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  • Review of UCC 3rd Wave Clockwork (Blue Bay Walk, Libertad, Pasay City)

    Review of UCC 3rd Wave Clockwork (Blue Bay Walk, Libertad, Pasay City)

    UCC 3rd Wave Clockwork is a cafe located in Bluebay Walk, Pasay (near Starbucks and McDonald’s) where brunch seems to be a never-ending affair and where people can just be themselves. I saw how relaxed and comfortable guests were as they reclined on sofa seats to the point of removing their shoes and retaining only their socks while reading a book. Needless to say, this place has also been striking a big chord with coffee lovers. As one who’s in love with coffee aroma myself, walking into its ground floor for the first time was like being high at the Apple Store. 🙂

    Review of UCC Clockwork (Blue Bay Walk, Libertad, Pasay City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Everything was a sight to see. I loved the interior design to bits! With UCC Clockwork displaying clocks set in different times arranged vertically on a wall, the concept worked. It’s stimulating and I’m super into it. 🙂

    Promoting the convenience of diners, the theme was rustic and retro combined with a laid-back feel. At the center, a bar counter modestly sets the mood for visitors to gorge on delectable food displays with their eyes. Items stacked on shelves against the wall served as functional decors that served as excellent blend in the area.

    We went up to the second floor and were quite impressed as well with the neat and organized space. The dining area has that typical look of a casual coffee shop with cushioned bar stools in shade of light beige lending a charm to the atmosphere. I also appreciate the minimum disarray and the soothing natural light from the windows.

    For larger groups, functional rooms are available and they’re fitted with a cute clocks wallpaper and edgy light fixtures.

    For a quality people-watching session, it’s great to grab a seat by the “balcony” overlooking the interaction between guests and baristas downstairs.

    Service: ★★★☆☆

    Service was a bit underwhelming and problematic since calling out to win the staffs’ attention was a bit of a challenge. Maybe the two-floor spacious dining area is to blame? I think not. The management should consider adding more headcount especially when more customers come at the peak of lunch and dinner hours.

    Food: ★★★★★

    UCC 3rd Wave Clockwork has been in my radar since way back, but because I’ve decided to dine out with friends and family instead of alone, I put off tasting their dishes for months. 😛 So you can just imagine how excited I felt upon setting foot here!

    We began brunch with a great appetizer: the Black and White Truffle Fries (PhP 190). Seeing “truffle” on the menu, I was tempted to rush into the first bite. Seasoning was spot-on. These crispy fries were a bit salty, punctuated with glorious black truffle bits, white truffle oil, and Parmesan cheese. Full of fluffy starch, the potatoes were quite thicker than the regular fries from McDonald’s.

    Mom told us to choose dishes that she doesn’t know how to make. The Crabby Fatty Omurice (PhP 350) was one of the perfect choices fitting that criterion. It was thus a golden opportunity for us to sample a unique version of omurice that’s basically rice with shredded crab meat, garlic, onions, kani, ebiko, parsley, aligue cream. All of these were wrapped with a crepe-like thinly fried soft and runny scrambled egg. The sauce formed around the omurice tasted delicate and light yet loaded with the crab flavor. Too good to be true! 🙂

    Also for a change, we ordered the Ouvo y Negra (PhP 280) which consisted of squid con tinta, ebiko, spaghetti, garlic, parsley, pepper, lemon, and garlic bread. With silky black hue, this pasta was neutral in flavor but what really gave a punch of seafood bliss was the bite-size cuts of squid with springy texture.

    When in doubt, you will not go wrong with UCC Clockwork’s Rosemary Chicken Crisp (PhP 320). With a buttery elixir of chicken juices, the grilled herbed chicken was paired with chicken rind rice and balsamic reduction sauce that boosted a soul-satisfying umami taste. The chicken was perfectly moist with slightly crisp skin. I loved that the mixed greens on the side gave not only a luscious garnish but also a refreshing crunch to the main.

    Their best-selling Garlic Tamadobo (PhP 300) also deserved a two-thumbs up from us. Composed of chicken and pork adobo, garlic rice, and ajitama and house salad, this entree relied on good technique in presentation and classic Filipino flavors. The sauce was rich and smooth with a mellow fragrance of Pinoy’s favorite adobo. The soft-boiled “ramen” eggs were awesome as they came with custard-like firm body.

    My sister and I got the Tiramisu Latte (PhP 170), a cake-inspired drink. It was a sweet and appealing treat without anything more complicated than coffee with chocolate, liquor, milk and cream. The velvety richness translated well to the real deal.

    For dessert, we had the Clockwork Cookie Cup Scream (PhP 190) composed of a dark chocolate chip cookie with melted white chocolate topped with pistachio ice cream. I thought it’s similar as the famous cookie shot but instead of milk, ice cream was placed to fill in the cookie cup. 🙂 The ice cream tasted like joy and nothing less than pure pleasure. It was a thrill to finish everything before breaking the cookie to pieces for us to share. Yum!

