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Category: Food Reviews

  • Review of Apag Marangle Kapampangan Restaurant (MarQuee Mall, Pampanga)

    Review of Apag Marangle Kapampangan Restaurant (MarQuee Mall, Pampanga)

    Last Sunday was Father’s Day. Since we planned to celebrate the occasion on the following Friday, I was free to traverse MarQuee Mall in the city of Pampanga with blogger friends. 🙂 Our venture kicked off with an adventuresome foray into the world of exotic dining at Apag Marangle Kapampangan Restaurant.

    Serving authentic Kapampangan cuisine, Apag Marangle would be the most ideal restaurant to dine in when you’re in MarQuee Mall. Especially when you have not tried Pampanga’s local food, it’s a good time to taste great farm food and at the same time get a glimpse of the rich Filipino culture. If you think you’re brave enough to try something new, eating here must be included in your bucket list! 😉

    Review of Apag Marangle Kapampangan Restaurant (MarQuee Mall, Pampanga)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    Apag Marangle in Filipino means “hain sa bukid” or in English “farm dining.” And true enough to its name, with cool pieces of native furniture and handicrafts, it was like eating in a farm—but indoors! The design features a bahay-kubo-like dining area as shown on the wallpaper. Tables are merged together and arranged for groups, making the restaurant ambiance appeal more to families and big barkadas.

    One side is air-conditioned, while the other side allows natural air to flow by. This, I think, is the reason why there were several flies buzzing in the restaurants and around the food—certainly not good for business. The management should really do something about the flies because they were seriously disturbing. Perhaps installing lamps or a special device to get rid of flies, mixing a natural fly repellent in a spray bottle, or setting a trap with dish soap can do the trick.

    As some of the food were being grilled and cooked in the air-conditioned room, a lot of smoke was generated. The exhaust hood on top of the grilling station did not have enough power to get rid of the smoke, so the smoke tend to get in our eyes and nose. I suggest them to install a new range hood vented outside or transfer the grilling station to the non air-conditioned area.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    Apag Marangle was packed with so many customers at the peak of lunch hour. We were seated outside and were handed the banana-leaf-shaped menu, and the friendly staff took charge in helping us find a table indoors. While waiting, the staff served plates of Nilagang Mani and Kamote (Boiled Peanuts and Sweet Potato), a kind gesture indeed.

    Items on the menu were mostly in Kapampangan but there are Filipino translations below or beside each. Despite that, we could not easily decide which to order.

    The waiter also gave us set of menu which listed their house specialties. He enumerated some of the best options first-time diners usually get, and we gladly approved his suggestions.

    Expected waiting time for the food, he said, was 20-30 minutes. I thought it’s long. If you plan to eat here, do so when you’re not extremely hungry.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    We were greeted by the appetizers: Camaru Pritu (PhP 185) and Betute (PhP 80, small; PhP 90, medium). These looked thrilling for the adventurous eater, no doubt, but I was not so excited to eat such exotic foods. Nevertheless, we had to sample them to know how they taste like.

    With a deep inhale, I took the Mole Cricket into my mouth and chewed the crunchy bits of its tiny body parts. 😳 The Camaru was like chips for pulutan. It had a lightly fried crust that balanced the soft, briny texture. I dipped one into the sweet vinegar sauce for something sweet and pungent. I also tried eating the mole cricket without the sauce and I regretted it badly. This delicacy may be a soul-satisfying winner for some, but I’m sure that it’s not for me. 😐

    Next in line for the “Fear Factor” taste test was the Betute, deep-fried frog farm/tadpole stuffed with buttery sauce and chili. The thought of the amphibians hopping and jumping makes me feel queasy. Stir-frying or deep-frying them will solve the case. I was told that frogs’ meat tastes like chicken.

    Maybe the texture of the meat is quite similar, but the taste of the frog legs were stronger. These frog parts didn’t have much to chew. Because it’s unfortunately tough, it seemed like they had an extended stay in the deep fryer. Or maybe, it’s cooked just right. 😯 I’m only guessing as this was my first encounter with the dish. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that in general and at least from what I know, fried foods are very temperamental; crossing the delicate line from toothsome buoyancy to dense rubber is critical.


    Our eyes were next set on the Ninghang Hito (Catfish) (PhP 50/100g). It was fresh and not muddy. Grilling was well executed, and the accompanying shrimp paste (bagoong) further improved the taste.

