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Category: Food Reviews

  • Review of Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    On the Saturday before Christmas, Louie and I planned to celebrate the holiday and have a quiet dinner in a restaurant in Tomas Morato. The Frazzled Cook was our top choice, however for some reason, Waze wasn’t able to guide us to the right direction and we could not find the place after driving up and down the street past the address where it should have been. We ended up in Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel, a nonetheless fine choice where food is just what we’re in the mood for.

    Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel has been awarded as one of the Philippine Tatler’s 2009 Best Restaurants on its 6th month in operations. That says a lot about the quality of its food. “Buenisimo” is a Spanish word which means very good or someone exceptionally beautiful.

    The restaurant is owned and run by Chef Gino and Giannina Gonzales, son and daughter of celebrity chef Gene Gonzales of Cafe Ysabel. The menu at Buenisimo is a collaboration of Cafe Ysabel’s favorites, traditional fare that their family used to have on Sundays and new experimental dishes with unique taste concepts and pairings. I personally have met Chef Gino in a Yummy Magazine event held in Enderun, BGC and I know he makes really delicious and crave-worthy food, so it was interesting to actually sample dishes in one of his restaurants. 🙂

    Review of Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    As a cozy nook in the heart of Tomas Morato, this place sets the standard for “special-ocassion” dining. With its clean lines and neutral colors, the interior design exudes a luxury feel made for celebrating something special. Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel in Tomas Morato provides a modern take on Filipino minimalism. The relaxed yet upscale atmosphere looked impressive.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    The staff was gracious and accommodating, helping make for a relaxing setting that’s as casual or formal as you want to make it. When there were more guests though, servers were not as attentive and they did not respond promptly when called for as when there were fewer active tables. That’s pretty understandable at prime times, but there must be a room for improvement in terms of efficiency and alertness to keep a high level of customer service.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel delivered a perfectly roasted chicken that’s brined overnight served with caramelized onion gravy. The dish is called Giannina’s Roasted Chicken (PhP 318) on the menu, and it’s definitely one of the most recommended comfort food in the list. Along with mashed potatoes and vegetables on the side, the roasted chicken had crisp skin and tender and juicy meat that draws the difference between good and great. As soul-satisfying as it is, this entree can be the ultimate weeknight staple.

    Four Cheese Pizza (PhP 468) made with pomodoro, mozzarella, bleu cheese, gruyere cheese, white cheese, and fresh basil was great. The bottom part revealed a soft crumb that is pliant and chewy, not crackery or tough, that transitioned from being soft and bread-like to moist and slick right where the cheesy flavors and sauce meet it. The pizza was tad salty and had the right amount of cheesy goodness with a bare hint of sweetness.

    Three Mushroom Truffle Cream (PhP 438) was overwhelmingly good. Made with shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms. We chose the spaghetti type of pasta over penne and fettuccine, and it turned out well. The creamy pasta was intensely flavored with fresh mushrooms, and truffle oil gave a savory depth. We love it! 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel serves excellent renditions of food without an ounce of pretense. Staffs give guests a warm welcome and offer its approachable menu in the vibrant, stylish setting. All in all, this charmer in QC makes wow-worthy dishes matched with fair prices to boot. It deserves its well-earned reputation for premium-quality cooking.

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  • Review of Rekado Atbp. (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Rekado Atbp. (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Rekado Atbp. is a Filipino restaurant that ably executes traditional Pinoy food favorites and one that does so in a trendy setting. I treated my family to lunch in its branch in BGC Stopover a day before Christmas when we were exploring new restaurants in Bonifacio Global City. Serving generous portions of food, Rekado Atbp. is a laid-back spot that’s totally recommended for big-group and family-style dining.

    Review of Rekado Atbp. (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Rekado Atbp. in BGC Stopover Pavilion has classy interior design and theme that combines orange and versatile brown conveying luxury and earthiness. It’s interesting how these colors create an upbeat yet formal dining ambiance as they communicate a certain air of maturity and liveliness at the same time.

