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Category: Quezon City

  • Review of The Grill Boy (Spark Place, Cubao, Quezon City)

    Review of The Grill Boy (Spark Place, Cubao, Quezon City)

    The Grill Boy at Spark Place (just across SM Cubao) is now open! What’s interesting about this branch is that it’s a new food business venture of Richie, The Pickiest Eater in the World, and his family. 🙂 How great is the food then, if it has got the nod of approval of the pickiest eater himself? The answer can be quite intriguing!

    Together with the KTG, I had lunch here last Sunday and thought that The Grill Boy’s winning formula to make customers happy must be the product of “hearty entrees fully loaded with flavor” and “super affordable and reasonable prices.” In addition, this fast-food restaurant serves recognizable classic meals infused with an appealing offer that’s best for those who have a huge appetite: UNLIMITED RICE! Prepare as The Grill Boy satisfies your rice addiction—or in other case, soon to be addiction. 😛

    Review of The Grill Boy (Spark Place, Cubao, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Coupled with crisp white and brown, orange as the main color theme of the interior design is an instant pick-me-up, making this restaurant look bright and vibrant. Simple yet functional pieces of dining furniture filled out the space, and chairs can be moved or rearranged to accommodate bigger groups.

    While it’s not totally the perfect ambiance that will make you feel cozy and want to soak in the atmosphere, it’s the kind that wraps you up in the meal. You won’t be busy checking out decors that stimulate discussion; the main focus is the food.

    Service: ★★★★★

    The menu can be conveniently found at the top behind the counter, and this fast-food / cafeteria-style setup makes it quick and easy for customers to order. I like that there are pictures of food posted as well to help in decision-making.

    Overall, service is remarkable and the crew is friendly. I hope they remain as efficient when more people discover this place and grab their meals here. What to do when you want more rice? Just raise your hand and ask for it. We were honored to have Richie serve us half/full servings of rice as we desired—with a smile. 🙂

    Food: ★★★★☆

    As a starter or a viand on its own, the Crispy Pork and Mango Salad (PhP 66) was an awesome contrast of sweet and tangy chunks of mangoes and tomatoes and pork. I love how the crispy pork rinds (chicharon) wound up with a tad salty bite, bright acidity, and a little earthiness. This dish turned out to be a combination of flavors and textures all over in the best possible way.


    Anything with coconut milk (gata) is always welcome to my palate. The Grill Boy’s Laing (PhP 53) was no exception. Emerging supple and succulent, it primarily melded taro leaves and chilies steeped in a rich and sweet coconut milk sauce. Spiciness level was bearable. If you’re a fan of a tongue-numbing effect, simply bite into the chili and extinguish fire on your tongue with a cold drink. 🙂


    Brimming with wondrous barbecue flavor, Pork Bbq on Stick (PhP 95) was firm, tender, and appropriately fatty. Eating it the old-fashioned way with vinegar sauce will do it a lot of good.


    Luis’ Boneless Chicken Inasal (PhP 99) will melt your Filipino food-loving heart. It was not sweet like the pork barbecue. What’s noteworthy was that the marinade did not overpower the grilled chicken. Basted with spices, the flesh was juicy and soft.


    The Grilled Tuna Belly (PhP 125, with rice) was hands-down my favorite. 🙂 It was smooth, delicate, and quite clean in execution since I didn’t sense the fishy aftertaste and over-smokiness. Brush the top with soy sauce for a spectacular bite, but thanks to the seasoning, it’s already fine even without.


    While the Dennis Grilled Liempo (PhP 99) wasn’t insanely good as the other dishes we had, this entree was also one grilled treat that’s hard to beat. The layering of fat and meat was spot on, and with the use of light soy sauce, you’ll be happy with the result.


    Served with the “Mang Tomas” dipping sauce, Annie’s Lechon Kawali (PhP 99) was another cardiac delight that’s tasty and tender. The skin was chewy-crisp, and the layer of subcutaneous fat was intact enough that each morsel burst with porky juice. Mmmm…this plate of crispy fried pork belly was really as scrumptious as it looked.


    The Crispy Pork Sisig (PhP 165) consisted of chopped deep-fried pig’s facial parts and onions, topped by a sunny-side-up egg, and served on a sizzling hot cast iron plate. We mixed everything up, squeezed the calamansi, and got pretty excited with its deep umami intensity. This crispy pork sisig is by far the best version I have ever tasted. 🙂 If I were to choose one thing that sets it apart from others, it would be the crunch factor.



    Topped with sliced onions and tomatoes, Pinaputok na Bangus Meal (PhP 99) was no novelty, but it was particularly memorable because the belly was so fatty and I wondered where they get their supply of the bangus. Order it with confidence. 😀


    Swimming in the tad salty broth, bouncy noodles in the Batchoy Supreme (PhP 82) were joined by tender shreds of various pork organs. The soup wasn’t as rich as I expected though. (From 2PM-5PM, customers can get the junior batchoy with one piece of pork bbq or fried lumpiang ubod for only PhP 49.)


    Far from the wriggly instant noodles type, Pancit Canton (PhP 42-Solo, PhP 142-Platter) tasted okay. Cooked with shrimps and blanched vegetables, it’s a great go-to comfort food, and it must be a big hit during merienda time for employees working in office buildings nearby. (From 2PM-5PM, customers can get the solo portion of pancit canton with one piece of pork bbq or fried lumpiang ubod for only PhP 49.)


    A choice of Garlic Rice / Java Rice / Plain Rice completes every entree in meals. I went for a cup of garlic rice and also sampled a spoonful of java rice. Both were delicious and you can’t go wrong with anything here. Plain rice is available for unlimited refills. 🙂


    For desserts, we shared the glistening Buko Pandan Delight (PhP 39), Halo-Halo Regular (PhP 59), and Leche Flan (PhP 25). Everything was a party in the mouth. The pretty mystifying ingredient in halo halo and buko pandan was the cheese sprinkled on top. It was surprisingly good as a salty component and definitely a savory element to these quintessential Filipino desserts.

