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Category: Quezon City

  • Beating the Lunch Rush for a Thai Feast at Some Thai, Quezon City

    Beating the Lunch Rush for a Thai Feast at Some Thai, Quezon City

    Last Friday (Nov. 1), we decided to treat ourselves to a Thai food experience like no other. Knowing how popular Some Thai is, we planned to arrive just before 11:30 am—30 minutes before peak lunch hour. This place may not be new, but it has clearly stood the test of time. Every day, you’ll see a line of eager diners snaking outside, waiting for a table. We didn’t want to end up in that line, so we played it smart and arrived early.

    And good thing we did! By the time we settled into our seats, the tables were filling up fast, and within a few minutes, the entire restaurant was packed. It was officially lunchtime, and we were feeling lucky and ready to dive into Some Thai’s best dishes.

    We went straight for the restaurant’s star attractions, the dishes that keep people coming back for more. Some Thai isn’t your average neighborhood Thai spot in Tomas Morato; it’s a place where flavors pop and presentation matters. Every dish we ordered was crafted with a mix of ingredients, textures, and spices that made each bite a memorable experience.

    Here’s a breakdown of the feast:

    Crab Curry: The Comfort Dish with a Spicy Kick

    We started with the Crab Curry, a dish that oozes richness and comfort. As soon as it was placed on the table, the aroma of coconut milk, curry spices, and fresh crab wafted up. The curry was saucy and creamy, with just the right amount of heat. (You can add more spice–there’s chili oil on the table.)

    Each spoonful was loaded with tender chunks of crab meat that tasted fresh and sweet, almost like they’d been caught that morning. This wasn’t a curry you just sip and move on from—it’s the kind you want to scoop up with rice and savor slowly. The flavors were deep and complex, with a hint of sweetness balanced by a subtle spiciness that lingered pleasantly on the palate. We couldn’t resist spooning more of that golden, spicy sauce onto our plates. A must-try for anyone who loves rich, comforting Thai flavors. Order an additional cup of white rice to fully enjoy the dish.

    Crab Omelette Rice: Fluffy, Flavorful, and Oh-So-Fragrant

    Next up was the Crab Omelette Rice—and wow, was it a showstopper. Imagine layers of fluffy egg wrapped around fragrant rice, each bite filled with the sweetness of crab meat. The rice was perfectly seasoned, warm, and comforting, with just the right level of garlic to bring out its flavors without overpowering the crab. But what really set it off was the prawn oil drizzle and crispy garlic chips on top.

    Those garlic chips added the most satisfying crunch and an extra kick of umami that balanced the dish perfectly. The prawn oil gave it a subtle seafood essence that paired beautifully with the crab and egg. This dish had that “wow” factor that made us savor every single bite.

    Son and Raw Egg Salad: Refreshing, Tangy, and Textured

    For something fresh to balance out the richness, we ordered the Son and Raw Egg Salad. This was no ordinary salad—it’s a dish that combines the silky texture of raw egg with fresh kyuri (Japanese cucumber), thinly sliced shallots, kaffir leaves, and cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a tangy, herbaceous dressing.

    When mixed, the raw egg coated each ingredient, adding a rich, almost creamy texture to every forkful. The citrusy, herby flavors from the kaffir leaves and cilantro made this dish both refreshing and slightly tangy, the perfect contrast to the more decadent crab dishes we’d just eaten. The salad was light, vibrant, and energizing—a fantastic palate cleanser that still packed a punch of flavor.

    Scallops Krapao: A Flavor Bomb with Basil and Chili Heat

    One of the highlights of the meal was definitely the Scallops Krapao. This dish featured perfectly cooked, juicy scallops stir-fried with string beans, garlic, and holy basil, then topped with fried basil leaves and garlic chips. The flavors were intense and layered. The holy basil added a fragrant, peppery note, while the garlic and red chili gave each bite a spicy, savory kick that was balanced by the scallops’ natural sweetness. The fried basil and garlic chips added a delightful crunch that complemented the tender scallops, giving the dish a fantastic contrast of textures.