    The use of wood textures on the walls and dining fixtures made an interesting visual detail. The restaurant’s soft lighting was also a key element that heightened a more elegant experience. The chandeliers looked very nice and chic. I wished I could bring them home! 😛

    Service: ★★★★☆

    Servers were not as attentive as they should have been at the latter part of our stay. Maybe their minds were on holiday mode and they were also thinking about vacation? Anyway, for the most part, they were nice and friendly. Our orders came out fast and plates were taken as they empty.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Green mussels taste more like the sweet, briny ocean. Since mussels are such a blank canvas, dressing them up with flavors that can ultimately transform the dish to the next level must be a breeze. Tahong Chips (PhP 199) served with cream cheese dip put on a nice try. The chips were crispy and tasty with the condiment, but the true taste of mussels did not stand out in every bite.

    Tahong Sisig (PhP 250), on the other hand, was a stunner. Presented on a hot plate, the garlicky chopped green mussels were tempting and great with plain white rice. We sprinkled calamansi juice and mixed it all over. The result was a dish that’s decidedly tangy, exotic, and over-the-top delicious. Adding in chili made it even more palatable, and this is best for fans of heat. Bulls-eye!

    Binagoongan Verde (PhP 255) isn’t your standard lechon kawali. It consisted of crisp lechon kawali rubbed with shrimp paste served with green mango puree. The pork was juicy and well-spiced. The taste of bagoong was overpowering in this dish and it added a layer of pungency. For newbies, sometimes the aroma alone can be too much to handle. But for us who appreciate fermented shrimp paste, a whiff of it makes us become like a bee to flowers.

    Adobong Kangkong at Tokwa (PhP 95) was made with river spinach and tofu cooked in soy sauce and topped with toasted garlic. It’s got a nice kick and contrast between the sour vinegar, sweet soy sauce, and nutty garlic. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians gotta love it. 🙂

    Combined with vegetables, Bulalo Soup (PhP 460) was commendable in its simplicity, but it slightly lacked the taste of beef shank that we imagined. There’s nothing too bad about it, but it’s not life-changing either. The beef was really tender and fell off of the bone. It won’t hurt to eat the beef fat inside the marrow once in a while, especially this holiday season. It’s pure decadence!

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Finding a good restaurant in BGC is easy. It’s a culinary zone that’s expanding fast with new delicious spots in just about every corner. Still, it’s a breath of fresh air when the food is legitimately awesome. Rekado Atbp. is a recommended Filipino restaurant that serves great food at great value. 🙂 The next time you’re on the hunt for some Pinoy comfort food or need a reward for working late at the office in BGC, Rekado Atbp. is the move.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/rekadoatbp/” name=”Rekado Atbp.” description=”31st Street Corner 2nd Avenue, BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 3307720″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-12-28″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Other branch: Rekado The Columns, Salcedo Village, Makati City – Ground Floor, The Columns Tower 2, Ayala Corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Bel-Air, Makati City

  • Top 2 Restaurants We Recommend When in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

    Top 2 Restaurants We Recommend When in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

    Where to eat in Vietnam? One of the things we enjoy most about traveling is discovering and tasting the local cuisine and specialties of the place. When in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, we tried dining at many Asian restaurants, and two among the best recommended ones are Quan An Ngon 138 and Saigon Steak 123. It’s a shame that I could only name a couple, and this is largely because we realize we’re not huge fans of Vietnamese cuisine. In any case, you can’t go wrong with these mainstays if you want tasty, comforting fare with a pleasing mix of traditional and modern at cheap prices. 🙂

    Top 2 Restaurants We Recommend When in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

    Quan An Ngon Restaurant

    Opposite the entrance to the Reunification Palace, Quan An Ngon 138 is a large restaurant located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street where we enjoyed a very good authentic Vietnamese meal. It was our tourist guide who directed us at this place and he’s right when he said it’s a good option for those seeking a bite to eat before or after visiting the palace. We were seated in the open-air format, with solid wooden tables, interesting handmade decors, and nice outdoor plants.

    Stepping inside the restaurant, we saw that Quan An Ngon Restaurant looks like one of those 18th century Vietnamese houses, one for the elites, no less. Walls are adorned with paintings and decorations.  Different stations prepare different kinds of food on the spot, and guests can observe them while cooking and preparing. The food selection is extensive and the quality is not bad. For those who like to taste local Vietnamese food in a wonderful and relaxing ambiance, this is the place! 🙂

    Quan An Ngon 138 is where the holy grail of pho awaits. This no-nonsense Vietnamese joint really does cater to a lot of pho fans. We gulped down satisfying noodle soups with rich and flavorful broth and fresh and appealing vegetables. With springy noodles and fresh bright herbs, the Chicken Noodle Soup and Beef Noodle Soup were aromatic and full-bodied. They’re the perfect food for chasing away the doldrums of winter, except there’s no winter in Vietnam. Temperature was just the same as in Manila.