    Price for Value: ★★★★★

    The Grill Boy at SPARKS (previously prominent as “Dennis the Grill Boy”) is one thrilling foodie destination that won’t dent your budget. Price for value scores high, with good combos and meals that come with unli rice. It’s a must-stop for those who like Filipino food and simple digs that won’t make you go like “meh.”

    Operation hours: 10AM to 10PM daily

    Follow The Grill Boy on Instagram (@TheGrillBoyPH) or search for the hash tag #TheGrillBoySparkPlace.

    I’m lucky that I don’t need to make pilgrimages to Cubao since The Grill Boy has a branch in SM Mall of Asia, just 10 minutes of walking distance away from my office. 🙂 Another branch is in SM Pampanga.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/DennistheGrillBoy” name=”The Grill Boy” description=”Second Floor, Spark Place, P. Tuazon Boulevard Corner 10th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-08-26″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    More about Spark Place in Cubao:

    Spark Place has quickly stamped its claim as one of Cubao’s trendiest hot spots by housing other integral establishments needed for every day living. Located within Spark Place is Robinson’s Supermarket, Robinson’s Appliance Center, and Handy Man Hardware store, making for hassle-free shopping without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of a packed mall. Spark Place also provides basement parking for their customers.

  • Review of Feta Mediterranean Restaurant (Greenhills, San Juan City)

    Review of Feta Mediterranean Restaurant (Greenhills, San Juan City)

    I don’t frequent Greenhills, San Juan area so every visit should make a sizable impression. Last Sunday, I sat down with savvy foodies to try out the best-selling dishes of Feta Mediterranean restaurant along Annapolis Street.

    Specializing mostly in Turkish cuisine, this dining spot is alluring. Every dish served is 100% authentic as prepared by its Turkish chef, and you can’t go wrong with any of its creative, beautifully rendered food paired with original Turkish drinks. Feta Mediterranean is a cavernous setting with colorful and modern furnishings completing a wonderful experience particularly for large groups.

    Review of Feta Mediterranean Restaurant (Greenhills, San Juan City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Feta Mediterranean Restaurant in Greenhills (at the back of Promenade) is the kind of place where you won’t get intimidated since there’s plenty of room to move around in. Soft seating, coffee tables, community seating, and family-style dining setup are all available, attracting a wider customer base. I like that the dining area is spacious and the fixtures’ arrangements look good when standing at eye level. This totally made me feel less cramped or trapped.

    The overall interior design has splashes of candy colors coming into play which carry a casual vibe and give it more pop. The bright lighting and Turkish background music as well played a part in making up its playful and upbeat atmosphere.

    Service: ★★★★★

    The staff were eloquent in providing details about each dish on the menu. They were very friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. All our requests were dealt with immediately and with a smile. This epitomized great customer service that you will come back again and again for.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Feta Medi knows its market well, and they’re always doing something to cater to the ‘hood. On the menu, the best-selling items and favorites are marked, so first-time customers won’t be bewildered in choosing which to go for.

    To start the meal, we had the Mezze Platter (PhP 500)—a sampler of five mezzes. It’s made up of gharnoush (mashed eggplant dry yogurt), tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber, and dry mint), ezme (tomatoes, onions, peppers, herbs, olive oil), eggplant salad (grilled eggplant, chopped vegetables, drizzled with olive oil), and hummous (mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, served with pita bread). Slathered on the warm puff bread (ancient pulled hollow bread) or added to, well, everything else we ordered, this appetizer was a real winner. It’s a visual stunner and every mezze was unique and interesting.

    Feta Media also nailed on its Mediterranean Pizza (PhP 150), which was made out of a healthy thin dough topped with minced meat, served with side salad and sliced lemon. The crust was resoundingly crispy and the spices had their way of tantalizing my taste buds, just as I liked.

    Onto the main courses, we tried the Pesto Linguine (PhP 259). Topped with feta cheese, this pesto pasta looked familiar but it swapped the usual pine nuts with walnuts. Nonetheless, it passed the taste test with flying colors as pesto beautifully clung to the pasta. The linguine was cooked perfectly with a good ratio of sauce to noodles.

    Drinking the Yogurt Shake Ayran (PhP 129) after a mouthful of the “green pasta” added a lovely tang. This Turkish yogurt beverage with salt is an all-star drink in Turkey and is also very popular in Middle Eastern countries. I was so pleased that I did not have to go outside the country to have a sip. 🙂 It’s thicker compared to the fairly runny consistency of regular yogurts, dense, creamy and packed with protein.

    Next, Grilled Moroccan Lamb Chops (PhP 590) were served with mashed potatoes and this meaty plate was an unexpected delight for me. One taste and it’s kapow! Seasoning was rich and deep. I love the hot sauce and mayo garlic as complementary dips. Mix them together and don’t be afraid of heat! 🙂

    Filled with tasty layers of baked eggplant, Vegetarian Moussaka (PhP 280) topped with mozzarella cheese and tomato slices was a leisurely bite. It had a great aroma and subtle sweetness. Plain bread fresh from the oven accompanied the dish and made it taste more inviting.

    There’s nothing wrong to have the Turkish Breakfast (PhP 300, for 2) while eating lunch or even dinner. Consisting of a plate of tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta, this classic Turkish favorite came with plain bread and menemen with ekmek.

    I highly recommend this dish when you’re hungry but crave for something light. Softly cooked with tomatoes, green chili, and fresh eggs, Menemen (Turkish Scrambled Eggs) turned out to be seriously tasty. The good news is that you can order it alone at PhP 150. Awesome stuff.

