Rochkirstin | com

Category: Search by Type

  • Review of Neil’s Kitchen (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    Review of Neil’s Kitchen (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    I was invited to attend and cover TOMS Give Fair in Alabang last Saturday, and since the event was scheduled in the afternoon, I thought it was a nice opportunity to have lunch nearby: at Neil’s Kitchen. 🙂 I’ve read lots of positive reviews about this place, and most agree you get your money’s worth. Thankfully, high expectations were met! This is a cool spot where there’s no loud music and no flashing lights but rather a peaceful, perfectly executed dining setup. Neil’s Kitchen is one of the most talked about restaurants in Westgate Center, and there’s no wonder that it’s a top choice when it comes to Filipino food in Alabang.

    Review of Neil’s Kitchen (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Often in other places, decorations on staircases get overlooked, and what a pity–they’re one of the most high-traffic areas where people go up and down. Neil’s Kitchen’s interior designer must be wise to have made good use of this space. A gallery of 3D decorations along the staircase wall can instantly draw in the eye. They were the first to get my attention, and these were quickly followed by the mason-jars lighting fixtures hanging down from the white ceiling. Love them all! 🙂

    Adding to the wow factor and making the restaurant look more interesting are the memorable quotes that tell so much about the nature of foodies. “Count the memories and not the calories,” the tick mark on the Hungry check box, and “People who love to eat are always the best people” are fine examples.

    The black and white theme is a popular choice for eating areas, and Neil’s Kitchen mixes it with yellow for a good pop of color. Seating is a bit tight with tables and chairs packed in at maximum density. However, bright ambiance and clean lines still make it a go-to venue for everything from big family lunches, reunions, business meals, to special occasions you won’t forget. There’s also a bookstore at the back where you can find inspiring book titles that can help live your best life.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Neil’s Kitchen’s staff showcased flawless service and they were so accommodating we felt that anything was possible. Staff here gave a good example of Filipino hospitality. In an industry where most restaurants face the challenge of manpower crunch, it is a blessing indeed. I give two thumbs up for friendliness, attentiveness, and efficiency of customer service.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Crab cakes are always a wonderful treat, and Neil Kitchen’s Crab Cake Torta with Aligue Pasta (PhP 495) did not disappoint. The crab cake torta had that delicious and slightly sweet aroma of the ocean and a tenderness that lobsters only aspire to. I love that we did not have to poke through our utensils or eat the crab with our hands. In cake form, the jumbo lump crab meat had a somewhat crisp exterior and inside, there was no extra starchy binders at all.

    Complementing well to the taste of the crab meat, the Aligue Pasta was flavorful and fantastic. Aligue is the crab’s roe so you can just imagine how “sinful” this pasta is. But like what the quote said, don’t mind the calories but the memories. Whisper that a few times and any guilt will dissipate on your first bite. 😛


    While deciding what to order, my mom looked at the table next to us and saw the Boneless Chicken Barbecue with Java Rice (PhP 395). The plating looked appetizing for sure and the macaroni salad on the side made it even more tempting. I thought there was nothing special about the chicken barbecue, but I was wrong. It was one of the best versions I’ve ever tried! The smoky barbecue chicken was cut in bite-size portions. It had perfectly juicy and moist meat and a sweet, sticky glaze. The nutty sauce did not seem to be a critical component to enhance the flavor, as the sweet-and-tangy chicken was richly seasoned. Tart atchara (pickled papaya) came in as a good accompaniment to the dish.

    Ending our indulgent meal, the signature dessert at the restaurant, Fried Suman, Mangga, and Chocnut (PhP 295), was pretty glorious. It was a very tropical dessert that was elegantly plated and not overly sweet, so you can be sure that it will not satiate your appetite.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Neil’s Kitchen in Alabang is quite a buzzy gem that earns raves for its excellent renditions of Filipino food. Price for value is fair. With chic ambiance and charming service without pretentiousness, it’s a restaurant that should be noted in everyone’s short list.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/neilskitchen.bonellis/” name=”Neil’s Kitchen” description=”Lot C 701 and 704 Westgate Filinvest, 1770 Alabang Muntinlupa City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 7108962 / 7711334 / 09173112916 or email neils.kitchen@yahoo.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-11-21″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Lola Café Launches New Menu (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Lola Café Launches New Menu (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    In 2013, Louie and I celebrated Valentine’s Day in Lola Café. Seeing our old photos together gave me a chuckle. It’s been over two and a half years. So many things have changed since that day, and Lola Cafe’s menu recently did too. 😉 With Chef Jon Mangibin now taking lead in the kitchen, this restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City goes through a “culinary fixture.” The placement of furniture and fixtures also moved around a bit, making the place more versatile for both groups of friends or family and romantic dates.

