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  • Review of Tim Ho Wan 添好運 (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    Review of Tim Ho Wan 添好運 (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    It has been almost a year since Tim Ho Wan 添好運, Hong Kong’s most famous Michelin star dim sum restaurant, opened its first international expansion in the Philippines after the Singapore branch, which owns the Asian franchise of this Hong Kong original. Tim Ho Wan is a “go-to” for consistent Chinese food, pleasing diners with its simple and straightforward menu of traditional favorites and more modern specialties plus drinks.

    My sister and I had lunch in its flagship branch in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City on a Wednesday. With bright and inviting atmosphere and great food that round out the experience, there’s no wonder why the dining room fills up very quickly anytime of the day and anytime of the week. Take note that strictly no reservations are accepted. With that said, it’s most recommended to go early or expect a wait. The hype has not died down. Wahaha. 🙂

    Review of Tim Ho Wan 添好運 (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    Service: ★★★★★

    Tim Ho Wan’s waiting system must have already proven itself effective, with the staff bringing order to an otherwise potentially chaotic situation. Chairs for people in queue are available outside, while others have to stand and wait until their names are called. We were lucky to find seats immediately, since we came before the prime of lunch hour. To order, we just ticked the items on the checklist and submitted it to the staff.

    The restaurant was full but we were not rushed and were given the best customer service we could ask for.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Tim Ho Wan is popular in dishing out lots of yummy goodness to impossible lines of loyal fans. Ordering the Baked Bun with BBQ Pork (PhP 145 for 3pcs) is a must. This is the iconic signature dimsum that lures in crowds who push the wait to an hour or more (consider yourself warned).

    The buns were pillowy soft, light, not oily, not chewy, with crumbly pastry crust that’s so freshly baked. The char siu filling was sweet and savory. It’s an indulgence worth braving the crowd for.  🙂

    The Steam Spinach Dumpling with Shrimp (PhP 120) is a welcome break from ordinary sautéed spinach. It’s a great way to enjoy tender, leafy greens with shrimp in translucent, delicate wrapper.

    We dipped it in a mixture of soy sauce and chili sauce for better taste. It’s a simple yet tantalizing treat that’s elegantly showcased, a sensible choice for this lenten season. 🙂

    We also had Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf (PhP 190) (machang) which was served steaming hot. The fragrant glutinous rice was seriously good stuff, and shredded of meat and mushroom inside were tasty and perfectly flavored. We loved every bite!

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    I have no qualms about the freshness and good quality of ingredients that went into making good food here at Tim Ho Wan. With regard to prices, they are still more expensive than the Chinese restaurants my family frequents. However, considering that Tim Ho Wan is the “world’s cheapest Michel Star restaurant,” this place can be a safe bet and certainly one that warrants a return visit without question. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/timhowan” name=”Tim Ho Wan” description=”Ground Floor, SM Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 470-8836″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-03-25″ user_review=”14″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”15″ ]

  • Review of CRU Steakhouse (Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport City)

    Review of CRU Steakhouse (Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport City)

    I took a vacation leave from work last Wednesday to join the Zomato foodies for dinner at CRU Steakhouse, and surely I had no regrets. At CRU (pronounced as “kroo” and “not C-R-U”), steaks cooked to perfection are a given! This high-end restaurant inside Manila Marriott Hotel doles out generous portions of amazing grilled steak matched with an imaginative fare elevated by an extensive wine list. By the end of our meal, we could only utter one word to describe their menu: phenomenal. CRU Steakhouse presents everything you would expect in a quality steakhouse. 🙂

    Review of CRU Steakhouse (Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Elegant and polished, CRU Steakhouse certainly is a good refuge after a busy day of noise and networking. Upon entrance, I felt the warm embrace of a traditional steakhouse ambiance consisting of dark wall panels, wooden flooring, and dim lighting along with plenty of wine bottles displayed across the dining area. To keep the consistently prime vibe, CRU Steakhouse is open only during dinnertime daily.

    Orange light fixtures echo off the adorned designs effortlessly, while chairs dressed in red polka dots and line patterns complement the pristine white tablecloths. Central to the dining area is an open kitchen which gives a sense of contemporary dining with a twist. Adorning the space in tasteful fashion, the front part houses the bar that’s set up well to draw in any type of crowd.

