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Category: Drinks and Nightlife

  • Review of Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Review of Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Go hungry and load up on delicious bites at Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew, where a curated list of Latin dishes keeps fans of comfort food content. We had dinner here last week. East Kapitolyo is an hour drive away from home with the usual metro traffic, but trying out Tittos’ luscious food made the trip worth it. Since this restaurant specializes in Latin cuisine, your first order of business should include any appealing starter from tacos, churros, nachos, and burrito to mains such as paella, steaks, elote, and chili beans.

    Review of Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Ambiance:

    The ambiance was definitely festive, feisty, and colorful. The South American-inspired murals on the walls look very catchy and the wall arts make this place Instagrammable. With a hip and happy crowd, the atmosphere is inviting, evoking a fun feel for large groups of friends and families. Overall, the dining experience at Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew is not to be missed!

    Food:

    As you already know, my husband likes ordering nachos in almost everywhere we visit, and he didn’t skipped on this one. We shared an order of El Gigante Nachos (PhP 275, medio for 3 pax; PhP 545, grande for 6 pax). The nachos were topped with a trio of cheese, tomato salsa, chimichurri, Mexican crema, jalapeños, and chunks of beef. Truthfully, it was not one of the best versions we’ve had. Though it didn’t quite reach the same lofty heights, it was still a gratifying dish. Conveying beefiness and creaminess for the most part, it had just the right amount of crunch and chew.

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

    Sisig Chicharrones (PhP 155) was a hit with crispy pork mask and pork chicharrones leading the way. The onions and pimientos made up for a little bit of spice, while melted cheeses and quail egg served as great accompaniments, all wrapped up into one soft flour tortilla. The familiar flavors here definitely worked!

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

    Beef Barbacoa (PhP 155) arrived with the beautiful house-made squid ink tortillas, meaty heft of shredded beef barbacoa, and chimichurri sauce which gave a great depth to the dishes. All these were tied together by the creamy Mexican crema, crunchy slaw, and potato strips. To elevate the course further, squeeze half of a lime for a nice citrus and zesty twist. A must try!

    Chiquitos (PhP 155) also did not fail us that night. We got a really satisfying back-and-forth between the deep-fried tacos and the tasteful salsa taquera. Sprinkled with crumbled queso fresco and Mexican crema, this appetizing dish was spot on: moist on the inside, but still crispy on the outside.

    For pizza, we ordered the best-recommended Truffle Pork Pizza (PhP 345) as seen on the menu. While the torched pork belly strips made a strong showing, it did not quite match how it looked. This pizza was shy on the taste of truffle and didn’t impart much of the Latin spices I expected for it to have.

    Price for Value:

    We don’t often go to Latin restaurants, so I was surprised that I liked the food here. They had a great mix of layered flavors which are simply delicious! Food deserves a thumbs-up, and the great vibe, attentive service, and affordable pricing make Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew a strong contender as a must-visit restaurant in Kapitolyo, Pasig. It’s also a nice place to take a date. Portions are enough for 2-3 people to share.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/TittosMNL/” name=”Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew” description=”16 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 535-9212O” author=”Rochkirstin Sioco” pubdate=”2019-03-31″ user_review=”4.3″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of 13 Ubay St. Comfort Dining (Quezon City)

    Review of 13 Ubay St. Comfort Dining (Quezon City)

    It’s rare when we encounter restaurants that are named after the street it’s on. 13 Ubay St. is one of them, and it’s probably one of the last places I’d be interested in after hearing its name. It just doesn’t ring a bell! But upon reading several great reviews and seeing mouthwatering photos of its food online, this place got us drooling. 13 Ubay St. apparently is a fantastic casual restaurant in Sta. Mesa Heights, Banawe that serves Filipino comfort food that’s good for sharing with your family, loved ones, and friends.

    Review of 13 Ubay St. Comfort Dining (Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    While there are several reasons to visit a restaurant for the dishes alone, there are some restaurants that seduce diners with the ambiance and decors as well. 13 Ubay St. Comfort Dining is one of them. Historically, this Filipino restaurant in Banawe was revamped from a living space. It looked airy and massive, and the energy in the dining room was palpable.

