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Category: Quezon City

  • Review of Katsu Cafe (Maginhawa Street, Quezon City)

    Review of Katsu Cafe (Maginhawa Street, Quezon City)

    Maginhawa Street in Quezon City is strikingly a foodie’s dream destination, a “food media frenzy location,” so to speak. There are restaurants on both sides of the street, and a number of them are crowded with people even at quiet times of the day. When I learned that my sister’s barkada was meeting up to hang out in Maginhawa on a weekend, I felt excited to go ahead and invited myself to join them. 🙂 I know I’d be welcome, especially since I mostly play the role of taking their pictures—aside from food. The plan was to stay at Snacks and Ladders, but because the board-game cafe opens a little later at 3:00PM, we had lunch at a Japanese restaurant just right across it: Katsu Cafe.

    Review of Katsu Cafe (Maginhawa Street, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Katsu Cafe in Maginhawa is casual and cozy, the kind of place you walk into and immediately think to yourself, “I can definitely spend hours here.” The problem? It doesn’t have free Wi-Fi connection, but that’s okay as long as you have mobile data or carry pocket Wi-Fi yourself. Filled with a hip but unpretentious crowd, this restaurant has simple but decent zen interior. The attention to detail is also quite good, from the wood wall panels to the subtle modern industrial design including the quirky light fixtures.

    Service:

    Menu was handed out as soon as we entered. We also got cold water upon seating. Service was fast and efficient with only a few staff running the buzzy place. Tables can be merged for larger groups of friends or family eating together. Orders arrived rather quick as well, so there’s nothing to complain about.

    Food:

    My sister and I shared an order of Beef Curry Rice (PhP 275) served with miso soup and a bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen (PhP 245). The Beef Curry lacked the little sweetness and assertiveness of spice I find in most Japanese curry rice. Texture of the sauce was thick and the taste of curry was fairly demonstrated. This rendition is perhaps for those who enjoy eating curry without it being lively, hot and spicy.

    Made with cloudy white pork bone broth, the Tonkotsu Ramen was not as rich and creamy as expected. Umami was present but the ramen still lacked a certain depth of flavor. In the broth are thin slices of tender pork and slightly jagged noodles that aren’t of stellar quality. The only thing I liked was  the soft egg that had almost runny yolk on the inside.

    Price for Value:

    Katsu Cafe may be great in serving katsu, but these two dishes we tried were nothing short of average. On the day we visited, pork katsu was not available since they ran out of pork in their inventory. Based on the food alone, I think the prices are higher than the perceived value. There are more impressive Japanese restaurants that serve similar items and deliver solid food tastes across the board. Welcoming ambiance and good service, on the other hand, are enough good reasons to dine in this cash-only joint.

    Other branches:

    329-I Katipunan Ave. Cor. B Gonzales, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
    Banawe 86-C Maria Clara, Bgy. Sto. Domingo, Quezon City
    Marcos Highway, Ciannat Complex, Antipolo City

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/KatsuCafe/” name=”Katsu Cafe” description=”189 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, email katsucafe.ph@gmail.com” rev_body=”Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 11AM-10PM” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-17″ ]

  • Review of Annam Noodle Bar (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Review of Annam Noodle Bar (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Looking for a Vietnamese restaurant in the Philippines where you can have real tasty pho? Annam Noodle Bar in Eastwood is the move. Inspired by old-world recipes and cooking methods from Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam, Annam Noodle Bar’s menu boasts iconic and authentic Vietnamese street food favorites that can be relished at any time of the day. The refreshing flavors, varied textures, and vibrant colors add a touch of the west to these Vietnamese dishes.

    Known as “NamNam Noodle Bar” in Singapore, Annam Noodle Bar now has been repackaged with a modern twist. This restaurant located at the ground floor of 1880 Building in Eastwood opened last July 6, 2016 and I was one of the first who was invited to try out their dishes. 🙂 Whether you’re team pho, team banh mi, or both, it’s hands down a delicious meal you can get for PhP 500/head or less. Plus, it’s time to get healthier. Annam Noodle Bar takes pride in the fact that 95% of their menu does not contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).

