The KTG is a group of friends who all just happen to be some of the top food and lifestyle bloggers in the Philippines; every one of their individual blogs ranks among the highest ranking and most influential online publications dedicated to food, entertainment, and travel.

    The KTG is composed of some of the more senior food bloggers in the country, including Richie Zamora of “The Pickiest Eater in the World’, Spanky Enriquez of “Manila Boy”, Jill Bantang of “The Food Scout”, and  representing the younger generation are “The Hungry Kat“, “Food in the Bag“, and “Nines vs. Food“. And from the world of showbiz, Mr. Chuckie Dreyfus, a dedicated foodie who’s also a respected tech blogger.

    The KTG’s objectives are not limited to discovering the best restaurants, however. While it’s affectionately called the “Kain Tulog Gang“, it’s officially participated in relief efforts in Tacloban and Iloilo after Yolanda; and in Metro Manila, this “Kapatiran sa Tulong at Ginhawa” is on a constant mission to contribute in providing joy and comfort to the less fortunate.

    The KTG Blogs

    http://www.thepickiesteater.net/
    http://www.rinasrainbow.net/
    http://www.frannywanny.com/
    http://www.thefoodalphabet.com/
    http://www.chuckiedreyfus.ph/
    http://www.thetummytraveler.ph/
    http://www.talesfromthetummy.com/
    http://ericjazfoodies.blogspot.com/
    http://www.themommist.com/
    http://dude4food.blogspot.com/
    http://www.janedchua.com/
    http://www.yedylicious.com/
    http://heftyfoodie.com/
    http://www.thefoodscout.net/
    http://www.thepurpledoll.net/
    http://www.lynne-enroute.com/
    http://www.foodreviewsmanila.com/
    http://bertoinbrogues.com/
    http://www.foodinthebag.com/
    http://thehungrykat.com/
    http://rochkirstin.com/
    http://www.ninesvsfood.com/
    http://www.pepesamson.com/
    http://babeforfood.blogspot.com/
    http://www.anotsopopularkid.com/
    http://www.coffeehan.com/
    http://www.onebigbite.com/
    http://www.pinasmuna.com/
    https://manilaeatup.com/
    http://spankyenriquez.blogspot.com/

    Our fantastic foodie friends from:
    http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
    http://www.clickthecity.com/

    and
    Philippine Star’s “Let’s Eat” monthly magazine and television show.

    Special thanks to our partners from the World Food Expo:
    http://www.wofex.com/
    http://www.wofex.com/wofex-university/ 

  • Review of IHOP Restaurant (U.P. Town Center, Quezon City)

    Review of IHOP Restaurant (U.P. Town Center, Quezon City)

    There is a good chance you’ve eaten at IHOP Restaurant since it first opened in the Philippines in 2013. If you haven’t, well—it’s time you do! 😛 This global authority in making all-day breakfast now also caters more to those who want heavier meals for lunch and dinner. Their new menu was introduced last June 8, 2016 and it was designed with an added variety of options to the already familiar IHOP classic dishes. In this post, I’m sharing with you our recommended must-try entrees plus five of the latest line-up of IHOP’s specialty fruit drinks, shakes and smoothies.

    IHOP’s 2 for PhP 499 Promotion until August 31, 2016: For only PhP 499, you can choose one appetizer for sharing and two main dishes from their wonderful roster of Starter and Entree choices. For appetizers for sharing, choose among one of these popular IHOP staples: two-pc tacos, house salad, monster mozza, onion rings, or seasoned fries. For your entrees, choose two main dishes from: spaghetti bolognese, bacon mac and cheese pasta, one-pc chicken rice, longganisa scrambler rice, corned beef hash, and angus burger steak rice.

    Review of IHOP Restaurant (U.P. Town Center, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    International House of Pancakes IHOP Philippines at U.P. Town Center aims to please with its homey atmosphere and friendly service. It has all the details that makes it a highly enjoyable place to hang out in. Color splashes looked congenial and lively without being boisterous. Making for a relaxing setting, the ambiance here is simple but neat and pleasing with warm tones, classy and well put-together table arrangement for intimate conversations with friends and family over food.