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    The restaurant and cafe scene in Metro Manila shows no sign of slowing down. UCC 3rd Wave Clockwork in Bluebay Walk, Pasay presents itself as another sleek and roomy cafe with a full range of coffee drinks, liquors, and a full brunch and lunch menu. Prices are reasonable as they serve and welcome you with generous portions of food servings with good quality tastes. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/UCCclockwork” name=”UCC 3rd Wave Clockwork” description=”Blue Bay Walk, Macapagal Avenue Corner EDSA, Libertad, Pasay City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 8434383″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-07-17″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Chika-an Sa Cebu (Ayala Center Cebu)

    Review of Chika-an Sa Cebu (Ayala Center Cebu)

    Leading a simple menu of Filipino food at its best, Chika-an Sa Cebu in Ayala Center Cebu is quite “the talk of the town” when it comes to crispy pata, baked scallops, sizzling squid ala pobre, and buttered garlic shrimps. It’s one of the best and busiest lunchtime stops inside the mall. This popular chain also has branches in Bacolod, Iloilo, General Santos City, and Davao. When will it ever come to Manila? I’m psyched to know if there would be such a plan! 🙂 Here we tried a ton of great local food without breaking the bank.

    Review of Chika-an Sa Cebu (Ayala Center Cebu)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Chika-an Sa Cebu has all of the fundamentals to become a consistently awesome must-hit. It is what you can call a versatile restaurant since much like the food, the atmosphere is funky, confident, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. With bright lighting and warm interior, it’s an ideal place to casually hang out no matter the situation or who you’re with. Though I would appreciate a splash of color at least on one side, I liked the brown to neutral tones and the simple arrangement of tables and chairs as they provide a relaxing vibe.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was pleasant, speedy, and attentive enough. We didn’t have to wait forever for the food.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Check out their menu here.

    The Baked Scallops (PhP 125) were unpretentious and as expected, still on their beautiful half shells, the scallops were anointed with bubbling sweet butter that’s gently counterbalanced by the very mild seafood taste with a smooth texture. Try to imagine “a little bit of heaven” on your taste buds and you’ll be close. 🙂

    We have noticed that there was hardly a local eatery in Cebu that doesn’t have chicken barbecue available on the menu. Chika-an Sa Cebu’s Chicken BBQ (PhP 69) was nothing more intriguing but its sauce was a clever way of enhancing the flavor of barbecue and harnessing its true potential.

    With well-browned exterior, the chin-drippingly tender and juicy Grilled Marlin (PhP 160) quite resembled the texture of chicken, only a tad more stringy. Flavor was subtle and not too fishy like the tuna. It’s perfect with soy sauce and a dash of vinegar.

    Chika-an Sa Cebu’s Crispy Pata (PhP 245-Small, PhP 299-Large) was a truly killer crispy pata. It had a memorable combination of texture and flavor, and its crunchiness makes it as one of the top dishes in our list of the most crave-worthy eating sensation in Cebu. The most coveted part was the interplay of the crispiness of its skin that shatters in one bite.

    For our drink, we had a pitcher of the Citrus Quencher. Sweetness coupled by a bright citrus scent was natural, leaving the mouth feeling crisp and clean without the syrupy fizz that coats the tongue. If you’re more of a juice person than a soda person, this might also be your thing. Bottoms up! 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Good and affordable food in Cebu is not exactly breaking news. Cebu is known as a foodie destination where you can go food-tripping to a lineup of restaurants that serve excellent Filipino dishes plus some real native staples without any gimmicks. At Chika-an Sa Cebu, pricing for the value we got was reasonable. This is one of the restaurants you must include to your list when you want a remarkable dining treat. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chikaan-sa-Cebu/488767137851654″ name=”Chika-an Sa Cebu” description=”4F Ayala Center Cebu, Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City” rev_name=”For inquiries and reservations, call 410-6319 or log on to www.creativecuisinegourmetgroup.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-07-06″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro (Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City)

    Review of Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro (Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City)

    Japanese food is not particularly hard to find in Manila. Every neighborhood and mall here seems to have a handful of local joints that serve up staple Japanese dishes such as ramen, sushi, and rice bowls. On the other hand, authentic Japanese food requires some digging in Tagaytay. If you’re looking for fresh and organic Japanese food that’s worth getting up off the couch, Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro in Tagaytay City is waiting.

    Perched on the roof deck of Domicillo Boutique Hotel, AOZORA is actually the first ever Japanese restaurant in Tagaytay. When translated to English, Aozora means “blue sky,” and this makes perfect sense as soon as you see the amazing bird’s eye view of the city and the Lake Taal under the blue sky.