    Review of Annam Noodle Bar (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Bright lights, nicely spaced out table settings, and wooden accents set the cozy mood. Every element from the chic industrial interior, tightly arranged communal seating to the menu is carefully curated to evoke the nostalgic street setting in Vietnam. Overall ambiance provides a sense of retreat from the hustle and bustle of Eastwood’s vibrant streets, so guests can come and enjoy a lunch break from the office or a premium dinner with friends.

    Service:

    Annam Noodle Bar applies a quick-service concept and the way things work here are pretty simple: take a seat at either one of the long communal tables, by the counter, or the regular tables at the back. The staff hands you the menu and the order list where you will check the items you’re getting, much like in a shabu-shabu restaurant where you tick all the ingredients you want for your food. Wait for the food shortly and enjoy. Service was welcoming, helpful, and neat.

    Food:

    The Crispy Imperial Rolls (PhP 200) got the ideal crumb, chew and crunch. The rolls were not too greasy but juicy and hearty enough to be qualified as a solid appetizer at Annam. Covered with crispy exterior, the meaty fillings tasted great, especially with the sweet and sour dipping sauce.

    Vietnamese sandwiches are a foodstuff you can eat even on the go. A product of French colonial Vietnam, the sandwich combines the basic French baguette with Vietnamese take on common French cold cuts or roasted meats. Annam Noodle Bar’s banh mi varieties look interesting.

    For fans of heat, banh mi made of chili-lemongrass chicken, egg omelette, chicken floss (PhP 230) and the one filled with fried catfish with spices (PhP 230) are recommended. Both had a smear of a sweet, buttery, mayonnaise-like spread, and plenty of crisp vegetables. These are insanely tasty combinations of contrasting textures and flavors, but the overall impression, as with much Vietnamese food, is of lightness and freshness.

    Served with powerful, pungent condiments to accompany the aromatic broth, the star of the night must be the Pho Australian Wagyu Beef Sliced (PhP 550). The rich, crystal clear, intensely aromatic soup was almost tantalizing. Tastes include both sweet and salty; and the feel, cooling and warming. As with other Asian cuisines, it’s all about balance—yin and yang, if you may. There’s also a handful of fresh herbs and spring onions added to the bowl. Chewy and oozy, moist and tender, the wagyu beef was excellent. Chili sauce and fish sauce are made available on the table for those who like a jolt of extra flavor to their pho.

    Out of all the drinks on the menu, the Lemongrass-Ginger Iced Tea (PhP 150) is the particular standout. It was love at first sip! The earthy aroma of the lemongrass and the heat from the ginger made up an exotic taste that is pleasing and delightful.

    Plenty of dessert choices looked tempting but I my eyes were all for the Chilled Dried Longan, Lotus Seeds, Water Chestnut, Seaweed Dessert (PhP 180) because I thought it’s Vietnam’s version of the Filipino halo-halo. 🙂 Food for the Viet is medicine, and most of their dishes include desserts that draw natural ingredients such as herbs, fruits, vegetables, beans and seaweed together with nutrition in mind. Lotus seeds brought a nutty texture; and the finely sliced seaweed, an interesting and refreshing touch of soft gelatin. Longans are like lychees but more succulent in taste.

    Annam Noodles also serves the famous Viet coffee and sells it per box with 22 sachets. Diners who are curious about the taste of Viet coffee should try it. Brewed using top-grade robusta coffee beans that are selected to ensure quality and flavor, you can make your own full-bodied cup of aromatic coffee at home any time, any day. Adding sweetened condensed milk may enhance the taste as it’s the perfect counterbalance for the incredibly strong dark-roasted coffee.