    The Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls were heavenly. Filled with thinly sliced savory pork, cabbage, glass noodles, and carrots, these crispy deep-fried spring rolls were far more complex in flavor and texture than the usual Shanghai spring rolls I know. The food presentation also won my heart. 🙂

    Address: 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street | District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
    Phone: +84 8 3825 7179

    Saigon Steak 123 – European Steakhouse

    On our way to Ben Thanh Market, we thought of stopping by at a local restaurant for some refreshments as we were tired of touring around the famous landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City. Saigon Steak 123 – European Steakhouse caught our attention since its menu showed specialties of European and Vietnamese food. The menu emphasizes on wagyu steaks, hamburgers, and pasta, but we only tried local items.

    The atmosphere was romantic and cozy. This place is worth the splurge when you want to impress someone on a date out. Service was superb and the staffs spoke English relatively well (better than most locals we met on the streets).

    For dinner, we ordered the Fresh Spring Rolls which consisted of pork, prawn, vegetables, rice vermicelli, and other ingredients wrapped in Vietnamese rice paper and served with dipping sauce. The veggies along with herbs were crisp and they were neatly packaged in a deliciously chewy-soft wrapping that we snatched up and ate with our hands. The pieces were refreshingly cool and just great for a light meal.

    For something out of the ordinary, we ordered the Vietnamese Pancake and thought it’s good but quite oily. It was served with coconut milk-flavored crepe made out of rice and topped with shrimps with shelves on and slivers of fatty pork. A lot like a crêpe, the Vietnamese pancake was thin and slightly crispy with airy and translucent texture. I enjoyed it very much. Yum! 🙂

    Address: 123 le Loi, District 1 Hcmc | 123 le Loi, District 1 Hcmc, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Phone: 8 3914 0747

    Click here to read about the top 10 tourist attractions we visited in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

  • Luwak White Koffie: Indonesian Instant White Coffee Now in the Philippines

    Luwak White Koffie: Indonesian Instant White Coffee Now in the Philippines

    White Supremacy: Millennials Spearheading the White Coffee Revolution

    Today’s generation of coffee drinkers like exploring different kinds of coffee varieties and flavors with different levels of creaminess, bitterness, sweetness, and richness. The funny thing is that most blends available to consumers nowadays focus more on the milky flavor rather than the authentic coffee flavor. Even I have grown accustom to coffee tasting like a mug of warm milk and only a tad hint of real coffee. 🙂 For traditional coffee folks who may be disappointed with this kind of coffee, “Luwak White Koffie” is the newest product now in the Philippines that can fulfill your satisfaction and make your taste buds happy.

    The Coffee Game Changer

    There’s a good number of brands of coffee competing in the market, and taste preferences have influenced the way instant coffee is made. Certain blends have come to taste less authentic than they should, but  “Luwak White Koffie” changes the coffee game by offering drinkers a more authentic take on white coffee. It is an instant blend from Indonesia with a milder taste of coffee and the right cream-to-sugar-to-coffee ratio.

    Not to be confused with the civet coffee or luwak coffee, White Koffie is a trade mark of the “Luwak” brand. Rather than changing the formula for white coffee completely, it has simply tweaked it to make the drinking experience a lot more fulfilling and a lot more memorable. If you’re a fan of white coffee, Luwak White Koffie must be worth a try.

    “Luwak White Koffie is not sweet coffee. It is coffee that happens to be sweet,” says Jerbie Ong, President of Reddimart Multi-Resources Inc., the official distributor of Luwak White Kofie in the Philippines. While keeping the creaminess associated with white coffee, the brand more importantly keeps the rich, otherwise bitter flavor of good authentic coffee.

    With the Indonesian instant coffee mix’s more authentic take on white coffee, drinkers will have a more fulfilling coffee experience. It’s the perfect coffee for millennials who want to relax with a good book in one hand and a steaming cup of joe in the other. For more information on Luwak White Koffie, please visit http://reddimart.ph/.

