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Category: Quezon City

  • Review of Little Winehaus (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Review of Little Winehaus (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Comfortably sitting 10 people indoors or al fresco for bigger groups, Little Winehaus transports you to another city other than Manila. Think Spain or Italy, and reminisce wine cellars in Europe. The setting is a mixed of traditional and contemporary, with natural stone and brick walls, barrels made into tables, modern lighted menu board and paintings, and several traditional decors.

    little winehaus

    Review of Little Winehaus (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Little Winehaus in Paligsahan, Quezon City is a good first date spot. It’s not spacious inside but it has charm. The atmosphere is cool and casual, where simultaneously feeling laid-back and happening. It’s where you stop for some wine or a glass of sangria and a decent snack for more of a sit-down situation.

    The wine menu consists of red and white varieties from various countries. Some of the popular choices are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Malbec, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, and Moscato. There’s also a wide range of cheese to pair with wine. The best thing of all? Their wines are at Happy Hour prices! For food, house specialties include the Caviar Pie, Jamon Serrano, Callos, Li’l Brats, Cheesecake and Dulong.

    We loved their sangria, dulong. lil brat 2, cheesecake, and jamon spread. You will, too! Try pairing different food and wine and discover a new favorite. If things look promising and you want a full-meal route, there’s no problem and no hassle ordering food from other restaurants within the same food hub.

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  • Review of Kusina Juan Republika (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Review of Kusina Juan Republika (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Gifts, days off work, drinking booze in the middle of the day – these are some of the greatest parts of the holiday season. Also, chow time and family time! If you still don’t know where to go, check out Kusina Juan Republika in Paligsahan, Quezon City. Their specialty? Kapampangan food with a twist!

    Established in May 2016, this Filipino restaurant prides itself with serving home-cooked Pinoy favorites, the way your mom does it, with TLC (Tender Loving Care). It’s a recommended a venue for gatherings, be it special celebrations or simple meetups with family and friends, where the ambiance is “home away from home.” There’s a huge selection of dishes from appetizers, entrees, soup, noodles, rice, and sets, so you can expect a delicious and exciting meal whenever you come.

    Review of Kusina Juan Republika (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Kusina Juan Republika serves great, fairly priced Filipino food and always guarantees you won’t leave at all hungry. The waitstaff is set on making sure you have an excellent time, Christmas, holiday or otherwise.

    Our meal started out with a serious helping of Sizzling Balut (PhP 190)- preserved duck eggs cooked in an appetizing sauce. Try this Filipino delicacy if you’re into exotic food. Built a bit like a parfait, you have the egg white at the bottom, the duck in the middle and then the yolk in layers.

    Do not miss the Krispy Pata (PhP 495). A porcine obsession of many Filipinos, the deep-fried pork knuckles had a great separation of fat and lean, with a pleasant, firm texture. The pork struck a balance between tenderness and chew and showed off a wonderfully crisp exterior to boot. It’s quite good when eaten alone but better with vinegar and chili sauce for a touch of tartness and a more balanced taste.

    My mom dearly loves grilled catfish or “Inihaw na Hito” (PhP 220), and we’re glad it didn’t have a muddy taste. It was our first time to try it with Buro’t Mustasa. Buro is a local delicacy of Pampanga which is made of fermented rice. It has a pungent smell and is usually paired with fried food like pork, chicken, and fish. Mustasa refers to preserved or pickled mustard greens. It’s definition a good option to eat catfish with this condiment, but I still think that the classic combination of vinegar and soy sauce would work well with the catfish.

    I’m usually not a fan of sisig, but even I must admit that Kusina Juan Republika’s sisig isn’t bad. They actually offer two versions: one is Sisig ala Manila (PhP 195) which came out crunchier and the other is Sisig ala Pampanga (PhP 195) made with grilled pork with fresh onions, chicken liver, and fresh chili pepper.