    Neither too starchy nor sticky, the Aligue (Crab Roe) was melt-in-your-mouth good and perfect to be paired with rice. It was creamy, bittersweet and rather strong. Scoop one spoonful of it and you’d feel like in seafood heaven. 😛

    We also had Suam Mais (PhP 195) or corn soup in clay pot, which was really nice once you get past the viscosity. Amplifying the flavor and aroma was the chicharon cooked with the warm soup. A couple of corn tortilla chips could have added more interesting texture to the frothy soup.

    The Rice in Kaldero (PhP 95) can’t be ignored in the dining table. Equivalent to four cups of rice, the nasi (rice) came with a nice presentation. We enjoyed the moment since getting white rice using the wooden ladle from the cauldron is something we don’t experience every day.

    Another specialty of Apag Marangle is their Crispy Pata (Pork Trotter). Pretty much every table had one—and with good reason. The pork was roasted and then deep fried until really crisp. The staff was proud to claim that it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Sorry, I can’t attest to that because I didn’t try.  If you like pork, crispy pata in the Philippines is hard to beat.

    When it comes to saving the best for last, Apag Marangle met my expectation with a dessert that’s suave and rich: Leche Flan (PhP 60, small; PhP 160, big). It was smooth and silky, not too eggy or too sweet. Leche flan remains as one of my favorite Pinoy treats. Lots of love! ♥

    The Coconut or Buko Juice (PhP 150, 1 pitcher) turned out to be a refreshing juice with strips of soft coconut meat. This is a recommended drink to order when in a Kapampangan Restaurant instead of flushing down your meal with plain water, synthetic juices or soft drinks.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    If you’re a Filipino, nothing might beat your mom’s home-cooking for Pinoy food, but when you’re away from home and need a quick fix for some traditional Filipino (specifically, Kapampangan) favorites, Apag Marangle in MarQuee Mall is right up your alley. Their unique food entrees will fill you up without costing an arm and a leg. Average price range of dishes is PhP 150-PhP 350. For an ultimate authentic Filipino dining experience, you can’t go wrong with this place.

    Thanks, Aldous, for the invite! 😀

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  • Review of Rustic Mornings by Isabelo (San Roque, Marikina City)

    Review of Rustic Mornings by Isabelo (San Roque, Marikina City)

    Last weekend, we stayed at a friend’s family rest house in Marikina overnight. For the most part, our bonding activities included playing fun board games such as Jenga, Guesstures, Pictogram, Taboo and Suspend Family Game and food tripping. We had dinner at Café Lidia, breakfast at Pan de Amerikana and lunch at Rustic Mornings by Isabelo.

    Of the three, it was Rustic Mornings by Isabelo which I’ve always wanted to visit. In fact, it’s in my bookmarked list in Zomato. 🙂 I’ve heard lots of great comments on Rustic Mornings’ surroundings and less on its food. Despite the rumored downside, I felt ecstatic when I learned that we’ll be dining in this “hidden gem” in Marikina the next day! Visiting this quaint and beautiful restaurant can be a lifetime’s worth of good memory. You can pretend otherwise, but I’m not going to. 😛

    Review of Rustic Mornings by Isabelo (San Roque, Marikina City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    As expected through pictures posted online, the ambiance in Rustic Mornings by Isabelo is just perfect! It’s the perfect setting for a first date, romantic proposals, and any celebratory milestone or event that requires you to leave a nice impression on someone or something. The background music consisted of a playlist of evergreen songs from 70s to 80s. I reckon thus that anyone who’s born in those years would love to linger at Rustic Mornings to enjoy the music and reminisce their good past.

    The theme of the restaurant explodes mostly with white and blue, which looked very serene and pleasing to the eyes. The pieces of furniture are unique with a consistent rustic feel.

    The dining areas are separated into the outdoor garden and the air-conditioned room that’s best described as homey. Both areas are massively decorated with cute trinkets and interesting displays (china dishes, pretty silverware, vases, jars, etc.).

    With chandeliers and lamps that illuminate and make the space more enchanting, you can trick your mind for a moment and feel like you’ve been warped through a downright fairyland-princess-rainbows-and-unicorn inspired extravaganza.