    Chef Jon

    With its fresh menu, Lola Café+Bar decided to focus in serving Filipino Food 2.0 which basically consists of creative riffs on Filipino food classics like chicken tinola, bagoong rice, beef salpicao, sisig, and the like. We had lunch here with the KTG last Saturday to taste its mouth-watering delights and experience gastronomic euphoria, thanks to Richie‘s invitation. 🙂 Target launch date of the new items is on November 23, 2015.

    Lola Café Launches New Menu (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Small Plates

    There may be many excellent dishes for you to dive into on the menu. Quite frankly, there are no wrong answers, but the Wagyu Salpicao (PhP 320) might be more right than the rest. With roasted garlic in olive oil, the Kitayama wagyu beef (raised locally in Bukidnon, Philippines) was boldly flavored and actually portioned to share. The softness of the wagyu beef is exactly like you would hope it is. Get into the fiesta spirit and match it with a great glass of wine.

    The Bone Marrow Sisig (PhP 275) was a complete stunner. There’s something about the fatty and buttery bone marrow with kamias jam and garlic crumble flat bread on the side that got it done for us. Each component was strong on its own and equally good smashed together on the plate.

    Soup and Salad

    Caesar Salad is one of the trendiest salad choices these days, especially for those who are on a diet. If you think salads are boring though, know that serving it in a more exciting and palatable way is possible. How? Grilled. Smoky and with a touch of crunch, hearty Romaine lettuce and bread crisps with bagoong dressing were delightful. Bacon strips mixed in made the Grilled Caesar Salad (PhP 290) a killer dish you would want to nestle alongside your mains.

    The Alugbati and Kesong Puti Salad (PhP 310) had a good combination of flavors and textures, featuring charred alugbati, lettuce hearts, roasted carrots, beets and balsamic vinaigrette. As salads go, it sounds pretty decadent—and delicious. I think kesong puti was what brought in new life to the salad; it added a little bit of both saltiness and creaminess to every bite.

    Lola Café took no shortcut to deliver a comforting and tasty bowl of Bacon Belly Batchoy (PhP 320). Topped with soft boiled egg, this noodle soup was not just a vehicle for braised bacon slabs and ox tripe, but it was also a celebration of the role of sweet garlic, which for a garlic fan is pretty much heaven.

    Pasta and Rice Bowl

    The Spicy Tinapa Pasta (PhP 215) had a subtle, oceany richness that’s captivating. It was salty from the smoked fish flakes, luscious and sweet from the fresh heirloom tomatoes, spicy from the dried chili, and quite intoxicating from the scent of the olive oil.

    Among the items we tried so far, the Sweet Pork and Bagoong Rice (PhP 295) could be one that’s most recommendable to foreigners who would want to appreciate Filipino food in their first visit here. Made with salted dried shrimp “hibe,” roasted pork belly, and “burong” mangga, the entire dish was slightly overwhelming all at once. It was so wonderfully complex that you just have to surrender to its demands.

    Quarter Chicken Confit and Tinola Rice (PhP 280) was another crowd-pleaser. With ginger confit chicken, lemongrass rice pilaf, charred green papaya, and scallion-anchovy vinaigrette, Lola Cafe has constructed a hearty, full-flavored Filipino main dish whose ingredients both harmonize and perform as soloists. The chicken was really tender and I loved that the taste of the ginger and onion-based tinola was evident.

    Mains

    Swimming in porcin broth, garlic cream and wild mushrooms, the thinly sliced and slow-braised Truffled Lengua (PhP 495) came out soft, rich, and almost pâté-like. Until now though, lengua (beef tongue) is one of the internal meat organs that I like eating the least because I think it’s formidable. It’s not for the faint of foodie heart but best for the adventurous palate.

    Somewhat like Bicol Express, the Gising Express (PhP 140) or “Gising-Gising” was cooked with coconut milk broth, homemade bagoong, sigarilyas (winged beans), French beans, and finger chili. It’s great to be paired with steamed white rice to temper the heat situation.

    The Roasted Belly “Tocino” (PhP 490) gave off an oriental taste (think Chinese char siu, as in the regular siopao filling), most probably because of the SSAM-anise glaze. Adding more depth, the salty burong mangga or “pickled mangoes” on the side complemented the savory aspect of the slow-cooked pork liempo nicely.

    Desserts

    For desserts, we had Baguio Strawberries and Cream Pavlova. It was amazing how the nest remained crisp, light, and crumbly right before we dug in. The billows of whipped cream and juicy fresh strawberries on top were truly delectable. This item is definitely my kind of dessert.