    For private events such as the Zomato Foodie Meetup we attended, CRU has two function rooms that seat eight to ten people. Note: Reservation of the function rooms should be made a week ahead.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Customer service was first class. Treating everyone as VIPs, the servers were kind and professional to explain about the food and demonstrate a short cooking presentation before serving some of the entrees. They also made regular rounds to make sure that our glasses were filled with drinks and that guests felt welcome and appreciated. The smooth and attentive team definitely added perks.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Salads

    Think oranges are just for breakfast, snacks, or desserts? Think again. The orange made such delightful addition to the Organic Baby Spinach Salad (PhP 550), thrown together with blue cheese crumble, walnut in Parmesan crisp, and mustard dressing. Fruity notes to the well-dressed leaves of baby spinach made the salad taste outlandishly better.

    Tossed with red onions, balsamic, crushed olives, and feta cheese, the giant organic cherry tomatoes locally grown from the Marriott Organic Farm served in the Organic Tomato Salad (PhP 580) were super juicy and fresh. This salad was sweet, tangy, and full of character, with the natural flavor of tomatoes combined with cheese oozing with a savory sensation. It’s a must-order for those who are in a diet. 😛

    Appetizers

    Voted as the best appetizer we had for the night, the Sauteed Duck Liver (PhP 920) with apple chutney and sweet maple lemon glaze was very satisfying. Admittedly, the number of times I’ve tasted foie gras is probably less than five. But by far, CRU’s take on the foie gras is the best. It melts on the tongue like the creamiest butter but with a distinct cured sweetness.


    The Certified Angus Beef Carpaccio (PhP 750) reminded me of yukhwe, which is raw beef eaten with raw egg in Korea. Wandering more into a fancy territory, this appetizer was an absolute home run, and it turned out to be love at first bite. The paper-thin slices of beef were topped with parmesan, arugula, and tarragon dressing. So good!


    Next, we were treated to seafood galore. The Seared US Scallops (PhP 730) were plump, briny, and buttery but still supple, with a very slight sweetness. Spicy shimeji mushrooms, pickled onions, and Hollondaise sauce all contributed to the robust flavors that stood up to the zesty sauce.


    The Tuna Tartare (PhP 650) looked so tiny and simple, but this dish should not be underestimated. Every element was on full display (not sure if that’s egg yolk on top but it tasted like egg yolk), and the complete bite, with the soft wash of the wasabi aioli, was so much more than the sum of its already excellent parts.

    The Salmon Tartar (PhP650) was another knockout. It was pure decadence: perfectly cooked chunks of ultra fresh raw salmon with lemon mustard dressing and extra virgin coconut oil. Close your eyes and bite into this and you could imagine you’re tasting the best salmon you’ve ever had.


    Crispy and crabby, the CRU Crab Cakes (PhP 690) with the celeriac apple slaw and creamy Cajun remoulade were quite dainty, gone in three or four delicate bites at most—but they were three or four perfect bites, I can assure. I’m also glad that these crab cakes were not too heavily coated in breadcrumbs but packed more with crab meat than pasty binders. Taste was stellar.


    Too appealing to slip by, the Chilled Ocean Shrimps (PhP680) looked like a starfish or spider from afar. Its presentation was so captivating with summer colors lifting our mood and appetite. Dipped in the cocktail sauce and eaten with jalapeno salsa, the shrimps tasted nice and fresh, titillating our taste buds for the final appetizer.


    If eating crabs in shells isn’t your thing, try the Lump Crab Cocktail (PhP690) and savor the juicy lump crab meat without getting your hands dirty. Spicy pineapple salsa and cocktail sauce added texture and a hint of sweetness to the cold dish.


    Soups

    We were served with three kinds of soup. The Shrimp Gumbo (PhP 370) consisted of a mildly spicy broth that’s a far cry from the one-dimensional broth made from instant meal packages available in the grocery store. The soup had a rich body and a faint aroma of the sea. At the bottom of the bowl, we found bits of fragrant rice and minced vegetables popping out as a nice surprise.

    The Caramelized Onion Soup (PhP 350) sang a chorus of layered onion flavors topped with a blanket of gooey cheese. Yum! We enjoyed the variation in tastes and textures.


    The Wild Mushroom Soup (PhP 390) was super creamy, rich, velvety, smooth, and with the aroma of truffle oil, intoxicatingly delicious. OMG. I loved the soup so much and I think I won’t ever get tired of it. 😛

    Mains

    The long wait was finally over and well worth it. The spectacle of parading the three sizzling slabs of pound CRU’s US Certified Angus Beef Bone-in Rib Eye (PhP 5,400 for 900 grams/31.75 ounces) through the function room invariably led everyone wanting one. Well-browned and crackling with some fat, CRU Steakhouse’s signature steak was sliced open and revealed a juicy pink center that extended from edge to edge. Each slab had a commendable crust and a succulent interior.