    Price for Value:

    Prices are distinctively more expensive than your regular hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese food joint. I’d say it’s a little more top end of the “cheap-eat” market, but you can be rest assured that food and service are great in this nice space. As the adage goes, you get what you pay for, and you are certainly paying for darn good pho. If you haven’t tried Vietnamese cuisine before, this is the perfect chance to start with the appreciation. Try banh mi and pho. They’re pretty good stuff! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/annamnoodlebar/” name=”Annam Noodle Bar” description=”Unit 1880-4 Ground Floor 1880 Building, Eastwood Avenue, Libis, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 0918 3441234″ rev_body=”Operating hours: 10am to 11pm” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-11″ ]

  • Review of Café Ysabel (Addition Hills, San Juan City)

    Review of Café Ysabel (Addition Hills, San Juan City)

    Louie chose to celebrate his birthday at Café Ysabel last weekend. We were so happy to have finally tried food cooked and prepared by San Juan’s “best-kept secret” restaurant. 🙂 Lauded as a neighborhood bistro where guests can walk in to have their morning cup of coffee, a quiet lunch, or dinner with family and friends, Café Ysabel has really gone a long way satisfying customers for over thirty years now.

    Café Ysabel has become a San Juan foodie mecca for visiting tourists who are taken by their expatriate friends in Manila. Its menu is quite coherent, featuring classic comfort food favorites of Filipino cuisine plus some European dishes also thrown into the mix, which is not surprising given Chef Gene’s background. The result is interesting and delicious but not trying too hard.

    Review of Café Ysabel (Addition Hills, San Juan City)

    Ambiance:

    Housed in a refurbished 1927 ancestral home, Café Ysabel looked impressive with a rustic vibe, artsy-decorated ceiling, collections of china, glassware and silverware, and period furniture. The dim-lit ambiance was intimate and the space felt special without being pretentious. Colors everywhere were awe-inspiring. With the interior design, you can probably look back and imagine Manila’s bygone era of sophistication and culture. If you’re looking to have a special dinner to impress people or take someone out on a date, this is the place. Hey, we even witnessed a marriage proposal here that night! Sweet. 🙂

    Service:

    Food were served in a timely manner and with a heightened level of care. Service was downright friendly and on point, attentive but not overbearing. This is one of the restaurants where you can feel welcome and comfortable, just like visiting a relative’s home.

    Food:

    Fried Mozzarella in Anchovy Dressing (PhP 198) for appetizer was fine but not upstanding. The anchovy on top brought a certain deep oceanic savoriness out of the almost tasteless cheese. Tender, stretchy and not stiff, the mozzarella was enveloped with coating that’s slightly thicker than the standard breading we have tried in other restaurants. It was nice though that the coating did not overpower the cheese or border on “batter-like.”

    Ordering Café Ysabel’s Paella Sulipena (PhP 578) was absolutely best. Made with classic saffron rice, this paella contained a vibrant mix of seafood and mixed meats coming also into play. Seasoning tasted great and the dish was assembled with tender grains of rice which soaked up the saffron flavor very well. Arriving in a healthy portion, it’s a delicious and filling meal for two (or maybe three).

    As if carbs from paella wasn’t enough, we had Polly’s Pasta (PhP 348) which turned out as silky spaghetti noodles coated in briny, garlicky flavor studded with grilled white cheese, Calumpit sausage, kalamata olives and basil. The combination of the ingredients just hit all the right notes. We added a touch of lemon zest which imparted sort of a discordant sourness but nevertheless worked so well in making the simple taste even more sublime.

    Price for Value:

    A must-try in San Juan area, Café Ysabel is truly a gem. With dishes that are built to please and food that personify elegance, expect to pay a premium price but one that can make your visit worth it for any celebratory occasion. Warm service and the romantic atmosphere also add up to a great fine-dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/cafeysabelphilippines/” name=”Café Ysabel” description=”455 P. Guevarra Street, Addition Hills, San Juan City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 2469069 ext:114″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-06-11″ ]

  • Review of Recession Coffee by Digital Walker (Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City)

    Review of Recession Coffee by Digital Walker (Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City)

    Located at the third floor of Eastwood Mall, Recession Coffee shares the same space as Digital Walker. It’s a chic cafe where you can savor coffee and sweet treats by Chef Miko Aspiras. The fun part is that customers can pay whatever amount for coffee. The business concept of Recession Coffee sounds so interesting. It’s like giving a bunch of donations to a cool establishment in exchange for a great time! Take note, it’s not the three-in-one kind of instant coffee but coffee ground from beans. So, how much would you pay for your coffee? 🙂 One day we found ourselves itching for a dose of caffeine and decided to check this place out.