    Various artwork acquired from the owner’s travels filled the surroundings, making the place feel special and more personal without being pretentious. With mounted colorful masks, the most memorable and eye-catching section has to be the staircase wall. Further back, the design highlight features hanging plants and lights which bring a pop of color. Overall, the wide areas, carefully curated antics, pieces of furniture, and playful, feisty colors set a celebratory mood for large gatherings and family dining.

    Set on the same floor as 13 Ubay St., Elias Wicked Ales and Spirits is as one of the newest craft breweries in Metro Manila. The bar counter presents an alluring sight with five huge stainless steel kegs for brewing beer. It’s a good thing that guests can also order cool refreshments and beverages such as local craft beer with interesting flavors from Elias while enjoying Filipino food from 13 Ubay St.’s menu.

    Food:

    To start off dinner, we had the Roasted Tomato Soup (PhP 100) which was rich and creamy with a mouth-coating texture. Its subtle sweetness mellowed the acidity of tomatoes, for a hearty soup that feels like a meal on its own. Cooked with cucumber salsa, sliced baguette, and herb oil, it can be a great accompaniment to any salad or grilled cheese.

    Who doesn’t love the combination of bacon and fried eggs for breakfast? Inspired by this classic combo, the Bacon Pizza (PhP 250) consisted of homemade thin crust pizza with Lolo Joe’s Bacon, tomato sauce, cheese, and fried egg. It tasted as good as it looked, bending the conception of what pizza can be. Pizza purists though may cast a skeptical eye and may not find it compelling. If you’re the type who prefer to stick to traditional pizza toppings and ingredients, skip this.

    Aligue Pasta (PhP 220) or crab fat-infused pasta came out as penne in aligue sauce and grilled shrimps. It’s not an evolved taste from palabok we’re familiar with, but sadly it lacked in the pronounced taste of aligue.

    It’s funny that among all those we ordered, I expected the least from the 3-Hour Belly (PhP 380). In fact, I didn’t want to get it in the first place. It was only my husband who insisted of adding it to our list. In the end, this slow roasted pork belly served with red vinegar turned out to be the star of our meal. 🙂 The pork belly yielded beautiful, succulent, moist and tender flesh with light crisp crackling, perfect with rice.

    When it comes to Filipino comfort food, rice bowls reign supreme. Instead of plain white rice, we opted for 13 Ubay Street’s Fried Rice (PhP 250, platter) that opened up to a pretty tasty situation. Sauteed with shimeji mushrooms, egg, ground pork, and green onions, this rice platter was fulfilling. Once you start diving into it, you’d want more.

    The Beef Pares (PhP 390) was served with homemade chili garlic oil. Stewed in pares sauce, the beef brisket had a good balance between fat and lean. The meat broke apart with ease but still showed off its chewiness. In terms of taste, it was not overwhelmingly salty with a touch of sweet.

    We’re no strangers to the joy of eating salted egg dishes (chips, pasta, pizza, rice, etc.), so when we found Salted Egg Ice Cream (PhP 80, 1 scoop) on the menu, we felt ecstatic to try it at once. And good god, the flavor was on point; it tasted really like salted egg and it wasn’t too weird. Rather, it was sweet, salty and creamy and would pass for a normal dessert.

    Another treat that’s easy to fall in love with was their Tablea Mousse (PhP 140) topped with whipped cream. It had a smooth, soft, and delicate texture that complements the mellow sweetness and the slightly bittersweet chocolate flavor. If I were to choose between the salted egg ice cream and this one though, I’d pick the former three times over. Yup, it was that good! 🙂

    Elias offers craft beers (on tap), Belgian beers, American beers, and UK cider. Since we can’t decide which among the ciders to try, we thought it was safe to get the Flight of 4 Tasters (PhP 280). The staff gave us the freedom to choose four flavors from those available, and we ended up with: hanep guyabano, astig mango, solid dalandan, and ridiculous amber. My husband described them all simply as “masarap.” 😛

    Price for Value:

    People seem to love 13 Ubay St. and I can say that I do as well. It’s a gem in an unassuming location, an excellent restaurant choice when you want to savor Filipino comfort food with the entire family or your big barkada without breaking the bank. Try and hit the local craft beer and a number of house recommended dishes while you’re there. Go for signatures if you’re coming in for the first time, or try other dishes that seem interesting on paper. Delicious and well-prepared meals await!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/13ubay/” name=”13 Ubay St. Comfort Dining” description=”13 Ubay Street, Santa Mesa Heights, Banawe, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, contact 0917 8577159 or (02) 5796484″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-07-13″ user_review=”4″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Little Winehaus (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Review of Little Winehaus (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

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

    little winehaus

    Review of Little Winehaus (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

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

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

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

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/littlewinehaus.ph/” name=”Little Winehaus” description=”#2 Scout Dr Lazcano corner Scout Magbanua, Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 799 9217″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-12-26″ user_review=”4″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of The Stockpile (The Sapphire Bloc, Ortigas)

    Review of The Stockpile (The Sapphire Bloc, Ortigas)

    Previously known as the Sunshine Kitchen, The Stockpile puts together classic comfort food with a twist. The cuisine is varied, featuring a lineup of Pinoy and Western dishes. If you want to drink, be outside, and feel like you’ve escaped civilization, this restaurant is worth braving the traffic for in the heart of Ortigas, Pasig. Located on the grounds of The Sapphire Bloc not too far from SM Megamall and Metrowalk, The Stockpile is a nice choice for a casual meal with friends. It also has a classy happy hour potential. Up for beer, scotch, wine, tea or cocktail? Get them all here. Check out their promotion: all the wines and cocktails you can drink for PhP 799 from 6PM to 9PM during Saturdays to Wednesdays.

    Lunch was booked through BigDish’s website two days ago, and we had an instant discount off our meal. In case you’re not yet familiar, BigDish is a brand-new way of offering dining deals and discounts. There’s no membership fee required. Just reserve online (through the website or mobile app) and get discounts off your bill depending on the number of people, date and time, and the restaurant chosen. Once booking is done, a confirmation code will show up and this should be presented to the restaurant at the time of visit.

    Review of The Stockpile (The Sapphire Bloc, Ortigas)

    Ambiance:

    We fell in love with the place right off the bat, drawn mostly to the high ceiling that makes the room inviting and airy. The Stockpile has piles of paint cans arranged as an attractive wall backdrop. The space looks massive with ample spacing between tables and bright lights that bring the atmosphere of vibrant dining to life. There’s more seating available outside, but with the hot weather nowadays, choosing to be inside is a no-brainer.

    Food:

    The Stockpile Fries with Truffle Aioli (PhP 280) earned the most satisfying grade in our meal. It’s the best bet for the undecided. Fried in perfection, the fries were cut thin, perhaps to emulate fast food. The accompanying truffle aioli turned out as a good balance of creamy, garlic, and onion with a hint of truffle. Overall, this appetizer worked well to get us excited for the next dishes.

    Served hot on the table, the Bubbly Hot Cheesy Nachos (PhP 275) arrived oozing with cheesy cheddar sauce and a good blend of cilantro, onion, tomatoes, and longganisa. We topped each bite of the nachos with creamy and savory cheese. It’s a light treat that’s best shared with a group. Caution though with the chili. It’s hot and punchy and not for the timid.

    The Stockpile has several pasta selections on the menu. We ordered Truffled 4 Cheese Pasta with Smoked Bacon (PhP 395), which was made with provolone, grana padano, brie, and mozzarella. The velvet qualities of all these cheese combined had a silky mouthfeel, a seductive tang that plays on the lips like a careless whisper. Too bad serving was good for one; five of us only had a couple of spoonfuls each!

    Pan-roasted 24-hour Brined Double Cut Porkchop (PhP 490) was moist and juicy. Given a choice between rice and mashed potatoes, we chose rice and thought we made the right decision. The sauce certainly didn’t lack on the flavor department. The pork was delicious, but the slab of fat was churned out firm and tough. We could have liked it better when rendered softer and presented with a deep crisp crust.