    Food:

    If there’s one thing you should come for at IHOP, it must be the Waffle Burger. It’s a winner of the International dineChef Contest, whereby IHOP chefs throughout the world compete to create new and unique menu items worth of craving. The beef burger, topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and an egg sunny side up on a crisp Belgian waffle, was the creation of the Philippine IHOP team member, Kristine Nadine Lucas. This achievement is something that we can be proud of!

    The 100% premium beef patty itself was tasty, though a bit plain. It was quite edible on its own but more delicious when eaten together with the waffle bun and strips of bacon, which added just the right amount of weight and saltiness, in one big bite. Yum! 😛 The tomatoes, meanwhile, provided some tang of its own. The egg served as more of a textural element.

    IHOP’s Tuna Melt (PhP 325) featured savory tuna, mayonnaise, and diced onions topped with melted mozzarella cheese in toasted sourdough batard with fresh lettuce, tomato and cucumber. What I love most about it is that it had an appropriately crispy and soft parts. This impressive golden mass of sandwich was quite heavy on the mayonnaise and it was scrumptious.

    Chicken Cordon Bleu (PhP 265) tasted amazing as well. The breaded tender chicken was fried to a golden brown crisp and stuffed with ham and cheese. Each bite with the rich cream sauce and buttered corn presented a vehicle of aromatic flavors. It’s a nice dish to order for a sit-down dinner.

    The Cajun Tilapia (PhP 295) is something I thought I could happily reorder time and again. Served with diced tomatoes, parsley, steamed broccoli and rice, the Cajun spiced tilapia fillet was glorious, light and fresh. It did not have an atomic explosion of the real Cajun, but it did pack a good punch with a slightly sweet undertone. I mean Cajun with tilapia is an interesting combination.

    Another crowd-pleaser on the table was IHOP’s BBQ Liempo (PhP 245). This sweet bbq glazed pork liempo belly with papaya chutney and steamed rice is a nod to the authentic Filipino grilled pork belly. The meat came out smoky and moist and it pretty much stood up to the hearty barbecue taste.

    The picture of Bacon Topped Chicken Breast with Potato Hash (PhP 295) screamed “Order me!” on the menu. It’s bacon and cheese topped grilled chicken breast with Pepper jack over seasoned potatoes with grilled onions and green peppers in buttery and lemony hollandaise sauce. A play on textures, tastes, and colors, the entire dish seemed a lot more than the sum of its parts. Give it a try and you can’t go wrong. 😉

    For our drinks, we had Rise and Shine (PhP 165) – pineapple, ginger, and carrot; Everyday Green Juice (PhP 180) – spinach, malunggay, green apple, celery, ginger; Bright and Early (PhP 180) – apple, carrot, beets; Strawberry Basil Smoothie (PhP 145) – strawberry, banana, calamansi juice, basil leaves, ice cream,; and Strawberry Banana Smoothie (PhP 145) – strawberry, banana, yogurt, honey, cinnamon.

    Sipping on these wonderful concoctions of fruits, vegetables and herbs (no added sugar) is a great way to get your day started on a positive note. With these rich and pure beverages, allow IHOP to help you this time on your health and wellness journey as these are freshly prepared daily for optimal nutritional benefit.

    For desserts, we had the Funnel Cake (PhP 150) and shared Childhood Memories (PhP 195) (I love the creativity behind the name). An order of the Funnel Cake came with six pieces of mini fried and doughy funnel cakes topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, crowned with glazed strawberries and garnished with whipped cream and powdered sugar. It had the trappings of the perfect fairground food. The dizzying swirls turned out as a chewy confection that we really liked.

    Childhood Memories (PhP 195) had a taste of childhood in a cup filled with vanilla ice cream. It was layered with strawberry and blueberry syrup and topped with crispy golden hash brown and cheesecake bits. It’s definitely recommended for those who have a sweet tooth and those who have an affinity with cheesecake.