    Mixed Souvlaki Platter (PhP 1350, for 4) can be described as the stark opposite of the breakfast platter. Great savory depth and heavy meat flavor did not hold back an attack. Loaded with adana (ground lamb kebabs), chicken wings, souvlaki chicken, Mediterranean pizza, and shawarma, the bold flavors worked out well. Salt and proper mixing ensured that the meat came out juicy with a pleasantly springy texture. For sure, it’s a must-try dish for certified meat lovers who have a big appetite.

    Feta Medi’s Beyti (bay-tee) (PhP 350) was another crowd-pleaser. Never mind the unfamiliar name and just dig in. Made with grilled ground chicken wrapped in lavash and topped with iskender sauce Haydari sauce, this chicken dish won’t make you swoon the same way as in the Mixed Souvlaki Platter but can make you feel like receiving a big warm hug from within. Yes, it’s delicious especially with iskender (Turkish yogurt dip).

    Concentrated, silky, and intense all at once, Turkish Coffee (PhP 125) contained in a cute little cup was exceptionally dark and bitter.  There’s a choice to add in sugar. We tasted it both with and without, and I ended up favoring the true and original taste of the coffee without the infused sweet.

    When in Feta Medi, it’s also a good idea to settle in with some Turkish desserts. My top pick had to be the Profiteroles (PhP 180)—choux pastry balls filled with cream and topped with chocolate syrup. This puff pastry is all you need to enjoy your sugar rush. Its addictive contrast of cream and chocolate will keep you going back for bite after bite. 🙂

    The Kanafeh/Künefe (Sweet Cheese Pastry) (PhP 380, for 4) was also not a letdown. Neutral, non-salty, stringy and crispy golden brown cheese in between layers of light flaky pastry…WOW! It’s one that continued to haunt my dreams—both sleeping and waking—long after I got back home. 😀

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    I’m sure this won’t be the last time that I would be taking delight in Turkish food because Feta Mediterranean made such a good impression of it. My mind was pretty blown by the tastes of food here, and I didn’t expect that. Prices in this restaurant are fair and reasonable, considering the portion and quality of ingredients. PhP 500/person must be more than enough to make one really full and satisfied.

    Thanks, Aldous, for the invite!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/FETAMediterranean” name=”Feta Mediterranean Restaurant” description=”Ground Floor, Intrawest Center, 101 Annapolis Street, Greenhills, San Juan City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 7057238″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-08-15″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Skull and Bones PH (U.P. Town Center, Diliman, Quezon City)

    Review of Skull and Bones PH (U.P. Town Center, Diliman, Quezon City)

    Comfort food. Those decadent, rich, cheesy, fried, and gooey dishes remind us of home, school years, or mom. What really makes a particular dish comforting is that it should not veer far from tradition. This exactly is how Skull and Bones in U.P. Town Center prepares its food and drinks.

    Items on the menu are quite hearty, the kind that provides a little warmth. If you’re looking for a place in Diliman, Quezon City to hang out with friends, this is the place to be. Complete with “university club” ambiance, Skull and Bones PH exudes a sense of nostalgia that will bring people back to the days when life was simple.

    Review of Skull and Bones PH (U.P. Town Center, Diliman, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    The modern setup operates cafeteria-style, making meals quick and easy. Skull and Bones PH’s environment is done up with blue and white theme filled all over with rustic-chic decor composed of university memorabilia: framed pictures on the wall, club rules, locker, trophies, sports paraphernalia, posters, and other campus items. There’s also wi-fi available, so if you’re a student on the lookout for a place to finish your homework or study for an upcoming exam, there’s little room for disappointment here.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Fueled by a high-energy dining scene, staffs were quick and efficient in serving food and handling requests. They’re knowledgeable on the menu and friendly in providing recommendations.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Is there a better way to start our comfort food adventure in Skull and Bones than with a big, sticky plate of Curly Cheese Fries (PhP 220)? We think not, especially when these deep-fried fries were covered in melted cheese sauce that’s rich and creamy.

    Not a fan of cheese? No problem. Curly Fries (PhP 110) may just rival its “cheesy” version but it’s another comfort food favorite that will have your taste buds screaming for more. It’s plain and simple but very satisfying as a snack. Just don’t mind the calories!

    Next, we had the Trailer Park Mac and Cheese (PhP 290) which was warm and bubbly, topped with crispy pieces of biscuits and pasta finished with gooey cheese melting down the sides of the bowl. If you are feeling sick, don’t have an appetite, or just hungry, this bowl can put the pep right back in your step. I thought it’s too salty though so drinking a tall glass of water afterwards is a must.

    I was quite surprised to learn that Skull and Bones also offers soothing bowls of ramen apart from the usual American comfort food. One particular variant I liked was the Spicy Beef Dorm Room Ramen (PhP 200). The mami noodles were cooked with a dash of Asian-inspired broth and juicy beef that exceeded my demand for quality. Its spice level is not for the meek! Slurp. 🙂

    For an iconic “breakfast food,” a can’t-miss option for vegetarians must be the Popeye Burrito (PhP 330) made with brown rice, black beans, spinach, pico de gallo, sour cream, mozzarella, and Monterrey Jack cheese in a whole wheat tortilla. Wholesome and filling with the proper amount of chewiness, it was the best veggie tortilla I have ever had. Even carnivores would love it.

    The Shrimp Pineapple Salsa Burrito (PhP 490), on the other hand, was served as a perfectly-balanced execution of Spanish rice, beans, garlic shrimp, pineapple corn salsa, sour cream, mozzarella, and Monterrey Jack cheese. A gently crisp crust on the surface of the homemade tortilla came out as a fine bonus.