    Set in a landmark location in Tomas Morato, Lola Café+Bar boasts a fine ambiance and gracious service to match. There’s more à la carte selections available on the menu than these ones featured in this blog post, so if you want creative, zesty Filipino food or just local comfort food with a flair, go to Lola Café+Bar and make no doubt about it. It’s now open for lunch and dinner! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/LoLa-CafeBar-285948114823212/” name=”Lola Cafe” description=”99 Scout Lozano Street, Laging Handa, Tomas Morato, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 5012620 or +639178176045″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-11-17″ user_review=”4″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Go-En, The Japanese Ramen Shoppe (Jardin de Zenaida, Quezon City)

    Review of Go-En, The Japanese Ramen Shoppe (Jardin de Zenaida, Quezon City)

    Out of fun and creativity come excellence, and the food at Go-En, The Japanese Ramen Shoppe is a case in point. The venue may be “hidden” somewhere near Livestock, ABS-CBN, and El Cangrejo in Jardin de Zenaida, but when it comes to craving for real Japanese food and playing kendama, this is the restaurant to hunt down. Go-En does not tweak their menu for Filipino tastes but serves the best Japanese flavors to match the Filipino palate.

    Now offering a lighter version of the full ramen bowl, Go-En ramen’s wow factor is down to high-class ingredients making up to a portion that’s only enough to keep you satisfied. This is following their realization that the regular-size bowl of ramen seems to be too large for one to finish. With the light version, there’s less noodles but with the same amount of soup as the regular, so one can finish a bowl without being so full that it’s hard to breathe.

    The name “Go-En” takes its roots from the five yen coin in Japan. This coin is believed to bring good luck to any business and relationships. In the same manner, Go-En the restaurant looks forward to create and maintain closer ties with patrons through their cuisine and experience.

    John Geron, Go-En Owner

    We had lunch here right before our flight to Vietnam and we had a great time. 🙂

    Review of Go-En, The Japanese Ramen Shoppe (Jardin de Zenaida, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Forming an artistic assembly near the entrance, manga, kendama, masks, and other toy displays are available for customers to get entertained. The most striking thing among all has to be the kendama, and it was interesting to learn that Go-En sells Japanese kendama and US kendama of all sorts and also distributes this unique traditional Japanese toy all over the Philippines.

    Staffs can assist and teach you if you want to know some kendama tricks, but there’s also a looped video playing on the LCD TV that makes most passersby be drawn in by curiosity. This part of the dining room makes the ambiance feel more casual and animated. It’s also nice to try something a little different than just dining in a restaurant.

    Go-En can seat 40 people at a time. Everything looked clean and neat, and the Japanese-themed paintings on the walls were a sight to behold. Polished floors and wooden fixtures complete a relaxing and intimate classical setting overall. The open kitchen at the back was also set up to attract an admiring crowd. Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant, but guests are encouraged to enjoy their stay while eating, playing with the toys, or reading manga.

    Service: ★★★★★

    The people here make you feel welcome. John, the owner, and the rest of the staff was very accommodating and friendly. He shared so many stories of his life experiences together with his partner for twenty years, the co-owner of Go-En, Marilyn. His love for his craft obviously showed and made us more intrigued about the things he’s passionate about. Orders came out fast as they should.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    First things first: the ramen noodles (imported from Japan) were awesome. But that’s no big surprise. Go-En cooks the ramen upon order and serves them with no delay so they come out perfectly springy with just the right amount of chew. We had a consistent type of thick and curly noodles on all four bases, and it’s worthy to note that they’re markedly better than any dehydrated ramen on the market.

    Kogashi Shoyu Ramen Delight is a soy-sauce based ramen with dark smoky flavor, thanks to the black peppercorn that gave it a more comforting roasted taste. The pepper gave it mostly a nice kick and compote for a delicate, warm spiciness. The aroma was remarkable as well, but there’s no substitute for the fragrance of freshly ground pepper.

    Wonton Tomato Ramen Delight was not as exciting but edible nonetheless. Its broth was tasty and not too “nakakaumay,” but I’m just not a fan of tomato taste when it comes to ramen. It felt less OMG and more just merely like OK.

    Cheese on ramen? Yes, please. The great thing about the Cheese Ramen is that the cheese strings were not stretchy and once melted as part of the broth, they assemble the flavors in your mouth. Bam! 😛 With corn and a mound of minced pork, and moyashi, the miso-based soup is soul-warming, definitely a hit for first-timers in Go-En.

    The Tantanmen Ramen was made with local pork and organic eggs. It had an exquisite richness of sesame I expected from a really good bowl of tantanmen. With a little bit of spiciness, this ramen will knock your socks off.

    If you’re a fan of plenty of heat, Mabo Ramen must be right up your alley. This is the flavor to grab when the weather takes a dip. When red pepper on mabo dried up, the soup got redder and looked scarier. I could never slurp it fast enough because it was extremely hot for me. For a few minutes, I thought my mouth was on fire! :O

    At Go-En, you have the liberty to adjust or increase the heat as needed with these condiments on the table.

    Japanese-style Karaage (boneless chicken), the perfect snack to eat with sake or beer, was super crispy, juicy, and just crazy delicious even without the dip. Eat it with or without rice, and you can’t go wrong.