    Price for Value:

    Pancakes and breakfast items are probably what IHOP around the world does best, but now with more lunch and dinner items on lockdown, this restaurant does enough good things to keep people coming back. IHOP at U.P. Town Center is family-friendly and pocket-friendly as well. Food prices are okay and portions are big for sharing so you won’t leave hungry. Other new dishes to appreciate are: Pork Chop with Pineapple Salsa, Country Fried Chicken, Chicken Parmesan, and Mushroom Swiss Burger.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/IHOPPhilippines/” name=”IHOP Restaurant” description=”Ground Floor, UP Town Center, Katipunan Ave, Loyola Heights, Quezon City ” rev_name=”For inquiries/reservations, call (02) 288-7660″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-08-14″ ]

  • Review of Applebee’s Bar and Grill (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Review of Applebee’s Bar and Grill (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Applebee’s Bar & Grill is finally in Eastwood City! Applebee’s is a restaurant franchise from the U.S. that specializes in mainstream American dishes such as salads, shrimp, chicken, pasta, ribs, tasty premium cocktails, spirits, soothing libations, as  well  as  opulent  desserts  for  the  perfect  endings  to  your  meal. If a team lunch or dinner needs to happen, you know the drill. At Applebee’s, where there’s always a  reason  to  celebrate, throwing a fiesta and inviting your friends to enthusiastically attend won’t be a problem. The food is good and portions are great for sharing.

    Applebee’s Bar & Grill in Eastwood (second branch in the Philippines) opened last July 4, 2016, which incidentally happens to be U.S.’ Independence Day. This restaurant brings  together a lively bar and grill with bold flavors of food made with fresh ingredients. It’s best to come with at least three or four people so you can try lots of things…then decide which entrees are worthy of obsessing over. But remember also to pace yourself! 😛 I came in hungry and left super full.

    Review of Applebee’s Bar and Grill (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Applebee’s does have a fun energy and the dining areas are spacious enough to get big groups of families and friends together and not be constantly elbowing people side by side. From the stairs facing Eastwood Citywalk’s main plaza, guests will be greeted by the bar area in al fresco setting. There are more tables in the air-conditioned area, and this means you’re more likely to get one without too long of a wait.

    The interior was decorated with exclusive taste of style. Refined brick walls and the illuminated atmosphere create an utterly urban and modern appearance which looked vibrant and dashingly cool. Modern artwork with catchy labels and inspiring reminders were adorable. This casual chain also has the open kitchen at the center where open fire cooking can double as entertainment.

    Service:

    The thing that would probably bring you back at Applebee’s is that it’s the kind of place that really feels like it’s run by the kitchen. With the aforementioned decor and kind service, this is certainly not the usual bar around the corner. Staff’s efficiency and warm welcome lend a certain cred that’s tough to fake.

    Food:

    Exploding with unique flavors, each dish was iconic. You may not like everything, but for sure you won’t be bored. 😉 We started dinner with the Appetizer Sampler 1 – Wonton Taco + Chili and Salsa + double Crunch Bone-in Wings (PhP 495). The spicy chicken-stuffed wonton shells was so good and the buffalo wings were appetizing indeed. This set was a fine example of three different things combined and elevated without sacrificing their individual character.

    The colorful Fiesta Chicken Chopped Salad (PhP 325) looked like the ultimate salad for summer. Rounding out the flavor profile were chopped lettuce tossed with black bean corn salsa, roasted red pepers and onions, tortilla strips, white cheddar, and spicy jalapeno dressing, mounded nicely with chimichurri glazed grilled chicken. It was hearty but I’m not mad about it.

    Quesadilla Burger (PhP 525) was presented with a juicy burger patty sandwiched between two tortillas, Applebee’s signature Mexi-rank sauce, pico de galo and shredded lettuce served in a unique Jack and cheddar quesadilla. I would have preferred it to have less sauce for a first-bite crunch of a more toasted tortilla. Anyway, Applebee’s sauce tasted bright and pleasant and the whole thing turned out to be an interesting option.

    If you love steak, the Bourbon Street Steak (PhP 995) served on a sizzling platter may be a must-order. Served with sauteed onions and mushrooms and crispy potatoes, the Cajun-seasoned 7 oz. steak is fit as the star of a celebratory meal at Applebee’s. The steak was richly marbled and immensely beefy. Ask for salt and pepper if you find seasoning is not enough.

