Category: Quezon City

It’s been a long time since we last visited San Juan to discover and try new restaurants in the radar. Finnians Irish Pub invited us for dinner, and we thought we’ll have a great time chowing on a decent shepherd’s pie and then washing it down with cocktails. Finnians Irish Pub in Little Baguio (operating hours: 7PM to 3AM, except Mondays) is a cozy, non-nonsense pub where you can grab yummy food and wind down with casual beer. It’s best to go with up to three other people and indulge yourself in a variety of things on the menu.

Review of Finnians Irish Pub (Little Baguio, San Juan)

Ambiance:

Sick of the same casual restaurant you dine in over and over?  Finnians Irish Pub will get you out of your rut. The atmosphere was pleasant and laid-back, and overall vibe was not stuffy, not too old, and not too young. It’s a nice haven where you can have a good catch-up with friends. Irish tunes were on the background and the volume was kept low to allow guests to keep up with conversations. Completing the Irish pub ambiance were: a wall-mounted TV playing sports, a nice bar area on the center, textured tiles, simple wooden tables, and comfortable benches and stools with no policy on seating arrangement.

Food:

Finnians Irish Pub is a good place to hang for drinks, but the menu is more than fish and chips. It serves a fusion of Filipino and Australian comfort food favorites, which otherwise does not exist in too many dining places around here. Food takes on tasty flavors. We started with Shepherd’s Pie (PhP 275), which is always a good choice when you’re in an Irish pub or restaurant. After a weekend of revelry, there’s nothing better than digging into a bowl of warm, meaty pie topped with buttery mashed potatoes. It’s worth ordering and not just a waste of calories.

Garlic Buttered Chicken (PhP 240) was one of our favorite items on the menu. Even without gravy, it was spot-on delicious, with the right level of salt and not a hint of excess greasiness. The chicken was juicy (loved that), and the garlic and butter combo didn’t fail to make the flavor better.

Cordon Bleu (PhP 245) was another crowd-pleaser. It’s got substance and something that’s a little bit fancy about it. The oven-baked fried chicken was wrapped around with ham and cheese and topped with rich white sauce. We hardly paused to breathe between bites.

Finnian Irish Pub’s Fish and Chips (PhP 175) was served as a classic dish of fried battered fish and golden-brown fries. It nailed all the essentials: crisp, thinly-cut chips and fish that retained plenty of succulence and an appealing creaminess underneath a golden fried exterior. We got two orders for the group and enjoyed every bite.

The Honey Bourbon Ribs (PhP 340) consisted of melt-in-your-mouth baby back pork ribs smothered with flavorful honey bourbon. The meat was tender with a nice smokiness to it. The sauce was sweet, thick, with an acidic tang and a discernible fruitiness. It’s a must-order.

For drinks, we tried the Melon Ball (PhP 125) which was made with a concoction of melon, vodka, and pineapple juice. It’s refreshing, not too sweet, and a pretty awesome upgrade from the usual flavored cocktails. Our other friends on the table were happy with the Blue Lagoon (PhP 125) (vodka, blue curacao, sprite) and Tequila Sunrise (PhP 125) (tequila, orange juice, grenadine).

Price for Value:

Finnians Irish Pub has a special ambiance and charm subtly put together, where people can come to relax and be themselves. Prices are affordable and very reasonable. The servers were warm, hospitable, and really looked like they were on top of their game. Start your night here and enjoy a great meal, listen to music, and take part in the art of conversation over a few pints. Help yourself with Guinness beer.

[schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/FinniansPub/” name=”Finnians Irish Pub” description=”403 F. Calderon, San Juan, Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 750 2654″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-05-07″ ]

After careful thought and consideration, I decided to move in to a condo unit near our office in Eastwood at the start of November. My parents visited me on my second week of stay to see “my home during weekdays” and get around Eastwood Mall at the same time. To give them a warm welcome, I treated them to dinner at Green Pastures in Eastwood Mall, a farm-to-table concept by Robby Goco of Cyma. We enjoyed all the organic, local, and original dishes we were served with.

Review of Green Pastures (Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City)

Ambiance:

Green Pastures is one of the most charming environments you can find in Eastwood Mall. Tables and chairs are well-spaced and are matched with the same wooden finish. The ceiling introduces further layers of texture and draping greens. Interior design is minimal but large windows make the space look posh. The dim surroundings and the clear view of Eastwood Mall grounds and the side of 1800 Building outside make this restaurant somewhat achieve an all-round air of calm professionalism.

Service:

Service was gracious. We were well taken care of. The assigned waiter asked us about the food and promptly attended to other requests. My only gripe was that it took a while for orders to arrive. In any case, waiting time is a good time to start a conversation and catch up on updates with friends or family on the table.

Food:

As an appetizer, the Pinoy Egg (PhP 150) tasted far superior to the typical chicken egg we cook at home not only because it’s actually duck egg (just like balut but no weird and slimy inside) but also since it was wrapped in Green Pastures’ house-made longanisa. It had a rich and smooth consistency. We cut it into four and mixed together with the greens to form a salad. If you feel like trying a modern-day Filipino delicacy, this is a must-order. 😉

Vegetarian Burger that Doesn’t Suck (PhP 430) looked interesting on the menu. Fun food names like this make you think. We have tried a number of vegetarian burgers from different restaurants before, and this one was a standout. It truly delivered its promise! Taste wasn’t “fake” because the patty was not made with fake meat but with a custom blend of organic chickpea, mushrooms, leeks, celery, and eggplant. The vegetarian burger was served on a brioche bun and with sweet potato fries on the side.

The Octopus and Bone Marrow Specialty Pasta (PhP 425) is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a unique-tasting pasta. The first bite was unexpectedly complex for such a simple-looking dish. The marrow, completely emulsified in the sauce, added a velvety smoothness balanced by the sweetness of the octopus and brightened by garlic passato. Beautifully complemented by the crunch of the crumbs, the fusilli were tender yet retained some firmness. Overall, I found the dish sensational.

Hot and hearty, the Arroz Con Pollo (PhP 390) can be described as an after-work comfort food. Closely related to paella, it’s known as a traditional dish of Spain and Latin America. The white polished tinawon rice was flavored with konbu broth and mixed with the elegance of organic roasted chicken and crispy chicken skin.

Price for Value:

Organic and decent meals await at Green Pastures in Eastwood Mall. At a glance, diners may grumble about the steep costs, but portions that sized for sharing and thoughtfully cooked fare help offset any negatives. It’s worth a try. 🙂

[schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Pastures-Eastwood/780087915410287″ name=”Green Pastures” description=”Third Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City ” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 02 6613612″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-11-23″ ]

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

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

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

Ambiance:

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

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

Service:

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

Food:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price for Value:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ambiance:

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

Service:

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

Food:

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

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

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

Price for Value:

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

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

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