    A Filipino meal just wouldn’t seem complete without some sort of rice. In this case, ordering Pinakbet Rice with Seafoods (PhP 180) would be for your maximum pleasure. It had an abundance of varying flavors at play. The cast iron pan was loaded with a vibrant mix of seafoods, vegetables, and fluffy grains of rice that were powerfully flavored. The sweet, briny flavor of the mussels and the delicate flavor of the squid shone throughout the dish and was enjoyed by all.

    Kusina Juan Republika is located at the same compound (or “food park,” if you will) as Bento & Co, Urbanidad Cafe, Little Winehaus, Open Table, Adelaida’s Delicacies, 5YNCO Bar, and Brewology Cafe. They offer “menu sharing.” This means that you can get food from other establishments within these restaurants whenever you’re seated. Ask one of the staff for the menu and request to have desserts or drinks served at your location, at no additional service fee.

    Kusina Juan Republika has also been featured in Taste Buddies (GMA News TV). Watch the video here:

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  • Review of The Brewology Cafe (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Review of The Brewology Cafe (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    If you want to be at home all day but also think it might be healthy to have a change of scenery, check out The Brewology Cafe. It’s a small cafe in Scout Lazcano Street serving equally-excellent specialty coffee and baked goods. I predict you’ll stick around long enough to have time for both. Especially if you have a sweet tooth, this place is for you. ♥

    We tried all their best offerings recently. If we’re talking about the most number of amazing desserts I had in one seating, this must have set a record here! 🙂

    Review of The Brewology Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    The Brewology Cafe features a minimalist interior with light wood fixtures and cozy spots to curl up with your coffee or chat with a friend. It showcases a beautiful interplay between pure form and function, keeping the place feeling natural yet modern. It’s unassuming, comfortable in its own skin and all the more chic for it. This cafe has enough space for groups of people to hang out, and the setting can work for a low-key date, too.

    The aroma of coffee plus the relaxed atmosphere makes it feel like being at home. Window blinds work well to take the flare out, control the amount of sunshine, and encourage privacy inside. Overall, there’s nothing particularly striking or compelling with the design. The food and drinks here have more stories to tell.

    Food:

    The menu looks overwhelming with all things nice and sweet. We settled for the following: Heaven on Earth (H.O.E.) (PhP 165), Cheesecake Brownie (PhP 75), Cappuccino Cheesecake (PhP 145), S’mores Brownie (PhP 70), Red Velvet Brookie (PhP 65), Slutty Brownie (PhP 80), Chocolate Cake (PhP 90), Waffogato (PhP 160), S’mores Waffle (PhP 190), Manual Brew (PhP 160), Latte (PhP 155), Babysitter Coffee (PhP 160), and Scramble Milkshake (PhP 120).

    There wasn’t anything there that didn’t taste like heaven. The baked goods were soft, moist, and truly delectable. Everything you order will be good no matter what, so share with a friend. Or don’t. 😛

    My five favorites:
    1. Red Velvet Brookie – This brownie-cookie hybrid will leave you punch-drunk in brookie love! Its texture, taste, and the layer of golden, buttery, chocolatey top were divine.
    2. S’mores Waffle – It’s not diabetes-inducing sweet and I enjoyed the marshmallows. My heart was content.
    3. Slutty Brownie – Covered in a layer of fudgy gooey brownie, this is the ultimate marriage of chocolate chip cookie and Oreo fudge bar.
    4. Babysitter – It’s strong mocha coffee with pillowy soft and rich-flavored marshmallows melt on top. Yuuum!
    5. Heaven on Earth – It’s literally what the name implies. It’s a step-up version of the regular affogato, with coffee jelly, mocha cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a cold brew instead of espresso.

    Price for Value:

    The Brewology Cafe is your new reason for getting out of bed in the morning. Prices are fair and decent given the value. If you want to get refreshing drinks and eat clouds of sweetness, visit this place at least once, and you’ll be hooked in no time. A huge plus is that you can order food from this cafe when you’re dining in any restaurant within the same food hub. They offer “menu sharing.”