    The glistening sheen of the Pork Ribs (PhP 650 Half, PHP 950 Full) alone can pull you in. Adding even more to the lure was the aromatic smell with a faint hint of caramelized sugar. Oh, ethereal! Marinated in Applebee’s special house blend, the pork ribs had the complex melange of sensations including a silky mouth feel, springy texture, and succulent juiciness kissed by seductive smoke. It was grilled to perfection and hugged by sauciness that was sweet, tart, and a little bit of spice. Corn on the cob, French fries and coleslaw were on the side.

    For desserts, the Churros S’Mores (PhP 245) churro twists, toasted marshmallow and chocolate dip was fun to eat. It wasn’t exactly a winning contender against La Lola’s churro but it was a nice treat, a little soft inside and not too doughy.

    As the sun comes down, Applebee’s Grill & Bar boasts of their Happy Hour menu with beer and specialty cocktails at only PhP 89. For sweet endings, swoon over their luscious selection of signature desserts: Butter Pecan Blondie, Triple Chocolate Meltdown, Black Forest, and Fluffer Nutter.

    Price for Value:

    In the mood for elaborate steak, ribs, and snazzy starters? Applebee’s Bar & Grill in Eastwood is the spot. It is a great venue where you can definitely be onboard with dropping some cash for your Western food fix. Prices are not so cheap but pretty decent given the artistic execution of dishes and drinks. Here you can expect explosions of tastes that will set your tongue aquiver. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/ApplebeesPH/” name=”Applebee’s Bar & Grill” description=”Unit 1 Eastwood City Walk 1, 188 E. Rodriguez Avenue Jr. Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries/reservations, call (02) 8019662″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-08-03″ ]

    Operating hours:
    Sunday to Thursday: 11AM to 12MN
    Friday to Saturday: 11AM to 1AM

  • Review of The Subwich Factory at The Yard (Xavierville, Loyola Heights, Quezon City)

    Review of The Subwich Factory at The Yard (Xavierville, Loyola Heights, Quezon City)

    The Yard at Xavierville opened just last month—June 18, 2016, to be exact, and it’s already getting all the attention among students in Katipunan, residents nearby, and food enthusiasts. Food stalls from the first to the third floors offer something different, so dining here can literally be a culinary adventure for your taste buds. Unique-flavored milkshake, fries, sausage, waffles, pizza-roti, tempura, okonomiyaki, yakitori sticks…the list goes on. To me, The Yard seemed like a trendy and hip version of the Singaporean food hawker center. It is a nice change of pace from the individual restaurants around the area. My only gripe is that finding a car parking slot is a challenge. 🙁 Yup, the struggle is real.

    The Subwich Factory is one of the 30 food stalls in this extraordinary gastronomic destination. It specializes in varieties of subs, raviolis, salads, desserts, homemade potato chips and potato wedges. I was invited here to taste the most recommended item on their menu: the Roast Beef Sub. Thus, as any self-respecting foodie should know, if a restaurant or food stall, for this matter, claims to serve the best roast beef sub, you order the best roast beef sub. 😉

    Review of The Subwich Factory at The Yard (Xavierville, Loyola Heights, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Made out of three floors of shipping containers, The Yard is the newest place in Xavierville, QC where you can just chill with friends and hang out from 4PM until 12MN. The ambiance is cheery, chic, and bright, the type that many youngsters these days go crazy for. Each of the 30 food stalls has a space for communal dining. Diners can choose to be seated anywhere they want. DJ is playing non-stop eclectic and energetic songs on the background. Overall, this place is a solid addition to the neighborhood. With nice people, good food, drinks, and occasionally excellent desserts, it will be great to get this “multi-leveled food park” in your must-try portfolio.

    Service:

    There are staffs that officially work for the individual food stalls that prepare and serve food on the table, and there are also those that guide guests from The Yard entrance on where to sit and offer a few suggestions as well. In particular, the crew at The Subwich Factory was clad with a construction worker’s outfit, complete with a hard hat and orange fluorescent safety vest, to convey that they are constructing subs in the “subwich factory.” So cute and creative! Service was hospitable, kind, and helpful.