    The whole thing was finished with a squeeze of lime that brought out a bright, citrusy freshness. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but this one was a strong contender—an absolute flavor bomb that kept us going back for more.

    Tom Yum Fried Chicken: Bold, Juicy, and Utterly Addictive

    Finally, we couldn’t leave without trying the Tom Yum Fried Chicken. This dish took fried chicken to a whole new level. Marinated in tom yum spices and coated in a sticky, tangy glaze, each piece of thigh meat was tender and packed with intense flavor. The glaze was everything you’d expect from tom yum—spicy, sour, and bursting with aromatics.

    To add a bit of crunch, the chicken was topped with crispy fried shallots, fresh cilantro, and slivers of kaffir lime leaves, giving each bite a satisfying mix of textures. The lime wedge on the side was a brilliant touch, adding an extra hit of brightness that made each bite taste fresh and zesty. This dish was addictive, the kind of thing you’d crave again as soon as you justify the restaurant.

    The Perfect Finish: Pandan and Lemongrass Iced Tea

    After all those bold flavors, we needed something refreshing to wash it all down. We ordered a Pandan and Lemongrass Iced Tea to share, and it was the perfect choice. The drink was lightly sweet, with a soothing, herbal flavor that came from the pandan and lemongrass. It was cool, fragrant, and just sweet enough without being overpowering—a refreshing, aromatic finish to a deliciously intense meal.

    Wrap Up

    Our lunch at Some Thai was everything we’d hoped for: flavorful, satisfying, and filled with dishes that surprised and delighted us. Every plate was crafted with care, and each ingredient felt like it was there for a reason. The way each dish combined textures, spices, and fresh herbs showcased the essence of Thai cuisine—complex, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

    We justify feeling full, happy, and already thinking about our next visit. It’s easy to see why this restaurant draws a crowd day in and day out. For anyone who loves Thai food, Some Thai is a gem worth visiting, with dishes that stay with you long after the last bite.

    Some Thai – Thai Restaurant In Timog, Quezon City

    Address: 195 Tomas Morato, Sct. Fuentebella St, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila
    Telepono: 0976 439 4356

  • Café 305: A Hidden Gem in Banawe for Foodies and Coffee Lovers

    Café 305: A Hidden Gem in Banawe for Foodies and Coffee Lovers

    Stepping into Café 305 is like entering a realm of simplicity and tranquility. The looks and feel of the café are carefully curated to embrace a clean and minimalist vibe, exuding a sense of modernity and elegance. The owners have masterfully combined sleek lines and uncluttered spaces with a tasteful touch of green and neutral hues, creating an inviting atmosphere that immediately puts guests at ease.

    Café 305 just had their soft opening last June 19, 2023. It’s location address is at the Banawe Square Building corner G. Roxas Street, Quezon City. For inquiries, You may contact them at +63 918 919 1305.

    I had a chance to have a group dinner with my family last week. Let me share with you our fun and memorable experience here. 🙂

    Discover Café 305: Where Minimalism Meets Culinary Delights

    Ambiance and Aesthetics

    The café’s color palette predominantly consists of soothing neutrals such white and warm beige tones. These muted hues provide a perfect backdrop for the splashes of green incorporated throughout the space. Potted plants and leafy arrangements are thoughtfully placed, infusing the interior with a refreshing natural element that adds to the café’s overall charm.

    Upon entering, customers are greeted by a cozy seating area, adorned with plush seating and dining tables, where one can enjoy their drinks and desserts in style. The main dining area features a mix of cozy booths and stylish marbled tables paired with contemporary chairs, offering guests a comfortable and chic setting to savor their meals.

    The clean and uncluttered design also extends to the counter area where the café’s delectable pastries and sweets are on display. Glass cases showcase an array of mouthwatering treats, tempting visitors to indulge in their favorite desserts.

    One of the notable features of Café 305 is its dedication to ensuring customers’ convenience. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the café, catering to those who wish to catch up on work, study, or simply stay connected while relishing their time in the café’s serene environment.