    The 6-hour Slow Roast Porchetta (PhP 20) was another winning dish of the day. Cooked with French beans, au jus sauce, and vinegar, the porchetta formed a crackly, crisp shell with bubbly, crunchy, salty skin around an insanely juicy core that’s tender enough to eat with a spoon. Yum!

    If you’re looking for something more unusual than a plain slice, Sunshine Pizza (PhP 395) is a recommended pizza to get. Topped with The Stockpile longganisa, porchetta, arugula, egg, and garlic oil, the flavors delivered flying colors for sure. The golden yolk oozing slowly over the sausage and melted cheese is TDF (to die for). Arugula brought in freshness and a great texture contrast.

    Last but not least, we had Truffled Mushroom Pizza (PhP 540) that consisted with shiitake and button mushroom with cream sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, arugula, and truffle oil. We expected more of rich, umami notes from the truffle. In any case, this pizza was tasty, especially when we added chili oil (lots of it). The uniquely earthy flavor and meaty texture of mushrooms were so good it’s hard to say no to. Love mushroom pizza? Give this a try. 😉

    Price for Value:

    The Stockpile in The Sapphire Bloc is an all-day diner and bar that has been pleasing the local community for two years now. This cool spot is a good place to hang out and enjoy hearty artisanal pizzas, salads, soups, and pleasurable meals. Vibe felt cozy, service was overall okay, and prices are fair. We’ll swing back next time when we’re in the area. If you’re planning to dine in at The Stockpile, make sure to check out BigDish to score a great deal. 🙂 Click on the button below to book a table and get discount for up to 50%! You can also get a free 20% off ZALORA voucher when you book a table via BigDish. Check the promo mechanics here.

    To know more about BigDish, check out its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BigDishPH/ or visit its website at https://bigdish.ph/. Click this button to book a table now:

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/thestockpile.resto/” name=”The Stockpile (The Sapphire Bloc, Ortigas)” description=”Level 1, The Sapphire Bloc, Sapphire and Garnett Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 09275072795 or email thestockpileph@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-06-25″ ]

  • Review of The Wine Club (Legaspi Village, Makati City)

    Review of The Wine Club (Legaspi Village, Makati City)

    What started as a wine retail store a decade ago is now a restaurant. The Wine Club in Aguirre, Legazpi Street is deep in the center of corporate midtown in Makati, located on the ground floor of a really nice condo. It isn’t actually a “wine club” like the name literally entails; there’s no membership or contract with a locked-in period for subscription. Rather, The Wine Club is a wine lounge where you can have a memorable night out. At the same time, it’s a distributor that offers a wide range of collectible Napa Valley and Sonoma wines to many distinguished hotels and restaurant chains nationwide. Their food menu is not extensive but quality of dishes is pretty solid.

    Dinner was booked through BigDish’s trusty mobile app a week ago, and we had an instant 20% discount off our meal. In case you’re not yet familiar, BigDish is a brand-new way of offering dining deals and discounts. There’s no membership fee required. Just reserve online and get discounts off your bill depending on the number of people, date and time, and the restaurant chosen. Once booking is done, a confirmation code will show up and this should be presented to the restaurant at the time of visit.

    Review of The Wine Club (Legaspi Village, Makati City)

    Ambiance:

    Featuring a minimal design, The Wine Club has a rustic Italian ambiance. It’s upscale without being stuffy, and it feels celebratory almost any day of the week. Surrounding the modest bar and dining area are various wines on multi-level shelves. Heavy wooden bench tables set against contemporary bar stools create an intimate feel where guests can enjoy their wines at their own pace. Overall, the setting is cozy and the place feels relaxing. It’s an ideal spot for romantic dates, business meetings, power lunches, after-work dinners, and canapé evenings.

    Service:

    To maintain a good standard of service and professionalism, it’s always a plus when service attendants present themselves with a working knowledge about the wines’ vintage, appellation, varietal, and growing region and can answer succinctly when asked. They do at The Wine Club. The staff were conversational and were able to provide excellent recommendations with a good cadence of delivery. They were attentive and friendly without being overbearing.  Dishes were served in a coordinated, smooth, and timely manner.

