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  • Review of Luck Garden Seafood Restaurant (Santo Domingo, Quezon City)

    Review of Luck Garden Seafood Restaurant (Santo Domingo, Quezon City)

    Where to eat in Santo Domingo, Quezon City? There are a lot of restaurants in QC but not in this specific area. The only Chinese restaurant that’s big enough to cover your craving for noodles, dimsum and lauriat must be Luck Garden Seafood Restaurant, which looks like a great lunch and dinner spot, especially for foodies and Chinese food fans. My uncle took us here on a Sunday before visiting their new condo unit nearby.

    Review of Luck Garden Seafood Restaurant (Santo Domingo, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    The space Luck Garden Seafood Restaurant occupies is brightly lit, economically packed with group-sized tables and seats. The ambiance generally feels like a typical Chinese restaurant that is sparse in decor but relatively clean. In short, it’s not exactly the kind of place you want to linger around, even if they do offer a big screen LCD TV. Yet “legit” may be the best word to describe it, if you’re looking for a restaurant with the standard Chinese flair in QC.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    Staffs were fast and attentive, not overly friendly, but not necessarily rude. Expect to receive the no-smile, get-in/get-our service. Our orders came almost simultaneously and we were not left unnoticed. Certain requests needed to be flagged down but it was fine.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    We deserved something hot for starters: a medium-sized bowl of Nido with Quail Egg Soup (PHp 420) made the cut. Known to promote youthfulness and long life, this soup is typically eaten during Chinese New Year. With crab meat and corn, the bird’s nest soup was not at all disgusting. Judging by the price, I think it’s not the real bird’s nest that was used as ingredient here. Nonetheless, the slightly sweet taste and the gelatinous texture were okay.

    I liked that the vegetables in Lohan Vegetables (PHp 198) were crisp and colorful. This is a great dish to order this Lenten season as well as when you feel the need to detox. 😛 Luck Garden Seafood Restaurant’s version is a showstopper, packed with earthy mushrooms, bamboo shoots and hearty peas and carrots. The layers of flavor are well-developed, starting from the sticky and yummy sauce that’s good to be paired with rice.

    The Sweet and Sour Pork (PHp 210) is a simple dish with a lot of tangy flavor thanks to the pineapples and caramelized onions. Entrees with this kind of zesty sauce are good to be eaten as leftover the next day when the fish has sopped the juices more intensively; that is, if you have any.

    The Beef Tenderloin Chinese Style (PHp 250) was lean and supple. It’s not too chewy, so it’s not hard to swallow but a mouthful to get through. The moisture and juiciness of the meat as well as the well-spiced sauce definitely played the wow factor. This beef dish bucks the crowd-pleasing trend of sweet and sticky in favor of distinct and creative flavors.

    Next, we had the Seafood Misua (PHp 208) composed of finely textured salted Chinese noodles made of wheat flour stirred with an ample portion of mixed seafood. Some people say that you can tell a lot about the quality of food a Chinese restaurant serves just by judging their fried rice and noodles as these two are most basic. If I were to judge Luck Garden based on this, then I give them a thumbs up.

    The Fish Fillet with Beancurd Hotpot (PHp 260) was simple enough but the quality of both the fish fillet and beancurd was top-notch. With all other dishes served at the same time, we took our time and let the fish fillet slowly soak more in the broth. The fish became more tender and luscious while the beancurd joining the party only made the entire dish more acceptable to my palate. (Beancurd is one of my favorite food!) 🙂

    The skin and batter of the Buttered Chicken (PHp 210) was crunchy with a light exterior. The crust did not overwhelm everything else. The white meat was tender and had the discernible chicken flavor despite that the chicken pieces were overdressed in butter which dominated its delicacy. Ah, sometimes it’s the little things that make a difference.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    We’ve eaten our fair share and thought that Luck Garden Seafood Restaurant is a Chinese eater’s paradise, with a good array of affordable dishes to choose from. If you know which food to order, it’s possible to taste your way across most of Chinese cuisine.

    [schema type=”review” name=”Luck Garden Seafood Restaurant” description=”3 Kanlaon St Sta. Teresita, Santo Domingo, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 415-5825, (02) 416-5825″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-04-15″ user_review=”15″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong)

    Review of Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong)

    Last week, I received a breathless message from The Pickiest Eater in the World, as knowledgeable a food enthusiast as there is here in the metro, and what he said left me in deep excitement: Vikings SM Megamall has opened! I was invited to “conquer” the place and share my experience.

    Well, good God Almighty, I didn’t anymore hesitate and said yes right away. I took a one-day vacation leave from work to have dinner at Vikings SM Megmall last Wednesday. 🙂

    With Marketing Manager, Raquel Bartolome

    In the Philippines, Vikings is one of the most prestigious luxury buffet restaurants, which features over 200 varieties of food abound. While many people already know that, what most might not have observed is that each branch of Vikings has a unique theme that differentiates it to the others. For instance, more than anything, Vikings SM Megamall has an approachable feel, a sense that you aren’t so much in a restaurant as you are in a modern art museum.

    The idea implied is that every dish created by the chefs is a work of art or a masterpiece and that guests can freely “paint their palate” with different “colors” of cuisine on the buffet table. Hmmm…interesting! Now let’s go down to business.

    Review of Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Vikings SM Megamall has this unpretentious, unassuming atmosphere filled with artworks everywhere (on the ceiling, wall dividers and fixtures). Colors are vibrant, very kid-friendly and adult-friendly.