    Each 900-gram steak comes with two sauces, five sides of your choice, and carved table side. Choose to pair it with black peppercorn, forest mushroom, spicy tomato and onion, CRU blue cheese, Shiraz, or Béarnaise sauce, and you have one unforgettable dish. I’m not a fan of sauces for the steak, but I tried them anyway. What I wasn’t able to resist were the sides that have a good fit with the food.

    Since we got three slabs of steak (shared by 12 people), we were pampered with all the sides which were more than enough to please our demanding palates: truffle mac and cheese, grilled organic sweetcorn, organic sweet corn on the cob, corn and pepper hash, grilled portobello mushrooms, creamed spinach, steamed asparagus with hollandaise sauce, green beans pancetta, organic steamed broccoli, honey glazed organic baby carrots, fried onion rings, black truffle risotto, warm organic tomato salad, and sliced potato fries.

    Above all, truffle mac and cheese, grilled portobello mushrooms, creamed spinach, and black truffle risotto for me struck as the best complements to the steak and almost worthy of as much discussion as the steak itself. 🙂

    Desserts

    The Banana Foster (PhP 410) took a few minutes to get prepared. The waiter ignited caramelized bananas, raw sugar, flamed rum, whole butter, and sliced almonds at the tableside and then poured over vanilla ice cream for our enjoyment. It was like a one-plate dinner theater that’s undeniably fun and interesting to watch. The first bites of the banana foster were luxurious, as crisp flakes of almonds and swimming banana in ice cream completed the equation.

    If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t miss the Sweet and Salty Chocolate Moist Cake (PhP 400) with homemade dark chocolate ice cream. It had a moist and buttery crumb that packed a toasty, nutty punch. This chocolate cake isn’t particularly novel, but it’s not disappointing in any way.

    Basically an ice cream cake of chocolate and cognac, the Grand CRU Chocolate Praline Mousse (PhP 400) is one of those desserts that create a great textural experience, as the mousse melts away while the praline provide crispiness. Make sure to snag the layers in one forkful! 🙂


    Another pure chocolate bliss was CRU’s Chocolate Caramel Crunch Log (PhP 380). Sweetened by caramel, the rich chocolate flavor was beyond divine.

    Drink

    CRU Steakhouse’s bar serves wine by the glass and by the bottle. Selections range from champagne, sparkling wines, red wines, and white wines. Other beverages offered are local and imported beers, whiskey, rum, tequila, etc. We had Beringer’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Knights Valley) that featured aromas of black plum, cherry, and enticing spice notes.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    For the price point, you don’t need to sell your car to eat here. However, you might have to break your bank account a bit to recover for a return visit. 😛 Ambiance, service, and the quality and taste of food were unquestionably impeccable, but prepare to pay “special-splurge” prices for the privilege. It will be good to reserve dining at CRU Steakhouse in Marriott Hotel Manila (Resorts World) for special occasions such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, graduation, promotion, or sealing a good business deal.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.myclubmarriott.com/Participating-Hotels/?c=CRU-Steakhouse-Manila-Marriott-Hotel” name=”Cru Steakhouse” description=”No. 10 Newport Boulevard, Newport City Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries/reservations, call (02) 988-9999 local 8109″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-03-19″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours:

    Sun – Thu: 6:00PM – 10:30PM
    Fri – Sat: 6:00PM – 11:30PM

  • Review of Tus’ Clay Pots and Skillets (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    Review of Tus’ Clay Pots and Skillets (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    Tus’ Clay Pots and Skillets in Westgate Center, Alabang celebrated its first anniversary last March 8, 2015. TUS’ Restaurant may look like just another modern European restaurant in the city, but wait until you step inside and you’ll be in for a treat! Owned by Maricar Sason and Chef Krsna Algenio (photo below), TUS (Spanish for “yours”) serves food in cazuela (Spanish clay cookware) and ceramic skillets. Considering the variety of interesting dishes they offer, this downright charming space can easily be your next favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinner haven.

    Review of Tus’ Clay Pots and Skillets (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    “Cozy yet cosmopolitan” sums up the two-story TUS’ Restaurant as a perfect spot for romantic dates or even a reunion meal with your family on a weekend. Hardwood floors and good lighting lend an international feel, while wooden accents on furniture and decors show character and elegance that make you feel at home. I also love its Euro-hip ambiance filled with lots of quirky displays on the shelves and walls that make the place look even more unique and picture-friendly for the camera.