    Ask one of the staff for the menu and request to have desserts or drinks served at your location (Kusina Juan, Bento & Co, Urbanidad Cafe, Little Winehaus, Open Table, Adelaida’s Delicacies, or 5YNCO Bar) at no additional service fee.

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  • Review of Seoul Train Korean BBQ (Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Quezon City)

    Review of Seoul Train Korean BBQ (Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Quezon City)

    Seoul Train Korean Barbecue in Sgt. Esguerra Avenue is an easy and excellent place to try something new. It was on soft opening when we had our dinner. This restaurant serves delicious Korean food and makes you feel like you’re in a train. The background sound effect goes “choo-choo” repeatedly over KPop music, and we thought it’s cool. Craving for Korean food? You need this in your arsenal. Seoul Train Korean BBQ is the place to come if you like the idea of grilling meat on the table and eating inside a “train.” So go forth with confidence. Your long day at work deserves it.

    Review of Seoul Train Korean BBQ (Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Korean bands’ logos, pictures of Korean idols, graffiti on the walls, and KPop artists performing on TV. No, these do not depict the actual trains in Korea, but Seoul Train Korean BBQ has a unique ambiance that’s hard not to love. It’s like dining in a train, as you’ll see signages of Korean train stations, directions to exit (way out), car number, stickers for senior citizens’ seats, and more creative visuals.

    Outside, the facade of this train-themed restaurant is complete with rails, wipers on windows, and lights. I just didn’t manage to take a picture because it was raining, I didn’t bring an umbrella, and I couldn’t step back. Anyway, entrance to the dining area requires just a push of a button. The door opened automatically as how a real train carriage’s door opens.

    In the waiting area, there are different forms of entertainment available for the waiting customers. You can buy a capsule toy (for PhP 60 each), play the claw machine (2 PhP 10 coins) and read some magazine. Seoul Train Korean Barbecue also has a VIP room which can accommodate up to 15 people. If you’re coming with a group this big, a reservation is a must. A consumable price of PhP 3000 on weekdays and PhP 5000 on weekends will be charged.

    Service:

    We booked a reservation ahead of time to make sure we could secure a spot under an hour. The staff strictly told us that we could only stay for 1.5 hours (7:30PM to 9:00PM), but since there wasn’t a heavy flow of new customers coming in that night, we were allowed to stay longer. Servers were courteous and nice, and you can get their attention by raising your hand (per usual) or by pressing the red button (similar to the stop button in a real bus which you press to signal you want to get off).

    Food:

    Most things on the menu looked good, but we chose ones that are more familiar so our taste buds could relate better. 🙂 For starter, we had Haemul Pajeon (PhP 400), the “legendary Korean seafood pancake” that’s crispy on the outside, toasty on the edges, and soft and chewy on the inside. There’s also a vegetarian option available, so if you or your friends are vegetarians, you may request for one.

    There is something yummy and heart-warming about a sizzling bowl of bibimbap. A meal unto its own, Dolsot Bibimbap (PhP 350) was a heavenly combination of beef and flavorful vegetables cooked just right.

    Tteobokki with Cheese and Noodles (PhP 380) turned out as a heartier version of simple tteokbokki. Tteokbokki is a Korean street food snack made primarily of chewy rice cakes and fiery, funky gochujang chili paste. The final assemblage was unabashedly spicy but impossible to put down. This is the go-to hungry stomach answer for K-Poppers. Eat between sips of cold water if you can’t handle the heat.

    The star of the night? Saeng Galbi (PhP 980), of course. For pure meat taste, many Koreans prefer cuts of meat that have no marinade, especially when it’s the primmest beef short ribs you can have. A little salt and perhaps a dash of pepper will do wonders for the house special ssamjang. Banchan and lettuce can be refilled once along as requested. To eat the Korean way, place a leaf of lettuce on your palm, place meat, and a dab of dipping sauce. Then, close the lettuce and enjoy the eruption of heavenly flavors in your mouth.