    Note: Reservations are a must in Rustic Mornings by Isabelo.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    The service was fine but an improvement I can suggest is to make the staff look and present themselves in a more cheerful and welcoming way, to match the ambiance at least. When we first came in, I thought the indoor dining room would be an almost blind spot since most waiters were outside, but there remained one staff who accommodated requests so we did not have to go out or wait long.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    We ordered Rustic Mornings’ best-selling Waffles, Buffalo Chicken Strips and Salad Served with Marinara Chipotle (PhP 250). The buffalo chicken strips were disappointing. The pieces tasted almost bland and not at all noteworthy. The greens were fine, but the best was really the waffles which came with the helping of creamy butter. The waffles were plush, soft with a texture closer to pancakes than our traditional crunchy breakfast waffles. They were steamy and served still warm.

    Rustic Mornings offers three types of burritos: beef, chicken and fish. I preferred to order the fish of course but Louie wanted the Crunchy Beef Burrito (PhP 185). He won—and so two large cuts of beef burritos made into our loop for lunch. He said the burritos were delicious, and I respectfully disagreed. The burrito had rice and crispy beef bits jammed into a fried flour tortilla. I had imagined the flavor to be strong but it was not. The meat was not grilled to the point where you could taste the char; it was rather dry and that’s unacceptable.

    As well, the flavor of Cheesy Chicken Fricasee (PhP 300) didn’t quite hit the note for me. With heavy cream, it came out to be literally too cheesy—the type that you’d get easily grow tired of eating. In Filipino, this is what we call nakakaumay. So definitely, the bowl of “nakakaumay na dish” must be eaten with rice and shared by at least three people.

    The next dish is a brunch staple: 3-Egg Cheese Omelet (PhP 240). It was made with three kinds of mushrooms (fresh button, portobello, shiitake) served with two slices of crunchy ciabatta bread, herbed butter and fruit jam. The taste wasn’t inventive but was good. I liked that the egg was set on the outside but still fluffy and pillowy on the inside.

    Our friends had the following drinks, the sugar bombs which I deprive myself of: Vanilla Speculoos, Chocolate Milkshake and Super Sunrise (Pineapple, Orange, Strawberries, Red Grapes).

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    In the end, based on the food alone, having a meal in Rustic Mornings can be a hit or a miss depending on what you order. Food prices were not wallet-busting but were okay considering the taste, presentation and the size of serving. When dining at Rustic Mornings by Isabelo in Marikina, it’s best not to let tight budgets mean tight belts. Think of it as buying the entire experience and you’ll love every mouthful. 😀

    This was Louie’s birthday treat!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/RusticMornings” name=”Rustic Mornings by Isabelo ” description=”11 Isabelo Mendoza Street, San Roque, Marikina City, Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 5106914, +63 9178146824″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-06-12″ user_review=”15″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Cyma Greek Taverna (Robinsons Place, Manila)

    Review of Cyma Greek Taverna (Robinsons Place, Manila)

    For dinner on the day we watched Maleficent, Louie chose to go for a Greek treat, and Cyma Greek Taverna was the only restaurant that came to mind when in Robinsons Place, Manila. Everyone I know who has eaten at any Cyma branch commented that Cyma’s food taste great however prices are steep. I thought there’s a difference between “expensive” and “value for money” food. Catch my drift? We’re not the biggest fans of Greek food, but we’re interested to check whether or not Cyma’s offerings are worth the price to pay.

    “At CYMA, it’s about bringing people together for a flourishing experience that starts with great food then goes beyond by nurturing the soul and the spirit.”

    Review of Cyma Greek Taverna (Robinsons Place, Manila)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Cyma Greek Taverna is one of the those places that have a high-class and cozy appeal. The interior design screams elegance and sophistication, while the environment was pretty quiet and reserved. The white walls gave a nice contrast to the brown and beige tables and chairs which also matched the color of the floor tiles. Lights were yellow and I thought they contribute to the warm contemporary look and romantic vibe of the room. Behind us was the rich-textured wall with framed mirrors to reflect light and space.

    Service: ★★★★★

    There were only a few customers during our visit so I don’t know if customer service would be as efficient in other days. At least in our case, they were fast and helpful in letting us know immediately that what we ordered was out of stock (they’re changing menus). Clad in white uniforms, the waiters shout “OPA!” out loud whenever they serve a flaming cheese plate.