    Service: ★★★★★

    As one would expect of a restaurant at this level, service was pleasant and remarkable. Above all, the servers here were responsive and eager to provide what the customers needed.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Appetizers

    If you don’t like green food, do yourself a favor and break out of that shell even for a sec. 😛 Tus’ Spinach Dip (PhP 220) is a must-try! Paired beautifully with bread, it appealed as hot and gooey and all that great stuff. Like a crowd-pleasing French take on the all-American spinach and artichoke dip, the Spinach Dip was made with tons of seasoned spinach blended with cream and topped with mozzarella cheese.

    We also had the Jalapeno Croquettes (PhP 150) that were filled with mashed potatoes and jalapenos. These were insanely addictive and the accompanying cheddar cheese sauce ​rocked the taste just right. You may think of these croquettes as a carbohydrates-laden snack or a hearty helping packed with comfort.

    Mains

    Moving on to our mains, we were wowed by the size of the BLT Calzone (PhP 460). It appeared too big to be all eaten at once! With great fillings and solid texture, TUS’ folded pizza was a simple and straightforward rendition executed very well. It was stuffed with BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomatoes), mozzarella cheese and served with aioli sauce—just what you think of when you imagine a great Italian calzone.

    Next, we were served with three kinds of pot pies cooked upside down on a clay pot with a variety of ingredients, mozzarella cheese, and homemade dough. The Chicken Ranch (PhP 270) was made with pan-seared chicken tossed in alfredo sauce topped with homemade ranch dressing. Its filling, complete with cubes of chicken, was flavorful.

    Topped with homemade sausage pizza with basil and marinara sauce, the House Sausage (PhP 390) was spot on. There’s a hint of a dash of spices in the sausage that made its flavor pop. The crust was also crisp and not too soggy and not too burnt.

    For vegetarians, the Margherita (PhP 390) must be a hit. Baked with marinara sauce drizzled with olive oil, this pot pie was a delight in our palate, stopping just shy of filling our appetite. Toppings included freshly sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and sea salt.

    If you’ve been looking for a credible burrito, I can safely say that you’ll find one at Tus’ Clay Pots and Skillets. Its Wet Beef Burrito (PhP 390) is highly recommended. Basically, it’s burrito rice and beef wrapped in a tortilla, lathered with tomato sauce, covered with mozzarella cheese and salsa, topped with sour cream and jalapenos. All ingredients were put together like a match made in heaven. Mmmmmm!

    Now, we’re down to the steaks. Tus’ Skillet Steaks are quality rib-eye steaks cooked according to the customer’s done-ness and served with the choice of side: fries, smashed potatoes with gravy, butter, sauteed corn, or rice. You can’t go wrong with any of the following: Herbed Butter Steak (PhP 620) topped with a mix of fresh herbs and butter, Cheese and Onions Steak (PhP 660), and Spicy Lemon Pesto (PhP 660). Combining ultra glorious fifth taste, these cuts of meat were so rich, buttery, tender, and beefy that you really can’t resist to get a big hunk of the steak yourself. Savor, and not gorge. :mrgreen:

    Desserts

    Warm and chewy, the Half Baked Cookie (PhP 180) was gooey and creamy. I appreciated that it wasn’t too sweet but just sweet enough. The flavor boasted nice notes of chocolate (kinda like Milo in powder form). Eating the half baked cookie with ice cream was extremely satisfying. There’s no wonder that it got lots of compliments from our table.

    Tus’ Tiramisu (PhP 220) was moist and decadent, with the familiar taste of coffee-and-cream. If you’re not concerned to welcome summer with a dent on your diet, all you have to do is dig in and devour.

    Drinks

    Finally, for our drink, we shared a pitcher of Pineapple Float (PhP 445). What seemed to be an innocent pineapple juice was anything but. It’s pineapple juice with scoops of vanilla ice cream! Ahh… it’s so good. There’s not much more that needs to be said.

    To view more items on TUS Restaurant’s menu, click here.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Tabs are quite on the expensive end, but payoffs include a marvelous team of staff, high quality food, and the privilege to dine in with style. Tus’ Clay Pots and Skillets’ location may be pretty out of way for some (1-2 hours drive from Manila in my case), but this gem in Alabang is worth the trip for superior variants of modern European fare and an overall relaxing meal. It’s a good idea to book ahead or make a reservation in advance. Enjoy! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/tusrestaurant” name=”Tus’ Clay Pots and Skillets” description=”D1 Westgate Center, Commerce Avenue cor. Filinvest Avenue Alabang, Muntinlupa City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 828-3178 or +63917 5680964″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-03-16″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours:
    Mon-Thu 8:00AM-2:00PM, 5:00PM-9:30PM
    Fri 8:00AM-2:00PM, 5:00PM-10:00PM
    Sat-Sun 8:00AM-10:00PM

  • Review of Butamaru Ramen (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    Review of Butamaru Ramen (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    With more restaurants specializing in ramen opening up faster than we imagine, it’s becoming clear that the world of ramen extends far beyond the instant variety we grew up on. Butamaru Ramen in Westgate Center, Alabang is another fitting example where you can expect to seize perfect components from a bowl of ramen. We took our turn to visit the place last Saturday not only to learn more about Butamaru by name (buta means pork) and how the ramen tastes, but also to discover how it serves chasu in round, melt-in-your-mouth slices.