    For the meat-shy, Go-En Ramen also offers a number of pleasing alternatives. One of which we tried was the Sakana Donburi, which is simply fried fish fillet and rice. It’s a decent choice but not something that I could have more than a couple bites.


    For the desserts, we had the Matcha Mochi whose center was made up of vanilla ice cream and the homemade Matcha ice cream (by the scoop). Both were sweet, dense, and creamy, with a subtle green tea taste. These were very refreshing and ideal treats to complete an awesome meal at Go-En. Thumbs up! 🙂


    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Go-En is not your ordinary Japanese restaurant. The setting is done up with an old charm and there’s a sense of gameplay in the air. Go-En can be heaven for ramen lovers, as it presents really good bowls of ramen that can almost make you cry tears of joy. This is one of those notable Japanese restaurants in Quezon City where you’ll have a memorable experience from the moment you sit down and not faint when the bill arrives. It’s not upscale and price aren’t too expensive but just fair. 😉 Budget is PhP 200-300 per head.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/goenramen/” name=”Go-En, The Japanese Ramen Shoppe” description=”Jardin de Zenaida, Unit B1, 34 Sgt. Esguerra Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 441 4636″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-11-05″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]
  • Review of Mitsuyado Sei-Men (Blue Bay Walk, Macapagal, Pasay)

    Review of Mitsuyado Sei-Men (Blue Bay Walk, Macapagal, Pasay)

    It was my last day in SM Retail. For my despedida, my manager treated our team to lunch at a restaurant of my choice. As I had been to almost every restaurant in SM Mall of Asia considering my tenure in SM, I wanted to go somewhere not too far away from our office but still worth going for. My sister recommended Mitsuyado Sei-Men in Blue Bay Walk, Macapagal, Pasay City the night before. Seeing its stunning interior design on pictures already made me feel so excited, so you can just imagine how happy I was when everyone in the team voted yes. We mutually decided to take on a feast at Mitsuyado Sei-Men, the House of Tsukemen. 😛

    Sitting beside Yamato Bakery, Mitsuyado Sei-Men is a franchise from Japan and is a sister company of UCC Coffee locally. The Philippine store is the first outside of Japan. It also has a branch in Jupiter Street, Makati.

    Review of Mitsuyado Sei-Men (Blue Bay Walk, Macapagal, Pasay)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Mitsuyado Sei-Men in Blue Bay Walk might seem unassuming from the outside, but inside this cozy venue, an amazing interior awaits. The elaborate decors including vintage Japanese posters, lanterns, street food carts, bicycle, and buildings made us feel like we were transported to Japan. The accents were in no way lacking that wow factor. With the stunning layout, this Japanese restaurant fully deserves its reputation as a hot spot, which makes eating here as exciting as ever. So cool! Its flair is unforgettable.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Young and knowledgeable staff contributed further to our good experience. They were trained to explain the dishes well and they showed willingness to help us out with any questions. Quick service matters a lot especially for customers like us who were just out for lunch break.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    The menu offers a good array of well-executed Japanese classics. I tried one of the best recommended items: the Cheese Curry Tsukumen (PhP 340, regular) which was unlike any ramen I’ve had. The al dente noodles were chunkier, thicker and wider than regular noodles in ramen, and they can be served either cold or hot as preferred. First timers are advised to consider going for the cold preparation, following tradition.

    The chewiness of the tsukemen noodles was also something to appreciate and enjoy. The thick and rich curry broth provided a symphony of tasty noodle slurping once mixed. And of course, the cheese on a separate bowl should be poured over to complete an aggressive blast of creaminess.

    For dessert, each of us ordered the Sumiyaki Coffee Jelly with Ice Cream (PhP 100). Soft coffee jelly paired with vanilla ice cream is always a simple but refreshing combination that’s obviously withstood the test of time. Taken together and savored, the flavors turned out great. I liked that the coffee layer wasn’t too strong or bitter to overpower the sweetness of the ice cream. Both were represented in every bite. 😀

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Metro Manila is blessed with a bounty of good ramen restaurants, but when in the search of a little more unique Japanese restaurant specializing in tsukemen, you can’t go wrong with Mitsuyado Sei-men. Tons of ramen varieties can be found in this joint. Prices are okay for generous servings and dishes that guarantee a great kaleidoscope of Japanese flavors. Surely, it’s a convenient and reliable place to get your hands on high quality food. We left in a state of bliss. Super busog! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/Mitsuyado.seimen” name=”Mitsuyado Sei-Men” description=”Blue Bay Walk, Macapagal Avenue Corner EDSA, Libertad, Pasay City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call +632 8434329″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-10-27″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Sultan Mediterranean Grill (Salcedo Village, Makati City)

    Review of Sultan Mediterranean Grill (Salcedo Village, Makati City)

    On the “keeper” list in Makati, Sultan Mediterranean Grill features delightful Mediterranean plates that are set down in tasty digs accompanied with drinks. This restaurant was established back in January 2010 but closed down after a while. With its reopening last January 2015, renovation and redesign were done, making its interior pass the eye test with flying colors. Bustling crowds are expected especially during weekdays when people from corporate offices nearby come for lunch.