    As one who can’t really seem to appreciate art enough, I was stuck at exploring nothing else but food. Anyway, going back to the topic… Like the other Vikings branches in SM North EDSA, SM City Marikina, SM Lanang Premier and SM Mall of Asia By the Bay, this place is very spacious and is able to fit 500+ guests. Seating is plentiful and everything is arranged with care.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Thirty minutes before Vikings SM Megamall allows guests to enter the restaurant for dinner, I stood across the entrance and noticed that there was already a long queue of people waiting to be seated despite that it was a weekday and time was still early for the usual peak of dinner hours. The good thing is that reservations are accepted and walk-in customers can get a number and then wait for it to be displayed on the LED counter while sitting on the couch.

    Customer service in Vikings goes as far as entertaining the guests thoroughly by singing, dancing and throwing out comedic punch lines that are sure to capture the hidden sense of humor in everyone. There are enough walking staffs who are attentive in getting used plates from the tables and following requests of active customers. Attitude-wise, they’re friendly, accommodating and approachable. Filipino hospitality at its best!

    Food: ★★★★★

    As a light eater, it’s impossible for me to taste and eat all the dishes as much as I wanted to. So to maximize my grand dining experience in Vikings, I just took those I haven’t tried yet during my first Vikings encounter (in MOA) and those I really love. Here are my top favorites:

    Japanese sushi, crabs (for the grill) and ebi tempura for me are the perennial must-eats. Everything on the sushi platter looked artful as showpiece and creditable. The tempura was good—moist, crisp, and not greasy. Its batter was pretty thick, not crackly-thin. The crab meat was tender yet the skin retained a nice crunch. Salads which I got from another counter were also properly executed. The magic happened when I dipped the leaves into a brown sauce.

    Next, I had food that were more adventurous than comforting. The freshness of the salmon sashimi cannot be overemphasized; it was not some cheap junk frozen and re-thawed leftover but was the real deal! The baked oysters, which can’t be eaten on a hungry stomach, were a little more down-to-earth and ordinary. The melted cheese on top made the oysters both appetizing and delectable.

    I also motioned to the meat section (steak counter) where Vikings chefs are on standby to cut, grill and cook meat. I had a thin slice of well-done angus beef. It’s a winning choice and pretty filling.

    Moving on to carbs, I requested for black pasta in pesto sauce with pineapples and hotdogs. What’s unique in this branch of Vikings is that they offer homemade pasta on a pasta machine, and customers can choose the ingredients. How cool is that? So not only Vikings has customized Chinese shabu-shabu, Mongolian rice bowl, Japanese ramen, it also has a section for make-your-own pasta and pizza! 😛

    The chocolate fountain and the Filipino native delicacies such as the maja blanca are two desserts I didn’t dare miss. They are pretty conventional but these treats are legitimate; flavors stay bright. The tiny chocolate circles with a cherry on top (pardon me, I didn’t get the name) had a clean, slightly bittersweet chocolate flavor that I’m sure would appeal to all of us who like our chocolate on the 60% cacao and over side. It tasted like high-quality crinkles but softer and tad gooey.

    Ice cream must be the perfect simple desserts anyone could have. Avocado, green tea, coffee, rocky road, mango, bubblegum, sugar-free chocolate cashew and strawberry fields flavors—I had a half scoop of each—because when you commit to ice cream, you might as well go all the way! 🙂

    Actual Food / Plates I Finished 😛

    For the benefit of readers, I’ve created a photo album on Facebook with a “Public” privacy setting so everyone can see the rest of the food pictures in this link.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Across all branches, Vikings is always specific and careful when it comes to its product offerings: fresh quality ingredients, wide choices of international cuisine, high standard of service, food safety and store cleanliness, luxurious ambiance, and security of guests. Places like this remind us that no matter what the concept, it’s the dishes that come out of the kitchen that count. And what comes out of the kitchen at Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant is very good indeed. For that, even if the price places a quite dent in the wallet, I consider Vikings as a great value-for-money eat-all-you-can restaurant.

    Weekday Lunch: Kids whose height is below 3 feet may eat for free. Those whose height range from 3-4 feet are charged with PHp 188, while those who stand 4-6 feet are charged with PHp 388. Rate for adults is at PHp 688. Senior citizens (75 years old and above) have 50% discount.

    Weekday Dinner: Kids whose height is below 3 feet may eat for free. Those whose height range from 3-4 feet are charged with PHp 288, while those who stand 4-6 feet are charged with PHp 588. Rate for adults is at PHp 888. Senior citizens (75 years old and above) have 50% discount. 

    Weekend and Holiday Lunch and Dinner: Kids whose height is below 3 feet may eat for free. Those whose height range from 3-4 feet are charged with PHp 388, while those who stand 4-6 feet are charged with PHp 688. Rate for adults is at PHp 1088. Senior citizens (75 years old and above) have 50% discount.

    Vikings reserve a special treat for people celebrating their birthday.     Celebrants may eat for free at Vikings on their actual day of birthday. The catch is that they must be accompanied by one full paying adult and that they must bring with them an original and valid government issued picture ID with birthdate imprinted on it. Also, this promo can’t be used in conjunction with any other in-house discounts or promos.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/vikingssmmegamall” name=”Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant (SM Megamall)” description=”4th Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, Bldg. D, SM Megamall, Julio Vargas cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 656-3888, 656-4888, 656-5888″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-04-04″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Review of Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Banzai prides itself as the “biggest teppanyaki buffet restaurant in the world.” Hearing a bold claim like this makes me both skeptical and excited. I knew I gotta check it out! Just in time, together with blogger friends, we had lunch here yesterday.

    Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater in Seaside Boulevard has a colossal area of 1200 square meters and a maximum seating capacity of 300 people. True enough, this place in the vicinity of SM Mall of Asia just beside Buffet 101 is huge! Bringing Little Tokyo in the heart of Metro Manila, Banzai started its course of business last February 2014 and opened two worlds in one go: freshly cooked a la carte and signature Japanese cooking on one hand and unlimited eating on the other. Let’s see how their food has fared on my taste test.

    Review of Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Banzai’s interior design is another one that reminded my sister and me of restaurants we used to design in Restaurant City (Facebook app). If you’re also familiar with the game, you may recall that there are plenty of Japanese-inspired items such as lanterns hanging down from the ceiling, the Japanese room dividers and zen-like plants and indoor decors. Those have great similarity with the items displayed and put together in Banzai Japanese Restaurant.

    Banzai features a modern setup with the following food stations: Teppanyaki, Sushi, Sashimi and Rolls, Pizza, Takoyaki and Kaniyaki, Gohan, Noodles and Ramen, Yakitori and Grill, Tempura and Tonkatsu, Salad, Desserts and Beverages. I liked how organized each is arranged. Each station exuded a unique appeal that separates from the rest. There are some spaces that are intended to be really blank to showcase minimalism.

    There are also functional areas such as the castle, sumo arena, restrooms, cashier, reception, Dotonbori, Nautilus and the trick art gallery where guests can borrow Japanese costumes and pose as a sumo wrestler and/or geisha against the fanciful and playful backdrops.

    Customers may choose where to be seated from the different kinds of seating available across the entire dining room. We preferred seats at the side of energetic walls (lights are turned on at night which give a livelier ambiance).

    Service: ★★★★★

    Banzai prepares food the Japanese way: food are cooked upon request and there’s no warming of dishes. This is not the typical buffet restaurant where food entrees are ready to be taken by the diner from the heated trays. Rather, customers are to select and order food from the selected stations. They may either watch how it’s cooked while engaging with the cooks as they prepare or wait at their table until food is ready to be served.

    If there are way too many people in queue though, I suggest going for the second option. In that case, a number card will be given to the customer, and the staff will deliver the plated food to the table. Cooking time is relatively quick, so there’s no need to worry about long waits.

    I commend the staffs in the stations for being very friendly and accommodating. I’m not speaking for myself alone; as I stood there in the middle of the buffet stations, I also observed how they treated other dining customers. Yup, they’re consistent in giving warm service all throughout.

    What’s even better is that there’s no additional service charge in Banzai. Thumbs up!

    Management Team

    Food: ★★★★★

    Banzai features quite a lot of Japanese food choices. Since I was not able to munch on everything given the time (I had to go back to work immediately for a scheduled meeting) and limited capacity of my digestive system :lol:, I’d just be sharing here a rundown of my favorites.

    First off the bat was the Spicy Tuna Salad. Admittedly, I’m not a salad freak but the combination of salad and tuna plus the mayonnaise in this starter dish tasted like heaven. It can be best compared with the version of Omakase. I declare that this is the Spicy Tuna Salad of my dreams, and maybe of yours as well when you get to try it.

    Next up: okonomiyaki, kaniyaki and takoyaki, which to me pretty much had the same taste, topped with a riot of condiments. Okonomiyaki is like “Japanese pizza,” a thick pancake filled with bits of seafood and vegetables. On the other hand, takoyaki and kaniyaki are made in the form of balls. Still hot from the pan, these balls had me reveling in the fried, battered goodness as they deflated into soft innards, with crabmeat and octopus at the core. The inside remained mostly gooey, while the outside had a little crisp.

    A Japanese restaurant will not be complete without the sushi platter. The sashimi-topped round of rice (tuna and salmon) is quite possibly my single favorite food item in the world, when it comes to Japanese cuisine. And oh yes, I like the tamago sushi as well. The varieties of Banzai’s sushis are nothing special but are also nothing short of savory.

    For teppanyaki, I had ebi, squid and salmon. The freshness and harmony of flavors left me deeply sated. I appreciated the food more as I became witness to the process of preparation. The seafoods’ tastes were amplified with the inclusion of the vinegary, pungent and citrus-flavored ponzu sauce and the chili sauce with sesame edamame. Super yummy!

    Soft drinks, iced tea, juices and iced Milo are available at the Beverages station. Since I dislike soda and synthetic fruit juices, I walked to the coffee machine located at the Desserts section instead and pressed Caramel Macchiato (hot) for a warm coffee boost and a layered taste of deliciousness. The drink was infused with cream, rich caramel and low sugar. I’d like to take this machine home any day. :mrgreen:

    Ah, desserts! Everything was a picture-perfect sight. ♥ The green tea flavor in the Mini Matcha Cake was not too deep or potent. With right amount of bitterness, it played off with the bitter and fruity flavor of the Chocolate Tart which felt light—a reason to follow it up with another…  Much like the green tea cake, the Red Velvet Cake was made with layers divided with lightly sweetened whipped cream. Fluffy and intensely intricate.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    You might not want this for lunch or dinner every day, but as a reasonably priced meal with lots of variety, Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater is one of the best-valued options you can have.