  • Top 5 Restaurants We Recommend When in Cambodia

    Top 5 Restaurants We Recommend When in Cambodia

    Life went by so fast in the past few weeks. I barely have the time to sit down and reflect on lessons I learned by far, yet I made a promise to myself to blog about the top five restaurants we tried in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Cambodia before 2015 ends, else the details might just go to oblivion. So, here it goes.

    Since we came with a packaged tour itinerary, most of our meals were already prearranged and we did not have a hard time finding places to eat. There were time when we had free days though, and these were when we decided to check out the city’s best-rated restaurants (according to TripAdvisor) by ourselves. We rode tuk-tuks, asked the locals for directions, and eventually found our way through. If you’re a foodie, you may also find this list helpful. 🙂

    Top 5 Restaurants We Recommend When in Cambodia

    1. Haven Training Restaurant

    HAVEN Training Restaurant offers just the normal kind of food and not some unique Cambodian delicacy, but what it sets it apart from others is that it works as a non-religious social enterprise and a training restaurant for vulnerable young adults from orphanages and safe shelters, as well as underprivileged young adults from very rural poor areas.

    The people who serve food here are mostly young, and HAVEN supports their transition from institution to real world, giving them a chance to step out of the poverty cycle. The trainees are also provided with protected and guided shared housing, meals, medical care and a monthly training allowance. Furthermore we offer them English and computer lessons.

    With regard to the food, HAVEN Training Restaurant in Siem Reap makes really good food matched with an appealing presentation. The place was packed at the peak of lunch hour. We did not come with a reservation but were lucky enough to score one small table in one corner. All the tables were spread out in a lovely garden setting, making for a memorable and romantic experience.

    Fish Fillet with Green Mango · $8.00


    Cordon Bleu (Chicken) · $8.00

    See its menu.

    Address: Chocolate Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
    Phone:+855 78 342 404
    Hours: Open today · 5:30 – 9:30 PM

    2. The Sugar Palm Restaurant & Bar

    The Sugar Palm has branches both in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. We visited the one in Siem Reap for dinner just before we went to the airport on our last day in Cambodia. This place was designed and purposefully built as a large wooden Khmer-house style restaurant set on the upper floor. An extended bar area at the center is where guests can have a pre-dinner cocktail or be entertained while waiting for a table.

    Our tour guide warned us that prices of food in this restaurant are expensive. Indeed, the tabs are far costlier than those in local eateries, but the delicious meal we had was worth it. The Sugar Palm was awarded as the 2014 winner and received a certificate of excellence by the TripAdvisor Community. Another compelling reason why tourists must try the food here is that Restaurateur and TV Chef Gordon Ramsay himself recommends it.

    The only thing I didn’t like was that cooking time took long and we were so hungry. Other than that, their rendition of Khmer dishes with a slight modern twist was great. Ambiance was very airy and homely. Wait staff was friendly and professional.

    Khmer Chicken Satay · $5 

    Prawn Khmer Curry · $8.50

    Fried Noodles with Beef · $5.50

    See its menu.

    Address: Taphul Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
    Phone:+855 63 964 838

    3. Amazon Angkor Cambodia

    This restaurant was near our hotel. Upon entrance, we were astounded by its massive space and large spread of food in a buffet setting. Amazon Angkor offers a wide exhibit of Cambodian and international cuisine featuring Japanese, Thai, Chinese, and others. Overall, the different tastes and flavors were enjoyable.

    While dining, guests get to watch a live performance onstage. Musicians playing folk songs and Apsara dancers gave a good overview on the Cambodian tradition, culture, music, and arts. The show started at 7:30PM and ended at 8:30PM. At the end of the show, we were allowed to take pictures with the dancers. Buffet set per person including the show costs $10. For this price, the value was unbeatable.

    Address: Krous Village, Svay Dangkum, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
    Phone: +855-12 966 98

    4. Samroh Srah Srang Restaurant

    We stopped by at Samroh Srah Srang Restaurant (in front of the Srah Srang Lake) for lunch when we were touring the Angkor Wat Complex. The restaurant looked simple and straightforward, but the food was good and typical Khmer. We were seated in the air-conditioned dining area, so we treated the experience as a nice and welcoming break from all the walking (and temple-hopping) we’ve done for the past four hours.

    Spring Rolls and Mixed Veggies with Nuts

    Chicken Curry

    Iced Coffee

    Address: Group5, North Srahsang Village , Nokor Thom Commune | Siem Reap Angkor Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
    Phone: (0) 12 77 89 42

    5. Friends the Restaurant

    Like HAVEN Training Restaurant, Friends the Restaurant also operates its business with a cause. This colorful training restaurant near the National Museum is not only famous in Phnom Penh, Cambodia but also across the globe.