    Food:

    The Subwich Factory is one of the “babies” at The Yard since it started its operations only last Monday. It’s the first business venture of the owner of Route 55 (the best RIBS and WINGS in Baguio City) in Metro Manila. That said, there’s no question why food is as tasty and clean. Bread and veggies are delivered all the way from Baguio to maintain the quality and consistency of their ingredients.

    The Roast Beef Sub (PhP 300) was prepared upon order in their open kitchen. Flavor agents certainly worked in their favor. I thought it’s a cheffy iteration but one that adheres to the fundamental composition of the classic: roasted prime beef in a baguette topped with caramelized onions, wild mushroom gravy, and melting cheese. The tenderness of the beef delivered well. Taste was simple and delicious. The 6-inch sub is good for about three people to share, while the 12-inch sub can be enjoyed by up to eight. A bit salty, homemade potato chips served on the side were perfect to complement the beefy taste.

    The Subwich Factory meets the consumer’s need for “neat consumption” by providing utensils by request. It also does encourage the use of hands to eat to fully experience the enjoyment of devouring comfort food.

    Price for Value:

    On any given day, you can pick up a sandwich at any fastfood chain’s counter, but if you’re not too busy and by chance happened to be in the vicinity, know that The Yard’s The Subwich Factory is a pretty cool and relaxing spot to dig into a sit-down meal. Prices are friendly to the pocket and are reasonable for the value.

    Other more interesting options on the menu are as follows: Chicken Teriyaki Ravioli (PhP 210), Crabstick and Peach Sub (PhP 150, PhP 280), Cornflake Crusted Dory Sub (PhP 160, PhP 290), and Strawberries and Cream Tacos (PhP 100)-fresh Baguio strawberries and whipped cream stuffed in taquitos then drizzled with chocolate sauce.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/thesubwichfactoryattheyard/” name=”The Subwich Factory at The Yard” description=”83 Xavierville Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-24″ ]

  • Review of Katsu Cafe (Maginhawa Street, Quezon City)

    Review of Katsu Cafe (Maginhawa Street, Quezon City)

    Maginhawa Street in Quezon City is strikingly a foodie’s dream destination, a “food media frenzy location,” so to speak. There are restaurants on both sides of the street, and a number of them are crowded with people even at quiet times of the day. When I learned that my sister’s barkada was meeting up to hang out in Maginhawa on a weekend, I felt excited to go ahead and invited myself to join them. 🙂 I know I’d be welcome, especially since I mostly play the role of taking their pictures—aside from food. The plan was to stay at Snacks and Ladders, but because the board-game cafe opens a little later at 3:00PM, we had lunch at a Japanese restaurant just right across it: Katsu Cafe.

    Review of Katsu Cafe (Maginhawa Street, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Katsu Cafe in Maginhawa is casual and cozy, the kind of place you walk into and immediately think to yourself, “I can definitely spend hours here.” The problem? It doesn’t have free Wi-Fi connection, but that’s okay as long as you have mobile data or carry pocket Wi-Fi yourself. Filled with a hip but unpretentious crowd, this restaurant has simple but decent zen interior. The attention to detail is also quite good, from the wood wall panels to the subtle modern industrial design including the quirky light fixtures.

    Service:

    Menu was handed out as soon as we entered. We also got cold water upon seating. Service was fast and efficient with only a few staff running the buzzy place. Tables can be merged for larger groups of friends or family eating together. Orders arrived rather quick as well, so there’s nothing to complain about.

    Food:

    My sister and I shared an order of Beef Curry Rice (PhP 275) served with miso soup and a bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen (PhP 245). The Beef Curry lacked the little sweetness and assertiveness of spice I find in most Japanese curry rice. Texture of the sauce was thick and the taste of curry was fairly demonstrated. This rendition is perhaps for those who enjoy eating curry without it being lively, hot and spicy.

    Made with cloudy white pork bone broth, the Tonkotsu Ramen was not as rich and creamy as expected. Umami was present but the ramen still lacked a certain depth of flavor. In the broth are thin slices of tender pork and slightly jagged noodles that aren’t of stellar quality. The only thing I liked was  the soft egg that had almost runny yolk on the inside.