    Lunch rate on a weekday is at PHp 699; dinner rate on a weekday is at PHp 899; and lunch/dinner rate on weekends and public holidays is at PHp 1088. Banzai charges for leftover food though (PHp 1288), so be sure to finish everything you take. Children whose height is below 4.5 feet are charged with PHp 499 each, while those whose height fall below 3.5 feet can enter and eat for free. Birthday celebrants can eat for FREE during their birthday week (3 days before, day of birthday and 3 days after) as long as they’re accompanied by 3 full-paying adults.

    Now, I’m still excited and skeptical—but not anymore on how and why Banzai claims itself as the biggest teppanyaki buffet restaurant in the world, but on how all the food I’ve yet to try (like the various flavors of Japanese ramen and some more teppanyaki) could fit into my stomach in my next visit!

    With hefty, super-filling portion of quality and authentic Japanese food, I can just close my eyes, take a bite and suddenly imagine I’ve made it in Japan. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/BanzaiPH/” name=”Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater” description=”Bldg J, By The bay Leisure Park, Seaside Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 09177067328 or 5527368″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-04-01″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Lugang Café (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Review of Lugang Café (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Last Saturday, my family and I planned to have dinner at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in SM Mall of Asia. However, because the restaurant is situated at the veranda, dining customers have to pay an additional fee (PHp 750-PHp 1500 per person) even if they are not watching the pyromusical competition from 6:30PM onwards. Hence, we resorted to dining in Lugang Café, since we had been wanting to try their food for so long.

    Lugang Café is a restaurant under the Bellagio Management Group of Companies based in Shanghai. Today, it’s considered as the best contemporary Taiwanese restaurant in Manila. Aside from Taiwanese food, this stall has been also drawing rave reviews for its healthy mix of Szechuan and Shanghainese cuisine.

    Review of Lugang Café (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    I told my dad recently that there are more and more restaurants nowadays that have sleek and modern interior designs as compared to before when decors were nothing grand and the emphasis was only on food. One of the most eye-catching units in a restaurant must be the ceiling. And that’s exactly where your eyes would wander the moment you step into Lugang Café. Those elegant lights can’t go unnoticed for sure!

    Just like in its other branches, Lugang Café in MOA has an ambiance that’s very relaxing and upscale. Judging solely from the design, no one might easily recognize it as a Taiwanese restaurant. The tables and chairs, the counter and even the staircase are arranged neatly. Impressive and captivating are two words that are best used to describe the overall feel of the place.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Lugang Café in SM Mall of Asia rarely has a few customers. Despite the busyness of the place, good customer service was maintained throughout our stay. Staffs were knowledgeable on the menu, polite in recommending must-tries and were attentive in requests by guests.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Many people are already familiar with bola-bola siopao, meat dumplings or just plain meatball, but not many have tried xiao long bao yet. If you’re one of those who haven’t, please do yourself a favor and try it now! I bet that once you do, you’d be hard-pressed to go back for another order. 🙂

    Lugang Café is quite known for its xiao long bao as it comes in different flavors:

    • Steamed Crab Roe and Pork Xiao Long Bao (PHp 288),
    • Steamed Angled Loofah with Shrimp  Xiao Long Bao (PHp 228),
    • Steamed Taro Xiao Long Bao (PHp 228),
    • Steamed Chocolate Xiao Long Bao (PHp 288),
    • Steamed Kimchi and Pork Xiao Long Bao (PHp 268) and
    • Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao (PHp 248).

    Sadly, assorted flavors cannot be taken in one order just like what Paradise Dynasty in Singapore offers. With that said, if you want to try them all, you have to get the eight pieces in the same flavor as a set one by one. And that’s exactly what I’m planning to do, since I’m very intrigued on how they taste. :’> On second thought, this plan might ruin my diet. Oh no. Cannot. I’ll just have to take it slow then. Nobody is pressuring me anyway haha.

    Officially, we got one down (five to go in my next visits)! Lugang Café’s Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao (PHp 248, 8 pieces) or “Soup Dumplings” was made with meat filling swimming in flavorful broth, all wrapped up in perilously thin dumpling skin. In the tonging process, you’ll get a burst of innards full of piping hot soup to warm your soul and a pork ball.

    I know it’s difficult to make xiao long bao, seeing the chefs perform live through the transparent glass from outside the restaurant.

    Because each piece is so tiny that it can easily fit into the mouth, I suggest swallowing it as a whole. Lugang Cafe’s version of the soup dumplings was delightful. So nice. Like a dream.

    The next dishes we had are all safe for pescetarians. Since Lent season is coming up, you might as well take note of these dishes for your own liking.

    We especially recommend the Taiwanese Salt and Pepper Squid 台灣椒鹽魷魚 (PHp 290). We love fried calamari of all kinds, so it’s no surprise that this one also became an instant favorite. Seasoned with salt and pepper, the squid chunks were lightly battered. The coating was crispy and the pieces were just tender and not rubbery. The squid, as you can see in the picture below, is not ring type like those typically in Filipino pulutan or pica-pica. Vinegar was served as perfect condiment.

    Second dish was the Spicy Garlic Fish in Claypot (PHp 340). The main ingredients included tofu and fish—skin-on, a little wobbly but plenty rich in flavor. The sauce was spicy but not so much intense that it would fire up your taste buds. A pro tip: request for chili sauce if you sense that the taste becomes monotonous.