    It is run by Mith Samlanh whose vision is to build the futures of former street children and marginalized young people in Phnom Penh since 1994. Friends has a shop called attached to the restaurant that sells all sorts of handmade stuff created by the students and villagers.

    We had the pleasure of eating sumptuous food and supporting their development of local people. Friends the Restaurant has a little of everything from tapas, burgers, and salads to desserts and drinks for the veggie lover, the fish and seafood lover, the adventurous, carnivores, and the sweet tooth. It’s a warm and charming place that’s quiet, much like a lovely oasis that’s very relaxing.

    Burmese Chicken Curry with Crispy Noodles, Smoked Chili, and Pickled Mustard Greens · $5.75

    Khaiphaen’s Grilled Beef Salad with Szechuan Peppers and Crispy Frangipani Flowers · $6.50

    Mixed Berry and Green Apple Crumble with Coconut Ice Cream · $4.50

    See its menu.

    Address: #215 Street 13, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
    Phone:+855 12 802 072

  • Review of Planet Grapes (Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong)

    Review of Planet Grapes (Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong)

    Planet Grapes in Shangri-La Plaza is the third branch of PG in the Philippines. Now we don’t need to travel to outer space to actually land on another planet! 😛 Kidding aside, Planet Grapes is where traditional Filipino street food is glorified and earns its own spot together with wine on the menu.

    Whether you want to try a traditional wine pairing, an adventurous meal, or just some great Pinoy dessert, Planet Grapes is sure to delight. The selections here are as different and exciting as you’d want them to be. This is where you can let go your traditional ideas of what a good restaurant is supposed to be and just enjoy some winning combos.

    Review of Planet Grapes (Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Planet Grapes’ interior was full of attractive wine bottles that are displayed on the background and those striking ones that make up the chandelier. The ambiance was splendid, and the overall setting was quiet and intimate.

    I love the coherent and consistent theme on the first and second floors. It gave a cozy, upscale, and warm vibe that’s desirable and presentable—anything but low key. It’s lively without being real loud, so you can come for food and wine but still hear the people next to you.

    Fixtures throughout the space and the enomatic machines look most sleek. Speaking of enomatic machines, these are state-of-the-art Italian machines that allow customers to try different wines by sip, half-glass, and full glass sizes. Cool stuff!

    With all these combined, Planet Grapes must be the next new classic. Sound the alarm. It’s a headliner, an ideal place to take your date on a nice, sit-down dinner and share a magical spark over some comforting Filipino food. It’s also a great go-to restaurant to grab lunch or snacks with business partners and colleagues.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was fantastic. Especially if you’re trying out wine for the first time and can’t decide which would go well to complement your food orders, Planet Grapes is a good place to start to learn about the types of wine and their characteristics. The service attendants are equipped with the knowledge to describe wine and serve it correctly and confidently to customers. They’re incredibly helpful with wine options, food recommendations, and general pleasantries.

    The Open Kitchen

    Food: ★★★★☆

    We had our department planning here and stayed for both lunch and merienda. The food we ordered were delicious, interesting, and slightly overwhelming all at once. Planet Grapes – Shangri-La Mall’s menu is focused around plates rooted in Filipino cuisine, but with some modern twists that kept us engaged and satisfied in our dining experience. To know more about the items on the menu, click here.

    For starters, we had Chicharon with Tinapa Dip (PhP 215), PG Super Sisig (PhP 210) and Grilled Chorizo (PhP 135). All were indulging and maybe the type that you don’t want to eat in front of your boss as you’re sure to end up with a little bit of grease on your lips.

    Chicharon with Tinapa Dip is one of the best-sellers and for good reason. It’s the familiar taste of crispy pork rinds cooked through an air fryer matched in heaven with salty smoked fish. The bold taste of smoked fish made this appetizer really sumptuous. It was nearly impossible to stop the “hand to mouth” action. Nom nom nom.

    On a screaming-hot cast-iron pan, the Super Sisig entree was good but nothing out of the ordinary. I thought it’s tempting to eat it with rice, but it also tasted fine by itself.

    The chunks of chorizo, on another plate, was pleasurable with nice pockets of firm pork fat. They were made just right, neither too sweet nor heavily spiced.