    I thought it was unnecessary as it’s distracting to people who are having a good conversation while eating. But others may find the act unique in this Greek restaurant and they’d order that plate only to be presented with the unveiling of the dish plus the loud cheer.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    The Spanakopita (PhP 350) makes for a great snack or appetizer. The spinach in the pie was so tender and generously filled. Adding dimensions were the leeks and fresh herbs on top of the oil-slicked feta which were made with honest expressions of butter that brought sweetness to balance the tang. I found the crust most impressive; it was flaky but easy to cut through and not too greasy. Inhale it in five or so bites, and probably you’d wish to get another. Very nice to munch on! 🙂

    If your impulse is to order a gyro when visiting a Greek restaurant, Louie would recommend the Chicken Gyro – Cyma’s Best! (PhP 180). He repeatedly said how wonderful this chicken gyro tasted. There must be really something special with this dish. Made with tomatoes, red onions, tzatziki and wrapped in pita, the gyro sandwich was composed of ingredients that quite build on each other the way they should. I just thought that the chicken slices were a little dry and the taste was not intense as expected. Anyway, the sauce compensated for the miss in flavor as it was pleasantly creamy. I prefer to add an overwhelming dose of basil for overall improvement.

    Similar to the chicken gyro, the skewered chicken in the Chicken Souvlaki (PhP 240) was a bit dry, under-seasoned and not juicy for my liking. Simply, the white meat here rendered almost flavorless, as anonymous as a protein can be. The texture, on the other hand, was just okay. With fresh vegetables, parsley salad and the yogurt garlic sauce, the combination was hearty but it’s not be something that would see my fork again.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    My verdict is that Cyma Greek Taverna in Robinsons Place, Manila has great atmosphere and well-trained staff members. A good consideration is that serving is sizable and definitely for sharing. Other than that, I say I’d have to agree with my friends who have had a meal at Cyma: there’s nothing much to rave about. Generally, taste of food we ordered was average and it’s undeniable that prices are on the high side with not so much value.

    Then again, we may not have ordered what supposedly are the best of the house. I’m willing to could come back for another try. Meanwhile, you can suggest what to order next time. Comments are welcome. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/cymarestaurant” name=”Cyma Greek Taverna” description=”Second Floor, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 3543909″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-06-09″ user_review=”15″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Skippy’s Bar and Grill (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City)

    Review of Skippy’s Bar and Grill (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City)

    Imagine, if you will, dining at an Aussie bar and grill house in BGC that’s owned by an Australian businessman who happens to be a great cook inspired by the pleasure of making everyone appreciate Australian food. Sounds promising, right?

    Welcome to Skippy’s Bar and Grill, a bar-restaurant located on Forum in Seventh Avenue that serves up what is probably the most calorie-filled, bang-for-your-buck meal out there. Prepare to get overflowing fun with all manner of savory Australian food that does not scrimp on ingredients.

    Review of Skippy’s Bar and Grill (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Skippy’s Bar and Grill looks like a fantastic addition to the neighborhood. It has outdoor seating with a friendly and relaxed feel and indoor dining room where you’ll like totally transported from a world of peace and quiet to heavy Australian sports-related decors, a bar table full of liquors at the center and traditional dining sets surrounding the perimeter.

    There’s a billiards table for rent (PhP 150 per hour), darts (PhP 50 per 15 minutes), and a movie projector where customers can watch their favorite football game.

    Skippy’s Bar and Grill becomes full mostly at night. The ambiance makes it a perfect hangout place for food and fun in BGC. I just took one star down because of the poor air conditioning system. The electric fan turned on wasn’t enough to make the area cool for comfort.

    Service: ★★★★★

    The staff greeted me as I came in, and I was seated immediately. Spoilt for choices on the menu, I asked for food recommendations and they were kindly made. Everyone was nice and accommodating. Orders were served fast considering the good and careful presentations of food.

    Food: ★★★★★

    To start my big meal, the Imported Australian Chicken Pie (PhP 350) was served. Its crust was rich and quite moist, crumbling only when you take a fork to it. The texture was almost similar to that of a quiche. Bursting inside with flavor were bits of chicken with creamy sauce. Dash some gravy on top to enhance the taste of every bite.

    Like the first entree, the Imported Australian Sausage Roll (PhP 310) is a brunch item that you won’t be eating before heading off to yoga. Although it seems to be pretty light, you might want to take a short nap after eating one. This roll turned out as blissfully delightful. The sausage wasn’t spicy but the strong flavor kicked in well.

    With pepperoni, ham, back bacon, ground beef, black pitted olives, cheese, onion, jalapeno, anchovies and bell pepper, The Lot Pizza (PhP 450) is Skippy’s Bar and Grill’s specialty pizza; it’s the pizza of your dreams. With crust neither too thick nor thin, all the toppings worked out and went together in a good way. I liked how it was not too greasy, coming off more as simply an extra-crisp pizza.