    Butamaru Ramen opened last September 2014, with Chef Jerome Lim heading the kitchen backed up with extensive training experience from Sugimura-san of Menko noodle company in Oita, Japan. From his account, we’ve known that achieving the right combination of ramen ingredients plus mastering the timing aren’t too easy. So when a ramen place nails it—and elevates “good ramen” to “great ramen,” foodies would feel thrilled to try it. And great ramen is what we’re after here. 😛

    Review of Butamaru Ramen (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Butamaru Ramen in Alabang is built with two floors, with the first floor housing the kitchen and the ramen bar and the second floor covering more of the dining area. The nondescript entryway leads to a wide staircase that whisks you upstairs into a likewise light and open space.

    The place was smaller than I pictured, but it’s well-appointed and not at all cramped. The layout is a welcome change from the narrow counter of a traditional ramen shop. Tables and seating can be rearranged for bigger groups. Decors are minimal and I’ve nothing to complain. I’m a fan of minimalistic and simplistic design. Overall, the ambiance was inviting and cozy, ideal for families and a variety of diners who would like to have a quality but relaxed dining experience when in Alabang.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Servers were courteous and helpful. It was good for them to consider having to station at least one staff on the second floor to accommodate and reach out for customers’ requests and make sure that guests are well taken care of. Attentiveness was also not a problem. The staff was quick to provide recommendations of food on the menu.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Broth of ramen at Butamaru go through 16 hours of cooking, making it thick, sticky, and opaque. Packed with emulsified fats and proteins from the long-boiled bones of the pig, the ramen broth tasted solid and true to the flavor.

    I had the Curry Tantanmen (PhP 350) for myself and tried a few sips of the Tantanmen (PhP 350) and the Shoyu Ramen (PhP 320) as well. I loved that the noodles are firm enough at standard (tip: you can ask for the noodles to be served firm or soft). After tasting the three, I had a mental note awarding Curry Tantanmen as the winner.

    Made with spicy peanut and sesame, the Curry Tantanmen was exuberant and almost creamy in texture. It’s what you can consider an in-your-face food, as it’s extremely delicious, awash with curry powder. The fiery color made the ramen more appetizing! Minced pork was juicy and wholesome. Adding soft-boiled eggs (PhP 50) is optional but you’ll be happy you did.

    Tantanmen tasted almost like Curry Tantanmen—only without the curry, literally and figuratively. Delicious in all its glory, this ramen variant made my taste buds feel bombarded with fireworks of intense spice. The taste of peanut was more evident, ending with heat at the back of my throat. It can be requested to be moderately spicy, but we liked it hot! 😛 It all comes down to your personal preference.

    The soy sauce-based tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen was also a joyful bowl of food that when mixed with chasu had a smoky complexity to the already excellent soup.

    If there’s one item on the menu that’s vegetarian-friendly, I guess it would be the Ramen Salad (PhP 280). It was fresh-tasting, with noodles and an assortment of vegetables tossed in black sesame dressing. Cut into manageable lengths, the noodles were silky, cold, and toothsome, and a little bit sweet. After mixing the ingredients together, the resulting blend was good, kinda counteracting the lingering tastes of the ramen broth and resetting our palates back to a refreshingly neutral state. 🙂

    With a decent amount of fat, Chashu (PhP 150) has to be the prime highlight of our visit. It was moist, sweet, and tender. This can be ordered as a side dish separate to your main. Each order comes with three slices of Butamaru roast pork.

    If you’re more of a “rice person,” consider pairing the short order of chashu with Takana Chahan (PhP 200), which itself can be very filling. Think of it as a comforting respite with bits and slices of chashu and egg in between bold and full-bodied tastes of ramen, and eat with a leisurely pace.