    We traveled almost three hours to try their best-selling dishes last Sunday and we were heartened to taste Chef Seiji Kamijo Kamura’s specialties. The cooking was satisfying and approachable. Speaking of which, let’s get into it!

    Review of Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro (Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    It’s now the start of rainy season in the Philippines. When temperature is elevated, maybe take a cue and elevate your dining and drinking spot, too! The roof deck where Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro is located grants you access to a casual, informal and cozy lounge with soft couches to relax on.

    This place also opens up to high-rise views of vistas and astounding nature. Be careful not to lean out over too much or get nearer to the edge of the building, since there’s no glass or wall that can save you from falling down below but strings so fine I don’t trust. Whoops.

    Inside the restaurant, the setting is Japanese chic, with quiet and cozy interior offset by interesting lanterns covered with Japanese paper. Conceptually designed by Budji Layug, Aozora’s decors feature neutral tones and cement-washed walls complementing warm-wood fixtures. A sleek bar serving different kinds of alcoholic beverages is a nice addition to the casual yet trendy setup, attracting a mix of locals and out-of-town visitors. What I found somewhat obstrusive though were the two large posts in the middle of the dining area.

    This place can host as a good venue for birthday parties, wedding reception, and other events. Accommodation is up to 100 guests considering both indoor and outdoor spaces.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    Service was solid and friendly. I mostly appreciated staffs telling us the dishes plus their brief descriptions upon serving on the table. Especially since the restaurant is only two months old, it’s a kind gesture and a good move to introduce recommendations on the menu.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    When it comes to adding a twist of the Filipino cuisine to Japanese, bulalo may prove to be just the ticket. With soup base made with bulalo (beef shank), Aozora Ramen (PhP 295) had a whisper of bone marrow bringing an extra dimension of flavor different from your usual bowl of Japanese ramen. These noodles were imported from Japan and it’s the type that don’t get mushy or thick even after sucking up all the broth. Supported by a simple and savory combination of egg and corn kernels, it’s a mighty “cold-weather” soup that’s a must-try when in Aozora.

    The Rainbow Maki (PhP 320) platter consisted of tuna, salmon, tamago, and shime saba (Japanese pickled mackerel) maki that were all incredibly fresh. I guess it’s the way rainbow maki is supposed to be—presented with colorful toppings of rich flesh plus soft white rice making up for balanced, subtle, and restrained tastes. Yummy!

    Made up of sauteed mixed vegetables with crunch factor and pork, Yasai Itame was cooked nicely but was nothing special. It’s a simple dish that may be able to cure a hangover.

    Crowd-pleasing cuts in dainty portion, Pork Belly Yakiniku with Veggies (PhP 390) were coated in a sweet and salty marinade, similar to its Korean predecessor, kalbi or bulgogi. It somehow had a barbecue taste that’s hard to beat. These thin pieces of pork belly were more like jerky, the kind that will make you smack your lips and make you smile. 🙂

    Yakisoba was another hit. The noodles were chewy, wonderfully seasoned, and firm.

    Mango Tempura Ice Cream (PhP 180) was a delight. The batter was just a bit too thick but still good. Ultimately it had a crispy golden crust that sealed in the mango bursting with flavor beneath. Light and creamy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce on top came as a lovely accompaniment.

    Kalamancello, an organic drink with 30 percent alcohol, had the zesty essence of calamansi rinds infused into a vodka base. It tasted like sweet lemon or dalandan but more tart, sour, and acidic like lime mojito.

    We also tried Aozora’s signature iced tea. The Aozora Iced Tea (PhP 120) was made with lemongrass, pandan, honey and mint leaves. Albeit thirst-quenching, the pandan taste was too strong, concentrated and overpowering and it’s not a wow for me. Anyway, I still commend the creativity that went into its making. This is best recommended if you like to give your taste buds a thrill.

    To clear our palate and help with digestion, Key Coffee (PhP 95) was served but we had to wait for a while for it to brew. The taste, aroma, and body of the coffee were absolutely inviting. Apparently, it’s the No. 1 Coffee in Japan.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    With its sharp aesthetic, iconic setting, professional customer service, and appealing roster of Japanese food, Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro in Tagaytay is a great date spot by any standard. With its presence, there’s plenty more fun now when visiting Tagaytay for a short day tour. Get ready to be served with classic Japanese fare that’s enjoyable, however this obviously comes at an exquisite price. Itadakimasu! 🙂

    Thanks to Aldous for organizing the event and Ms. Christine Arriola-Villongco for having us!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/aozorajapanese” name=”Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro” description=”Domicillo Hotel, KM Gen. E. 58 Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, Tagaytay City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call +6346 4134486, +63906 3501704, +63915 5038800″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-07-02″ user_review=”15″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating Hours: 7:00AM – 10:00PM daily

  • Review of Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant (Cordova, Cebu)

    Review of Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant (Cordova, Cebu)