    The Barbecue Chicken Wings (PhP 550 for six pieces, PhP 350 for four pieces) were pure comfort food. Far from limp or flabby, the skin had this addictive sauce attached to it. These chicken wings were classic and satisfying. (Note: On Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays, you can get chicken wings all you can for only PhP 150 if you order a bucket of local beers.)

    I thought I could not finish an entire Big Aussie Burger (PhP 450) alone. (And yeah, I was right.) This beefy and juicy burger, also called The Lot, was made with burger bun, double homemade beef patty, cheese, lettuce, onions, beetroot, egg, bacon, pickle, tomato and pineapple. What more can you ask for? 😆

    Skippy’s Bar and Grill menu points out that you can choose ingredients to remove, otherwise everything will be added. I prefer it complete and original. In case you’re wondering, it took me more than 10 minutes to finish half of the burger.  :mrgreen:

    As soon as I saw the platter of Nachos (PhP 490 for four people, PhP 350 for two people) coming, I was stoked. Made with corn chips, jalapeno, onions, red bell pepper, coriander, cheese, sour cream and chili powder, the well-salted nachos were both crisp and soft. It wasn’t one that suffers from a case of blahs.

    Last but not least, I had a super tiny bit of the Pork Crackling (PhP 250), which was airy, crisp, and incredibly snackable. I thought that a handful of it would be preferred to be eaten with beers or cocktails on the side. Burp.

    And now, the good news for lovers of alcohol: Skippy’s Bar and Grill offers a promotion: cocktails are unlimited from Mondays to Thursdays! I had the Down Under Cocktail (PhP 270) made with tequila, rhum and gin base. It’s a signature cocktail (colors are based on Skippy’s theme) mixed with Sprite and orange juice.

    I also sipped a little of the Birdy’s Special (PhP 350) which consisted of a Jack Daniel base, Sprite, and fresh lemon juice. The drink was refreshing as it was citrus-y and fruity with a hint of alcohol.

    So tell me, which of these do you feel most excited to try? 😀

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    With huge portions of delicious food, I give this establishment 4/5 stars for price for value. I guess it’s not only the food that you’re paying for here really but also the experience. Sadly, I didn’t come 8pm onwards as it’s when the real fun begins.

    Skippy’s Bar and Grill fills the room with entertainment with different types and genres of live music. Here’s the schedule for their fun nights:

    • Monday – Skippeoke Night
    • Tuesday – Acoustic Jamming Session
    • Wednesday – RnB
    • Thursday – Gents’ Night to promote the four gentlemen (Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Jose Cuervo and Johnny Walker)
    • Friday and Saturday – Rock Bands

    Every Sunday, they offer Barbecue Lunch for PhP 450. You get three bottles of San Mig light, grilled burger or steak lamb chops.

    Overall, I have enjoyed my gastronomic adventure here and you should, too! 🙂 Skippy’s Bar and Grill will be having their Grand Opening on June 28, 2014. So watch this space, mark your calendar and bookmark it as a priority. 😛

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  • Review of The Clubhouse (Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon City)

    Review of The Clubhouse (Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon City)

    It has been a year since the last time Louie and I watched a movie in Robinsons Magnolia. It could be coincidence or could be fate—we again encountered a brown-out before the movie’s screening time. There seems to be something fishy going on in the mall’s power control system. Were they just testing the switch? Anyway, the movie we watched was Godzilla and it has failed to please me in all accounts. So let’s move on to the food review before this post turns to a screen rant. 😛

    We had dinner in The Clubhouse. Cozied into an almost hidden spot on the ground floor of the mall (on the side of Conti’s), this restaurant is an ideal place to catch a meal or take a refresher from a crazy shopping session in Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City. Diners thus must take better notice on the standing menu placed outside for attraction.

    Review of The Clubhouse (Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    From afar, The Clubhouse did not look as spacious as it is inside. Charming and dainty, this place is a good hangout spot for friends and a small group of family to dine and relax. Designed like an artist’s den, The Clubhouse is built with beige brick walls filled with framed photos of random stuff like nature, food and still objects.

    The ambiance was pretty quiet and comforting like a café, the type that sends the message that your privacy is safe. You won’t find any loud thumping music or testosterone crazed patrons here. Instead, you’d get the impression like you’ve left the city completely.