    Furthermore, Café 305 goes above and beyond by offering its entire second floor as a versatile function area, capable of accommodating private events and gatherings. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, corporate meeting, or a social get-together, the café’s spacious second floor can host up to 50 people comfortably. The same clean and minimalistic design ethos extends to this area, providing a sophisticated and intimate setting for special occasions.

    The thoughtful design and versatility of Café 305 make it an ideal choice for different events and gatherings. The warm and welcoming ambiance, along with the attentive staff, ensures that guests feel right at home, making their dining experience truly memorable.

    As the day turns to evening, the café subtly transforms with ambient lighting, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere that invites patrons to unwind and enjoy the company of friends or loved ones. The soft glow of pendant lights hanging from the ceiling added a touch of sophistication to the already elegant space.

    Food

    As an appetizer, we had the Truffle Fries and Shawarma Nachos, both of which were excellent choices to whet our appetites. The Truffle Fries were crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned, while the aroma of truffle oil added a luxurious touch.

    The Shawarma Nachos were a unique fusion of Mediterranean and Mexican flavors, with tender shawarma meat, melted cheese, and a medley of fresh toppings that provided a burst of zesty goodness with every bite. These appetizers were so satisfying that we almost wanted to order another round.

    One of the highlights of the main dishes we tried was the Beef Morcon, a traditional Filipino-style roulade cooked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. The beef was tender, succulent, and bursting with flavors, complemented by the hearty tomato sauce that elevated the dish to a whole new level. Each bite was a delightful symphony of taste and texture, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the café.

    For those craving a rich and creamy dish, the Lengua in a creamy sauce is a must-try. The lengua, or ox tongue, is my mom’s favorite. We loved that it was incredibly tender and bathed in a velvety sauce that was both savory and comforting. This classic Filipino dish was a delightful reminder of home-cooked meals, prepared with love and passion.

    Next on our culinary journey was the Pork Menudo, another beloved Filipino classic. The dish was a harmonious medley of bite-sized tender pork, potatoes, and carrots, cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce that was seasoned to perfection. It was a hearty and satisfying dish that paired wonderfully with steamed rice, leaving us with smiles of contentment.

    Seafood lovers will find delight in the Rellenong Bangus, a Filipino-style stuffed milkfish. The bangus was filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, vegetables, and spices, creating a delightful interplay of tastes. The dish was both aromatic and mouthwatering, showcasing the café’s commitment to offering authentic and delightful Filipino cuisine.

    For those with dietary preferences, Café 305 proves to be accommodating and thoughtful. They prepared a vegetarian-friendly Truffle Pasta for my dad, who is a vegetarian. The pasta was cooked al dente and generously coated in a creamy truffle sauce that exuded sophistication and refinement. I think even non-vegetarians will like it! It actually surpassed our expectations, proving that vegetarian dishes can be just as indulgent and flavorful.

    To wash down our delightful meal, we ordered a range of refreshing and comforting beverages. The Melon Smoothie and Avocado Smoothie were a burst of freshness and natural sweetness, perfect for the tropical climate. The Hot Chocolate was rich, velvety, and decadent, offering comfort in every sip. Meanwhile, the Hot Latte was a symphony of robust coffee flavor and velvety milk, a treat for any coffee enthusiast.

    Wrap Up

    If you’re a food enthusiast on the lookout for a new gem to tickle your taste buds, look no further than Café 305, the latest sensation that has taken the Banawe area in Quezon City by storm. This quaint café, named after the very street where the owner’s parents used to frequent, offers a delectable array of dishes that will leave you craving for more.

    From sweet treats to hearty meals, Café 305 has something to satisfy every palate. With the convenience of free Wi-Fi and the option to host private events on the second floor, this café proves to be a versatile and cherished destination for locals and visitors alike. Check it out!

  • Review of Stoned Steaks (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Review of Stoned Steaks (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Steakhouses are usually the go-to restaurants for any kind of major celebration. Eastwood, Libis has just a few selections. Top of mind “steak restaurants” include The House of Wagyu, Outback Steakhouse, and Stoned Steaks. For our team’s Christmas dinner, I decided to have a group meal at Stoned Steaks despite it having low ratings online (TripAdvisor, Zomato, blogs, etc.) I wanted to know how true the reviews really were and if we’d be surprised to find out otherwise and prove them wrong.