    To combine both chashu and rice in one dish, you’d better look toward getting Chashu Don (PhP 280) instead and appreciate more of the chashu served over steamed Japanese rice with soft-boiled egg. With a good balance of saltiness and sourness from preserved/pickled mustard cabbage (kiam chai in Hokkien, or hum choy in Cantonese) and the sweetness of chashu sauce, there comes more excitement!

    Once we were done dipping out feet into Butamaru’s crazy-good ramen and chashu, we tried the pork dumplings next. Butamaru’s Gyozas (PhP 130) were like little pockets of heaven. All were cooked well and far from frozen bags you get at the grocery store. The regular gyoza came with thin pliant wrapper which embraced ground pork filling that’s light and juicy.

    Arriving at the table upside down, the Cheese Hane Gyoza (PhP 150) showed a delicately crisp lace of starch formed at the bottom of the pan. When cut through fork, a layer delivered a pleasant crackle and the taste was exceptional. Too lovely! 😀

    Filled in with aburi chasyu with special curry paste, the Curry Gyoza (PhP 150) was a more unique and interesting version that appeared more yellowish than the regular kind. The cheese hane gyoza may be better received than the regular gyoza, but the curry gyoza will also give a run for your money.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    The first-rate noodles served at Butamaru Ramen can make you totally forget about the instant ramen you used to cook and prepare at home. This ramen place can become a local favorite quickly, since prices are sensible for the good quality of dishes. My only qualm is the location because it’s far away from Manila. If you’re willing to drive to the south and spend maybe an hour or two on the road (and toll fee if you’re entering via the Skyway), then be ready for a seat at Butamaru Ramen, where you will be rewarded with slurp-ilicious bowls of ramen goodness—and more. 🙂

     [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/ButamaruPH” name=”Butamaru Ramen” description=”CE405 Westgate Center, Commerce Avenue cor. Filinvest Avenue Alabang, Muntinlupa City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 887-4255″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-03-12″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Cantinetta (Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City)

    Review of Cantinetta (Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City)

    Cantinetta in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell is one of the restaurants that’s perfect for quiet romantic dinners, business meals, or simply winding down with premium wines. Coming from a home-style chain of restaurants, Cantinetta is inspired by the wine cellars in the estates of Italian noblemen, serving Italian cuisine. A short distance away from the heart of the business district in Makati, Cantinetta can keep you away from the chaos of the city and give you satisfying dishes for a reasonable price.

    Review of Cantinetta (Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    It did feel Italian when we entered Cantinetta. I could imagine Italian men in hats and cane conversing and sipping coffee while passing time playing cards here. Not a fast-food kind of environment, this place is impressively uncluttered, driving in quality-driven consumers. Fab tunes in the background complement the dining pleasure, while wooden furniture create a sense of history and casual warmth. Overall, Cantinetta’s interior was inviting and relaxing. It looked aged but well maintained. This place can be worth a support, provided it doesn’t get too crowded.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Other than good ambiance with slightly rustic feel, service was attentive and not overly intrusive. There was a certain air of easiness lingering somehow that would make you forget your troubles as you enjoy your meal. Wait time was fair, and the courses came out at an even pace. Severs were polite and treated us like we were guests in their home.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    For appetizers, we got some complementary bread served with liver patte and tomato, which I’m sure most hungry customers will appreciate. The bread was served warm. It was crunchy outside and had a chewy center.

    For the main, not ordering the signature Cantinetta Classica (PhP 480) when in Cantinetta should not count as an option. Baked with a good crumb structure and a crust that’s light and fresh, Cantinetta Classica was topped with Italian sausage, pepperoni, and minced beef. Each slice of this pizza achieved a glorious harmony. The Italian sausage was juicy with a nice spring to it; the minced beef had a resilience that’s mildly bouncy; and the pepperoni oozed with flavor with its savory aroma. All in all, the pizza was absolutely a winner.

    My dining partners of the night chose Fettucine Tartufo (PhP 550), which consisted of truffle cream sauce with parma ham. It’s both decadent and comforting. Even without eating the parma ham, I could taste its flavor in the pasta that’s for the record unquestionably delicious. It was like bacon, only without the oil.

    Next, I loved every bite of the Ravioli Al Funghi Porcini (PhP 540) and I almost did not want it to end. Cantinetta’s ravioli stuffed with porcini mushroom with truffle oil sauce left a strong mushroom-y taste in my mouth and this I regard as a sure-fire sign of greatness. Giving out the final push to make the entree brilliant, the truffle oil sauce delivered a much-needed brightness and moisture to the dish. Yummy!