    Service: ★★★★★

    A pool of youngsters like ourselves, the staffs were attentive and nice. They treated customers fairly and there were no snobs in this dining room.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    We had a bundled platter consisting of The Clubhouse’s best-selling starters (PhP 475): 1/2 pound spicy buffalo wings, cheesy jalapeno poppers and onion rings served with marinara sauce, honey mustard and creamy garlic aioli. The name of the dish says it all: AWESOME THREESOME! 🙂 Presentation though was standard and nothing that would make it as top of my list.

    For a hearty main course, the Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana (PhP 295, lunch set) was served. It’s made with hand-breaded chicken breast fillet topped with The Clubhouse’s homemade fresh tomato sauce and gooey marinara sauce. The set also came with garlic parsley rice and buttered vegetables. Quality was mediocre. The chicken meat and the buttered veggies were hard to chew. But I have to say that the combination of the sauce and the cheese tasted great.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    Price for value is considerably average. The courses we had were not overwhelmingly good that’s enough to get me excited to come back for a second visit soon (maybe if only we want to avoid the chains or fast food). The Clubhouse is mostly for a crowd interested in a relatively clean venue with value-oriented breakfast meals.

    Here’s a glimpse of their breakfast menu: “Comfort Goodness All Day, Every Day”:

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  • Review of David’s Tea House (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City) – Our Return!

    Review of David’s Tea House (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City) – Our Return!

    I hope you’re not on a diet, because you’ll want to check out David’s Tea House right after you see the end of this post. 😛 Why? Well…food porn!

    Following our “thanksgiving lunch” at David’s Tea House MOA Branch last March, we had a chance to try several dishes at this Chinese restaurant yesterday. At lunch time, I brought with me some members of my team and together we were satied once again by great food courses served courtesy of the house. A parade of interesting flavors ensues.

    Review of David’s Tea House (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City) – Our Return!

    Warming our stomachs first was an order of Polonchay (Spinach) with Seafood Soup (PhP 304), which was like fiesta in a bowl. Thinking aloud, I liked to pair it with crusty whole-grain bread and some sliced tomatoes on the side. Oh, but doing that may just transform this Chinese meal to something else? Anyway, the tastes of both the seafood (shrimps) and pureed spinach were obviously great.

    David’s Tea House’s Hot Prawn Salad (PhP 463) is difficult to ignore. As mentioned in my most recent review, it’s my favorite—nothing short of a nest of mayo-based juicy and crunchy hot prawns with fruits salad. The prawns helped make the salad a substantial course, and the fresh lettuce at the bottom cut the heaviness of the dressing. The leaves and the fruits could mercifully trick you to believe that you’re enjoying a light, refreshing dish. When food is this good, I wouldn’t mind taking the calories.

    Packed with vibrant toppings consisting of assorted meat, seafood and eggs, David’s Tea House Sauted Misua Guisado (PhP 185) was cooked just right. It rewards diners with chewy and slippery texture as the noodles had been softened and flavored well with the broth. I’m not a fan of noodles, so I don’t want to lie and say I like it. But my mom and everyone else who’s into eating noodles would surely love this.

    The Shanghai Spring Rolls (PhP 243) were made faultlessly with compact, stuffed ground meat. With crisp wrappers, they appeared almost grease-less—and that’s an indication that these spring rolls are a hit in a lineup of standouts. I mean it’s not often when you see a spring roll that’s more crisp than greasy and actually delicious. So rightfully, celebrate, put on a party hat and enjoy the food. Or that may be an exaggeration of happiness. 😛

    Look at that beautiful slabs of meat! The Fried Crispy Pata (PhP 485) encompasses a world’s worth of ingredients in a very distinctive manner. Topped with very colorful garnish, the fried crispy pata arrived at the table with an intense aroma that only picked up as we started to eat. It was really crispy to the bone and did not at all lack in flavor.

    Another approachable and no less interesting dish we conquered was the Beef Brocolli Flower (PhP 282). This dish is a good grade of meat cooked separately before being blended with the greens. I remember we ordered Beef with Ampalaya last time. The tenderness of the beef was indeed wonderful as it’s consistent throughout. Thank goodness, it didn’t feel like punishing me for chewing the small slices of meat. The sauce was thick and fairly flavored, good to be eaten with steaming plain white rice.

    Similarly, David’s Braised Pata Tim (PhP 463) was protein-focused. I punched a small portion of it and thought it’s good. Soft and savory. Popular as a specialty dish, this braised pork leg recipe may not be a groundbreaking or new idea in contemporary Chinese kitchens, but it’s worth noting that David’s Tea House’s version of it gets appreciated by diners almost all the time.