    Sultan Grill will be opening a new branch in Wilson Street on November 15, 2015. So far, its well-conceived menu full of scrumptious specialties and the growing number of patrons in the neighborhood are enough to justify expansions.

    Review of Sultan Mediterranean Grill (Salcedo Village, Makati City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    With clean and crisp interior, Sultan Grill fits into a rectangular space with many large tables across the dining room. Black sofas beautifully offset the colorful accents and decors which likewise provide a stately elegance to the blue and white adjacent walls. Lights give in ample brightness over the tables and help make a lighthearted atmosphere, but chandeliers with distinctive industrial appearance can further create a modern and interesting appeal.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Engaging staffers served us with glorious cuisine and explained the ingredients of each dish when asked. A restuarant’s service team is one of the crucial elements in its operations, and I’m happy to report that Sultan Grill’s staffs well-trained, well-versed on the menu, and friendly. I mostly appreciate their warm welcome and modesty.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Falafel is one of the signature starters of Mediterranean cuisine—and with good reason. Sultan Grill’s version of Falafel on top of Hummus (PhP 250) did not disappoint. It’s an obvious choice for vegetarians. Made and processed with very finely chopped chickpeas, falafel is a great substitute for meatballs or sausage. Texture was coherent, and the crust was pleasantly crisp and not a bit greasy. Hummus added another dimension to the taste and it’s definitely worth a try.

    The Vitamin Boost Salad (PhP 250) had a citrus kick, thanks to the orange-cranberry dressing. This plus the heartiness of nuts and greens, this baby can give enough sustenance to get you through a whole day. If you’re on a detox or diet plan, this is good dish you can even share with a buddy over any meal.

    If you’re not a fan of starters, feel free to go directly to the main course. Braised Lamb Shanks (PhP 550) is something you don’t screw around with. Sure, it’s easily one of the most expensive items on the menu, but with the juiciness of the lamb shanks and the multitude of flavors from the Mediterannean, it’s a must order for domestic bliss. Served with rice, the lamb shanks were braised for three hours and what resulted were deeply substantive and savory taste and texture.

    Consisting of well-seasoned hunks of lamb, beef, chicken, and seafood, the Kebab Platter (PhP 580) is a good pick if you want to try just about every kebab available in Sultan Grill. This platter can comfortable feed four or more people. While variety is a plus, I did not think that the beef and lamb were tender enough. Rather, the meats veered toward dry without the spicy richness it could have offered for extra satisfaction.


    The Lobia Rice (PhP 95) was made with rice, string beans, and chicken with a twist of Mediterranean taste. It’s one of those food where you can let your eyes be your best guide. The orange color alone hinted that it’s appetizing. 🙂 This bowl of rice went truly well with the Kebab Platter.

    Moussaka (PhP 250) – A uniquely Greek traditional dish of layered minced beef, eggplant and cheeses, baked like Italian Lasagna. Each bite was completed with rich taste of the ground beef and the sauce. Texture was far from being too chewy, mushy, and crappy.

    The Chicken Curry (PhP 210) was another one that good amount of depth and character. It reminded me most of the Indian curry because of the smell. The curry was cooked with a combination of herbs and spices and coconut milk that provided a nice thick sauce. What slightly turned me off though was that the potatoes were still too hard to cut through.

    Banana Yogurt Shake (PhP 100) was the perfect drink to sip in between bites. I love that the banana flavor was evident, and the yogurt shake was  thick, rich, and yummy.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Mediterranean food can still be intimidating since there are not a lot of restaurants in the metro that widely serves this cuisine unlike Japanese, Chinese, Italian, American, and of course, Filipino local bites. I like that Sultan Mediterranean Grill in Makati keeps the mood light and casual and their staffs recommend the best dishes to try. Prices are average and has good value considering the portions served and the quality of food served.

     [schema type=”review” url=”http://sultanph.com/” name=”Sultan Mediterranean Grill” description=”G 9, Valero Plaza Condiminium, San Augustin Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 8945909″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-10-15″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: 11:00AM – 10:00PM Daily

  • Review of Four Seasons Hotpot City (Manhattan Parkview, Araneta Center, Cubao)

    Review of Four Seasons Hotpot City (Manhattan Parkview, Araneta Center, Cubao)

    Vikings Luxury Buffet has established itself as a solid dining destination for special occasions, birthday celebrations, anniversary celebrations, and even casual meals among many families in the Philippines. From the same group that brought Vikings and NIU, Four Seasons Hotpot City is the latest addition to the Vikings family. After its successful venture in SM By the Bay, it has just opened a new branch in Manhattan Parkview, Cubao (near Gateway Mall) on October 3, 2015 with a space that can accommodate over 400 guests.