    Review of Recession Coffee by Digital Walker (Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    While I have encountered a number of coffee shops that reside in a bookstore or in a library, it was my first time to come across one that’s inside a retail store offering an extensive selection of accessories for computer laptops, mobile phones and PDAs. The ambiance looks invigorating with bright lighting and warm tones. There’s communal seating and also private tables and chairs where guests can enjoy a good chat between sips of coffee. It’s nice that there are also electric outlets for customers to charge gadgets and mobile devices.

    Service:

    Service is okay. Staff acts reasonably fast and sharp. The cashier asks for the price you’re willing to pay for the cup of joe and that’s it. If you feel that coffee is more like a treat than an everyday necessity, go splurge all you want. Else, if you’re living on a prayer or haven’t gotten a job yet, as Recession Coffee puts it, giving a measly price is acceptable as well. No judgement here. 😛 Customers’ names are called as the order is made ready for pick-up at the counter.

    Food:

    The Black Sesame Brownie Matcha Frosting (PhP 85) took our attention because we’re such fans of matcha. 🙂 It’s a great choice and we didn’t regret even a bit for getting it. It’s brownie with a perfectly crunch crust at the top and bold matcha flavor within. Yum!

    Recession Coffee offers both hot and iced coffee in Black (Espresso, Americano, Long Black), White (Cafe Latte, Cappuccino, Flat White), and Brewed. The menu isn’t as extensive as other coffee joints, but it’s enough to bring joy to your day. My friends ordered cafe latte as recommended by the staff. I got the cappuccino, a lovely concoction that was presented as a marriage of coffee, milk, and froth where no one element overwhelmed the others.

    Price for Value:

    Per dictionary.com, recession means a period of an economic contraction. Naming the pay-what-you-want cafe as Recession Coffee makes so much sense for those who are personally in recession mode, savings-wise. Those who are generous are welcome to spend more. Quality of coffee was not compromised even when we paid a small price. (Don’t ask me how much! :P) We will surely be back for more of their pastries and drinks.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Recession-Coffee-Eastwood-City/453024024876343″ name=”Recession Coffee by Digital Walker” description=”Third Floor, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 5843745″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-06-10″ ]

  • Review of Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge (Katipunan, Quezon City)

    Review of Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge (Katipunan, Quezon City)

    There’s over a hundred restaurants in Metro Manila that serve fusion cuisine. About half or more may have similar things on the menu, and at least a dozen of them are being run by chefs who have trained at prestigious dining establishments. Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge in Katipunan, Quezon City is all of these things, but it’s also pretty different. And more importantly, it’s really, really good.

    Starting out as one of “Manila’s Best Kep Restaurant Secrets,” Ninyo has now become a gem of a dining haven for people looking to escape into a cozy, intimate, and relaxing setting. It’s popular as a venue where momentous occasions (such as marriage proposals and birthdays) are being held. Louie and I celebrated our seventh-year anniversary here last May 1 (Labor Day). He made a reservation a week before and got us seats in the al fresco setting, which is absolutely perfect for a romantic date. 🙂

    Review of Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge (Katipunan, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    If you’re expecting ornamental embroidery, wooden chandeliers, minimalist-looking table lamps and rose petals scattered beautifully everywhere, there’s definitely something for you in Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge. The environment looks very homey, and this is mainly because Ninyo was the Laus’ family’s 50-year-old house that was transformed into a restaurant in 2006 in fulfillment of Chef Nino’s lifelong dream of having a restaurant he can call his own.

    At Ninyo, you can enjoy the garden view at the al fresco area or stay cozy indoors in the first or second floor. This reminded me most of The Sugar Palm in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Both give an impression of a secret garden with an inviting appeal.

    My eyes feasted on the charming setup of candlelight dinner served in the private gazebos, with rocks, plants, and wooden accents on the side. Waterfalls, the fountain, and the koi fish pond are creative additions that make a tranquil space. Light music was played in the background to enhance the mood. It’s summer now in the Philippines but it’s nice that weather that night wasn’t too sweltering hot.