    At last, the Almond with Lychee (PhP 90) felt clean to the palate. It’s a fascinating combination that always puts a smile on my face. 🙂 Sweet, but not too sweet. Nice and certainly addicting.

    Wrap Up

    Since this was a return visit, my ratings for the ambiance, service and price for value remain the same. For the food, ah… I think the quality is still consistent. I give David’s Tea House another 4/5 stars for overall review rating. One thing is for sure: David’s Tea House, which now has 20 branches all over the Philippines, won’t make you look to stray from the beaten path. This is a recommended place to head for any meal.

    David’s Tea House in MOA has an ongoing promotion right now called “Dimsum Afternoon Weekday Promo.” From Monday to Friday, at 2:30PM to 5:30PM, diners get to enjoy each dimsum variety for PhP 58 only.  Choose from: Shrimp Siomai, Tausi Chicken Feet, Tausi Spareribs, Beef Ball, Fish Tofu, Glutinous Rice with Chicken (Machang), Steamed Chicken Wings with Mushroom, Bean Curd Roll, Shark’s Fin Dumpling, Kuchay Dumpling, Vegetable Meat Pao, Pork Asado Pao, Linyong Pao, Taro Puff, Raddish Cake, Fried Spring Rolls, Fried Cuapao, Steamed Cuapao, Sesame Buchi, Pork Asado Pao, and Bichu-bichu (all originally priced at PhP 95 each).

    [schema type=”review” url=”www.davidsteahouse.com” name=”David’s Tea House (SM Mall of Asia)” description=”1113-1115 Entertainment Mall, Seaside Boulevard, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 556-0204″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-05-29″ user_review=”4″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Hok Kee Food Haus (Binondo, Manila)

    Review of Hok Kee Food Haus (Binondo, Manila)

    Eating is the best way to spend your money in Chinatown, Binondo, Manila. Planning for a food trip here? Then please don’t miss out on Hok Kee (福記) Food Haus in Yuchengco Street (parallel to Quintin Paredes Street). Note I’m not a shareholder or a part-owner of this Chinese restaurant 🙂 ; I’m just a foodie turned new fan of their food specialties. Let’s see how Hok Kee Food Haus delivers its own spin on Chinese cooking.

    Before I go on, however, I should apologize for the poor quality of the photos, which were all taken on my iPhone 4 camera. Because this dinner last Saturday was not at all planned, I did not carry my DSLR for blogging.

    Review of Hok Kee Food Haus (Binondo, Manila)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    Hok Kee Food Haus is a hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant that’s minimally designed. Plain white walls, clean tables, green and orange chairs, and a “vertically rectangular” area welcomed us. Bright lights illuminated the colorful photos of food posted on the walls.

    A door at the back further brings more room to diners (yup, we were surprised). At one glance, you would not notice that Hok Kee Food Haus could accommodate up to about 70 people. Add the dining area on the second floor, which is currently under renovation, and this house can end up serving up to 100 diners altogether.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Three staffs worked very efficiently as they greeted, mingled and served customers in quick paces. They were cheerful, the type that deserves to receive some customer service tip at the end of the meal.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    I’ve never read any review of this restaurant before, but we had a clue that the food here are generally delicious and full-flavored, thanks to Chinoy TV’s feature in one of its episodes.

    One of Hok Kee’s most recommended dish happens to also be my favorite: Hok Kee Hot Shrimp Salad (PhP 310). Their version of the hot shrimp salad is very similar to Wan Chai Tea House and Uno Seafood Wharf Restaurant. Essentially, it’s a platter of skinless shrimps with fruit salad and mayonnaise. The shrimps were fried until just-crisp. The subtle flavor of the shrimps held its own against the other elements.

    Next was another seafood dish: Hok Kee Oyster Cake (PhP 175) which did not scrimp on quality and ingredients. The “cake” was bounty with oysters unlike other oyster cakes served in most Chinese restaurants. In fact, this oyster cake wowed us. We were also suitably impressed at how the busy flavors of egg and veggies give one another massive amounts of flavor high-fives!

    Perhaps everyone would love the Hok Kee Fried Chicken (Half, PhP 200). Perfectly cooked, the white meat was tender and moist. Taste was unpretentious and was even improved with the accompanying gravy. The chicken skin brought a satisfying crunch and crisp which was just so good! Oh, we could forget about being allergic for one moment.