    We thought our stomachs could not anymore accommodate desserts. But then one of us ordered Tiramisu (PhP 240), and we just could not say no! 😛 We shared the mascarpone coffee cake which came in a simple and balanced plating. Taste was excellent, like sponge cake soaked in espresso—moist and spongy. The slightly sweet cream cuts the richness, making it easier to eat without pause.

    The Panna Cotta (PhP 240) looked like leche flan with a creamy and solid texture of cheesecake. This custard cream in the cake was thick and rich and indulgent yet mercifully tempered on sweetness. 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    In English, “Cantinetta” means a place to get great wine, great food and have a great time. Cantinetta in Rockwell exemplified a good context to the translation. It can be seen as an upscale lunch or dinner spot that puts out some good food to the table. Food prices can be quite a splurge, but for a special occasion, they’re worth it. If ever you get the chance to visit, be sure to have desserts in the end. They may add a whole lot to the bill but trust me on this: they’re more than satisfactory. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cantinetta/132516296814943″ name=”Cantinetta (Italitan Restaurant)” description=”Blk. 9 Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 403-0145″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-03-10″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: 7:30 am to 12am

    Other branches:
    G/F The Podium Adb Avenue Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong | (02) 477-2522
    Burgos Circle, Forbes Town Center, 29 St. Rizal Drive, The Fort, Taguig City | (02) 403-5220
    Bldg. 660 Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Benguet | (074) 442-4819

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

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

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

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

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

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

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

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

    Service: ★★★☆☆

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

    Food: ★★★★★

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

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

    Price for Value: ★★★★★

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

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

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

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

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

  • Review of COCA Café Thai-Chinese Food (SM Jazz Mall, Makati City)

    Review of COCA Café Thai-Chinese Food (SM Jazz Mall, Makati City)

    On Valentine’s Day, before heading out to SM Mall of Asia for our family’s celebration, we visited SM Jazz Mall to check out an investment. At lunch hour, we browsed through the menus of restaurants on the ground floor and loved what we found at COCA Café.

    COCA Café in SM Jazz Mall (across Beauty and Butter) has more than just a few signature dishes that make it worthwhile, offering a great variety of Thai-Chinese food. It’s one of those places where I can just close my eyes, blindly point to an item on the menu, and feel comfortable to eat whatever will end up on the table. We have tried dining at COCA Restaurant in SM Aura, Taguig last year and we liked everything that was served. How would COCA Café’s food compare?

    Review of COCA Café Thai-Chinese Food (SM Jazz Mall, Makati City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    COCA Café looked cozy and inviting, with natural sunlight beaming from one side of the room. This café showcases a style that oozes sophistication, elegance, and crisp straight lines that adds character and unique personality to the minimal space. Lots of the open walking areas in between tables bring in a sense of uncluttered ambiance and airiness, which is for me, a visual treat. The designs and furniture are perfect for an intimate date or business meeting.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Customer service was really fast and smooth. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable on the menu. I was quite surprised that our orders were conveniently served in less than 10 minutes during a busy lunch, so we enjoyed a quick cook and good food in a time-sensitive and team-oriented environment.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    Appearing as a riot of colors, the Crispy Noodles with Seafood (PhP 250) came with a generous serving of seafood and just the right level of crispiness to the noodles without being too oily. This must be a classic savory Chinese comfort food that’s rich, robust, and flavorsome.

    The Grilled Tuna Belly with Rice (PhP 250) was just average at best. For the most part, it tasted like smoke on the outside. Maybe it was grilled too much that the charring added more to the non-enjoyment of the entree. Since we thought the tuna belly was overcooked, it was also dry and we could not taste any juiciness inside.

    The Sweet and Sour Fish with Rice (PhP 200) was fairly good, although it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. The tender and lightly fried pieces of fish did neither tasted but nor overly sweet. This dish would be more appetizing if they could increase the sourness.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    There were hits and misses but we had a good time after all. I loved the clean dining area most. The service team deserves an award for being nice accommodating. Budget did not waiver, however, for the quality of food we had this time, price for value could be better.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/COCAcafePH” name=”COCA Cafe Philippines” description=”SM Jazz Mall, Nicanor Garcia Corner Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 02 8286260 or 09173228502″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-03-04″ user_review=”15″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Mrs. K’s Deco Pastries – Customized Homemade Character Buns

    Review of Mrs. K’s Deco Pastries – Customized Homemade Character Buns

    My parents celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary last February 21, 2015, Saturday. We hit up south of Metro Manila and had dinner at The Nest in Vivere Hotel in Alabang. It was my second time to visit the place, and again, I was awed by its elegance and romantic vibe. This restaurant at the 31st floor is really top notch! On the way, we picked up our “special gift” for our parents at the agreed meetup location with the vendor—Cash and Carry Mall in Filmore Street, Makati.