    Our mains consisted of some grilled specialties: Organic BBQ Pork Spare Ribs (PhP 725, 450g), Organic Pork Chop (PhP 450), and Black Cod Steak (PhP 395) with our chosen sides: Grilled Parmesan Corn, Fresh Mixed Salad, Plain Rice.

    BBQ pork ribs come to mind first when I think of “ribs.” Prepared and rubbed with a good mess of seasonings and smoked on the grill as we’ve seen in the kitchen, these organic bbq pork square ribs by Planet Grapes are a hit. The tender ribs stood out to me primarily with the barbecue sauce having a good blast of flavor.

    Dry and chewy pork chops are a thing of the past. PG’s thick-cut organic pork chops were not too tough but also not too fork-tender. I thought eating them with apple sauce or pickled vegetables would be great, but that’s a story for another appetite.

    Among the three, the black cod steak was my favorite. Wonderfully buttery, it was deeply seasoned and the result was completely irresistible. The rich white-flesh fish came with a moist, succulent texture.

    To cap off our meal, we had Turon Trilogy (PhP 165) which reminded me of Napolones from Bacolod and Choco Collision (PhP 225) for desserts. With beautiful flaky crisp layer of skin on the exterior, Turon Trilogy was filled with three classic Filipino dessert delicacies: thinly sliced banana, purple yam (ube) and jackfruit (langka). It definitely scored high.

    As a chocolate lover, I have to give the sexy plate of Choco Collision a round of applause! It’s hard to say no to a rich and creamy chocolaty treat topped with vanilla ice cream like this. 🙂

    The wines available at Planet Grapes represent different wine regions in the world. We tried the “Gunderloch Jean Baptiste Riesling Kabinett 2013, Pradikätswein.” Yes, the name is quite a mouthful. It’s a light-bodied white wine with a cool nose of barely ripe apple, a touch of honey, orange and gentle herbs. It tasted clean, vibrant, and edgy with a scintillating mineral. I like that it has a low level of sweetness and somewhat a silky mouth-feel. Let’s toast!

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    If your goal is treating yourself to familiar Filipino comfort food and be surprised at how wonderful it would taste with wine, then Planet Grapes in EDSA Shangri-La Mall is the spot. It may not serve the best Filipino food ultimately, but it cooks up decent and flavorful meals.

    Hitting good notes on the ambiance and services as well, Planet Grapes is a solid choice, a respectable one. It also has branches in Tuscany, Cebu, and Riverpark. Prices are more on the costly side but they’re expected and acceptable for their given value. Here, you can find yourself wanting to linger, talk, and relax no matter who you are with. Check this place out! 🙂

    “Planet Grapes is a bar and restaurant that offers wine without the drama. This no-nonsense approach to wine enjoyment provides a refreshing twist for budding wine drinkers both young and old. Find the wines you love, one grape at a time with flexible options to different serving sizes of wine.”

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  • Review of Yumchee (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Yumchee (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Yumchee at BGC Stopover Pavilion is a newly opened premium fastfood restaurant that aims more toward serving traditional Chinese comfort food in a contemporary, hip setting. Chinese comfort food can be a dangerous game to play now with fierce competition in Metro Manila. So many places mess it up, and the catastrophes tend to be bigger than those at more straightforward restaurants. But I tell you, Yumchee does it incredibly well. This is where savory Chinese dimsum and congee sit nicely aside bowls of noodle soup and some delicious combinations of viands. I had lunch here with my KTG foodie friends two weeks ago. 🙂

    Review of Yumchee (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Arriving at Yumchee felt very much like discovering a little-known gem. The setup is similar to regular casual fastfood joints where dining guests view the menu behind the counter to order and pay. What’s notably different though is that the menu is animated. 🙂 Photos of food are enhanced with hot steam smoke, an effect that makes dishes look more appetizing.

    Yumchee is outfitted with simple fixtures, comfortable furnishings, clean flooring, and bright lighting. It’s spacious enough to accommodate big groups. For business lunches, family dinners, or after-work meals, this is the place to be.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Everything was pleasant. Dishes came out fast as what you would normally anticipate from a fastfood or quick-service restaurant. We met the owners and they were very accommodating. Staffs were also attentive and helpful. I hope that this positive attitude will remain consistent even after their soft opening.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Dim Sum

    “Dim sum” is to the Chinese what tapas is to the Spanish. It’s all about small servings of different dishes representing a variety of great foods and tastes. We tried the following and thought they were absolutely well executed—a far cry from food stalls normally selling such a hearty delicacy in the busy parts of the city.