    The Kung Pao Tofu (Vegetarian) (PHp 280) consisted of chunks of crispy tofu that stayed crispy even when they’re soaked in sauce. With lots of chili, this dish was really spicy. Want complexity? Adding black vinegar will improve the flavor.

    Finally, we had the House Special: Pineapple and Shrimps Stuffed in Crullers (PHp 290). What is a cruller? A quick search via Google revealed that “a traditional cruller is a fried pastry often made from a rectangle of dough, with a cut made in the middle that allows it to be pulled over and through itself producing twists in the sides of the donut.”

    I didn’t appreciate the presence of the crullers in this dish, and I’m not sure if they were there. What’s guaranteed is that the pineapples and shrimps made a good pairing. I’ve learned that these two are normally threaded on skewers and tossed on the grill for a fun luau-inspired dish. With mayonnaise, Lugang Café’s version almost seemed like a hot prawn salad.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    All in all, Lugang Café is a very solid choice for Taiwanese food! I’ve always had the impression that food prices here are exaggerated. Now I can say that it’s a misconception. Prices of food are decent and reasonable. Food quality is their forte and there’s no issue with anything. Sit in for a meal if you ever get a chance; you won’t regret it. Bring a friend or two since the dishes are good for sharing. 🙂 Have a blast!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lugang-Cafe/195092840524714″ name=”Lugang Café” description=”Ground Floor, South Wing, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 02 5550219, +63 9162140822″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-03-19″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Other branches:

    • Ground Floor, Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City | +63 9064555879, 02 4033303
    • Second Floor, The Block, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City | 02 3328725, +63 9157469693
    • 115 Connecticut Street, Northeast Greenhills, San Juan City | 02 5420196
    • SM Aura Premier, C5 Road Corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City | +63 9064555873
  • Review of Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant (Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City)

    Review of Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant (Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City)

    My college friends and I had a mini reunion on March 9, 2014 for the opening of our time capsule. This time capsule was sealed five years ago in our last retreat program (LASARET) held in our final term as students of DLSU. It contained our letters to our future selves and to God and also our creative white paper of commitment as Lasallian achievers for God and country. It wasn’t as exciting for me because I still remembered what I had written. In contrast, my other friends had completely forgotten the messages they wrote. It was funny that some did not recognize their own handwriting!

    The person who kept the time capsule for five years was Johann who’s now permanently residing in General Santos in Mindanao. Can you believe he flew back to Manila just for this activity? Hahaha. Anyway, we had a nice dinner at Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant, Robinsons Magnolia and also a good catch-up.

    Since most of us had not tried dining here before, we all agreed to dining at Conti’s following Louie’s suggestion. I thought this joint only serves cakes and pastries, so I was a bit surprised that their menu as well comes with an array of culinary treasures served as a la carte dishes. To sum up quickly, Conti’s has “satisfied the most important of appetite”…ours! 😛 Read on for the review.

    Review of Conti’s (Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant literally has two sides: a bakeshop and a restaurant. Interior design was clean and consistent both from the outside and inside. On the bakeshop stood refrigerators, which contain their cakes, and shelves where bread, pies and other pastries are displayed. The restaurant side looked like a classy lodge where lights on the ceiling and on the sides did a good job at illuminating the area.

    With blue accents that complemented with beige and wood tones, the ambiance felt like a typical scene from a movie. My only concern is that some tables and chairs were put so closely together that some seated customers need to stand up to make way for others who want to pass between the spaces. (You can’t see that from the picture because I’m referring to the side in far-right near the POS.)

    Service: ★★☆☆☆

    It was around 7-7:30PM when we came in. Conti’s was full house and we had to wait outside in queue until our names were called. Waiting time was almost half an hour, so booking a reservation here as early as possible is very much recommended. Once we were seated, the staff took our orders quickly but served food slowly. After almost an hour of waiting, we had to call the waitresses to follow up on food.

    If we were in a game like “Diner Dash,” “Burger Rush,” “Pizza Frenzy” or “Betty’s Beer” which tests the staff’s ability to serve customers very fast, the game would have been over in like five minutes. The place was so busy at the peak of dinnertime, so maybe Conti’s can hire more employees to take care of customers or streamline their processes without compromising the quality of food.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Louie and I shared two dishes. One was Conti’s Baked Salmon (Php 360) which consisted of Norwegian pink salmon baked with a delicious topping and served with buttered vegetables and rice with almonds. (Sorry, I forgot to take an “autopsy shot” – picture of the salmon’s pinkish flesh.)

    This is one of the food I would choose to eat every day for a year, if I was asked for only one choice. Definitely, the baked salmon tasted fresh and succulent, the best baked salmon I’ve had in my life! I may either have to kidnap the cook of Conti’s and make him my kitchen-slave, or go straight to this den for my fix every time I feel like it.

    The other dish we split into half (in terms of portion) was Conti’s Chicken ala Kiev (PHp 240). I love the usual comfort food with an added twist. This Chicken ala Kiev was made with breaded dried fried boneless chicken filled with cheese and herbs topped with creamy sauce and served with buttered vegetables and garlic rice.

    When I first wrapped my lips around the herbs and cheese inside the chicken, I knew I was hooked. Sure, the plating looked plain but the entire dish well deserves a good chance to get the world to take notice. It was lovely!