    This buffet restaurant serves not only items for shabu-shabu dining but also various dishes from appetizers and mains to desserts that are all worth traveling for. We were very fortunate to be one of the firsts to try them, thanks to Ms. Raquel’s invite. 🙂 Come and let’s eat like a Viking!

    Review of Four Seasons Hotpot City (Manhattan Parkview, Araneta Center, Cubao)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    “Uy! Ang ganda!”, while referring to the interior design, was the initial reaction I heard from people that surrounded our table. And guess what? Those are my thoughts exactly! 🙂

    The stunning dining room combines both form and function perfectly. The decadent white and gray color scheme throughout the light-filled, plushly appointed dining area keeps the vibe calm, refined, and quite sophisticated. Plant decors, words such as “HOME” and “FAMILY,” and wines displayed on the background are enough to capture your gaze for a while. For shabu shabu meals, every table is fitted with an electric stove top with divider.

    Properly labeled buffet counters and food sections are all positioned at one side, so flow of traffic goes smoothly and the different types of food are easy to wander into. Just like in any Vikings restaurant, diners get front-row access to chefs and the rest of culinary team at work.

    The five function rooms (for 12-14 people each) will take you to a more intimate and private dining experience. Huge chandeliers provide an interesting contrast to the dark and muted atmosphere, while the eye-popping bird painting on the wall completes the room’s enticing visual charm. Lovely!

    ♥ Washroom ♥

    Service: ★★★★★

    The number of guests seemed endless but the service crew has still done a great job in handling requests. They were attentive, kind, and fast to their feet. Our used plates, bowls, and clutter on the table were quickly taken out with permission. It’s always a humbling experience to be treated nicely. Food on the buffet spread were replenished in a timely manner. However, there were also times when diners had to queue up for it. In this case, staff asks for the table number and then delivers a platter of the food once it becomes available.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Sometimes a meal really does taste better in stylish surroundings. But even without minding the grand ambiance and decors, in Four Seasons Hotpot City, food tastes and quality are utterly excellent. Three elements are key to its magic: freshness of seafood and vegetables, tenderness of the meat, and the variety of items to try. It’s definitely right to put this restaurant in your list of favorites. 🙂

    Salads and appetizers are beautifully presented and these are not your average starters. I love the different flavors and textures of ingredients in each as I have personally tasted everything in these two sections. 😛 Home run!

    Divided into meat organs, seafood, balls, dim sum, noodles, vegetables, and vegetarian, the items for hotpot meals are whoa whoa whoa absurdly varied. Four Seasons Hotpot City must be the vanguard of the shabu shabu buffet revolution in the Philippines. 🙂 For the soup base, we chose chicken and sinigang which evoked both happy emotions.

    It’s good to learn that the premium meat from the Carving Station doesn’t require additional charge. The Roast Beef and Binusog na Lechon were particularly damn delicious.

    To end a stellar meal, desserts are a must. We had an assortment of ice cream, Filipino rice cakes, taho, yogurt, cookies, crepe, chocolate, etc. Eating only one won’t weigh you down like you think it might, so maybe order two—or more, as you can. 😛

    If you’re into all sorts of drinks, you’re surely welcome to use smile and prayer hands emojis. Four Seasons Hotpot City is the kind of establishment you walk into and immediately feel good about. Beverage options are impressively serious, complete with water, juices, shakes, teas, coffee, soft drinks, and beer.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    As with any Vikings brainchild, Four Seasons Hotpot City in Cubao is where you can have an unpretentious great time, but nowhere is it near as intense or intimidating as dining in a classy hotel restaurant. This is the kind of place where you can linger for hours and thoroughly sample every single dish you want. Prices are reasonable, especially now with the ongoing promotions. 🙂 Just note that waits can push well esp. during the prime of lunch and dinner time, so booking for a table way in advance will really help.

    Month-long promotions:
    October 3 – 6*: 50% OFF for the first 100 Pax!
    October 7 – 13: 25% OFF Facebook “Fans” Promo
    October 14 – 20: 25% OFF Instagram “Followers” Promo
    October 21 – 27: 20% OFF Quezon City Promo
    October 28 – 30: 15% OFF Vikings Loyalty Cardholders Discount

    Prices, subject to 5% service charge, are as follows: Weekday lunch Weekday dinner/ weekend and holiday lunch and dinner
    Kids below 3 ft Free Free
    Kids between 3ft and 4ft PhP 188+ PhP 288+
    Kids between 4ft and 6ft PhP 288+ PhP 388+
    Adults PhP 688+ PhP 888+
    75 years old and above 50% special discount 50% special discount

    For more information on promo mechanics, please visit fourseasonshotpot.com.ph

    Coming Soon:  SM Sta. Mesa!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/fourseasonshotpotcubao” name=”Four Seasons Hotpot City” description=”Ground Floor, Manhattan Parkview, Gen. Roxas Ave., Araneta Center, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries and reservations, call +(63) 932-7777, +(63)939-7777, or 0998-988-5888″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-10-07″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operation hours:

    Lunch: 11:00AM – 2:30PM
    Diner: 5:30PM – 10:00PM

  • Review of Alchemy Bistro Bar (Poblacion, Makati City)

    Review of Alchemy Bistro Bar (Poblacion, Makati City)

    Tucked away in the neighborhood of Poblacion, Alchemy Bistro Bar (Food + Potions) has been serving up straightforward European meals since last year. Surprisingly, it has an extensive menu of not only wines and beers but also food served in generous and satisfying portions.