    Food:

    Topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, and minced beef, the flatbread (PhP 500) comprised of a good balance of salt, spice, and a little spike of acidity. Mildly bouncy, the pepperoni had a meaty chew and the textural differences with the rest of the components were satisfactory. The crust was amply topped with cheese that added salt and a more depth of flavor to the pie.

    Fresh Basil and Pistachio Nut Pesto Pasta (PhP 490) was rich, appetizing, and deeply flavorful. The pistachio nut mixture was finely granular yet still contributing to its nutty, herbaceous, and lemony profile. Adding cheese would certainly make a savory topping.

    Presented with a deep, sweet, crisply charred crust, Grilled Tiger Prawn Sautee (PhP 590) was a hit. The shrimps were juicy and tender with a crunchy pop, and the layered flavors wonderfully burst with a decisive snap in our mouth.

    Cabernet Braised Kitayama Wagyu Shank (PhP 880) hit all the beefiness and represented a perfect bite of food. We’re happy that it didn’t fall short of our expectation. The beef shanks were luxuriantly rich, moist, and juicy with intramuscular fat.

    For our wine fix, we chose Long Barn Chardonnay 2014 (PhP 250/glass) and Bogle Merlot 2014 (PhP 280/glass) to pair with meat, seafood, pizza, and pasta. Long Barn Chardonnay 2014 is citrus, well-balanced, and almost full in the mouth. The palate is coated with notes along with hints of apricot, apple, balanced aromas of pear and vanilla, and an oak taste on the finish. On the other hand, Bogle Merlot 2014 tasted fresh with plum and fruity flavors with a touch of earth. Texture was smooth and lightly tannic. Overall, this medium-bodied red wine is great for sipping with food.

    Price for Value:

    The Wine Club’s impressive and varied new-world wine selection, user-friendly menus, and the trained staff are the top reasons why I think this wine lounge/restaurant is a recommended go-to destination for foodie and wine enthusiasts alike. If you want quaffable wine to keep the food as focus, you’re in good hands here. The Wine Club has wines that are made for easy drinking and a delicious modern Italian fare that delivers fair value in price. Its welcoming environment will have you returning time and again. Bring in more company to fuel a fun vibe, and make sure to check out BigDish to score a great deal. 🙂

    To know more about BigDish, check out its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BigDishPH/ or visit its website at https://bigdish.ph/. Click this button to book a table now:

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/wineclubph/” name=”The Wine Club” description=”101 Aguirre Street, Legaspi Village, Makati” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 893 7784 or email info@wineclub.co.ph” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-05-28″ ]

  • Review of Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse (Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse (Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City)

    BGC in Taguig has enough good places now that you can legitimately crawl your way around it and go on a foodie adventure if you so choose. Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse in Burgos Circle is one of the restaurants in the area where you come for large portions of food with tons of flavor. It’s a Southern American diner where smoked and barbecued meat reigns supreme. If you appreciate a full tray of nachos with all sorts of tasty toppings, hearty sandwiches, and smoked bbq, Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse should be on the radar.

    Dinner was booked through BigDish’s trusty mobile app a week ago, and we had an instant 10% discount off our meal. In case you’re not yet familiar, BigDish is a brand-new way of offering dining deals and discounts. There’s no membership fee required. Just reserve online and get discounts off your bill depending on the number of people, date and time, and the restaurant chosen. Once booking is done, a confirmation code will show up and this should be presented to the restaurant at the time of visit.

    Review of Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse (Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance:

    Located literally within the circle at Burgos Circle, Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse can quickly capture the attention of people driving around in the search for good eats. Inside, a cozy interior awaits with a bar counter on the first floor and more seats at the second floor. Distressed wood finishing and vintage decors create an atmosphere that is natural and contemporary, intimate and vibrant. Pipe details and black-and-white drawings on the walls make up a unique, industrial-meets-rustic setting.

    Food:

    Hot Pork Poppers (PhP 175) consisted of thin slices of deep-fried rub dusted pork belly and piedmont sauce. You can think of these poppers as dried or dehyrdrated bacon that are not as salty. They’re pretty satisfying to eat and easy to share.