    The Pork Shrimp Siomai (PhP 85), the Beancurd Shrimp Roll (PhP 85), and the Shrimp Dumpling (PhP 85) were stuffed to the brim without overwhelming the wrapper. I guess it’s worth mentioning that the wrapper was moderately thick and not doughy. It was tender but with a bit of elastic chew. Translucency was made perfect, barely revealing what’s stuffed inside. The fillings were moist and packed with the true flavor.

    Not skimpy on the meat filling as well, Fried Wanton (PhP 85) had a crisp crust and the sauce served with it was quite delicious. It could have been a deeper golden brown though, to add points for attraction.

    Yumchee’s Asado Siopao or BBQ Pork Buns (PhP 85) had three defining components: the fluffy steamed bun, tenderness of the pork, and its aromatic asado flavor. When combined, it resulted to a messy, colorful, glorious snack of sweet delight, with multiple textures to boot. It’s one of the dim sum you can order and eat while on-the-go.

    Noodle Soup

    Clean and thin in texture, the Wanton Noodle Soup (PhP 159) in itself was a filling meal with delicate flavors and a soul-satisfying warmth. Bouncy pork was the star. Overall, this entree tasted okay but not at par with the wanton soup of my youth, the one that originally made me fall in love with the salty, slippery comforting soup dish. I thought the difference lies in the broth. It’s a worthy dish to try at Yumchee nonetheless.

    Two times better than the Wanton Noodle Soup, the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup (PhP 159) had sizable portions of juicy and tender beef brisket that lent body and flavor to the broth for the most part. The soup tasted like it was made with care in a real kitchen using real ingredients. This version was good enough as it did not come out strong on MSG. Would I want to hunker down on a cold night with only this bowl to keep me company? Probably yes, when I’m in BGC. 🙂

    Congee

    Congee or Chinese porridge is a staple in our home. The right water to rice ratio is the key to cooking it perfectly, and both Yumchee’s Pork with Century + Salted Egg Congee (PhP 159) and Mixed Seafood Congee (PhP 189) were able to pass our taste test. They’re silky and comforting while not being sludgy or overly heavy. The grains of rice were soft and thoroughly blended together. Yummy!


    Set Meals

    Set meals at Yumchee consist of one main dish, one side dish, and rice or soup. Options are as follows: Steamed Rice + Soup, Vegetable Fried Rice + Soup, Stir-fried Noodles + Soup, Seasonal Vegetables. I highly recommend the Chicken Chop (PhP 199) which reminded me of Taiwan’s crispy chicken chops, Orange Chicken (PhP 199) for its sweet orange-y kick, Beef Brisket (PhP 219) for the well-marbled meat, and the Fish Fillet with Tofu (PhP 199) which was presented in a mild sauce with melt-in-your-mouth soft fish fillet and tofu.

    Drinks and Desserts

    Drinks and desserts served were wickedly refreshing. I had the Iced Milk Tea (PhP 68) and was successfully satisfied. It was smooth, creamy, and fragrant. 🙂 Shaved ice with fruits (PhP 78 each) were awesome thirst-quenching concoctions with condensed milk. The combination of fruit selections kept every bite an interesting one. (Note: You get to pick two toppings for each order.) In the hot and sticky heat in the Philippines, a bowl of Shaved Ice will hydrate and cool you down fast.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    I have to admit, I entered Yumchee with low expectation and some trepidation. I grew up and still live in Chinatown, so pretty much, tasty and authentic Chinese food is easily accessible both in restaurants nearby and at home.