    Completely comforting in its own right, the Nachos with Pulled Pork (PhP 380) would be a good option to satisfy your craving for heart-clogging pleasures. 😛 As with other regular nachos, the chips went soggy when left for over 5-10 minutes, but showered with creamy cheese sauce, you won’t mind digging it with your fingers (it was troublesome for me to use the fork). The portion was huge so you’ll do a lot better sharing this with a friend or two.

    While there are countless versions of massive burgers and hotdogs around Metro Manila, this joint takes these two prime stars on the menu seriously. Loaded with meaty ingredients, the Pitbull (PhP 300) was made with a beef and pork frankfurter, Swiss cheese, smoked ham, chopped pickles and onions, sliced jalapenos, and garlic lemon aioli. Whoa! The griddle-pressed brioche bun also had a serious snap and looked great with just a streak of mustard.

    The Super Mario (PhP 300) was fierce and tasted slightly spicy. Topped with finely chopped fried and breaded homemade chicken sausage, the hotdog was covered with even layers of sauteed peppers and onions, extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of chili flakes, mozzarella, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley to ensure a uniform bite. Nestled on a brioche bun, the Super Mario is way better than anything you may remember from your grade-school cafeteria. It’s freaking tasty!

    At this point, my stomach was already full. I thought I could no longer eat more, but the burger specialties have yet to come out. Oh no, haha. After pausing a bit to take pictures, the tasting must go on…

    The Blue Palasky Burger (PhP 340) is definitely not for the timid eater. Huge in beefy, get-the-adrenaline-pumping flavor, this burger was generously topped with blue cheese on a brioche bun lined with blue cheese spread. The sweet caramelized onion relish did a good job in balancing out the richness of the meat and blue cheese and releasing enough moisture to de-glaze the browned bits of the beef patty.

    The Dirty South (PhP 280) was also quite a stunner. It’s made with fried chicken patty battered in rice krispies, topped with shredded red cabbages that tasted both tart and sweet. Imported honey on the burger stood out as strong and sweet and a wonderful addition forming the honey-glazed chicken taste.

    There’s no roadmap on how to eat the Macgruber-ger (PhP 320), but I suppose that anyone who cares about poise like me would use spoon, fork, and maybe a knife. 🙂 Topped with a towering stack of fried noodles, this complex burger was made with Monterrey Jack cheese, sesame sauteed mushrooms, pico de gallo, spring onion, and blue cheese spread. The blend of ingredients had a sparkling effervescence, and each slice was deliciously creamy, because of the different kinds of cheese mixed in.

    The Grilled Cheese Burger (PhP 320) looked like a regular sandwich, but it’s anything but regular. Packed with cheese and beefy goodness, this burger/sandwich was grilled with fresh sliced tomatoes, roasted tomato salsa, and pan-seared butter. Majority of the punch took off from the cheese though. There’s something about the gamy richness of grilled cheese that’s impossible to dislike. Hence, armed with a big appetite, even ardent beef burger purists may once in a while take this to consideration.

    Skull and Bones serves a long list of beverages ranging from juices and soda to beers and cool alcohol drinks. We tried the Gummi Bear (PhP 160/glass, PhP 640/pitcher) as it looked most appealing with cute Gummi bears hooked on a stick. The alcoholic taste was not “in-your-face” strong but was just refreshing. What overpowered was the sweet taste of Gummi Bears which was a little weird in drink form.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    Combining relaxing old-school ambiance and outstanding university comfort food, Skull and Bones is a great restaurant in U.P. Town Center that serves dishes whose portions are good for sharing. Tastes were pretty decent, going well beyond the holy trinity of burgers, burritos, and hotdogs. Prices are not dirt-cheap but reasonable. A visit can be more than just a meal; it’s an experience.

    Thanks to Boss Spanky for the invite! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/skullandbonesph” name=”Skull and Bones PH” description=”Second Floor, U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call +63 9162201668″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-06-09″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant (New Manila, Quezon City)

    Review of Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant (New Manila, Quezon City)

    I guess part of the challenge of dating a food blogger is finding restaurants that are a bit more unconventional or off-the-beathen-path, especially when it comes to romantic dining. My top-of-mind criteria are: delicious food (well, that’s a given), majestic ambiance we can fall in love with, and a certain “x-factor” that will make it a place we will remember even in our dreams. Oh yes. 🙂

    During special occasions, my boyfriend loves bringing me to “secret restaurants” where the pleasure is as much in the finding as in the eating. He also makes sure that it’s somewhere I haven’t visited yet, so it can be a new discovery. This time, we celebrated our sixth-year anniversary in Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant. This “hidden gem” in New Manila, Quezon City has impressively satisfied all my requirements! 🙂

    Review of Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant (New Manila, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Horseshoe Village in New Manila is largely a residential compound, so it was easy to assume that Lemuria is one of those restaurants converted from a house. Apparently, we were right. Lemuria used to be part of the owner’s home. A beautiful open garden surrounding the house reeks romance. Potted plants make the whole place feel like something out of a high-class outdoor home decor and styling magazine. The hanging flowers snaking around plants suspended overhead complete a picture-perfect setting.

    At sundown, the lights are turned on, making it feel like more than just a garden. By special request to management, guests can also have lunch or dinner be arranged in this “scenic garden of paradise.”

    As we entered the dining room, we were greeted by a lovely atmosphere framed with soft lighting and European-inspired interior design. Small details go a long way here. Brick paneled walls, white tablecloths, wooden tables and chairs, wooden floor, plates on walls, leaf-patterned curtains, and a full-length mirror add up in creating a contemporary ambiance.