    Price for Value:

    Katsu Cafe may be great in serving katsu, but these two dishes we tried were nothing short of average. On the day we visited, pork katsu was not available since they ran out of pork in their inventory. Based on the food alone, I think the prices are higher than the perceived value. There are more impressive Japanese restaurants that serve similar items and deliver solid food tastes across the board. Welcoming ambiance and good service, on the other hand, are enough good reasons to dine in this cash-only joint.

    Other branches:

    329-I Katipunan Ave. Cor. B Gonzales, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
    Banawe 86-C Maria Clara, Bgy. Sto. Domingo, Quezon City
    Marcos Highway, Ciannat Complex, Antipolo City

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/KatsuCafe/” name=”Katsu Cafe” description=”189 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, email katsucafe.ph@gmail.com” rev_body=”Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 11AM-10PM” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-17″ ]

  • Review of Indulgence by Irene Cheesecakes (Matcha and Tablea S’Mores)

    Review of Indulgence by Irene Cheesecakes (Matcha and Tablea S’Mores)

    There are destination cafés and restaurants that dish up incredibly breathtaking cakes that are worth the trip. There are also those home-based pastry shops that present and produce high-quality, artful and rich cakes. Indulgence by Irene, whose operations started in 2012, is one of the perfect examples. Irene’s cheesecakes have been featured multiple times in food magazines, food blogs, newspapers, and other honorable sites consistently through the years. As a treat for my teammates last month, I ordered the Matcha and the Tablea S’Mores and had them delivered to our unit in Astoria Plaza during our staycation. What do we say? Irene’s cheesecakes are the ultimate indulgence, indeed! 🙂

    Review of Indulgence by Irene Cheesecakes (Matcha and Tablea S’Mores)

    If you love matcha, Irene’s Matcha Cheesecake is a must-try. Formed with the creamy goodness of cream cheese that melts in your mouth, though not the most eye-catching, it was irresistibly tasty. For me, the more predominant the green tea flavor, the better, as matcha can be one of those ingredients that can “perfume” a recipe. In this cheesecake, matcha came out slightly bitter and sweet at the same time. Texture was also spot on. This will impress your most discriminating guests.

    The Tablea S’Mores Cheesecake, on the other hand, was sweeter and much more scrumptious and decadent. With creamy chocolate filling, graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallows on top, this cheesecake is easy to love. Beyond aesthetics, this one delivered flavor. If you’re thinking of giving it as a gift to a friend or special someone, you can’t go wrong. Make sure to eat it with an extra long spoon to get each component in every bite. 😉

    Regular Flavors – Quezo de Bola, Tablea, Choc Nut, Calamansi, and Corn
    9 inch – P1000
    6 inch – P 550
    4 inch – P 220

    Premium Flavors – Ube, London Fog, Matcha, QDB-Ube Duo
    9 inch – P1200
    6 inch – P 650
    4 inch – P 250

    Super Premium Flavors – Coffee With Bailey’s, Halo-Halo, Tablea S’Mores
    9 inch – P1400
    6 inch – P 750
    4 inch – P 300

    Pick-up locations:
    1. Astoria Plaza – Ortigas
    2. Aseana – schooldays early morning and afternoon of Tuesday and Thursday
    3. Shell Buendia cor. EDSA – Tuesdays 3pm, Thursdays 2pm
    4. Serendra – Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/IndulgencebyIrene/” name=”Indulgence by Irene” description=”For inquiries, call 0917-6225800 (at least 2 days advance order)” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-16″ ]

  • Review of Annam Noodle Bar (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Review of Annam Noodle Bar (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Looking for a Vietnamese restaurant in the Philippines where you can have real tasty pho? Annam Noodle Bar in Eastwood is the move. Inspired by old-world recipes and cooking methods from Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam, Annam Noodle Bar’s menu boasts iconic and authentic Vietnamese street food favorites that can be relished at any time of the day. The refreshing flavors, varied textures, and vibrant colors add a touch of the west to these Vietnamese dishes.