    Kimbap (PhP 210) was made from steamed white rice and various other ingredients, rolled in gim and served in bite-size slices. It’s “Korean sushi” assembled with fillings of different tastes and textures. Yum!

    Price for Value:

    Sumptuous food, fun atmosphere, and great train-dining experience. Seoul Train Korean Barbecue in Sgt. Esguerra Avenue ticks all of those boxes. Prices don’t come cheap (expect to pay PhP 600-PhP 900 per head) but has fair value. This Korean restaurant offers an intangible thing beyond just the food and service that makes you want to come back.

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  • Review of Red Baron Ribs and Steaks (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Review of Red Baron Ribs and Steaks (Banawe, Quezon City)

    If you’re in for baby back ribs and steaks, Red Baron Ribs and Steaks is one of the better choices in the area of Banawe. This restaurant is situated next to a car washing station. The entrance may not be facing the street and its neighborhood may be quiet, but the buzz is still going very strong. We were surprised to find that it’s jam-packed when we arrived and until we left. Word about it must have gone viral. Food here is best suited for a group of friends or family hanging out to chill or to dine together for a decent but not necessarily expensive meal.

    Red Baron Ribs and Steaks in Banawe offers budget-friendly prices but you can have less worries on footing the bill when you book your next meal with BigDish. In case you’re not yet familiar, BigDish is a brand-new way of offering dining deals and discounts. There’s no membership fee required. Just reserve online (through the website or mobile app) and get discounts depending on the number of people, date and time, and the restaurant chosen. Once booking is done, a confirmation code will show up and this should be presented to the restaurant at the time of visit. No hassle! Click here to check it out.

    Review of Red Baron Ribs and Steaks (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    The space is apparently not as big as we expected but this doesn’t stop the streams of customers coming in. The setup looks simple and the interior design is nothing sophisticated, but this place has the feel of community comfort. Arranged for practical use, the wooden tables and chairs are put closely next to one another, suggesting a more casual and intimate dining ambiance.

    Food:

    At home, we’re used to boil raw peanuts in salt water for a salty, shell-shucking-worthy treat. The Big Bowl of Dried Peanuts in Shell (PhP 69) turned out to be a good appetizer.

    Sometimes, simplicity rules the nacho game, and this rings true for Red Baron’s Nachos (PhP 153). Bathed in cheesy sauce that’s smooth and silly without tasting too overwhelming, these nachos are great for a hearty snack or an easy weeknight meal. Each chip was individually topped then baked, ensuring you get full crisp and flavor in every bite.

    Smoky, sweet, and tangy, the Smoked Baby Back Ribs (PhP 295) had a massive dose of savory flavor. The Solo set came with a wild side (corn kernels) and rice. The baby back ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, with a substantial bark, smoky character and sweet undertone. This dish is a keeper!

    The Rib Eye Steak (PhP 329), one of the house specialties, came out also properly tender. The flavor was quite satisfying, a definite standout. Think beefy and deeply savory. In terms of texture, the succulent steak tore apart with almost no effort. Cheesy garlic mashed potatoes, which was served as the perfect side dish, helped balance out the saltiness of the gravy.

    Finally, we had the Crunchy Flauta Steak Pure Meltique Striploin Goodness (PhP 473). Absolutely no rub necessary. The Meltique Beef was pretty good as it was well done. It’s an indulgence to be experienced if you have not had it before. Love the curly fries on the side!

    For drinks, we had Guyabano (PhP 142), Apple Berry (PhP 158), Strawberry Banana (PhP 138), and Kitkat Matcha (PhP 138) and tasted them all. Our verdict? The guyabano hands down stole the show. We happen to like fresh fruit juices. 🙂 If you prefer something cold and tart, with essence of berries, order either the Apple Berry or the Strawberry Banana. The thick and creamy Kitkat Matcha didn’t taste too much of matcha, but it’s a refreshing break from the fruity drink variants.