    I thought Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant is an exquisite location for those looking for an elegant dining spot that’s conducive to a quiet, intimate time when dating someone special, celebrating anniversaries, closing business deals, or proposing a marriage. At the back, they have a collection of wines that complement the menu, entice the senses, and suit every personality and occasion.

    Service: ★★★★★

    I salute the service, which was charming and serious. We received flawless VIP treatment from the time we entered the gates to the time we left. The down-to-earth staffs were attentive, polite, and non-intrusive, making us feel like in a relaxed vacation house miles away from the Metro Manila bustle.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Lemuria’s fine-dining menu is concise with limited options, but every item seemed like a signature dish packed full of flavor. We ordered a soup entrée, two mains, and a cake for dessert.

    A complimentary bread basket with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and butter was brought to our table as appetizers. Breads were fresh, light, and tasty, and the olive oil with balsamic vinegar had a nice fruity kick.

    For our soup course, the Mushroom and Gruyere (PhP 395) isn’t exactly something we seek out on menus, but while color was one-dimensional, this one happened to be quite good—thick and creamy. The gratinated swiss cheese on top tasted pretty sharp and pronounced, so much better than cheddar cheese.

    For our seafood main, we chose the Shrimp Tortellini (PhP 625) made with home-made shrimp tortellini in crab fat sauce topped with sautéed chanterelles (a.k.a. queen of mushrooms). Presentation was super fancy and the golden-priced, golden-looking, and golden-tasting chanterelles with crab fat sauce worked wonders. Texture of the pasta was not exactly like that of a traditional pasta. I was actually expecting spaghetti-like strands of pasta, obviously as I had zero familiarity with how tortellini looked like. Haha.

    A mainstay of fancy dinner parties, the Beef Bourguignon (PhP 830) was nothing short of amazing. Served with mashed potatoes on the side (sorry, not on picture), these US short ribs were braised to the core in red wine for eight hours with shallots, carrots, and lardoons (pork fat). Immersed in savory sauce, the fork-tender meat melted in my mouth like butter. Although portion was small, it was filling and definitely a luxurious treat. Yum!

    Nothing beats a slice of decadent chocolate cake. Formed with alternating layers of white chocolate and dark chocolate, the Opera Cake (PhP 320) had an interesting blend of sweetness. It was moist, rich, and a little bit addictive. It’s pure indulgence!

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant is not the most accessible place, but getting here is worth it if you’re looking forward to a dreamy dinner. The prices aren’t cheap, with an average rate per person hovering around the PhP 1000 mark. Food was well prepared and the amount of work spent to make the dishes was undeniable, but it’s truly the ambiance and service that made the experience remarkable. 🙂 I thank my “very very sweet loving boyfriend of the century,” Louie, for making this happen. ♥

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/Lemuria.Gourmet” name=”Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant” description=”5 Julieta Circle, Horseshoe Village, New Manila, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries and reservations, call contact numbers (02) 724-5211 and +63927-4284202″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-05-22″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating Hours: 6pm to 11pm
    Note: To secure a table, reservation is a must. Dress code is smart casual.

  • Review of 7Flavors Philippines (Addition Hills, San Juan)

    Review of 7Flavors Philippines (Addition Hills, San Juan)

    7Flavors Philippines is the newest dining destination nestled within the lush urban confines of Addition Hills, San Juan that’s composed of an artisan bakery, a gourmet café, and a world fusion buffet restaurant in one location. There’s a lot going on here! This kind of place can be tricky, but no doubt, it’s a a pocket of pleasure, where guests indulge in delectable delights and tempting treats.

    Why 7Flavors? The restaurant serves food that are sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami, spicy, and astringent. Whoa, wait—what? I couldn’t wrap my head around that last one. I know “astringent” as a face cleaner that removes excess oils and tightens the pores. After a quick definition search, I learned that the term also refers to a sour or bitter taste causing the mouth to pucker. Interesting! 🙂 So if you’re the adventurous type of eater, put your hopes up and rest assured that everything is good. 7Flavors Philippines is a foodie’s paradise, lovingly crafted by a celebrated master of the arts, the renowned Chef Boy Logro.

    Review of 7Flavors Philippines (Addition Hills, San Juan)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    7Flavors Philippines’ ambiance is so charming that makes it a perfect place for family gatherings, hanging out with friends (tambayan), birthday celebrations, and lunch or dinner dates. The real notable feature is that guests have all the freedom to choose where they want to stay to taste different sorts of food: at the bakery, the café (first floor), or the buffet area (second floor).

    The 7Flavors Bakery is where you can have fresh bread, savory pies, and baked goods. With fun, playful, and heavenly items displayed in rows, this part of 7Flavors can make you smile as soon as you walk towards it. Seating is limited though you can always move indoors to the café.

    Just footsteps from the bakery, the 7Flavors Gourmet Café looked classy, resonating with warmth of the servers. I love intimate places like this where you can just stay for hours and enjoy the neutral colors layered with blue and yellow accents. Pay attention to the menu posted on chalkboard-designed wall at the side. The ambiance was quite homely, too, with the sofa set making a statement at the back. Chill!

    The second floor sets the stage for the 7Flavors Fusion Buffet and opens up to a spacious dining area that can accommodate up to 150 people. Three function rooms are available; one of which can hold 30 people, while the other two can each hold 15 people. Interior design looked simple but still festive and elegant. The blue and white theme just reminded me of a traditional Greek restaurant. 🙂 Lighting was ample and the instrumental background music also played a part in making us feel relaxed.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was first class, but not the slightest bit stiff. The staff were friendly in assisting guests and taking requests. It’s easy to get stressed out when attending to so many people at a time, so I hope that they manage to continue serving efficiently and responsively even after the soft opening.