    With the perfect balance of sweet and salty, Jera’s Ultimate Nachos (PhP 55) managed to impress. It’s generous in size and taste and has seemingly contradictory attributes: tender but not mushy, fatty and flavorful, sweet and salty. Toppings include way too many ingredients I couldn’t speak all in one breath: seasoned tortilla chips, pulled pork, homemade bacon strips, cheese sauce, bbq sauce, alabama white bbq sauce, fried tortilla, and sliced toasted baguettes. With all these stuff, it can be put easily as the holy grail of snack food.

    Crab and Corn Soup (PhP 150) was soup of the day. It’s by far the only crab and corn soup we had where there were crab sticks and corn kernels not only cooked as flavoring but in actual chewable bits. Nice touch!

    The star of the night had to be Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse’s Smoked Beef Brisket (PhP 550). The half pound of 16 hours smoked angus beef brisket was served with two sides: Texas Dirty Rice (PhP 60) and Chicken Macaroni Salad (PhP 85). Taste-wise, think a medley of sweet, savory, and spicy, with the pickles imparting a zesty and sour lightness. The beef brisket came with a wonderful meatiness well-complemented by the smokiness but only in the background, where it lingered for seconds after each bite.

    Hot Daddy’s Burger (PhP 275) was presented with: half pound beef patty, spicy bbq suace, brioche buns, cheddar cheese, crispy jalapeno peppers, and chipotle mayo. We were asked if we wanted mild, spicy, or deadly, and we chose mild (since we could always put on more hot sauce if need be). With a smidge of heat, the burger was moist and hit the right notes for the most part, with its familiar flavors. The beef was undeniably juicy. Additional condiments were not necessary at all.

    For dessert, we had the Apple Cobbler (PhP 280), which was made with baked apple slices, cashew streusel, vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce. It had rich and holiday flavor with fruity components. Highly recommended! 🙂

    Price for Value:

    Aside from heaping scoops of ice cream and halo-halo, if there’s anything that screams summer, it’s piles of smoked meat, and Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse in Burgos Circle, BGC has some serious power in making compelling dishes of it. Expect to get melt-in-your-mouth smoked beef brisket, roasted chicken and pork, at reasonable prices, for their specialties. Local and imported beers, cocktails and fresh juices are also available to complement substantial food. We’ll visit again, next time! 🙂

    To know more about BigDish, check out its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BigDishPH/ or visit its website at https://bigdish.ph/. Click this button to book a table now:

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/fatdaddyssmokehouse/” name=”Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse” description=”Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 8876030 or 0915 5627447″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-05-15″ ]

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

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

    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″ ]

  • 6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Planet Grapes in Shangri-La at the Fort

    6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Planet Grapes in Shangri-La at the Fort

    Planet Grapes opened at the ground floor of High Street Park, Shangri-La at the Fort in Taguig on March 21, 2017. Once again, we were enthralled with their classy street food paired with wine. Like their branch in Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong, Planet Grapes (PG) at the Fort (located between Toby’s Estate and Pink’s Hot Dogs) is a paradise and a great hangout spot that’s worth checking out. In this post, I’m sharing six compelling reasons why you should visit it soon. 😉 #PlanetGrapesShangFort #PlanetGrapesPH

    6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Planet Grapes in Shangri-La at the Fort

    1. Knowledgeable and Confident Service

    With such a wealth of knowledge overflowing from this city, you’d think that a wine bar that so thoroughly holds your hand through the ordering process would feel a bit condescending. The staff at Planet Grapes proves otherwise. These guys take their wine seriously, and that flows into their service. Have questions regarding best food and wine pairings? They got the answers. Orders are served in a hygienic, professional, timely, and efficient manner.

    2. Mouthwatering Appetizers

    We visited Planet Grapes Shangri-La at the Fort both at lunch and dinner times. (Click here to see their menus.) Mouthwatering appetizers are presented as “small plates” on the menu, but the portions are actually good enough for sharing.

    Baboy, Bagoong, Singkamas, at Mangga or “BBSM” (PhP 290) for short is one of the best classic Filipino street food with a blend of sweet and sour that can easily whet your appetite. The combination is skillful and I imagine the dish tasting even better with smaller shrimps for a more concentrated flavor.