    Price for Value:

    Ribs and steaks are not particularly hard to find in Metro Manila. Almost every city here has a handful of local joints that serve up their own great rendition. Those that offer good value for money, on the other hand, require some digging. Red Baron Ribs and Steaks in Banawe is one of those. I highly recommend booking via BigDish, not only to get discounts, but also to make sure you have your sure seats especially when you plan to visit during prime dining times. 😉

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/redbaronribs/” name=”Red Baron Ribs & Steaks” description=”143 D. Tuazon Corner Calamba Street, Lourdes, Banawe, Quezon City Other branch: 1357 Severino Reyes Street Corner Bambang” rev_body=”For inquiries, call 3545970″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-10-26″ user_review=”4.1″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Grand Launch of Fredley Banawe Complex (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Grand Launch of Fredley Banawe Complex (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Fredley Food and Beverages, Inc. has been introducing exciting food concepts for the past four years. This year, they’re proud to have built their own complex with three of their brands—Macao Imperial Tea, Shabu-shabu Ichiban, and Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku—all housed at Fredley Banawe Complex. Today was the grand launch, and we were honored to take part in the event, witness the ribbon cutting ceremony, and try out their food specialties.

    Macao Imperial Tea Philippines

    As one of the fastest-growing cafe chains that’s proudly born in Macau, Macao Imperial Tea takes a deeply-rooted approach that highlights a mix of the rich Macanese culture and a personalized experience. Genuine, memorable, and special—this is what Macao Imperial Tea brings in each and every cup that’s especially made for their customers’ satisfaction. This cafe brought massive hype to social media with its cute tumblers and unique drinks. When we visited for the first time, I thought it’s very much worthy of the praise.

    The vibe was charming and the location seemed apt as a hangout place for friends to spend hours enjoying drinks and pastries over a nice chat. Macao Imperial Tea in Banawe is open from 7am to 12mn, so you can be sure you won’t miss out.

    Their menu is filled with interesting options such as chestnut cream, milk tea, coffee and quirky drinks like Kitten Milk Tea, Ginger Milk Tea, Walnut Black Sesame Fresh Milk, and Taro Sweet Potato Fresh Milk. I was truly spoiled for choice and then just asked the staff for best recommendations. We ended up trying their best-sellers, Chestnut Cream Cocoa (PhP 130) and Cream Cheese Oreo Milk Tea (PhP 120), and liked them both. A lot. I’m telling you, it’s a must-try!

    Topped with a creamy cheese foam made with whipped cream, milk and cream cheese, the drinks were both salty and sweet at the same time. Taste was simply exquisite, and thickness was decadent. Sipping straight from the cup without stirring and without a straw is recommended. 🙂 The drinks were also chocolatey, with the right amount of cream cheese bursting with complex flavor in every gulp. We also shared a piece of their almond chocolate cookie and loved it, too!

    Shabu-shabu Ichiban

    Shabu-shabu Ichiban is a popular hotpot restaurant from Nagoya, Japan. It gives patrons an authentic Japanese hotpot experience by providing plenty of interesting soup base options and unlimited servings of meat, sushi, and king crab. Like Chinese hot pot, Japanese shabu-shabu is also communal. Not only do you sit down to eat with all your companions, but you cook the food together in the same pot of simmering broth.

    Shabu-shabu Ichiban offers a reasonably priced and delicious introduction to a golden meal. This Japanese restaurant in Banawe has all-you-can-eat and a la carte options available on the menu. Overall, food is great, generous in servings, and you definitely won’t sit through your meal hungry. Indulging in Japanese shabu-shabu is good way to bond with the family or celebrate an occasion.