    Where to eat in Cebu? You know you’re at the right place when you find yourself in a restaurant packed with dining customers. Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant in Mactan is one of the best restaurants in Cebu where excellent Filipino food come together with drop-dead gorgeous views, a breath of fresh air, and inexpensive bill. This place was an hour of drive away from our hotel in Cebu City, but it was totally worth going for. 🙂

    Review of Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant (Cordova, Cebu)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    We expected that Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant’s staff would ask us to wait to be seated as we arrived at prime time. While waiting, we walked across the entire restaurant and checked out the interior design. Bright green chair fittings add a pop of color to the wooden fixtures that blended well with the “native” theme. Bamboo poles were everywhere, providing a sense of oriental, edgy yet comfortable vibe, as they hearken back to the days of hand-driven craftsmanship of Asian art pieces.

    Surprisingly, there were far more seats at the back, supported with floating platforms where people can watch the boats glide by. Too bad the sky was as dark as black paint and there were no stars to bring even the faintest glimmer. Though we were not successful in seeing good views outside, we could imagine how it would be magnificent at daytime, since Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant has a good prime setting overlooking the sea.

    The jeepney by the counter looked cute and we could not pass up a photo-op with it. Jeepney is the most iconic means of transportation in the Philippines, so having one placed inside the restaurant speaks volume about how the concept of the Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant’s decor style is intertwined with contemporary Filipino society. Nice! 🙂

    Service: ★★★☆☆

    The waiters and waitresses were too busy managing requests and arranging tables and seats for customers coming in. Raising and swaying one hand in the air wasn’t enough, so we did what we had to do. Everyone in our table raised and waved our two hands up high and looked at the servers going to our direction in the eye. 🙂 Yes, that’s what you can call desperation.

    Else, our water glasses would have remained empty for the majority of the meal, our orders would not have been followed up, and our bill would have taken forever to get to us. Because of the extensive space of this restaurant and considering the size of the crowd, I think more staff on the floor are needed to serve customers more efficiently. Service overall was a wee bit chaotic but staffs were friendly.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Our meal started off on the right foot. Warming and soothing, Ginataang Munggo (PhP 120) is a vegetarian dish that’s cooked with coconut milk (gata) and tender mung beans (munggo). I loved that the fragrant coconut milk was able to coat every ounce of the mung beans in its rich and thick soup. The sweet potato tops (talbos ng kamote) hit the right senses with slight bitterness that became sweet after lingering on palate for a bit.

    Soft and succulent, the Baked Scallops (PhP 150) were really fresh with rich melted cheese toppings that made us swoon. It wasn’t just a plate of baked scallops; it was a plate of heaven, and I’m still thinking about it now. So good and delightfully creamy, too!

    We also fell in love with Kinilaw (PhP 175), a Filipino ceviche dish consisting of cubed raw fish marinated in vinegar along with diced tomatoes and spices. A pile of white fish saturated in slightly tangy sauce stung our tongue with a citric punch, and we can’t help but appreciate the perfect texture and firmness of the fish in every bite.

    I don’t think I’ll ever quite tire of the magical combination of garlic and butter. When plump shrimps are cooked with this flavorful pairing, good things happen. These Buttered Garlic Shrimps (PhP 95) tasted delicious and were almost addicting, with sweet bursts of the silky butter sauce brightened with notes of finely chopped garlic. Awesome!

    It would be sad to leave Cebu without tasting one of its finest food aside from the roasted lechon (suckling pig): the Lechon Manok (PhP 250/whole). Even without sauce or gravy, the chicken’s taste was impressive as a heady blend of spices played off beautifully. The skin came out not too scorched and the meat, juicy.

    Some say you can tell how good a Filipino restaurant is by how well they make lechon kawali (Filipino crispy fried pork belly). Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant’s Lechon Kawali (PhP 210) version was on par with the standard quality we expected. The deep-fried pieces were intensely crisp and crunchy on the outside and moist and tender within. If your heart belongs to Filipino food, this is your jam. Order the lechon kawali with pride! 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★★★

    You can expect a fiesta of wonderful Filipino flavors here at this buzzing floating restaurant in Mactan, Cebu. Prices of food are not astronomically high, so it’s best to indulge when you can. Low prices actually add up to a relaxing time since you don’t have to feel guilty about busting the budget. 🙂 I recommend adding Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant to your list of restaurants to try in Cebu. You won’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/LantawFloatingNativeRestaurant” name=”Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant” description=”Day-As, Cordova, Mactan, Cebu” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (032) 514 2959″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-06-26″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  • Review of Kopi Kopi Café and Kitchen (Cainta, Rizal)

    Review of Kopi Kopi Café and Kitchen (Cainta, Rizal)

    Many people rely on coffee and rich drinks to get them through the day. Thanks to Kopi Kopi Café and Kitchen, residents and visitors of Village East Avenue, Executive Homes in Cainta, Rizal don’t have to worry about not getting their coffee fix, as they certainly can run steady on low-key, diverse delights and pastries with extensive options for coffee variants and other beverages—all for reasonable and affordable prices. 🙂

    This cafe opened to the public on July 18, 2010. We recently shot a segment of an I Juander episode at its al fresco setting and tried some of its best-selling items on the menu. (Dishes to be featured in the show are not included in this review.)