    Also part of the scenery are the love locks displayed at the front part of the garden. Several couples have immortalized their love with their names written on the padlocks. It’s cheesy and adorable. Love it! 🙂

    Service:

    The wait staff was warm, attentive, and receptive. He offered wonderful yet simple service and took care of requests with ease. I liked that the dishes were served in a relaxed pace but not frustratingly slow, just so we could have enough time to talk and enjoy the night while eating. Complimentary warm bread with butter was served at the start of the meal and in between, we were also surprised with a free spoonful of calamansi sorbet to cleanse our palate.

    Food:

    Chef Laus’ dishes are often described as inventive, adventurous, and unpredictable. He never ceases to surprise and amaze his guests with something new or unusual all the time. Food here is essentially fusion, with a heavy emphasis on Japanese and European influences. Marrying the culinary traditions of two countries that are thousands of miles apart and then offering a fresh twist to the dishes make Ninyo truly remarkable.

    We started dinner with a delicious appetizer: Salmon Belly Wasabi Tempura Roll (PhP 395). It takes a lot to impress with us with salmon, but this did the trick. It was filled with pleasant surprises with textures of all kinds! Stuffed with braised gobo and carrots, the bite-size tempura rolls were a flavor bomb of soft salmon with crispy Japanese Burdock roots. I thought wasabi on the wrap of the roll was supposed to make it spicy, but the spiciness was not felt apparent at all. In any case, I’m a fan.

    For our main course, the Grilled Chicken Balsamic Teriyaki (PhP 450) served with grilled Japanese rice, grilled leeks with miso, tomatoes and onion was spot on. The balsamic vinegar gave the tender chicken a great depth of tang and sweetness without being too sweet, while the shiny teriyaki glaze brought a good balance of barbecue sauce and soy sauce with sweet and salty flavors. You can’t go wrong.

    Pasta Alle Vongole (PhP 420) was sublimely simple. It consisted of linguine pasta with Manila clams sautéed in garlic and chorizo deglazed with sake. The silky noodles were coated in briny, garlicky flavor from the sauce and studded with tender morsels of the clam itself. The portion is good for sharing.

    When asked what’s the most recommended dessert, the waiter suggested Chocolate! Chocolate! Cake (PhP 295) and Mango Pavlova (PhP 245). We got the latter. It was a meringue dessert, crispy on the outside but light and fluffy inside, topped with vanilla ice cream and fresh mango slices. I went to the restroom before the plate landed on the table, so I was surprised that it had a greeting on it. Thank you very much, Louie! 🙂

    Price for Value:

    Looking for a fancy date spot in Quezon City? Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge won’t disappoint. This is the place to be, if you want to try a mix of Asian and European cuisine. Prices may be quite a splurge, but food came out awesome, and ambiance and service were exemplary. I promise it will be worth it. Double or group dating with a bunch of friends is not a bad idea either. 😉

    [schema type=”review” name=”Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge” description=”66 Esteban Abada St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call +6324260301/+639175385813″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-05-05″ ]

    Operating hours:
    Monday 6:00pm – 1:30am
    Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am – 2:pm, 6:00pm – 1:30am
    Sunday 11:00 am – 2:00pm, 6:00pm – 10:00 pm

  • Review of Nadai Fujisoba (The Block, SM North EDSA, Quezon City)

    Review of Nadai Fujisoba (The Block, SM North EDSA, Quezon City)

    Louie, his thesis group mates back in college, and I were invited to be defense panelists for an IT course in De La Salle University-Manila last month and we were so happy to have seen one another after a long time. After giving out comments and ratings to students, we drove to SM North EDSA to have a nice catch-up over a light dinner. In our visit, we found that there’s quite a number of newly opened restaurants to try.

    Our first choice was Dohtonbori but the super long queue outside was a big turn-off. We could not wait any longer, so we went to The Block in search of another Japanese restaurant. Shortly, we found Nadai Fujisoba near the supermarket area. Nadai Fujisoba specializes in soba and udon, Japan’s traditional noodles. Table for five? Yes, please.