    We each had Set B (Weekdays: PhP 688 lunch, PhP 788 dinner; Weekends and Holidays: PhP 888) which was quite a mouthful. It consisted of: Sushi and Sashimi Platter, Vegetable Platter, US Angus Chuck Eye Roll, US Beef Short Plate, Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder), Chicken Leg Quarter, Chicken and Pork Dumplings, Assorted Balls, Shrimp Tempura, Fried Chicken Wings, Kushikatsu, Udon and Ramen Noodles, Dessert (Coffee Jelly), and Drinks. The soup bases we chose (tantan and spicy szechuan) were both spicy broths, perfect for the cold, rainy weather.

    The broth was nowhere near as complex as ramen soup bases in Japanese ramen restaurants, but we dropped in udon and ramen noodles anyway since hotpot broth always develops more flavor as you cook various items in it. The noodles took seconds to cook, the fatty cuts of meat required just a quick dip, and the assorted balls and fish cakes benefited from a longer soak.

    Thankfully, the settings on the in-table induction plate were carefully controlled by the staff. Just as we were getting into the hotpot groove, we also had bites of the remarkably greaseless tempura, sushi, and fried chicken in between. Yum! 🙂

    Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku

    After eating loads of food, we figured we have to return for another visit to Fredley Banawe Complex to experience their yakiniku special next time. Otherwise, we could have left bloated instead of pleasantly full. 😛

    Sharing the same space as Shabu-shabu Ichiban, Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku is the newest concept among the three, offering authentic Japanese Yakiniku. A Japanese term for “fulfill,” Mitasu is said to live up to its name with the many kinds of Japanese favorites that will certainly leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking to get fancy with Japanese Yakiniku in Banawe, this is where you do it.

    [schema type=”review” name=”Fredley Banawe Complex” description=”780 Banawe Street, Quezon City” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-10-14″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Empacho (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of Empacho (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Louie has just dined here a few days ago, and he swore everything’s good, so good that it deserved a return visit right away. Empacho is a two-storey restaurant/bar offering Filipino food with a twist. Its menu is packed with so many interesting dishes served with portions to share family-style. How do Triple Bypass, Pitik Pitik Rolls, Sisig Bruschetta, Crispy Soft Shell Crab Pinakbet, Slow Cooked Beef Cheek with Adobo Sauce, and Balut Tempura sound?

    If you find yourself caught in Tomas Morato without a plan and with a group of friends in tow, head on over to Empacho for lunch or dinner and you’ll have a perfectly decent time. Their food will give you a lot of pleasure. And a lot of calories! Better be warned: If on a strict and serious diet, you should probably skip it for the sake of your health. 😛

    Review of Empacho (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Empacho is a stunner. With exposed brick walls, wood surfaces, high ceiling, and comfortable seating for small and large groups, the space screams sexy. It’s a gem in the area. Successful and sweet use of polished cement on the floor gives it a natural and classy look. They may look incomplete without colors, but the actual beauty lies within the raw texture of cement being exposed to the interior. The suspended cage pendant lights with edison light bulbs are also eye-catching. All these attractive elements in the restaurant make the place more elegant with a rustic vibe that’s welcoming and appealing.

    Food:

    In for an exotic gastronomic adventure? Get Balut Tempura (PhP 350) on your table. Known as a tasty aphrodisiac, balut is that terrifying hard-boiled duck embryo that’s been popularized in Fear Factor. Battered tempura-style with micro arugula salad and salted egg aioli, the fertilized duck egg was soft and tender, dissolving in your mouth almost like a mousse. Just leave the albumen—the white part of the egg—behind, as it has the flavor and texture of a pencil eraser.

    Cooked with Empacho’s scrumptious and rich annatto peanut sauce and served with bagoong, the Crispy Pork Kare-Kare (PhP 395) was delivered in spades. The spicy deep-fried salted pork belly was juicy and properly seasoned. The exterior was salty and extra crispy, while the interior remained tender and moist. It’s a rich combination that paired surprisingly well with the nuttiness of kare-kare. Two thumbs up!