    This restaurant is an approachable spot that’s only a short walk from the hip Jupiter Street and is located quite in the heart of the developing foodie district in Makati. We visited Alchemy last Sunday and found that is a good option for a special date or a night out with your barkada.

    Review of Alchemy Bistro Bar (Poblacion, Makati City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    If you know the manga/anime series Fullmetal Alchemist or are familiar with the concept of alchemy, I’m sure you will love the consistent decorations and displays here at the Alchemy Bistro Bar. I didn’t have any idea until my boyfriend explained that “alchemy” is seemingly a magical process of transformation, creation, or transmutation of matter with the sequence of comprehension, deconstruction, and reconstruction.

    Alchemy is associated with the medieval forerunner of chemistry, and this is why we saw test tubes and some lab objects that looked weird at first. As I began to slowly grasp its meaning, everything made perfect sense. The interpretation applied on the interior design was awesome.

    Brick and purple-painted walls gave a beautiful sophisticated look throughout the area. On one side of the dining room, full-length windows provided warm and flattering natural light during daytime. On the opposite view, the bar full of wines, beers, and “potions” brought a fitting backdrop as the focal accent of the bistro.

    Staying true to the venue’s theme, a picture of the transmutation circle, print of old books as wallpaper, gargoyles, and mannequins without heads were absolutely attention-grabbing elements that characterize the mystical practice of alchemy.

    The open kitchen at the side gave a glimpse of some live action going on. It’s always nice to say a quick “hi” to the chef. 🙂

    Lushly cushioned chairs were comfortable to sit on, and the rest of the furniture managed to project luxury without scaring away those who might just want a quick lunch or a glass of cocktail. Overall, Alchemy Bistro Bar looked like a great spot that’s chic enough for special occasions but also casual enough for a relaxed dinner with a friend.

    At Alchemy Bistro Bar, there’s also an entertainment stage where music is played all night long. Genre of songs rotates nightly and everyone is welcome to dance to the beats.

    The second floor showed a different side of the Alchemy Bistro Bar altogether. Bright color combinations and creative dining layouts made sure that there are enough yellow-brown clad seats to make guests feel like they got the best table in the house.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Personable and thorough, the staff toured us around and introduced dishes on the menu professionally. Her kind gesture definitely won plus points on customer service. Serving of the food and drinks was done well and in a timely manner. It was also a pleasant experience to meet and chat with the owner who also happens to be the main chef of the restaurant.

    with Chef/Owner Tina Moscardon

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    For appetizer, we shared a platter of Baked Oysters (PhP 350, 6 pieces) which I thought were really good. Beneath its crisp, browned surface, a buttery filling of spinach, Hollandaise sauce, and Gruyère cheese offered a delightful contrast to the oyster’s briny and meaty taste and texture.

    Baked in the shell, the oysters were fresh and properly salty. It’s one of those entrees that taste so good that it’s hard to imagine anything tasting better.

    Next, we were served with the Slow-braised Lamb Shank (PhP 775), a house specialty that’s been marinated and slowly braised for 42 hours. Wow! The tenderness of this New Zealand lamb shank was incredible. It was fall-apart soft off the bone.

    Mediterranean couscous, sultanas, pine nuts, mint, carrots, and French beans added a gently sweet spice with a surprising depth. The accompanying sauce also lifted the flavor that went well with the lamb shank. However, in the end, we still thought that the lamb tasted too “mild” or bland for our liking.

    Also marinated and cooked for more than 36 hours, the glistening Roasted Organic Chicken (PhP 450) was nice but not so rich. With a tea-like aroma, the taste of rosemary was evident and the flavor clung to every bite. Paired with rice pilaf vegetables and chicken jus, this chicken dish was both earthy and succulent.

    The Alchemy Pizza (PhP 450) consisted of ingredients having distinct flavors that sadly overpowered more than complemented the others. The result of putting speck, balsamic reduction, truffle oil, Scamorza cheese, and arugula could be a hit or a miss according to one’s tasting preference.

    What’s nice though was that it didn’t skimp on any of the toppings. I just did not appreciate the strong and salty flavor profile of the cured ham. It was worth a try nonetheless.