    Review of Kopi Kopi Café and Kitchen – Cainta, Rizal

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    While the I Juander Team was setting up outside, my dad and I entered the cafe for some refreshments. We were greeted by a whiff of heavenly freshly baked pastries and a seating area whose theme was quite rustic with vintage homemade touches. Free wi-fi connection is available. 🙂

    Kopi Kopi Café and Kitchen has a casual appeal that’s congenial, one that pairs perfectly with home-style cooking and warm, soothing drinks. However, I found that the tables with pink and yellow cloths placed at the center should better be rearranged to the side instead, to help lead the eyes to the more relaxing tone of the fixtures, walls, and decors.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    Staff helped in fostering a relaxing vibe as they were courteous and accommodating. If you want to explore other bites and drinks other than your norm, just ask what’s good and they will tell you straight answers.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    When undecided, it’s always best to listen to the staff’s recommendations. We had their famous Cream Puff (PhP 68/piece) and drinks that felt like desserts more than beverages, namely Macadamia Frappe (PhP 88, Large) and Mocha Frappe (PhP 88, Large).

    The filling of the Cream Puff tasted more custardy than eggy. Dusted by caramelized sugar, the flaky puff layers were crisp and distinct. I liked how each layer came together as a sharp contrast to the smooth cream for a well-balanced piece, be it in terms of taste or texture. It was a pleasantly decent mouthful of goodness that’s great with coffee.

    Made from a mocha base that’s buzzed up with ice and maybe chocolate then topped with whipped cream, the Mocha Frappe delivered a sweet punch and packed with a semi-bitter taste. It was thick and creamy with smoothie-like consistency.

    The Macadameia Frappe had a nutty flavor, more like nougat and sweet vanilla combined together. Also topped with cream, this frappucino was decadent, icy, and really nice. It’s recommended for those who have a lesser tolerance for the taste of burned coffee beans.

    After the shoot, we were all hungry for dinner. It was good to know that Kopi Kopi Café and Kitchen also serves many Asian and international favorites. We ordered hearty Filipino classic meals such as pancit, chop seuy, and sisig with rice. Above all, the stir-fried beef with broccoli stood out with its bold, sweet and savory sauce. I just hoped that there’s more garlic in the mix to amp up the flavor.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Right next door to the Village East Church, Kopi Kopi Café and Kitchen is a popular local spot that’s deservedly so. The pleasant atmosphere suffusing the cozy dining room matches with a comfortable neighborhood feel that entices patrons to sit, eat, drink and chat for hours. With budget ranging from PhP 150 to PhP 200 per person for a good meal, food and drinks’ price for value are decent.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kopi-Kopi-Caf%C3%A9-Kitchen/135882853126239″ name=”Kopi Kopi Café and Kitchen” description=”No. 5 Village East Avenue, Executive Homes, Cainta, Rizal” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 240-5068 or email kopi.cafe@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-06-23″ user_review=”14″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operation hours: 6:30AM-12MN daily

  • Review of Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant (Santa Cruz, Antipolo City)

    Review of Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant (Santa Cruz, Antipolo City)

    June 6—It was Louie’s birthday and as much of a romantic as he is, he brought us to Vieux Chalet, a fine dining Swiss restaurant in Antipolo bustling with great Filipino hospitality, coziness, and fresh air to breathe matched with a stunning view of the city. Vieux Chalet means “home on top of a mountain,” and true enough, getting there was like finding a hidden treasure on top of a mountain with tropical lush lot. We took delight in a picturesque perfect view of the sunset and the city skyline. 🙂

    Antipolo has a lot of unique restaurants where you can have a quick escape from the busy city of Manila and enjoy fresh air and great landscapes. Sometimes it gets me thinking to spend staycations there or even rent out a unit like in The Nest Horizon to experience Antipolo even for a weekend. Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa, Altaroca Mountain Resort, and Café Lupe Bed and Breakfast are some of the more popular getaway destinations. Anyway, here goes my post about our dining experience at Vieux Chalet.

    Review of Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant (Santa Cruz, Antipolo City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    In 1984, Mr. Tony S. Hassig and Mrs. Susan R. Hassig opened their home to people in search of an adventure not too far away from their own homes. The dream was to put up something that offers an alternative lifestyle to those needing a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Indeed, Vieux Chalet felt like a relaxing old home, with a stunning view to wake up to, and thousands of sunsets to watch and ponder on. This restaurant left our visual senses satisfied, as it’s certainly a charming escape from Manila that’s worth the almost two-hour drive.