    Planet Grapes Street Food Platter (PhP 395) deserves more attention. It’s composed of Chorizo de Cebu, Vigan longganisa, garlic bangus longganisa, squid balls, kwek-kwek, and chicken skin. Everything is good on its own. This is the best entree to share with a bunch of friends. You go from zero to feeling-more-like-a-real-person in just a few bites.

    Planet Grapes Sisig (PhP 245) is always a good choice. It can stand as an appetizer or a hearty meal served with extra rice. PG Sisig is crispy pork mask served sizzling with a fresh organic egg and a refreshing tomato salsa. Tastes and textures are spot on. There’s a great hit of salt and crunch from the pork parts.

    Their famous Chicharon with Tinapa Dip (PhP 215) is also a must-order. It’s crispy pork rind served with a tart cream cheese and smoked milkfish dip. It’s the perfect starter to get while everyone warms up with a glass of wine.

    3.  Tasty and Decadent Mains

    The mains aren’t too groundbreaking, but it’s impossible to fault well-cooked dishes. Beautifully prepared, all these entrees have harmonious tastes that fascinate the palate.

    For seafood lovers: Grilled Norwegian Salmon (PhP 665) – Grilled Norwegian Salmon seasoned simply with salt and pepper then finished off with fresh salsa verde, served with a light kamut salsa

    For pasta lovers: Spaghettini and Meatballs (PhP 315) – all beef meatballs braised in a rich tomato sauce served on a bed of al dente spaghettini and topped off with Parmesan cheese

    For spareribs lovers: BBQ Spareribs (PhP 690) – fork-off-the-bone pork ribs doused with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce

    4. Yummy Desserts

    At Planet Grapes, you’d want to end your meal with a bang. I’ll say YES to any of these yummy desserts any day: Planet Grapes Leche Flan (PhP 150) – silky and dense leche flan made from carabao’s milk, Sapin-sapin with Salted Egg Sauce (PhP 215) – glutinous rice cakes combined with sweetened jackfruit and ube halaya, all topped with a rich salted egg sauce, Chilled Taho Sampler (PhP 175) – soy milk taho topped with strawberry, matcha, and caramelized sugar syrup, served with sago pearls, and Turon Trilogy (PhP 165) – filo pastry wrapped sweet plantains and ube halaya resting on a bed of preserved jackfruit coulis.

    The difficult part is when you’re pressured to choose only one of the desserts here. When that happens, I recommend to go with the Sapin-sapin with Salted Egg Sauce. It’s unique, somewhat addictive, and has a very appealing quality to it. Their version of sapin-sapin is unorthodox and unabashedly bold. It works together ingeniously with the salted egg sauce, truly one of a kind. 🙂

    5. Chill and Cozy Ambiance

    Planet Grapes at Shangri-La Fort is not a big place that can accommodate hundreds of guests, but with the chill and cozy ambiance that complements your satisfying meal, what’s there to complain about? This restaurant/wine bar feels modern, chic, and sleek. The chandelier with wine bottle details make up for Planet Grapes’ excellent signature interior design. Comfy couches on the side contribute to the relaxed atmosphere as well.

    6. Excellent Wine Selection

    If you love wine or want to try tasting wines, don’t let Planet Grapes Shangri-La Fort slip under your radar! Come here after work and drink some fine wine with your date, friend or co-worker, and leave the drama out. Customers can have wine by the glass in sip, half, or full serving or take it by the bottle for a more exquisite experience. Make reservations because word spreads fast, and this will be every foodie and wine lover’s new spot in BGC in no time. 🙂

    My current favorite? It’s the white wine Clos Des Verdots Bergerac Rouge 2014 Rouge. I love its crisp, fruity, light, and refreshing characteristics. We also sampled other red wines which have taste notes along a fresh bouquet of black and red berry fruits, black pepper, and raspberries.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlanetGrapes/
    I    nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/planet_grapes/

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://planetgrapes.com.ph/” name=”Planet Grapes Shangri-La Fort” description=”Unit GF10, Ground Floor, Shangri-La The Fort BGC, Taguig City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 772-6614″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2017-03-22″ ]

    Business Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:00am-12:00pm, Fri-Sat 11:00am-2:00am