    Biting into our first dim sum at Yumchee, I wondered then, could this possibly be any good? The answer is yes!  Prices are no way on the steep side and their menu is solid, too—better than most Chinese fastfood joints away from Binondo. 🙂

    Yumchee Menu

    On the same venue, we also got to greet Boss Spanky a happy birthday since he had just celebrated his birthday a few days ago. The birthday cake with The Kain Tulog Gang’s logo was made by Goldilocks. The cake’s print design looked really adorable and it’s incredibly edible! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yumchee/848347238595929″ name=”Yumchee” description=”G/F Bonifactio Stopover, 31st St., cor Rizal Drive, BGC, Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call +63917 7172821″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-12-05″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: 10:30am-10pm

  • Review of Neil’s Kitchen (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    Review of Neil’s Kitchen (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    I was invited to attend and cover TOMS Give Fair in Alabang last Saturday, and since the event was scheduled in the afternoon, I thought it was a nice opportunity to have lunch nearby: at Neil’s Kitchen. 🙂 I’ve read lots of positive reviews about this place, and most agree you get your money’s worth. Thankfully, high expectations were met! This is a cool spot where there’s no loud music and no flashing lights but rather a peaceful, perfectly executed dining setup. Neil’s Kitchen is one of the most talked about restaurants in Westgate Center, and there’s no wonder that it’s a top choice when it comes to Filipino food in Alabang.

    Review of Neil’s Kitchen (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Often in other places, decorations on staircases get overlooked, and what a pity–they’re one of the most high-traffic areas where people go up and down. Neil’s Kitchen’s interior designer must be wise to have made good use of this space. A gallery of 3D decorations along the staircase wall can instantly draw in the eye. They were the first to get my attention, and these were quickly followed by the mason-jars lighting fixtures hanging down from the white ceiling. Love them all! 🙂

    Adding to the wow factor and making the restaurant look more interesting are the memorable quotes that tell so much about the nature of foodies. “Count the memories and not the calories,” the tick mark on the Hungry check box, and “People who love to eat are always the best people” are fine examples.

    The black and white theme is a popular choice for eating areas, and Neil’s Kitchen mixes it with yellow for a good pop of color. Seating is a bit tight with tables and chairs packed in at maximum density. However, bright ambiance and clean lines still make it a go-to venue for everything from big family lunches, reunions, business meals, to special occasions you won’t forget. There’s also a bookstore at the back where you can find inspiring book titles that can help live your best life.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Neil’s Kitchen’s staff showcased flawless service and they were so accommodating we felt that anything was possible. Staff here gave a good example of Filipino hospitality. In an industry where most restaurants face the challenge of manpower crunch, it is a blessing indeed. I give two thumbs up for friendliness, attentiveness, and efficiency of customer service.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Crab cakes are always a wonderful treat, and Neil Kitchen’s Crab Cake Torta with Aligue Pasta (PhP 495) did not disappoint. The crab cake torta had that delicious and slightly sweet aroma of the ocean and a tenderness that lobsters only aspire to. I love that we did not have to poke through our utensils or eat the crab with our hands. In cake form, the jumbo lump crab meat had a somewhat crisp exterior and inside, there was no extra starchy binders at all.

    Complementing well to the taste of the crab meat, the Aligue Pasta was flavorful and fantastic. Aligue is the crab’s roe so you can just imagine how “sinful” this pasta is. But like what the quote said, don’t mind the calories but the memories. Whisper that a few times and any guilt will dissipate on your first bite. 😛


    While deciding what to order, my mom looked at the table next to us and saw the Boneless Chicken Barbecue with Java Rice (PhP 395). The plating looked appetizing for sure and the macaroni salad on the side made it even more tempting. I thought there was nothing special about the chicken barbecue, but I was wrong. It was one of the best versions I’ve ever tried! The smoky barbecue chicken was cut in bite-size portions. It had perfectly juicy and moist meat and a sweet, sticky glaze. The nutty sauce did not seem to be a critical component to enhance the flavor, as the sweet-and-tangy chicken was richly seasoned. Tart atchara (pickled papaya) came in as a good accompaniment to the dish.

    Ending our indulgent meal, the signature dessert at the restaurant, Fried Suman, Mangga, and Chocnut (PhP 295), was pretty glorious. It was a very tropical dessert that was elegantly plated and not overly sweet, so you can be sure that it will not satiate your appetite.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Neil’s Kitchen in Alabang is quite a buzzy gem that earns raves for its excellent renditions of Filipino food. Price for value is fair. With chic ambiance and charming service without pretentiousness, it’s a restaurant that should be noted in everyone’s short list.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/neilskitchen.bonellis/” name=”Neil’s Kitchen” description=”Lot C 701 and 704 Westgate Filinvest, 1770 Alabang Muntinlupa City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 7108962 / 7711334 / 09173112916 or email neils.kitchen@yahoo.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-11-21″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]