    Apart from the restaurant, there are three rooms for couples to stay and a swimming pool to play and splash in.

    In the dining room, we sat by the window to have a closer look and make sure we won’t miss any of the admirable sunset view and the surrounded beauty. Serenely rustic elegant ambiance hugged the scene, with lots of family pictures and interesting displays and decors on the walls. Jackets and heavy clothing are not required as the restaurant is open-air and there’s no AC. When sun went down, we saw the city in great panorama and enjoyed the breeze in the air. A jewel in Antipolo City, Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant is an epitome of feel-good, convivial  fine dining. I hope its appeal never dims.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was unparalleled as Rico Doy pampered us and kept us company like friends visiting their home. He was above-and-beyond friendly, gracious and on-cue in accommodating our questions and requests. He’s also too kind to give us the Frozen Lemongrass Margarita (see below) free of charge, since the staff intended to prepare drinks that time has not yet arrived and it was his first time to prepare the said drink. 🙂

    Food: ★★★★☆

    A basket of bread and Fita crackers came as complimentary appetizer. The pieces were well-composed, with crisp exterior and tender crumb, and hearty enough to open our appetite for more coming up.

    After 20 minutes of waiting time, Vieux Chalet’s feast of homemade goodness, the Swiss Platter (PhP 485) was served. It consisted of smoked ham, smoked bacon, homemade ricotta cheese, pate de foie, tomato provencal, shrimp gambas, and organic micro greens, with homemade bread and butter. I thought it’s a great introductory dish to Swiss cuisine because it had one of everything recommended for hors d’oeuvres. The best? Hands down, it was the shrimps, which according to the menu should really have been pink salmon, but the latter was unavailable that time. The juiciness of the tomatoes also sealed a good deal. Yum!

    Cheese pizza isn’t something we would normally get excited about, but the Five-Cheese Grilled Pizza (PhP 725, Petit) here made us want to hit the floor. We were informed that this pizza would be made from scratch, and we had to wait half an hour to have it served. 20 minutes passed and we happily ate the pizza for an hour. We’re not sure how the combination of raclette, Gruyère, mozzarella, kesong puti, and cheddar cheese made a good harmony, but it legitimately blew our minds. There’s also garlic on a tangy cream cheese topped with organic arugula, all underneath the the crispy pizza crust that will make you sweat and tear with joy. So CHEESY, so good. 🙂

    Rico handed us his custom-made hot sauce as a condiment to the pizza. I had the mistake of pouring too much on my first try, and I had to cool my mouth with enough air pressure to “blow dry.” Rico’s homemade extra hot Hot Sauce was insanely hot, the kind of spiciness that could almost take away the flavor of the food. I should have learned from the label ’cause it’s so true; it can make you say “Dimunyu!” out loud, as your tongue would be on fire. Aw!

    We wanted to order more however we were too full to have a second main course. Thankfully, dessert options were not a letdown. The Swiss Chocolate Cake a la mode (PhP 285) was made with homemade Swiss  chocolate cake, chocolate glaze, and homemade chocolate ice cream. It lasted maybe two minutes before it was fully engulfed into it’s new home, our bellies! 🙂 As far as chocolate cakes go, this one is the ultimate in decadence. So if there’s a better way to say “I love you” through sweets, this would be it.

    To cool and cleanse the palate, the Lemongrass Cooler (PhP 145) had a refreshing and perky flavor of lemongrass that’s a bit more fun than your average lemonade or a lemon lollipop in iced tea.

    With alcohol content, on the other hand, the Frozen Lemongrass Margarita (PhP 325) had a subtle hint of tonic’s bitterness and the tangy and sweet qualities of lemongrass complementing and enhancing one another. The sugar found on the mouth of the glass brought another sweet element that helped connect the citrus flavor in the cocktail.


    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant in Antipolo has an elaborate menu of Swiss food and extraordinary drinks served by a deft team in swish environs. No surprise, it has garnered a top spot honors in the city. Though prices of items are expensive, admirers like us will insist that a “magical” and romantic meal should not only be based on food but rather the entire dining experience.

    Dining here can be a splurge but when you’re looking to impress, it doesn’t disappoint. As Mrs. Susan R. Hassig says, “Vieux Chalet is not just a restaurant; it’s your Home Swiss Home in the Philippines.” With that, price for value is quite agreeable.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/vieuxchaletswissrestaurant” name=”Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant” description=”456 Taktak Road, Sitio Sampaguita, Santa Cruz, Antipolo City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 02 6970396 or +63 9282888584″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-06-16″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operation hours:
    Every day except Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9AM to 10PM