    The Kiampong (Chinese Rice Casserole or 鹹飯) was not transcendentally good; it was okay. It’s pretty close to the kiampong prepared in Buddhist temples. It was saddening that this bowl of sticky rice did not contain any shiitake mushroom I was expecting.

    Desserts options on the menu are quite limited, so your meal may seem to finish rather abruptly. Chances are, by the time you are done eating, you’d be full and leave happy anyway.

    Menu (and my sister behind ^_^):

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    If there’s any Chinese restaurant that should draw you into coming to Chinatown and trying out the best of Chinese food, Hok Kee Food Haus must one of them in your list of destinations. Prices are decent and reasonable for the quality of tastes. They are especially fair if you’re more accustomed to prices of food in highly commercialized places. Serving sizes are generous. (One order is enough to feed two to three.)

    Unsure of what to get? Follow ours or follow your nose—you’ll smell delicious food in other tables and before you know it, you’re already sold, craving for their food over and over again. 😛

    [schema type=”review” name=”Hok Kee Food Haus” description=”433 Yuchengco St. near Padilla St. (formerly Nueva St.) Binondo Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 554-5555″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-05-26″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Mother’s Crepe and Cafe (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Review of Mother’s Crepe and Cafe (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Last Monday, after dinner at Royal View Seafood Restaurant, I was craving for some dessert. Unfortunately, my top two selections for desserts on their menu were unavailable. That meant we had to exit and find another one that could be a perfect alternative. The good news is that having such wonderful restaurants in SM Mall of Asia (MOA) guarantees a fantastic meal that’s merely a few steps away.

    One of the cafes I have bookmarked as a priority for “snacks and desserts” way before is Mother’s Crepe and Cafe (マザーズクレープ). I have always wanted to try the Mazazu crepes, but because I know I could not finish one alone without feeling guilty, I had it planned to devour and share a plate with my family. This came in good timing!

    Mother’s Crepe and Cafe serves French-style crepes with fillings that range from fruits, seafood and meat to sweets and dairy. Below is a snapshot of their best offerings. The crepes are presented in either cone-like shape or plated down neatly, according to your preference. In both ways, these Japanese crepes would come out as an indulgent snack or dessert which you would love looking at as much as eating. 😀

    Review of Mother’s Crepe and Cafe (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    Mother’s Crepe and Cafe has limited space in SM Mall of Asia. Cramped for a dine-in hang-out spot, it’s a simple cafe where customers order based on what they see on display and the long menu near the cashier and across the “kitchen counter.”  The bottles and boxes of ingredients are arranged in an orderly fashion. Everything just looked dainty and colorful. Since air conditioning is reliant to the mall and dining tables and chairs are placed outside, customers have to endure the heat especially this summer. Anyway, chill food and drinks must be enough to do that part of providing a cool breeze and burst of delight.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Alone serving customers in the cafe, the staff was eloquent and fast in preparing food and drinks. This establishment is a one-woman team. She is in charge of taking orders, taking the bill, making food, serving orders, cleaning tables, fulfilling customer requests, and so on. Wow! I thought that’s very efficient, indeed. As you can see, she’s also friendly, welcoming our questions and smiling to the camera as asked.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    The Pinoy Halo-Halo Crepe (PhP 125) did not taste as sweet as I imagined. Made with bran (a healthy dietary fiber) and top quality ingredients, this crepe was filled with the combination of coconut, banana, leche flan, yam and nuts—all essential flavor elements that are mostly what Philippines is known for. The whipped cream and ube ice cream were soft and rich, bringing great complementary tastes, fruity notes and zero trace of bitterness.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    Mother’s Crepe and Cafe is not just another crepe stall. Though similar in flavor and texture to regular crepes, theirs are technically a different beast. It all comes down to the ingredients used and the presentation. Aside from crepes, Mother’s Crepe and Cafe also serves key coffee from Japan, smoothies, float and a number of soda tapioca drinks. With fair prices to beat, I want to try them all only if I’m not too weight-conscious. :mrgreen:

    This dining experience was our extended celebration for Mother’s Day. My mom deserves the treat and all the love from us. Her birthday is coming up next month, and I wonder where we will head to pig out next. One thing I’m sure of is that we gotta buy her new shoes. Maybe it’s time for us to browse for Women’s Shoes Online via ZALORA Philippines. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/motherscrepePH” name=”Mother’s (Mazazu) Crepe and Cafe Philippines” description=”2/F Entertainment Mall Area (near Chatime), SM Mall of Asia” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 804-1910 or email alyns@digicom-ph.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-05-19″ user_review=”15″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]