    What’s also noteworthy is that the staffs’ uniform looked stylish as compared to the usual plain polo shirt. Donning a red scarf and a red beret, the receptionist and the rest of the service attendants wear shirts with black and white stripes and black pants. 🙂

    Food: ★★★★☆

    It isn’t often to come across buffet restaurants serving good Asian fusion food in the city. 7Flavors Philippines is an exception. Here you can find unique and inventive dishes that may just blow your mind. They have grilled, baked and stewed meats, seafood, freshly cooked vegetables, and desserts. Yeah, it’s a party. Get involved!

    You can start with the salad and jump right into the carbs. Pork Bagnet With Fermented Shrimp and Bagoong Rice made a nice pair. With a serious jolt of umami, these two have the ability to put your regular fried pork bagnet entrée and steamed white rice to shame. The combined taste is not for the timid. It’s bold, distinctly salty, and just mouth-watering. The Fried Potato With Cheese And Bacon was cooked well, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

    You can hide in your comfort zone or go with an open mind. The following dishes were stunning, presented with bright colors and stimulating tastes.

    Far from bland, the Beef Bourguignon featured a deep, hearty, and beefy flavor similar to pot roast. Tropical Fruits Salsa was a nice accompaniment to the crisply coated fried fish fillet that packs a wow factor for seafood lovers.

    The Buttered Vegetables were too tasty not to try, and the juicy Norwegian Meatballs were tender and moist with a smooth, almost custard-like texture that almost melts in your mouth.

    7Flavors’ Chicken Drumstick with Sticky Lemon Sauce came with a plethora of aromatic and zesty lemon flavor. For the Korean-Style Mafu Tofu, I was expecting a lot more spiciness. While heat was out, it was still satisfying. Much of that help can be credited to the soft tofu which absorbed the pork’s flavor.

    Firmly set, the Pumpkin Frittata seemed like a pancake topped with squash. Bursting with savory, funky flavor but not so spicy, the Chicken Wings with Butter Spicy Sauce was tender and rich and they’re enough to make your eyes water. Other great to be eaten with rice include the Fish Marinated by Sweet Miso, Malaysian Beef Rendang and Shrimp Coconut Tempura.

    Fans of home-style cooking will be eager to try Asian BBQ Pork Ribs and Garlic Green Beans. Dessert options are limited but these pastries carefully made in-house were decent. I just think that bringing more creative sweet courses into the buffet table will further end meals on a more satisfying and wholesome note. Another thing that’s quite limited in number are the drink selections in the buffet. We had unlimited iced tea and water.

    In case you want more sweets and drinks to come back to balance, you can order items from the bakery or the café downstairs. The 7Flavors Ensaymada (PhP 50) with seven distinctive flavors (butter, pandan, cheese, ube, coconut, flan, and bacon) is an absolute must-try. Its interior, while moist, is more dense than fluffy, and begs for a cup of coffee or smoothie.

    7Flavors Cheesecake (PhP 120) is another crowd favorite. It’s a calamansi-infused cheesecake on a coconut and graham crust, topped with an ube and langka mixture, fresh durian, frosted with coffee cream, and dusted with chocnut crumble. Any café can make cheesecakes, but it takes a great one to come up with something as indulging as this. 🙂 The 7Flavors Cheesecake is an artistic treat skillfully combined with unexpected lip-smacking ingredients with the right textures.

    The Elvis (PhP 120) is one of the most recommended drinks offered. The name itself was enticing enough given its uniqueness. This smoothie was made with fried bananas, maple syrup and chocolate, and topped with bacon. While I enjoyed the richness and creaminess, I barely tasted the bacon in it.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    7Flavors Philippines (near Co-op and Chocolat in San Juan) is a must-visit restaurant for casual dining and for special occasions. It’s recommended for those who are willing to hike to “Greenhills area” in QC for some FLAVORSOME EATS. Once you’ve settled in, instead of buckling up your belt, you may loosen it down a bit and grab all exciting flavors of food to make the most out of the ride.

    With a good selection of items on the buffet, price for value is fair and reasonable. Buffet rates are as follows:

    • Monday-Thursday: Lunch – PhP 399.5 / Dinner – PhP 499.95
    • Friday-Sunday: Lunch and Dinner – PhP 599.95

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://7flavors.webs.com/” name=”7Flavors Philippines” description=”196 A. Mabini Street, Addition Hills, San Juan” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 5430325 or 0917-8281700, or email 7flavors.info@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-05-20″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours:
    Artisan Bakery: 7:00AM to 8:00PM daily
    Gourmet Café: 8:00AM to 11:00PM daily
    World Fusion Buffet 11:00AM to 2:00PM (lunch) and 6:00PM to 10:00PM (dinner) daily

    Soft opening promotion: Enjoy 20% discount on the World Fusion Buffet until June 14, 2015.

  • PUREFOODS Bacon Tasting at The Quirky Bacon (Little Baguio, San Juan City) #BaconfestMNL

    PUREFOODS Bacon Tasting at The Quirky Bacon (Little Baguio, San Juan City) #BaconfestMNL

    On one recent weekend evening, I food-crawled my way along Little Baguio in San Juan, Quezon City, pausing for rounds of bacon dishes by The Quirky Bacon. There we met Chef Sharwin Tee, Chef/Host of Lifestyle Network’s Curiosity Got the Chef, and the creative chef behind the restaurant that presented to us dishes with bacon incorporated as one of the key ingredients. The menu placed on the table read really quirky names of food which are enough to make us feel excited for Purefoods’ Bacon Fest Manila. 🙂

    PUREFOODS Bacon Tasting at The Quirky Bacon (Little Baguio, San Juan City)

    We started dinner with the Glazed Tempura Bacon—honey-cured bacon fried in tempura batter with a spicy soy miso glaze. The batter was crisp and not over-salted. I thought I could eat handfuls of the tempura bacon on its own as a snack and not feel disgusted. Dripping with sweet honey flavor, the shrimp tempura was plump. It was as delicious as it looked!