    This post is about a review of that “special gift.” As we wanted to surprise our parents, we did not show them what it is until we arrived at the hotel. 😆 Haha. Well…suspense, suspense!

    If you follow me on Instagram, you would have already known about it. Click this link to view the picture. 🙂 Here’s also a quick preview:

    Review of Mrs. K’s Deco Pastries – Customized Homemade Character Buns

    Service: ★★☆☆☆

    My sister discovered Mrs. K’s Deco Pastries through Instagram. PBB Big Winner Myrtle Sarrosa shared a picture of the character siopaos sent to her, and we found them extremely adorable. We viewed more pictures posted by Mrs. K and totally fell in love with the customized buns. They actually reminded us of those character dim sum we enjoyed in Crystal Lotus Restaurant in Disneyland Hotel-Hong Kong.

    Mrs. K can only be contacted via SMS, Viber, and WeChat. Strictly no calls are entertained, as revealed in her Instagram account. My sister used Viber and waited a while for a response. After a week, we finally got a reply on details on how to order, what we can request for, what the cost will be for a box of six different deco buns with different fillings, and where and when to meet up.

    With the delay in response, I thought that Mrs. K should further improve its reachability and quality of customer interactions to increase customer satisfaction in the long term.

    We booked our order three weeks in advance to make sure that nothing conflicts, we secure the deal 100%, and all proper arrangements will be made. The meetup time was supposedly 10AM, but because of some reason provided by Mrs. K, it was moved to 5PM.

    At exactly 5PM, we were so ready to receive the package and waited in the car at the meetup place. After 15 minutes, there was no sign of Mrs. K’s Deco Pastries. I knew that making a call is a no-no, but I decided to dial the number to  follow up. We were told to wait for another five minutes. Five minutes lapsed and no one showed up. I made another phone call and was asked to wait for an extended period of time. Was I being impatient? No, I’d like to think that I was just excited. 😐

    After consecutive four calls, the delivery guy parked his car across us and handed the box over. We had a quick peek to check how the result looked like. Oh, thank God our waiting has paid off!

    Food: ★★★★★

    The deco buns we ordered were not that easy to make since the designs had to be created with multiple colors. Additionally, they’re not characters that are well known outside our home. They’re the dolls we have in bed that we hug in our sleep, namely: Talong (the eggplant), Biri (the strawberry), Cheffe (the chef-bread), Bani (the banana), Pattie (the chicken), and Tabby (the pink puffalump mouse).

    My sister edited their eyes as hearts ♥♥ (to show being in love) and sent the pictures to Mrs. K via Viber. This is how the customized deco buns turned out:

    OMG! Super cute!

    Available fillings to choose from are: Pork Asado, Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, Choco Nutella, and Custard. Originally, we requested for five different fillings for the five characters and Choco Nutella for the sixth bun. Unfortunately, here’s what we just got instead:

    • Choco Nutella – Biri and Cheffe

    • Pork Asado – Bani and Tabby

    • Beef Teriyaki – Talong and Pattie

    The reason why @mrs.ksdecopastries did not include every kind of filling we ordered was that she chose only the best selling fillings for us. Anyway, we let it pass this time. We can try the other fillings in our next order.

    Mrs. K’s deco buns somehow pulled off as plump, Chinese-style steamed buns that are so tasty that you might forget your name for a minute. No additional sauce needed. After each bite, you will crave for another one immediately, so it’s a good thing that the buns’ sizes are not too small that you won’t be full.

    The buns were soft and pillowy. Each was well crafted, with great flavors and a good time for your mouth. Everything was so delicate and perfect that I seriously couldn’t tell which one I liked the most.

    These deco buns are great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, snack—anytime! Yes, you would want to have a taste of it. And yes, you should order way ahead of time. Build up some courage and confidence to eat these cuties because you’re going to need them. 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    With Mrs. K’s deco pastries, the world can get a whole lot sweeter. The buns taste as good as they look and remind us of childhood feelings that are both nostalgic and hungry. Cost of each design ranges from PhP 75 to PhP 90. The buns we had were PhP 75 each. Overall, it’s a fair price to pay. With better service and faster response time, Mrs. K can dominate the “cupcakes” and “macarons” hyped scene and mark the beginning of a new era of buns coming back into style. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://instagram.com/mrs.ksdecopastries/” name=”Mrs. K’s Deco Pastries” description=”For inquiries, SMS/Viber/Wechat: 09153722855″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-02-25″ user_review=”11″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”15″ ]