    Review of Stoned Steaks (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Stoned Steaks consists of a longish gallery dining room (where we were seated) and the al fresco dining area. Total groups of guests that can be seated would be around 5-6. Dark panels adorning the walls and a bar showcasing bottles of wine complete a warm and inviting vibe, while the whole scene was perhaps a bit ostentatious when looking from the outside.

    It’s quite a modern, small and intimate spot for a fancy night out, with some more elaborate touches you want in a classy steakhouse. That said, it takes about ten seconds inside Stoned Steaks before you realize that it’s one of the few slightly upscale restaurants in Eastwood, or at the very least, one that definitely looks and acts the part.

    Service:

    Reservation was easily made through Instagram and confirmed via sms. Staff were responsive but not too friendly or accommodating. There was a little hiccup on attitude at the end but was already apologized for after calling it out. Overall, service here just didn’t live up to the elegance of the place or stand up to the luxurious tab.

    Food:

    At first glance, the menu reads like a steakhouse Hall of Fame induction ceremony. There are several pages that consist only of the different grades and cuts of steak with prices that can naturally induce gasps of wonderment.

    As for the steak, the lava stone made the experience unique, as it had heat that can cook the steak at your own pace. We asked for the steak to be sliced into bite-sized portions as soon as it was cooked perfectly to our liking. The dish made a strong impression to start and the presentation set expectations high from the get-go. Taste and texture were decent but nothing astronomically delicious. It had a good sear and char and was balanced but no “melt-in-your-mouth sensation” which was kinda disappointing. There wasn’t a huge amount of flavor, but you can just taste the natural flavor of meat. Anyway, sauces and condiments helped.

    Do you really order other things than steak here? We did. In fact, I enjoyed Seafood Jambalaya (PhP 425) the most, and it was the first thing that hit the table after the complimentary bread. It’s basically rice mixed with different seafoods like clams, mussels, and shrimps. Serving size is good for about 2-3 people to share.

    Wagyu Salpicao (PhP 450) could definitely work as an entree. Pair it with the fragrant and aromatic Steak Fried Rice (PhP 130) to elevate the taste of beef more. Grilled Tanigue (PhP 625) and Wagyu Lasagna (PhP 390) were okay but not good enough reasons to come to Stoned Steaks.

    Price for Value:

    They had a promotion on their steaks which slashed off 50% from the original price. If not for the discount, value for money wouldn’t be as fair as you’d like. Stoned Steaks is a cheaper alternative to House of Wagyu and cooking the steak on a hot stone added to the creativity which elevated the dining experience, but other than that, it would be better to eat and spend your money on a celebratory dinner some place else.

  • Kurimi Milk Tea Bar, The First 2D Café in the Philippines

    Kurimi Milk Tea Bar, The First 2D Café in the Philippines

    Unique interiors, delicious and refreshing drinks, and affordable pricing—these are the three main reasons why you should check out Kurimi Milk Tea Bar in Sct. Limbaga Street in Tomas Morato area. 🙂

    Cafe Yeonnam-dong 239-20 in Seoul has been in our travel bucket list for the longest time. Now that we’re on lockdown and couldn’t really fly to Korea, Kurimi Milk Tea Bar is the closest we can visit to experience being inside a real-life drawing. Black lines along corners and edges and just all-white furniture look so creative. The two-dimensional effect will easily catch anyone’s attention. Even their bathroom has doodles and still consistent and seamless with the concept!

    When we look back at our photos, we seemed like characters out of a comic or sketchbook. It’s a fun place to chill with friends. Architecturally, it’s impressive, even if you’re not a fan of milk tea. 🙂 Note that the limit capacity inside is 8 people, following social distancing and safety protocols. We were the only customers at that time, so it was calm and quiet and service was fast.