    Known as “NamNam Noodle Bar” in Singapore, Annam Noodle Bar now has been repackaged with a modern twist. This restaurant located at the ground floor of 1880 Building in Eastwood opened last July 6, 2016 and I was one of the first who was invited to try out their dishes. 🙂 Whether you’re team pho, team banh mi, or both, it’s hands down a delicious meal you can get for PhP 500/head or less. Plus, it’s time to get healthier. Annam Noodle Bar takes pride in the fact that 95% of their menu does not contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).

    Review of Annam Noodle Bar (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Bright lights, nicely spaced out table settings, and wooden accents set the cozy mood. Every element from the chic industrial interior, tightly arranged communal seating to the menu is carefully curated to evoke the nostalgic street setting in Vietnam. Overall ambiance provides a sense of retreat from the hustle and bustle of Eastwood’s vibrant streets, so guests can come and enjoy a lunch break from the office or a premium dinner with friends.

    Service:

    Annam Noodle Bar applies a quick-service concept and the way things work here are pretty simple: take a seat at either one of the long communal tables, by the counter, or the regular tables at the back. The staff hands you the menu and the order list where you will check the items you’re getting, much like in a shabu-shabu restaurant where you tick all the ingredients you want for your food. Wait for the food shortly and enjoy. Service was welcoming, helpful, and neat.

    Food:

    The Crispy Imperial Rolls (PhP 200) got the ideal crumb, chew and crunch. The rolls were not too greasy but juicy and hearty enough to be qualified as a solid appetizer at Annam. Covered with crispy exterior, the meaty fillings tasted great, especially with the sweet and sour dipping sauce.

    Vietnamese sandwiches are a foodstuff you can eat even on the go. A product of French colonial Vietnam, the sandwich combines the basic French baguette with Vietnamese take on common French cold cuts or roasted meats. Annam Noodle Bar’s banh mi varieties look interesting.

    For fans of heat, banh mi made of chili-lemongrass chicken, egg omelette, chicken floss (PhP 230) and the one filled with fried catfish with spices (PhP 230) are recommended. Both had a smear of a sweet, buttery, mayonnaise-like spread, and plenty of crisp vegetables. These are insanely tasty combinations of contrasting textures and flavors, but the overall impression, as with much Vietnamese food, is of lightness and freshness.

    Served with powerful, pungent condiments to accompany the aromatic broth, the star of the night must be the Pho Australian Wagyu Beef Sliced (PhP 550). The rich, crystal clear, intensely aromatic soup was almost tantalizing. Tastes include both sweet and salty; and the feel, cooling and warming. As with other Asian cuisines, it’s all about balance—yin and yang, if you may. There’s also a handful of fresh herbs and spring onions added to the bowl. Chewy and oozy, moist and tender, the wagyu beef was excellent. Chili sauce and fish sauce are made available on the table for those who like a jolt of extra flavor to their pho.

    Out of all the drinks on the menu, the Lemongrass-Ginger Iced Tea (PhP 150) is the particular standout. It was love at first sip! The earthy aroma of the lemongrass and the heat from the ginger made up an exotic taste that is pleasing and delightful.

    Plenty of dessert choices looked tempting but I my eyes were all for the Chilled Dried Longan, Lotus Seeds, Water Chestnut, Seaweed Dessert (PhP 180) because I thought it’s Vietnam’s version of the Filipino halo-halo. 🙂 Food for the Viet is medicine, and most of their dishes include desserts that draw natural ingredients such as herbs, fruits, vegetables, beans and seaweed together with nutrition in mind. Lotus seeds brought a nutty texture; and the finely sliced seaweed, an interesting and refreshing touch of soft gelatin. Longans are like lychees but more succulent in taste.

    Annam Noodles also serves the famous Viet coffee and sells it per box with 22 sachets. Diners who are curious about the taste of Viet coffee should try it. Brewed using top-grade robusta coffee beans that are selected to ensure quality and flavor, you can make your own full-bodied cup of aromatic coffee at home any time, any day. Adding sweetened condensed milk may enhance the taste as it’s the perfect counterbalance for the incredibly strong dark-roasted coffee.