    I guess the best way to cleanse our palate and get ready with the rest of the meal was to bite into the Chef’s Salad. Served in appropriate timing, the salad was made with arugula and romaine, kesong puti, and warm bacon strawberry vinaigrette. Oh, the taste of the bacon mixed with strawberry was very evident in the vinaigrette. That spelled all the difference—a good difference. 😛

    Next, the result of combining sweet potato fries, mozzarella cheese, bacon gravy, and a medley of Purefoods bacon together was the Bacon Medley Poutine. The fries took notes from KFC’s crispy fries however this time, sweet potato fries were used. Dipped into the bacon gravy, this dish could be counted as one supremely elevated form of your regular fries with condiments.

    Practically rounding up the best of our meal was the Lacquered Slab Bacon, a must-order at The Quirky Chef. It consisted of the Applewood Smoked Bacon slab with brown sugar chili crust paired with bacon java rice. OMG. With glistening surface, the slab of bacon was succulent and pleasantly unassuming. The fragrance brought in an extra dimension that makes the entire dish more satisfying.

    Living up to its name, the Pork Panalo Roll was a true winner. It was made with pork tenderloin stuffed with calumpit longganisa wrapped in bacon, guava labuyo glaze, drop dead fried rice. Individually, the contents were not anything fancy but the dish was hearty indeed. Ah, this must be a godsend.

    For dessert, we enjoyed the Problem Child. What’s in a name? Apparently, whoever eats this will become a problem child because it’s so good! Lending a subtle sweetness to the flavor, the Problem Child is the best way to end a quality meal at The Quirky Bacon. It’s hard to believe that such simple ingredients as bacon chocnut champorado and chocolate milk powder will make a great dish that can remind you of childhood. 🙂

    #BaconFestMNL

    For its sincere love for bacon lovers, PUREFOODS has launched the first-ever Bacon Fest Manila as a way for everyone to enjoy and understand all the yummy goodness in bacon. It has partnered with various restaurants all over the metro to give the PUREFOODS Thick Cut Bacon and Maple Bacon a new twist. This campaign aims to send awareness that many fantastic-tasting dishes can be created with the many variants of bacon.

    The challenge? Restaurants/food establishments invited will create and serve their own bacon dishes in celebration of BaconFestMNL for customers. The Quirky Bacon is one of them. 🙂

    Others included are: Charlie’s Grill and Grill, Sebastian’s. Torch, Tiny Duchess, Carpe Diem, Wicked Dogs, Stoners SoulFood To Go, 2nd’s, Gram’s Diner and The Bistro Group (like TGI Fridays and Italliani’s).

    With Purefoods’ thick cut bacon, you can enjoy twice the thickness of regular bacon in every bite. The honey-cured bacon has the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors, while the barbecue-marinaded spicy barbecue bacon has the right hint of spiciness for the thrill-seeker in you.

    There’s also the honey roast bacon that’s sweet and savory with smoky goodness. All the PUREFOODS thick cut bacon variants are available in 500g packs, while the PUREFOODS maple bacon which is known for its sweet, crispy, and rich maple aroma comes in 200g, 400g, 1kg packs.

    Join the Bacon Fest Manila Contest (May 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015)

    You can join the Bacon Fest Manila Contest by visiting any or all of the partner restaurants/food establishments stated above, order the #BaconFestMNL special dish, and post the photo on your social media.

    Don’t forget to tag @baconfestmnl and their official hashtags #BaconFestMNL and #BiteTheLove to get a chance to win some awesome prizes, like a MacBook Air, iPhone6, and a GoPro. 🙂 Check the Baconfest MNL Facebook Page for more details.

  • Review of Taco Bell Philippines (Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City)

    Review of Taco Bell Philippines (Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City)

    Fans of tacos would probably have heard of Taco Bell before. Taco Bell opened its first branch in the Philippines at the ground floor of Gateway Mall in Araneta Center, Cubao in 2004. I have passed by this location almost every day for a year when commuting to and from work way back in 2009. However, because I was always in the hurry to go to the office and catch the last train to home, I have never tried eating at Taco Bell—until last Thursday, thanks to Zomato’s invite. 😛

    With its value-for-money offerings of food and drinks, Taco Bell now feeds people’s lives with its slogan, “Live Más.” Más means more. It is in the process of redesigning the ambiance of its restaurants all over the world. In Asia, first store to be redesigned was Korea, and the Philippines, specifically this one in Gateway, came as second. We were one of the first batches of people who learned the new things found in the outlet.

    with Ms. Aira and Mr. Lorent Adrias of Taco Bell

    Review of Taco Bell Philippines (Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Taco Bell in Gateway Mall looked like an ideal place to simply sit and chill. Compared to the old ambiance, the new vibe is brighter, more hip, and more colorful. I was most pleased with the electrical outlets installed on the bar tables where customers who are gadgets-savvy can charge their mobile devices while enjoying their meals.

    I also love the casual dining theme, with accents of violet everywhere, and the open kitchen (enclosed with glass) which follows the growing trend of food establishments showing transparency in the way they prepare food. This helps to drive away fears associate with food horror stories about nauseating things that take place behind closed kitchen doors. As an observer, having visual access on how the staff prepare our orders was fascinating.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Operational efficiency and food freshness are two of the main reasons why patrons should check out the revamped Taco Bell. In relation to Taco Bell’s new open kitchen concept, the management has also improved the designation of tasks of the staff working behind the counter. Instead of one person doing everything to complete orders, everyone is assigned to do a unique task just like in a manufacturing factory.