    For desserts, we had the Crème Brûlée (PhP 210), a classic made with Fresh vanilla beans, and the Warm Molten Chocolate Cake (PhP 240), a soft-centered Belgian chocolate cake with chantilly cream on the side. Not too sweet and not too heavy, these treats were enjoyable.

    For the most part, I loved how the simple and subtle flavors of vanilla bean and burnt caramel were highlighted in the crème brûlée.

    Alchemy Bistro Bar offers a super long list of drinks, but what took our interest were the mocktails. Served in a sexy slanted glass, the Cucumber Delight (PhP 210) tasted okay and quite natural. It was made with a healthy blend of fresh cucumber, mint, and lime.

    Louie ordered the Thirst Quencher (PhP 210) that was made with pineapple, orange, and ginger ale. In fairness, there’s a good balance of citrus notes and spiciness of ginger. It’s a drink recommended for serious ginger ale fanatics.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    While decors and the theme may look bizarre, food and drinks at the Alchemy Bistro Bar (Food + Potions) in Makati are pretty decent and not the “experimental” type as I initially had in mind. This is a great place to explore when you feel like discovering French fare and more European-inspired dishes plus cool drinks to try out.

    Price point is affordable and not alarmingly expensive. They even serve BUDGET LUNCH MEALS from Tuesday to Sunday, and this calls for a great deal for people who live or work nearby. Check out its Facebook page to know more of their promos and upcoming events.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/alchemybistrobar” name=”Alchemy Bistro Bar” description=”4893 Durban Street corner Polaris Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 02 5007398 / +63 9175555641″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-09-10″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie 團團小館 (SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)

    Review of TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie 團團小館 (SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)

    If Hong Kong comfort food is what you’re after, TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie will treat you right. TuanTuan in SM Megamall is a collaboration between the Lugang Group and the Mui Garden/Deer Garden restaurants of Canada. Extravagant dishes centered in Hong Kong cuisine and Macanese flavors marry a touch of French flair. Your best bet is to head in for its panoply of savory curry, noodle soup, and signature snow buns, or take delight in some of its best-selling items just as we did. 😉

    Review of TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie (SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Filled with thoughtful details, the interior design of TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie has a good command of both modern and retro-style themes. Everything looks classy, with elegant crystal chandeliers and consistent bright lights above the tables. I’m sure it took a lot of effort (and money) to look this effortless.

    Ideal for a more intimate setting, the back dining area is arranged with a long table that can sit 10 guests. It has an eye-catching faux garden wall with realistic artificial plants that make the space feel rather magical as an indoor patio or an extended oasis of the restaurant.

    The wall just beside this area also deserves a good deal of attention, as it’s decorated with like a collage of framed pictures and things that tell different wonderful stories.

    It’s pretty remarkable that TuanTuan has this kitchen countertop in the middle that somehow reflects a laid-back kitchen that charms with its warm but neutral palette. The black and white scheme really never fails to look polished, suitable for contemporary and chic interiors.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was prompt and friendly. In other semi-random information, it was funny how the staff were all camera-ready whenever I would position my camera to take a shot of a section of the restaurant. Even those chefs preparing the pork snow buns in the open kitchen smiled and posed when I was about 20 feet away. It’s been great engaging with them. 🙂

    Food: ★★★★★

    We made sure to snag an order of TuanTuan’s Signature Barbecued Pork Snow Buns (PhP 128, 3 pieces) because I have heard from several friends how these buns taste better than those of Tim Ho Wan. My verdict? They are right! These pork buns have a crisp, sweet, streusel-like top that flakes beautifully. The filling is delectable and almost addicting. It’s made up of tender, sweet-savory pork wrapped in a warm, pillow-soft freshly baked golden bun. Yummy! TuanTuan’s pork snow buns are a compelling reason to eat here in their own right.

    Looking colorful and tasty, the House Special Trio (PhP 398) consisted of creamy baked seafood, pesto wild mushroom, and pork chop rice. This dish struck a number of notes, thanks to the combination of flavors that had successfully addressed every part of our palate, with each boasting a unique taste that just can’t be beat.


    Standing up to strong spices, the Steamed Halibut Belly with Chili and Garlic (PhP 468) was not a boring entree either. Although we found it a hassle to remove the fish bones while eating, the flavor did not turn us off. The fish meat was soft and tender. I especially liked the sauce which gave an alluring aroma that reminded me of home. 🙂 Overall, it’s a messy and glorious dish with salty, sweet, pungent, and fresh flavors, plus multiple textures to boot.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie in SM Megamall’s Fashion Hall is a must-stop for Chinese food lovers. Featuring a fusion cuisine made from a distinctive range of Portuguese-influenced dishes from Macau, TuanTuan serves food that are worth waiting in line for. While tabs are mostly on the high end, this restaurant still left me wanting to come back. 🙂 See its menu here.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/tuantuanmanila” name=”TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie” description=”3F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 6327483 or 09155008026 or email tuantuanmanila@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-09-03″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]