    Nadai Fujisoba was first established in Japan in 1966. Apart from the Philippines, it also has branches in Taiwan. In Metro Manila, it is present in Bonifacio High Street, Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Aura Premier, SM Mall of Asia, and SM North EDSA.

    Review of Nadai Fujisoba (The Block, SM North EDSA, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Nadai Fujisoba at The Block, SM North EDSA isn’t spacious but lines are clean and tables are not too cramped. Fitted with wooden furniture in lighter color and Japanese writings on the walls, the place looked like a page torn from a manga. Overall ambiance felt creatively composed. This is the kind of restaurant that once you enter, you will know: you’ll have an easygoing yet cool dining experience.

    Service:

    The staff was accommodating at the start but we had a few bumps in the road toward the end. We felt pushed out of the door since we had stayed for almost two hours. Is there such thing as overstaying here? Not quite sure about that. One of the waiters got us the bill even when we were not done with the food yet.

    Food:

    Over the years, ramen has become a source of foodie fiending in Metro Manila. Nadai Fujisoba suddenly enters the party and introduces udon and soba to Filipino taste buds. To differentiate the three, here are short descriptions:

    • Ramen: thin, wheat served in hot broth; typically yellow in color
    • Udon: thick, wheat, served in hot broth; generally quite pale white
    • Soba: thin, buckwheat (50-100%) + wheat (its gluten makes the buckwheat more manageable) served hot in broth

    We ordered the most recommended dish at Nadai Fujisoba: Aka Fujisoba (PhP 260). It turned out as a light and easy meal that’s perfect for a lazy weeknight. Sitting on hot broth, the Japanese buckwheat noodles (soba) had a nice firmness and a nutty flavor. Texture was smooth and resilient. With simmered beef, a poached egg, and a generous sprinkling of chili powder, the broth was on the light side and not too rich.

    Louie and I also shared Nadai Fujisoba’s Oyakodon (PhP 180). The dish consisted of just tender bites of chicken and sweet, jammy onions in a deeply savory mirin and soy sauce broth, simmered in a silky, eggy custard and ladled, soft and loosey-goosey, over fluffy white rice. It’s definitely comforting and nourishing. A must-try! Get a big smile on your face as you take the first luscious bite. 🙂

    Price for Value:

    It’s a pleasure to have dined in a restaurant that’s already 50 years old. Its age is testament to the fact that tastes and portion of their food do not disappoint. Nadai Fujisoba’s prices that don’t hurt the budget and the good casual vibe (minus the latter part of customer service) seal the deal here. I’m positive my sister will be enthusiastic to try this Japanese restaurant. We’ll check out their branch at Lucky Chinatown Mall next time. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nadai-Fujisoba/773541339456329″ name=”Nadai Fujisoba” description=”Ground Floor, The Block, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 929-6686″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-04-26″ ]

  • Review of Coco Ichibanya (Eastwood Mall, Quezon City)

    Review of Coco Ichibanya (Eastwood Mall, Quezon City)

    Delicious “fire-hot” Japanese curry dishes are what Coco Ichibanya is all about, at least that’s the way I see it. There’s no need to go to Japan, thanks to this curry-savvy chain purveying “real-deal” set meals with heat levels ranging from low, mild, to crazy hot. Be ready to have extra napkins or better yet ask for wet tissue to wipe away the sweat and tears. We have tried dining at their first branch in the Philippines located at the basement of Estancia Mall and loved their curry so much.

    Recently, it opened a new store in Eastwood Mall, just a short walk from our office. I invited my office mates to check it out and I’m so glad they liked the food, too! 🙂

    Review of Coco Ichibanya (Eastwood Mall, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Coco Ichibanya offers a number of opportunities for decent dining. The atmosphere is bustling but not hurried. Yellow and nudes as its main color palette attracts a fun and casual crowd.  I like the bright, contemporary and welcoming feel which sum up to a place where you can immediately be at ease in a dining room that is cheery without being kitsch or formal. Seats both inside and outside are plentiful. Wherever you sit, you will be treated with excellent food imbued with rich flavors.