    Kurimi Milk Tea Bar, The First 2D Café in the Philippines

    Kurimi offers different variants of milk tea sourced from Taiwan and brewed fresh daily. They have the Cream Cheese Series, signature milk teas, Brown Sugar Series, Cheesecake Series, fruit teas, and specialty drinks. If you’re not into milk teas, fantastic options of fruit teas with tropical flavors like passionfruit, lychee, lemon, grapefruit, watermelon, and peach can match your preference. What’s also special about their drinks is the popping boba, a little juice ball filled also with fruit juice and pops when bitten into. It’s a great spin-off from traditional boba.

    We got the following: Jasmine Milk Tea Cream Cheese, Jasmine Tea Cream Cheese, Blueberry Cheesecake with Pearl, and Watermelon Fruit Tea with Mix Popping Boba. Everything was delightful and enjoyable. The ones with cream cheese are the creamiest, certainly living up to the name “kurimi” which is Japanese from “creamy.” Yum!

    Kurimi Milk Tea Bar now has three branches. They are open for dine-in, take-out, and delivery. If you’re just near Tomas Morato and feel safe going out, this one-of-a-kind café is worth the trip. Take as many photos as you’d like while enjoying cool drinks. 🥤

    Address: 88 Scout Limbaga Ext, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
    Contact Number: 0920 916 1078
    Email: kurimimilkteabar@gmail.com

  • Review of The Alley by Vikings (U.P. Town Center, Diliman, Quezon City)

    Review of The Alley by Vikings (U.P. Town Center, Diliman, Quezon City)

    The word “food hall” usually brings to mind the same-old joints in food courts and in food parks. Not anymore. The Alley by Vikings makes the concept of a food hall far more ambitious, taking in fine chefs, artisans and purveyors in town. We should definitely have tried this earlier!

    I first got intrigue after watching PopTalk’s feature on The Alley as the first eat-and-drink-all-you-can food hall in the Philippines. This newest addition to the Vikings family offers something for everyone (Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, American, Thai, etc.) with 14 food stalls each one serving a unique specialty. It was the perfect place to celebrate our parents’ wedding anniversary this year. We stayed there for four hours of non-stop munching with enjoyment. Obviously, we had a blast!

    Review of The Alley by Vikings (U.P. Town Center, Diliman, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    At The Alley by Vikings, don’t ask for what they specialize in, because the answer is, “what do you like?”. Take your pick on the exciting cuisines and explore this foodie paradise for interesting finds. The space is enormous, casual and comfy, with little retro and rustic touches here and there.

    The themed booths look decorative and creative, certainly a good way to attract people and elevate their dining experience. There’s plenty of room to accommodate large groups. The layout can be a tad confusing at first but you’ll get how it works soon. So before getting a plate and stuffing it with food, we suggest roaming around and navigating the alleys first. Don’t miss the taho station, dirty ice cream cart, and squid ball and kikiam stall at one end of the dining hall. 🙂

    Food:

    This gourmet food hall offers a tour of the world in one meal. Each counter has a distinct substantial variety of food including: Just Steak a Minute (sizzling plats like pork tenderloin in mushroom truffle sauce, chicken chimichurri, salisbury with pepper sauce and beef steak), Kegz (cocktails and alcoholic beverages), La Sap, Street Work, Trituen Batsoy, Lost & Pound, Antipasto Blvd (appetizers like cheese, salad, and bite-size snacks), Hao Chi (Chinese food), New York Pizza (pizza), Nords Coffee Bar, O’Sean Eleven (baked oysters), Yatai (assorted sushi, sashimi, tempura, maki and rolls), Hunneycomb (desserts like ice cream, cake, crepe, candies, etc.), and Ferino’s (bibingka and puto bumbong).

    With an overwhelming number of options, it’s hard to go wrong with anything. We started with some street food and quick bites like tacos, chicken wings, and lumpia as appetizers, then continued with Japanese sushi and sashimi and Chinese dim sum before finally moving on to the mains. The spicy laksa noodle soup, beef steak, pork bagnet, and tacos deserved two thumbs up. Their milk tea, pineapple & carrot juice, tamarind juice, and watermelon juice tasted really nice and fresh.