    I didn’t bother to taste all food the rest of my friends got, as I was relishing ours. But then, Johann and G offered and it was hard not to accept the taste test even for a small smack. 🙂

    Johann ordered Linguine in Pesto Sauce (PHp 215)—rich green basil sauce served on delicious linguine. It didn’t have toppings and those little shrimps and squid which did not much contribute to the flavor, but the pesto alone was appealing and the sauce was evenly distributed. I thought adding pine nuts will add a more interesting texture to each mouthful.

    Gianne had Chicken Pastel (Php 200) which was a lot like chicken ala king. It was made with chicken chunks, carrots and potatoes with mushroom sauce eaten with flaky crust and served with garlic rice. The mushroom sauce was creamy and fragrant. A taste of its crust made me recall the crust of baked chicken pie my aunt used to order from Uno Seafood Wharf in Escolta, Manila. The flakes shattered slightly on the tooth, giving way to fluffy-yet-dense satisfyingly chewy interior of chicken and button mushrooms.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    It’s been some years since Conti’s first opened, and it’s still around. This means that they must be doing something right. The dishes were really good with reasonable prices to match.

    The restaurant was cozy and it provided an authentic experience. The only thing that suffered some hiccups was service. So I repeat, if you’re planning to dine in at Conti’s, Robinsons Magnolia, book a table right away. In another case, if you’re waiting in line for a ready table, it’s good to order food so you’d get it sooner after getting in.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/contispastryshopandrestaurant” name=”Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant” description=”Ground Floor, Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 02 3854375, 02 6245933″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-03-17″ user_review=”15″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

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  • Review of COCA Restaurant (SM Aura Premier, Taguig)

    Review of COCA Restaurant (SM Aura Premier, Taguig)

    My friend, Anton, celebrated his birthday with us in COCA Restaurant in SM Aura last week. I came straight from work hurriedly, in the hope not to miss much on both food and conversation. Unfortunately, I failed to arrive in time for the appetizers, blaming the heavy traffic along EDSA.

    On other news, the mini get-together with my college friends has been fun like always. I also felt glad to be in the company of people who care deeply about what they eat. With that preface out of the way, get ready to dig in!

    To give a brief overview, COCA Restaurant was founded in 1957 by Mr. Srichai Phanphensophon and his wife, Mrs. Patama, in Soi Dejo, Thailand. The husband-and-wife tandem started the food business with a small restaurant that could accompany only 20 seaters. But look at how COCA has grown through more than half a decade! It has branches in Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Laos, Myanmar, South Korea and China and just last year (2013), the Philippines.

    The name “COCA” is derived from Mandarin “kekou” (可口), which means “appetizing.” In writing, it’s the same “COCA” as in Coca-cola, which in Chinese is “kekou kele” (可口可乐). COCA Restaurant is pioneering in Thai-style “Suki” steamboat dining. With COCA sauce that’s made by the owner himself, customers may rest assure to enjoy a truly mouth-watering experience.

    Review of Coca Restaurant (SM Aura Premier, Taguig)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    The inviting, warm tones of the dining room spells romance and privacy, bested by the matching dark wood furniture and sheer green curtains. The place looks as outlandish and elegant as ever! It’s easy to judge that COCA Restaurant is a high-caliber, modern place featuring a mix of Thai and Cantonese cooking. At a glance of its chic interior design, I was in awe.


    Service: ★★★★★

    The thing I don’t like in eating crabs is that it has to be messy, and getting its white meat out with spoon and fork or chopsticks proved to be a challenge. COCA Restaurant already knows that, so the waiters often approached us as they offered wet tissue and pincers.

    Other good points worth to mention: The attending waiter helped in cooking food in the hotpot and as well helped in moving us from two separate tables to a bigger table where 11 of us could fit. He refilled our empty glasses with water and even replaced mine as requested immediately. He also took our group picture repeatedly in a friendly manner, until we were all satisfied with the quality of the shot. Yay!


    Food: ★★★★☆

    We started with the Emperor’s Platter with Ojiya (PHp 2750). Okay, let’s say it all together: it had assorted meat, seafood, vegetables and glass noodles. It’s an admirable execution of shabu-shabu or steamboat-style course. All the ingredients were in the proper size without any of them being overwhelming. My favorite among the bunch has to be the enoki mushrooms! It was a decent foundation of our meal.


    Perusing the list of soup bases, we vetoed clear chicken broth (quite bland in taste) on one side and tom yum (sour and spicy) on the other. Both were prepared with fresh ingredients, herbs and spices. The induction plate was right in the middle of our round table. Without the long wait, the broth bubbled away and we began dropping the ingredients into it.


    Packed with various items, the hotpot broth had developed more flavor. Some ingredients like the tofu benefited from a longer soak. Soon enough, we got them out using the wire strainer, careful not to overcook.

    Along with our pot of steaming broth, we also enjoyed the Pacific Sunset (PHp 1700), which consisted of live king crab, squid, tiger prawn, pork sausage, corn with a hint of spice and aromatics. I could hardly rank the various seafood in order according to my liking, since everything was equally delicious indeed.


    The Pacific Sunset came with this platter of garlic bread which was not crunchy as expected. You may forget it and opt for rice instead.

    On the menu, COCA offers rice in different variants: Shrimp Fried Rice (PHp 200, Small; PHp 300, Large), Roasted Duck Rice (PHp 280), Roasted Pork Belly Rice (PHp 280), and COCA Yang Chow Fried Rice (PHp 200, Small; PHp 300, Large). I bet the first three are super strong in flavor, so the best, if you still intend to eat flavored rice rather than just plain white rice, would be the Yang Chow. And that’s exactly what we had. The judgement? I loved it, more than David’s Tea House‘s version.