    Service:

    In addition to the pleasant surroundings, Coco Ichibanya in Eastwood Mall offers friendly and attentive service. Waiters take the order promptly with the use of an app installed in their mobile tablet. Talk about being innovative. Food are served within the 15-20 minutes promised time frame, so for those who plan to dine here on their lunch break, either come out of your office early or eat faster. 😛

    Food:

    At Coco Ichibanya, it’s a common practice to customize your curry meal by selecting your favorite topping, amount of rice, and preferred level of spiciness for the curry sauce. On the menu, options for toppings include sausage with eggplant, fried squid and stewed shrimp, hamburger, clam, beef, pork cutlet, and chicken.

    1st visit: I had one of the most recommended dishes of the house: Pork Cutlet and Vegetables Curry (PhP 440). The deep-fried pork cutlet was a splendid and savory combination of crispy bread crumbs and juicy pork. I felt courageous that time and opted for the crazy hot (max level), but the spiciness was too intense for me to handle. I learned the lesson and remembered to choose mild the next time.

    2nd visit: With mild-hot curry sauce, Pari Pari Chicken Curry (PhP 310) was generally a crowd-pleaser. It immediately offered an island escape, sans flight, with its fragrance. The chicken was perfectly cooked. It was tender and juicy while the skin was still crispy outside. The spices were balanced so I did not get overwhelmed by the taste.

    3rd visit: For something a little different, I got the Shrimp Curry Rice Gratin (PhP 330) which appealed somewhere between saucy and soupy. This Japanese curry rice gratin was a bit sweet, lending itself particularly well to shrimp. Unlike the other two though, heat level cannot be adjusted upon cooking. For “chili heads,” adding curry powder (available on the table) may do justice.

    Other Must-tries

    Pork Cutlet Omelet (PhP 360)

    Pork Cutlet Curry (PhP 340)

    Soup/Salad/Drink/Dessert

    The menu offers adding one to three pairings to go with the main course. The only reason not to order the set meal would be that you weren’t very hungry. But that could easily change once your friends start ordering the soup, salad, drink, and/or dessert altogether.

    Price for Value:

    Solid food, good vibes, reasonable prices. If you have these criteria in mind, you can be confident that Coco Ichibanya can deliver those needs. This Japanese curry restaurant meets the expectations in all areas, and for some fans of spicy curry, it even exceeds expectations.

    Coco Ichibanya holds the Guinness World Record for being the “largest curry restaurant chain in the world.” Take that as an invitation to sample their curry dishes and learn why a lot of people in many countries give a nod to this specialty cuisine. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/CoCoIchibanyaPH/” name=”Coco Ichibanya” description=”Third Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 3724687″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos”]

  • Review of Cafe Enye (Eastwood Avenue, Libis, Quezon City)

    Review of Cafe Enye (Eastwood Avenue, Libis, Quezon City)

    I had always thought of it as a coffee shop. Obviously, I wasn’t looking enough. Turns out, Cafe Enye is a Spanish restaurant located just beside Healthy Options in Eastwood. It’s the kind of place where you can just roll into anytime, as it’s open from 7 in the morning to 12 midnight. Test your luck on a table indoors or ultimately sit at the large dining table in the al fresco setting. Either way, you’ll be perfectly fine.

    We had dinner here last Tuesday after work and wondered where Cafe Enye got its name. Luckily, we found Sous Chef Chris Chris Dytuco and had the chance to talk to him before we left. We learned that Enye or “Ñ” (pronounced as enye) was derived from the letter of the Spanish alphabet that’s also collated in the Filipino alphabet (written as “ny” where appropriate). Cafe Enye positions itself as a Spanish bistro that will both be familiar and different for diners who appreciate “colonial Spanish cuisine.”

    Items on the menu range from straightforward Spanish plates to dishes inspired by colonies in Northern Morroco, Mexico, Argentina and the Philippines. Aside from the specialty food, a variety of drinks such as coffee, tea, wines, cocktails, craft beers, and other blended drinks are thrown in the mix.