    We followed our stomach, ate slowly to relish the flavors, but still got so full before we knew it. Hence, regrettably, we were not able to try everything at The Alley. A second visit is a must! In any case, overall, we were impressed with the quality of food as they’ve surpassed our expectation. I ended my meal with a hot cup of ginger and lemon tea detoxify and reduce bloat. 🙂

    Price for Value:

    The Alley by Vikings offers a “new-school” take on food hall via vibrant dishes served in a more upscale, air-conditioned cozy environment. Surprise your palate with bustling and unfailingly delicious flavors at only PhP 738-PhP 938 per person (adult). Make sure to call ahead for a reservation to avoid long waits.

    The Alley by Vikings at U.P. Town Center Rates

    ADULT RATE:

    Adult Weekday Lunch: 738 (+5% service charge)
    Adult Weekday Dinner: 938 (+5% service charge)
    Adult Weekends/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 938 (+5% service charge)

    KIDS RATE:

    Kids below 3 ft: FREE

    Kids 3 ft – 4 ft Weekday Lunch: 188 (+5% service charge)
    Kids 3 ft – 4 ft Weekday Dinner: 288 (+5% service charge)
    Kids 3 ft – 4 ft Weekends/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 288 (+5% service charge)

    Kids 4 ft – 4 ft 4.6″ Weekday Lunch: 388 (+5% service charge)
    Kids 4 ft – 4 ft 4.6″ Weekday Dinner: 588 (+5% service charge)
    Kids 4 ft – 4 ft 4.6″ Weekends/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 588 (+5% service charge)

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/thealleyuptown/” name=”The Alley by Vikings” description=”Second Floor, Phase 2, U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City” rev_name=”The Alley by Vikings in U.P. Town Center” rev_body=”From the group that brought you Vikings. The Alley is an international street-inspired indoor food hall with 15 unique food concepts to choose from. A first of its kind to offer unlimited food and drinks. Taste and experience different flavors and specialty cuisines. Contact: 0917-673-5888, 277-1888, 277-2888. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.” author=”Roch Sioco” pubdate=”2020-03-01″ user_review=”4.6″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores (Del Monte, Quezon City)

    Review of Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores (Del Monte, Quezon City)

    Searching for an ideal restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or a family gathering can be quite tricky. The location and mood, the food selection, and the budget come together when considering where to go. If you’re in the market for a convenient and impressive setting in Metro Manila, Las Casas Manila in QC could be the one. At least that’s what we thought when we walked in! 🙂 Not just because the location is pretty close to our home (walking distance from Fishermall), the food looked nice and tasted great, though both of these things are true. It’s because everyone seemed to be have a good time!

    We celebrated Valentine’s Day here last Sunday and had a fantastic experience. We saw couples on a date, families having a big lunch, and even business partners discussing stuff over food. All of that’s definitely promising, but the main reason to see a future with this place is because Las Casas by Margarita Fores has a homey appeal. It is an events place where you can do photoshoots. It has a swimming pool outside and a large grassy area to wander around. On the menu, you’ll find some reliable favorites like paella, unique appetizers, delicious mains, and superb desserts. More on these below.

    Review of Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores (Del Monte, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Whether for a romantic evening or a casual meal with your family or friends, Las Casas Manila offers one of the best settings in Metro Manila with an unhurried atmosphere and classy vibe. Entering the restaurant is like welcoming yourself in an aunt’s home. It looked bright and cheery on one side, while the other direction pointed to a more “old-world elegance” vibe. The dining room was magnificent overall, with rich dark wood everywhere, a high ceiling, and lovely ornate details. We walked up the grand staircase and found vintage furniture on the second floor. There are function rooms where you can host a wedding reception or a huge birthday bash. What a total package!

    Food:

    On a closer look, the food selections at Las Cases were way more interesting than they seemed—and for a semi-upscale restaurant, also affordable. For appetizer, we had the Tortilla de Patatas, Jamon Serrano Mayonesa (Potato Omelette) (PhP 120). We found it fun to eat because of all the varying textures and layers. This Spanish food is an upgrade from the regular omelette, one of those rare dishes that demonstrate how a handful of household ingredients can be transformed from ho-hum to exceptional with just a little bit of good technique.