    Sliced thinly, against the grain, the tender slips of Steamed US Prime Striploin in Soy Sauce and Ginger (PHp 650) were a chamion. The meat was lean, supple and well-seasoned, like Maru Korean Restaurant‘s beef hash. It gets beefier when you get your second piece. If there’s one complaint to be made, it’s that it runs a tad on the greasy side. But sometimes, that’s exactly what makes it more appealing. In any case, white rice will be a great accompaniment.


    Price for Value: ★★☆☆☆

    A reliable, recommendable Thai-Cantonese spot is a hard to find these days, so I’m happy to point you to this one. However, unless you’re a gambling man, a meal here (or most other restaurants in SM Aura, for that matter) can feel a little unnerving because of the prices. With exceedingly expensive amount tagged to each dish on COCA Restaurant’s menu, the ordering process is most difficult. You have to make sure to get the right stuff to get your money’s worth, of course.

    Then again, if you want to skip navigating the list for long, feel free to order the same dishes we had as these represent a portion of sure-fire hits that are guaranteed to result in return visits.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/COCArestaurantPH” name=”COCA Restaurant” description=”5/F SM Aura Premier, Sky Park, McKinley Parkway McKinley Hill, Taguig” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 218-1110″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-03-10″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Grilla Bar and Grill (Poblacion, Makati)

    Review of Grilla Bar and Grill (Poblacion, Makati)

    Grilla Bar & Grill in Makati isn’t exactly in my radar since it’s far from my place and I don’t like Filipino cuisine very much. Still, I had no qualms in attending Grilla’s taste-testing event last Saturday. This 2014, Grilla is celebrating a huge milestone as it remains to be standing strong in the restaurant business for 16 years. Wow! This only means that many customers are patronizing their food and are in full appreciation of their dishes which are scoured from all over the archipelago.

    Below is a picture of me and Grilla Bar & Grill’s head chef. Together with the owners, he welcomed everyone heartily. We were served with some seriously tasty food on an exotic yet accessible menu that eschews the entrees for something much more than your usual Filipino food.

    Review of Grilla Bar and Grill (Poblacion, Makati)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Dinner at Grilla is a dignified affair. Even with the menu comprising of mostly pulutan finds that complement beers and alcoholic drinks, the atmosphere is modern and classy. The lights are almost dim. The couches are comfortable, and the bar’s counter looks like the center of attraction upon entrance.


    This branch has two floors and both floor areas are spacious. Grilla Bar and Grill must be a hit for those celebrating their birthdays, graduation, anniversaries, job promotions, etc., as it can accommodate plenty of guests on board.

    Service: ★★★★★

    The staffs were friendly and service was good and fast. I can’t comment any further as we were held in a group for the special event and I’m not sure how they function in normal day-to-day dining scenarios.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    We started with Tofu and Sigarilyas Sisig (PHp 145), which unlike the regular sisig we know, did not consist of pig cheeks, ears and snout. Rather, it was more like a treat for vegetarians. Little squares of tofu and chilies abound. Squeeze that calamansi to make each bite more flavorful. It’s the kind of “pulutan” dish that’s easy to love.

    Next was Ilocos Dinuydoy (PHp 300), a traditional Ilocano dish made of mashed squash and ampalaya with bagnet on top. When anyone at your table cries out with squeamishness, feel free to ignore them and order this to complete your meal with veggies and meat in one go. I didn’t eat the pork part. I can only comment that it smelled really good, one that would take you straight to “pork heaven.” The mashed squash was nice and the taste was not overbearing.

    There are times when you’ll want something more then just a sour soup that warms the soul. In these situations, if you’re fond of Filipino food, pretty much you would end up getting a bowl of sinigang soup. But check this out: Beef Kansi (PHp 345) is a cross between a sinigang and bulalo soup that’s famous in Bacolod. The taste of sinigang x bulalo indeed is super strong, so eat it with rice. A soup like this shouldn’t be relegated to just in the rainy season. You may be happy to enjoy it during summer, too.

    Inihaw na Manok sa Sinampalukan (PHp 225), or in English, grilled chicken in tamarind stock, is another dish that needs to be paired with rice unless you want that sourness and saltiness to emanate and rejoice in your mouth. The texture of the chicken was a knockout; its taste was just like fresh from the grill. After it’s put into the soup, the combination was structurally sound.

    Of the offerings, Inadobong Tilapia sa Gata at Sili (PHp 225) is the one I vote as best. The crisp fish came bathed in a pleasingly salty, buttery-coconut broth laced with some spice. The delicacy in the layering of texture and flavor was apparent. It’s good to eat the tilapia together with rice and those greens in a mouthful.

    Poqui Poqui (PHp 145) is simply eggplant torta cut into small strips. It’s a relatively light option among all these dishes. I prefer it with tomato catsup. 🙂

    Lechon Liempo ala Cebu (PHp 850/kg) looked so fatty so I didn’t bother to taste it even a bit. I thought the pork actually went overboard on the oily cravings upfront. With visible pools of grease, the meat might have lacked the wealth of flavor that serves as a lifeline for many of health and diet-conscious folks. It’s okay to give it a shot if you’re really a huge fan of lechon liempo.