    Price for Value:

    Prices are distinctively more expensive than your regular hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese food joint. I’d say it’s a little more top end of the “cheap-eat” market, but you can be rest assured that food and service are great in this nice space. As the adage goes, you get what you pay for, and you are certainly paying for darn good pho. If you haven’t tried Vietnamese cuisine before, this is the perfect chance to start with the appreciation. Try banh mi and pho. They’re pretty good stuff! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/annamnoodlebar/” name=”Annam Noodle Bar” description=”Unit 1880-4 Ground Floor 1880 Building, Eastwood Avenue, Libis, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 0918 3441234″ rev_body=”Operating hours: 10am to 11pm” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-11″ ]

  • My Birthday Celebration at Tim Ho Wan (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    My Birthday Celebration at Tim Ho Wan (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    It has been over a year now since my sister and I have last dined in at Tim Ho Wan in SM Megamall. This time ’round, we came in with our parents and grandfather, to celebrate my birthday. 🙂 Yay! Tim Ho Wan is one of my favorite restaurants when it comes to Chinese food. Its dimsum entrees definitely leave everyone wanting for more. When in Tim Ho Wan, especially when with a large bunch of friends or family, expect your table to look a bit…messy but magnificent. 😛 Just look at all these food!

    Birthday Celebration at Tim Ho Wan (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    Arriving flavorful and deliciously presented, the Wasabi Salad Prawn Dumpling (PhP 140) was like a taste of garden by the sea. Stuffed with prawn and some greens, these fried dumplings are worth an order. The wrap was crisp and light. Not the “singe-your-nose-hairs” kind, the wasabi dressing on top wasn’t too spicy and just gave a “horseradish” kick, so don’t worry about it.

    Conveying a combination of sweet and savory, the Beancurd Skin Roll with Shrimp (PhP 150) was also well-fried. It left a small trail of oil on my lips but that’s okay. These rolls presented a flavor profile reminiscent of a more robust version of the Vietnamese pancake we have tried in Saigon Steak in Vietnam. I liked that the bean curd wrapper was not too thick. I thought dipping these rolls in black vinegar will bring a smoky punch with a light, pleasant bitterness.

    Next up, the Vermicelli Roll with Sweet and Sesame Sauce (PhP 140) was soft and satisfying. It’s a great choice also for my grandfather who did not want to chew hard. The sesame sauce was excellent as it’s aromatic.

    Beef Ball with Beancurd Skin (PhP 120) tasted nothing fancy, but its heartiness and juiciness are winning factors. Thumbs up for that. 🙂

    Dinner would not be complete without a rice entree. Louie and I shared the Spare Ribs Rice (PhP 170). Coated with tasty sauce that enveloped all throughout the rice underneath, the spare ribs had a silky smooth and supple texture. Meat was tender and juicy, not so fatty. Love it.

    So far, we enjoy eating anything with pork floss. When my sister told me Tim Ho Wan features a new dish such as the Tofu with Pork Floss (PhP 130), we knew we had to try it. It was really good. The silken tofu was very soft inside yet the exterior managed to stay firm. Flavor bomb exploded with every bite. Almost like cotton candy, the fluffy pork floss was as expected. It’s the real deal.

    Finally, we also shared a bowl of Braised Soup in HK Style with Shredded Chicken and Mushroom (PhP 160) (good for two). Comforting, warm, and tasty, it’s an awesome treat for those dreaming of the ultimate Chinese food.

    Tim Ho Wan has a special place in my heart. I highly recommend it! ♥

    Tim Ho Wan is a Michelin Star hole-in-the-wall eatery in Hongkong, famous for Baked Pork Buns.

    Branches:

    G/F SM Mega Fashion Hall
    470-8836
    10:00AM – 10:00PM

    G/F Glorietta 3
    729-9367
    10:00AM – 10:00PM

    SM North EDSA
    374-2966
    10:00AM – 10:00PM

    1F Midtown Wing
    Robinsons Place Manila
    354-3562
    10:00AM – 9:00PM

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/TimHoWanPH/” name=”Tim Ho Wan” description=”G/F SM Mega Fashion Hall ” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 470-8836″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-06″ ]