    The rest of the food we ordered were all recommendations of our server. Smothered in cheese and mixed with chunks of chorizo, their best-selling Penne con Chorizo (PhP 275) was rich, creamy, and flavorful. It’s a light dish you can enjoy before the mains, and you’ll feel like a few minutes away from a Spanish taste sensation.

    Their Pollo con Paprika (PhP 390) had a generous amount of sauce. The chicken was tender, aromatic, and satisfying.

    We also liked the Chuleton (Grilled Marinated Rib Eye) with Salsa Verde and Paprika Mayonesa (250 grams, PhP 720). The steak was well seasoned, with a pleasant beefiness that made it taste good even without a dip into the included condiments. Texturally, it was properly tender (cooked medium) and juicy.

    For desserts, we had Churros con Chocolate (PhP 120) and Tres Leches, Smoked Coconut, Dried Mangoes, and Jackfruit (PhP 280). The churros were some of the tastiest we’ve had—perfectly crisp and spot on fluffy. It was even more delicious when taken with a dab of warm chocolate.

    Tres Leches, Smoked Coconut, Dried Mangoes, and Jackfruit made for a worthy close to the meal. We have never had anything like it before. This ultra light cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture is a popular cake in Mexico and Latin America. Tres leches consisted of three types of milk over the top–evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. Similar to an angel food cake, the whipped egg whites in the batter made it extra light and spongy. We took a bite, closed our eyes, and almost clapped our hands with glee. It easily became one of our favorites! You’ll love this cake. It’s like a hidden treasure!

    Price for Value:

    Las Casas Manila by Margarita Forés exceeded our expectations. The space is so postcard-like so it’s a great opportunity to take your camera outside and shoot. Be a tourist in your own city and make the most out of your visit here. Stop by with a group, or a date, on a weekend afternoon, and hang out for an hour or two. Delight in Spanish cuisine in a beautiful restored heritage mansion! It’s one of the better places to eat in the area, and prices are reasonable and won’t break the bank. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/LasCasasManilaByM/b6c ” name=”Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores” description=”134 Roosevelt Avenue, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City, Philippines” rev_name=”Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores” rev_body=”Las Casas Manila is a restaurant offering a Spanish menu. It’s also an events place with function rooms ideal for any celebration.” author=”Roch Sioco” pubdate=”2020-02-23″ user_review=”4.7″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Hanamaruken Ramen (Trinoma Mall, Quezon City)

    Review of Hanamaruken Ramen (Trinoma Mall, Quezon City)

    Trinoma is relatively close to our home but we super seldom visit this mall for unknown reason. Anyway, we thought of watching a movie there recently. Before then, we had lunch at Hanamaruken Ramen. Originating in Osaka in 1982, this ramen joint exudes a street-style charm in a modern setting. Its branch in Trinoma is apparently its first outside Japan, so we were much excited to try some Japanese food classics right at the spot.

    Review of Hanamaruken Ramen (Trinoma Mall, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    The ambiance offers good spaces for seating large groups. I like how Japanese decors were placed inside a glass wall, and the cage lighting inside even added up to an attractive visual display. A consistent gray color scheme and clean lines were followed throughout, giving a casual and upscale vibe.

    Food:

    The menu features recommendations and clear descriptions, names, and photos of food. Louie ordered Hanamaruken’s Signature Happiness Ramen (Half, PhP 445) without batting an eyelash. It’s the signature ramen bowl that’s said to be a masterpiece created by Founder Takaku Arakawa himself. For sure, it must be something really special. And indeed, it was a comforting dish with hearty ingredients and a rich aroma. We were surprised to learn that the half size is still actually quite large. A sheet of nori on the side has the words “Happiness is coming” written in Japanese. The broth is a mix of shoyu and tonkotsu, delivering both salty and savory flavors with pork undertones.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4TZprhnsMD/

    I got Hanamaruken’s Tan Tan Mien (PhP 390). Made with a porky, opaque pale broth, their version of tonkotsu came with a sticky-lipped intensity and tiny nubbins of fat and minced pork swimming around on the surface. Sesame paste and curry tasted great, with tolerable heat. No doubt, this is the ultimate meal-in-a-bowl for me and one of the things I’d think of when you say comfort food.