    Review of Cafe Enye (Libis, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Cafe Enye is one that’s suited for a date or a night out with friends. Ambiance wise, the restaurant looked quite presentable. In different parts of the room, accent lighting worked to emphasize the beautiful textured walls and improve a customer’s sense of well-being and orientation. Warm and inviting, the fiery hues of the décor made for a warm summer’s evening whatever the weather. Wooden and rustic finishes of tables seemed reminiscent of the classic country look. I like the different types of chairs arranged across the room as they showcase flexibility for guests to choose where they’d want to be seated to maximize comfort and sociability.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Staffs were friendly and informative. Hospitality went above and beyond. I’m not very familiar with the names of Spanish food so I really appreciated it when the waiter guided us through the menu. Aside from the bare minimum (clearing plates, refilling drinks, etc.), he anticipated our needs, made us feel welcome and ensured our satisfaction throughout our stay.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Having Spanish food for a meal is a solid move to get to know someone, with the inherent shareability of small plates (tapas, as they call it).  For appetizer, we shared the Enye Callos Buns (PhP 135). Soft and savory, the buns were filled with slow-cooked callos (beef tripe). Sitting neatly on crispy shoestring potatoes, the Enye Callos Buns tasted sweet and savory, almost like those of Tim Ho Wan’s famous pork buns but with a Spanish twist. Once bitten, an explosion of delicious flavor enters your mouth. It’s quite the party!


    Gambas Enye Style (PhP 350) is just about the ideal tapas bar snack. Topped with garlic chips and garlic chives, the succulent shrimps were cooked in garlic infused olive oil and roasted garlic. If you love garlic, expect this to be a great treat. The oil swimming in the earthenware dish sings high notes of layered garlic flavors, it can be transcendent. This appetizer was one of our favorites.

    Cafe Enye’s Calamares Salad (PhP 250) was surprisingly awesome, far more than just pescetarian patronization. Lots of thought went into their crunchy leafy greens and bits of calamari. The best of the bunch was the “secret” green onion dressing which was rich and full of flavor. This dish delivered it in spades.


    Bacalao Mantecato (PhP 245) is new in my book and it gets a big thumbs up. Thickened in cream and mashed potatoes, the bacalao (salt cod fish) was topped with salted egg and crispy garlic. Trust me, it’s a must-order. If you have any inclination toward fish, this could be your best dish of the night. Eat it with the crisp slices of bread to balance the flavor.


    Looking for a little carb action? Get the Fish Mojo Skewers (PhP 380). It’s comprised of two sticks of citrus marinated fish skewers served with Enye rice, cilantro yogurt, Harissa and Latin salsa. Combined with many flavorful spices in one plate, this was like a “choose your own adventure” kind of entree in delicious rice. With a touch of slight hotness and a not-too-thick texture and consistency, Fish Mojo Skewers is a tough combo to hate on.


    Our last main course was the Enye Cocido (PhP 395). It’s a classic Spanish stew of chicken and pork with carrots, cabbage, and plantains served with eggplant relish and Enye rice. I suspect it took some time to cook the chicken and pork because meat is so tender. These had the type of luscious texture that makes it tough to put your fork down. Well executed, it’s a welcome addition to any group of two or three people.

    For desserts, we had the house signature Churros with Dulce de Leche Cream (PhP 170)—homemade light pate a choux pastry with dulce de leche red egg and chocolate-peanut butter dips. We liked that the churros were crispy and golden on the outside and chewy and dense and creamy on the inside. Dulce de leche dip was twice better than the other.

    Lastly, we tried the Creme Catalan (PhP 185). classic vanilla and orange zest infused custard topped with fresh fruits and served with a shot of artisan espresso. The waiter suggested that the best way to eat it is to take a spoonful of Creme Catalan and then a shot of the espresso right after. All in all, this entrée tasted sweet and bitter both in extreme levels, a lot like life.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    At closer inspection, Cafe Enye in Libis to me is a sophisticated yet approachable Spanish cafe/bar/restaurants where patrons can grab cool drinks and enjoy a wide array of delicious Spanish food. Here you will encounter a chic setting replete with cozy atmosphere. Considering that food portions are good for sharing, prices are decent.

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