  • Review of Three Sisters’ Restaurant of Pasig (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Review of Three Sisters’ Restaurant of Pasig (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Fresh, authentic, and perfectly-spiced sum up my feelings about Three Sisters’ Restaurant of Pasig, a casual family-style restaurant that started cooking Filipino food more than 70 years ago. We were tricked to think that there were three sisters who thought of establishing this restaurant, hence the name “Three Sisters.” Apparently, it was derived from a radio jingle of a famous brand of talcum powder! 😛

    Lola Rosa Francisco, a mother of five, first opened a small panciteria at Poblacion in downtown Pasig on November of 1941. She named it “Three Sisters’ Refreshment Parlor.” After a month of operation, WWII broke out and her family fled to Antipolo for shelter and safety. There were many families and stores affected in Pasig, and Lola Rosa’s restaurant was one of them. Driven by optimism, she rebuilt and reopened Three Sisters in 1970, and the rest was history. Last Saturday, we took our turn to discover their humble and homey Filipino fare that has been passed down from generation to generation.

    with Paul Pike, fourth-generation owner of Three Sisters

    Review of Three Sisters’ Restaurant of Pasig (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Three Sisters’ Restaurant has recently relocated to a house (turned restaurant) but still nearby along Capitol Drive. Family and friends can feel most welcome with the warm ambiance reminiscent of a home with an air of sophistication brought about by tall ceilings and intricate walls. The chandelier made an elegant and enchanting addition to the quaint and charming dining space which by the way can accommodate about 60 people. Dining here is like having a relaxing meal at a close family friend’s house, and that’s really nice every once in a while. 🙂

    Food: ★★★★☆

    If there’s one item that you should try at Three Sisters’ Restaurant, it must be their signature Pork Barbecue (PhP 48/piece). The barbecue was perfectly cooked, with the outermost layer having a thick, slightly chewy, but flavorful BBQ crust. The chunks of pork had a juicy texture and enough moisture and fat. We could taste the sweet overtones of the barbecue rub all throughout. The edges, however, were quite burnt.

    Lechon can almost be regarded as the Philippine’s national dish, as most celebrations can’t go on without it. However, when you don’t have a crowd that can finish an entire pig, grilled liempo can serve as a good substitute to that calling. Three Sisters’ Inihaw na Liempo (PhP 125/slab) was one grilled treat that’s hard to beat. It’s made up of tender pork belly strips with a smoky and sweet sauce.

    To complete the sensory experience, order the Crispy Pata (PhP 450) with only about an inch of tender fat-oozing flesh and prepare to hear that loud potato chip-like crunch of the skin on your first bite. Yum! Three Sisters’ crispy pata was super good and crispy. We dampened the pork’s effect by dipping it in the accompanying vinegar-based sauce and alternated bites with mouthfuls of java rice.

    If you don’t prefer pork, have a delicious affair with the aromatic Chicken BBQ (PhP 125) and you won’t go wrong. The chicken meat was soft and juicy, and it succeeded to deliver the sweet BBQ flavor as well.

    Pancit lovers will take pleasure in Pancit Bihon (PhP 280/bilao good for 4-5 pax), a veritable mountain of rice noodles replete with vegetables and pork toppings. I liked that the noodles were not dry and not too sticky.

    After eating all the meaty stuff, Pinakbet (PhP 160) should be on your table for it’s a mighty dish that forgives gluttony sins. 🙂 There’s a combination of rich veggies to balance your diet, including okra, squash, eggplant, string beans, and bittermelon (ampalaya) swimming in pork and shrimp paste.

    We simply ended our Filipino meal with Leche Flan (PhP 70) that was slightly jiggly, pleasantly creamy, and smooth. Doused in just enough toffee-like burnt sugar caramel, the cream-colored custard brought a sweet and rich taste.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Authentic Filipino dishes that are satisfying in taste and with the budget aren’t exactly easy to come by. For no more than PhP 300/person, dining at Three Sisters’ Restaurant of Pasig is a refreshing way to explore your choice of Pinoy starters, main, and desserts without the limitations of most other places. Your Filipino comfort food are all yours without the intimidating prices! 😉

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Three-Sisters-Restaurant-of-Pasig/261587217233857″ name=”Three Sisters’ Restaurant of Pasig” description=”10 East Capitol Drive, Brgy. Kapitolyo Pasig City (in front of Ninac)” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 631-4431, 631-9247 or 0917-6362134″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-06-11″ user_review=”12″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”15″ ]

  • Review of The Round Table – An All-You-Can-Eat Tasting Session (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Review of The Round Table – An All-You-Can-Eat Tasting Session (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    The Round Table started its humble beginnings as Q Bistro, which opened at the Malayan Plaza, Ortigas in June of 2006. Early this year, it took another step to reach greater heights as it relaunched Q Bistro as The Round Table, along with catering company, Q Provisions. The Round Table (located in front of Zen Nutrients) was born to showcase an all-you-can-eat tasting session along with the goal of offering something fresh to the busy streets of Kapitolyo.