    We tried both the Aligue Rice (PhP 65) and Tinapa Rice (PhP 65), and liked the latter better. It’s every bit of delicious you could imagine it to be and every mouthful will get you satisfied! Aligue rice consisted of garlic and aligue topped with fried chili, while tinapa rice was made with tinapa flakes topped with salted egg and tomato.

    Price for Value:

    Empacho literally translates to indigestion. Whoever named this restaurant must be a genius. Dishes here are so indulgent and sinful. Every bite tempts you to eat more, and thus make you feel like your stomach would be bursting in fullness. Usually, that doesn’t sound good. But in true Empacho fashion, this just proves how much you enjoyed their food. Price for value is quite fair, considering the creativity and ingenuity of their offerings. Names of the food are also clearly well thought out of. This restaurant/bar in Tomas Morato is a must-try!

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  • Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Kandle Cafe is one of the restaurants that are offering discounts when you reserve via BigDish. The food on the menu looked interesting, so we decided to drive to Mother Ignacia Avenue for late lunch last weekend to give it a try. The whole concept of naming the cafe “Kandle” takes well. It’s derived from the initials of the four siblings (Khyrss, Dong King, Leslie, and Eli) who own the place. Kandle Cafe has an easygoing neighborhood feel. It’s the kind of spot where the food speaks for itself and nothing is trying too hard to impress you; it effortlessly draws you in and makes you want to be there.

    Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Kandle Cafe is a comfortable space, and it’s definitely cooler than your average coffee shop. Brewed and blended coffee, an attractive refrigerated display of pastries, and creative dishes should help keep you going while you do whatever it is you’re doing on your laptop. But there’s more. The ambiance features a modern layout with wooden furnishing. Decorative elements introducing splashes of color on the wall certainly bring out a homey feel and inviting atmosphere. Greenery is also dotted about the space. The wood theme is continued at the back patio, where diners can enjoy the al fresco dining setup. If weather is nice, sit out there and enjoy the chill.

    Food:

    We started our meal with Paella Croquettes (PhP 210): chicken in toasted rice balls. We’re no stranger to paella, but paella presented in balls is unique and something we couldn’t have imagined. Taste was incredibly flavorful for being so simple, nothing dry or crumbly. Inside, there’s a burst of cheesy goodness that melts in the mouth. Yup, these paella croquettes are awesome.

    Kandle Cafe’s BBQ Chicken (PhP 250) was marinated in hickory smoke sauce and served with 63 degree poached egg, charred corn kernels, and greens. It’s not our favorite version of charred chicken but it was not bad. I’m a fan of the assortment of tastes and textures in just one dish. It’s like party on a plate! This dish is perfect for brunch when you want something healthy and hearty, or any time of day when you’re hankering for a bite of the Southwest.

    Finally, we had the best-selling and most recommended Ms. Eggy & Mr. Eggoy Pasta (PhP 240). The name is already catchy enough to get us, but it’s the ingredients that won our hearts. 😍 It’s fresh squid ink pasta sauteed in smoked bacon and onion, light cream sauce, with 63 degree poached egg garnished with crispy bacon and toasted pan de mie. I could not seem to distinguish between the pasta and the squid; it’s hard to tell them apart. Both were tad thick, springy, and ropy. The squid ink flavor was mostly present, tasting briny and earthy. There’s an even more substantial build-up of savoriness when we mixed the egg.

    Price for Value:

    Kandle Cafe in Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City is quite a foodie destination. It serves up great food in a somewhat unexpected setting, and to top things off, the menu represents a fantastic value as well. What I love most is how it’s designed to have a continuous indoors-outdoors relationship which allows guests to interact with fresh air towards the garden for a nice change of pace. Will I be back? You can count on it. I’d like to try their coffee next time. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” name=”Kandle Cafe” description=”1103, 113 Mother Ignacia Ave, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 0998 276 1571″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-08-29″ user_review=”4.3″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]