    The order-takers key in the items ordered by the customers, hands over the receipt, and advises to waits until their number is called.

    The kitchen team is notified on the order through an LCD screen projected against the kitchen wall. Each has a role in making and assembling the food. Once done, a staff serves the order by calling out the number which is reflected on the screen visible to the waiting customers.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    The first appetizer to titillate our appetite was the Nachos Supreme (PhP 89). The platter consisted of “crispy-style” nachos with consistent crisp and cheesy toppings. It’s best eaten as soon as it’s served, otherwise the nachos become soggy with rubbery cheddar on top after sitting for a bit.

    Next we had the Crunchy Wrap Supreme (PhP 69) “Meal 4” which was made with a warm, soft, flour tortilla filled with seasoned beef, warm nacho cheese sauce, a crunchy toasted shell, cool sour cream, lettuce and tomatoes wrapped up and grilled. It has robust flavors with a balanced touch of sweetness and savoriness.

    XL Cheese and Beef Quesadilla (PhP 189) “Meal 5” is perfect for anyone who has a big craving. It was filled with the cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack three-cheese blend, topped with nacho cheese sauce. This simple dish had an alluring aroma from the melted cheese that I so love.

    The Crunchy Taco and Beef Burrito (PhP 189) “Meal 6” was another good option that was done the way it should be—crisp on the outside, warm and soft on the inside. You can’t go wrong.

    Note that all meals include sides and drinks.

    For desserts, it would be a shame to walk away not having a bite of Taco Bell’s Chocodilla with Nutella (and marshmallows) (PhP 49) as it’s only available in the Philippines as of now. It was not too sweet but just right.

    We also tried Churros with Dip (PhP 49). About the size of a breadstick, the light and airy churros can be eaten plain or dipped into the chocolate sauce. It’s a treat that’s great for a quick snack on-the-go.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Prices are totally inexpensive and wallet-friendly. Taco Bell in Gateway Mall must be a local treasure beloved for its tasty food and modern ambiance. This restaurant is recommended to those who want to try traditional Mexican food with a twist. 😉

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.facebook.com/TacoBellPHL/” name=”Taco Bell” description=”G/F Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 911-3130″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-04-01″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Other branches:
    3/F Gateway Food Express, Araneta Center, Quezon City
    2/F Trinoma Mall, Quezon City

  • Review of Bugis Singapore Street Food (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Review of Bugis Singapore Street Food (Banawe, Quezon City)

    I have known Bugis Singapore Street Food in The Grand Towers Manila along Pablo Ocampo, Vito Cruz, near De La Salle University-Manila for three years now, but I have not actually looked in its direction and tried its food. My boyfriend took me last Sunday to the branch in Banawe, Quezon City, and we had a hearty Singaporean meal. Bugis Singapore Street Food serves up some crazy good plates in a chill, laid-back space that lets you leisurely eat and get what you pay for.

    Review of Bugis Singapore Street Food (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    With buzzing environment, Bugis Singapore Street Food in Banawe is that type of hole-in-the-wall restaurant that fits the description of most hawker-style stalls comfortably. Its interior design is simple and seamless, with splashes of bright orange, yellow, and green on walls and seats.

    The place looked unassuming but not pale. It was surprisingly still full even when it was already 9PM when we visited for late dinner, an hour before closing time. I figured that this was a good indication that dishes are really palatable and in demand. (I took pictures when almost everybody left, so you won’t see the large heaps of customers I’m talking about.) 🙂

    There’s an unfussy arrangement of reading materials for customers who would like to be entertained with magazines at one corner.

    Service: ★★★☆☆

    Service was passable but less than ideal. The waiters looked quite stressed out and hurrying all the time while serving and cleaning one table after the other. In fairness, it was a busy night, so it’s understandable how it took time before servers responded when called.

    Food: ★★★★★

    From their must-try list on the menu, the Buttered Squid Rings (PhP 140) seemed mediocre at first glance, but we were sold at the very first bite. Fried with light and crunchy batter, the squid rings were not chewy or gummy. We loved that each piece was tender and flavorful. While the squid ring was great on its own, vinegar with red onions worked well as a complementary dipping sauce which added a kick without being overpowering.

    Spicy and legitimately awesome, Bugis Singapore Street Food’s Singapore Laksa (PhP 180) is not to be missed. It’s super tasty and almost life-changing. Simmered to perfection, this hot pot of laksa had an explosion of flavors, served in a coconutty fish broth that’s rich, thick, and creamy. It had the full works—tenderly poached shrimps, hard-boiled eggs, fish cakes, and fish balls. The good news? Refilling the soup by request does not come with additional cost. 🙂 It’s a nice treat indeed for our hungry stomachs.

    Price for Value: ★★★★★

    If you are looking for a place to host a casual meal with family or friends who are fond of Singaporean cuisine, Bugis Singapore Street Food will surely not let you down. For the price-conscious, we felt that the items are appropriately priced in accordance to the portion and quality of food. With that, we’ll consider putting this restaurant in our heavy rotation. 😛

    I recommend everyone to check out Bugis Singapore Street Food in either this branch in Banawe (known as the “second Chinatown”) or that one near DLSU. Get ready for some delicious Singaporean dishes without having to hustle for it. 🙂

    Other exciting and interesting entrees are as follows: Fish Soup and Mushroom Noodles (PhP 180), Bah Kut Teh (PhP 180), Char Kuey Teow (PhP 120), Fish Curry (PhP 180), and Nasi Goreng (PhP 155).

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/BugisN.Roxas” name=”Bugis Singapore Street Food” description=”81A N. Roxas Street, Near Banawe, Santo Domingo, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 7326490″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-03-05″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: Mon-Sat (8am-12am), Sun (10am-10pm)