    There are a lot of factors that make The Round Table in Kapitolyo, Pasig a special restaurant. The food, handled by Q Provisions Catering’s Executive Chef Mia K. Capay, goes beyond the norm and what’s predictable. How so? The items on the “round buffet table” consist of various themes with several superstar dishes that change EVERY DAY. 🙂

    On Mondays, get ready to relish outstanding flavors of South American cuisine. Come Tuesday, a grand tasting tour of Italy with a pasta bar filled with exciting options of spaghetti, fettuccine or penne complete with red and white sauce awaits. On Wednesdays, it’s heavenly Mongolian dishes. Thursdays will have you filled up with the Filipino Twist theme, while Fridays are all about Roast Carving featuring Roast Beef, Roast Pork loin and Herbed Roasted Chicken.

    What happens on weekends? Saturdays and Sundays offer smartened-up menu version from Chef Mia with the luxurious flavors of French, Asian, and Spanish menu. WOW, right? This “all-you-can-eat tasting session” concept makes The Round Table an ideal and unique spot to enjoy different food specialties (available in the catering services) that will please pretty much anyone.

    Guess what’s most surprising! Regular rate per person is only PhP 295. But if you “Like” their Facebook page, the buffet rate further goes down to PhP 199/pax. Yes, it’s a steal!

    matchy outfits with Chef Mia and the event host :)

    Review of The Round Table – An All-You-Can-Eat Tasting Session (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    The Round Table can be a great venue for private parties, corporate lunches, and other exclusive events. Its interior design looked simple but functional, fully personifying the name of the establishment. The overall ambiance wasn’t stuffy but just casual so guests won’t feel pressured or pretentious to hang out and wind down anytime of the day.

    With a capacity of seating 25 to 30 people, the tables in the dining room are comfortable and quiet enough that you can actually carry on a conversation. There’s also a small bar setup for a quick drink and some comfort food. Neat!

    Service: ★★★★★

    The Round Table offers a personalized service that completes a much deserved dining experience. I guess they have the good advantage of having limited space so service could really be personable, concentrated, and on point. Food on the buffet table were served fresh out of the kitchen and staffs made sure that we were all well pampered with the feel of great hospitality.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    We came on a Sunday morning for breakfast. Food options on The Round Table may be limited and nothing too fancy, but good lord, they were all delicious. For appetizers, the potato croquettes, Q Salad, and bread antipasti were excellent on the lighter side. Also kicking off the meal just right were typical Filipino breakfast items with a twist: the homemade chicken tocino and pork hamonado. Both were mildly sweet and not with an overdose of sugar. You’re going to need to eat them with steamed white rice to balance the taste.

    The highlight of our meal must be the roast beef as it was so tender, hearty, and flavorful that you’d want to unhinge your jaw and get the entire piece down your throat. The meat was roasted for seven hours and I bet this is one of the dishes that’s worth a trip for. Chef Mia’s version of adobo is another must-try, as it was cooked with green mango puree and bagoong (shrimp paste) instead of the usual soy sauce and vinegar.

    For dessert, we had a slice of carrot cake—not to be missed! It was moist, perfectly dense, and unbelievably fudgy with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting slathered over the top. Other food items were good as well but not particularly as memorable.

    Potato Croquettes

    Antipasti

    Q Salad

    Chicken Tocino

    Pork Hamonado

    Arroz Caldo

    Tender Roast Beef

    Spiced Aglio Olio Pasta

    Rustic Fish Fillet with Olives and Capers

    Adobo sa Mangga

    Pork Ragout

    Carrot Cake

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Ladies and gentlemen, you don’t have to be stuck with Locavore, Silantro Fil-Mex, RUB, Mad Mark’s Creamery & Good Eats when choosing restaurants in Kapitolyo, Pasig. The Round Table (Tasting Session) is the “new kid in the block” that has officially arrived. Presenting an exciting array and different themes of food every day with an affordable buffet rate of less than PhP 300 per person, this restaurant really has a good price for value.

    Note: Menu is uploaded on their Facebook page a day before so you would have an idea of what’s to be served on the day you’d visit. You may also contact The Round Table for inquiries about food.

    Birthday Promo Mechanics:
    1. 1 birthday celebrant is entitled for a free All-You-Can-Eat-Session for every group of 3 paying customers.
    2. The promo is only valid within the duration of the celebrant’s birthday month.
    3. Celebrant must bring a valid ID or proof of birth date.
    4. This promo cannot be used in conjunction with our current promotions and discounts including senior citizens discount.
    5. Gift certificates cannot be used to avail the promo.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/RoundTablePH” name=”The Round Table” description=”56 C&D East Capitol Drive, Pasig” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 7061668 or 0922-8948509″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-06-05″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours:
    Breakfast: 7:00am-10:00am
    Lunch: 11:00am-2:30pm
    Dinner: 6:00pm-10:00pm