    For our standalone side dishes, we got a serving each of Tiger Prawn Tempura (PhP 580) and Gyoza (PhP 240). The tempura was tagged with a hefty price, but it was worth it! With a gorgeous crunch, it’s one of best tempuras we’ve had. I fell in love with my first bite. 🙂 The freshness of the prawn was so evident, and we thoroughly enjoyed the flavor and natural sweetness that came from it without being distracted by the crispy tempura skin.

    Their Gyoza was fine as well but not an absolute must-try. The filling was nicely seasoned and tasted better with the dipping sauce.

    Price for Value:

    Hanamaruken Ramen is known for serving bowls of soul-satisfying ramen that bring happiness. Prices are not too friendly to the budget, but patrons don’t mind. The signature taste, aroma, and flavors of each dish drive people to explore more and more into a heavenly happy ramen world. Bring your family here to experience slurp-worthy ramen, and you can’t go wrong. We’re also willing to try their rice bowls next time!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/hanamarukenph/” name=”Hanamaruken Ramen Philippines” description=”2/F Trinoma Mall, North Avenue corner EDSA, Quezon City Tel. No. 720-9283; 628-1603 Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Thursday) and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday to Sunday)” rev_name=”Hanamaruken Ramen” rev_body=”Hanamaruken was created by a family of butchers in 1982. It is a subsidiary of the Arakawa Pork Company, a reputable supplier of high-quality meat in Osaka, Japan.” author=”Roch Sioco” pubdate=”2019-11-01″ user_review=”4.3″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Wangfu Chinese Cafe (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of Wangfu Chinese Cafe (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Located in Il Terrazzo, Wangfu in Tomas Morato serves Singaporean-Chinese comfort food that’s simple yet incredibly delicious. Walk inside and there’s no mistaking what you’re here for. There are so many different ingredients at play on their menu, and the sum of their parts is outstanding. Since it’s housed in a strip mall, it’s a good place for a casual weeknight dinner or a quick lunch. If you’re in the area craving Singaporean or Chinese food, stop on in! 🙂

    Review of Wangfu Chinese Cafe (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    The ambient lighting, the comfortable and chic chairs, the cool palette or grays, orange and crystalline reflections as well as accents make up a casual vibe at Wangfu. This is a Chinese cafe where good conversations, heartfelt laughter, and great moments come to life. I love how the walls were made to look like the exterior of Singaporean shophouses. These cultural features bring the feeling of being transported to Singapore.

    Food:

    The Hong Kong Style Pork Chop Rice (PhP 198) came with a generous serving of rice, topped with a cheesy cream sauce and tender pork chops. A very cozy sort of dish.

    If you’re ordering a rice bowl, it will be hard to resist the urge to get the Nanyang Milk Tea (served hot or cold) so just let it happen (add P40). The milk tea tastes authentic with just the right balance of milk and tea.

    Stir Fried Ramen (PhP 138) was quite enjoyable, with excellent plump and juicy noodles and a nice chewiness.

    Salted Egg Fried Squid (PhP 398) demonstrated a mix of crispy and supple textures that played well. Taste was salty and savory yet flavorful you’ll be messaging your friends before you even wipe your fingers off! We’re big fans of this dish.

    Price for Value:

    Wangfu in Il Terrazzo delivered pretty much exactly what it advertised: a mash-up of Singaporean-Chinese food favorites that hit the spot. Prices may not be on the cheap side but are reasonable given the quality and tastes of food served. We’re excited to visit for another great meal! Dimsum, Cereal Prawns, Wangfu Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Hong Kong Style Seafood Rice all look awesome on the menu. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/WangfuChineseCafe/” name=”Wangfu Chinese Cafe” description=”Il Terrazzo Bldg. Tomas Morato, Quezon City, Philippines” rev_name=”Wangfu Chinese Cafe” rev_body=”Contact 7090569 for any inquiry or reservation.” author=”Roch Sioco” pubdate=”2019-10-31″ user_review=”4.6″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]