    Cebu is known for its chicharon and Grilla Bar and Grill’s Chicharong Cebu (PHp 160). The pork skin was freshly fried and it had all the right textures: crispy, crunchy and bubbly. It gives you much more than your average snack. It’s obviously not the healthiest or most sophisticated, but just the best when you’re hungry, broke drunk or all three.

    Pork BBQ and Salted Egg Triangles (PHp 185) had a sheer contrast of salt and sweet tastes. Dip the fried triangles in vinegar and you might find yourself gasping in awe. However, again I warn you: the dish is quite oily. Soak it on tissue paper to rid some excess oil.

    Grilla-a-Palayok (PHp 695) consisted of maya-maya, mussels, shrimps, clams, thinly sliced beef and pork shortplate cooked over very hot stones served with pork lemongrass broth, sinamak, grilled eggplant and nilasing na mangga. The soup base, poured from the kettle, was lightly sour. I don’t know what the kitchen was trying to imply but we found that there were still sands inside the shells (clams and mussels). Did they purposely wanted to retain the sands? Of course, there’s the natural saltiness we tasted. On another regard, the presentation of food was unavoidable. I mean, look at that smoke from the earthen pot!

    Okay, let me take back what I said… More than the Inadobong Tilapia sa Gata at Sili, the Halo Halo Spring Rolls (PHp 135) which was made of jackfruit and banana wrapped in spring roll wrapper (lumpia/turon) topped with ube ice cream was the one I liked best. This dessert came as a delightful surprise. With warm spring rolls and decadent cream, it’s the perfect ending to a scrumptious Filipino meal.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    We walked away really stuffed. Grilla Bar and Grill in Makati is an all-time good restaurant you’d want to visit for a good bonding with friends, especially those who want to get high at night. With entrees ranging from over PHp 100 to PHp 400 on the average, the prices are friendly. It’s wise to share small plates as food’s portion sizes are generous.

    If you’re into drinking alcohol, their menu is perfectly set up for it. My only advice is to order rice because almost all the dishes are very salty. Probably that’s what Ilocos cuisine is primarily about.

    Thanks, Aldous, for the invite!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/GrillaPH” name=”Grilla Bar and Grill” description=”8491 Kalayaan Ave. corner Rockwell Drive, Poblacion, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 899-8775, (02) 899-6722″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-03-10″ user_review=”15″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Other branches:
    Ground Floor, Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan City | 02 7266200
    Sumulong Highway, Across Valley Golf, Mambugan, Antipolo City | 02 5700499

  • Review of David’s Tea House (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Review of David’s Tea House (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    When it comes to comfort food, burger, fries, mac and cheese and pizza are bound to come to mind. Now that it’s March, your idea of comfort could use a little update. There’s nothing more comforting than food you’ve been eating while growing up. To me, it’s Chinese food, which half of the world, if not more, also crave for.

    To keep us fueled, last Tuesday, we were treated to a “thanksgiving lunch” by colleagues in one of the most famous Chinese restaurants in the country: David’s Tea House, SM Mall of Asia. Yay! This branch of David’s Tea House in MOA is relatively new, as the restaurant has moved from the front side (near Hypermarket) to the back side facing Seaside Boulevard.

    Review of David’s Tea House (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    With tall seats, high ceiling, huge chandeliers and spacious dining area that could fit about 70-80 people, David’s Tea House in MOA displays modern interior design with a cozy vibe. The place was quiet since we were the only customers there, even at the peak of lunch hour. It was like the room was reserved all for ourselves, yet it didn’t feel wrong but just provided us with an advantage: shorter waits. It might be an exact opposite story come dinnertime.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    Our orders arrived fast. The waiters refilled water and tea and fulfilled requests quickly, too. They were kind and polite, but what could add another star to this rating would be their smile. They all seemed so tense and serious. A pleasant smile would invoke a charming countenance and make customers feel more welcome. As long as they are doing their job well, that’s okay I guess.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    As an appetizer, the Nido with Quail Egg Soup (PHp 245) may be the most basic, almost tasteless soup that will surely cleanse your palette and soothe your stomach for the dishes to come. This soup was not the best version I came across, but still it was okay.

    The kitchen of David’s Tea House produces a very fine plate of Yang Chow Fried Rice (PHp 195). Of all items on the menu, I think this is the one that’s most ordered. The perfectly cooked grain rice was mixed with bits of fried eggs, salty ham, small shrimps and green peas for that much needed dose of herbal brightness.

    We also had Pineapple Fried Rice (PHp 255), which is similar to how the Yang Chow Fried Rice tastes but with added pineapples. This is another Chinese classic with a twist. I liked how the sweetness of pineapple merged with the fried rice’s flavor. The smell could instantly put everyone in a good mood.

    For our vegetarian viand, Buddha’s Delight / Lo Han Chai (PHp 240) was served. Filled with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, carrots and young corn, David’s Tea House’s lo han chai was not enjoyable mainly because it didn’t have many ingredients that are typically present in the oriental dish.

    I was silently hoping for glass noodles, wan yu (dried cloud ear fungus) and dried gluten balls. Like always, when dining out with friends, I notice that anything that seemed like a herbivore’s meal would always be the bridesmaid and never the bride. Truth be told, the vegetables were again overshadowed by the meat. Up next: chicken, beef and pork.

    The Crispy Fried Chicken (PHp 250, half) was a hit on our table. The chicken skin’s crispiness was so addictive that one might want to put a ring on it! The white meat was lean and even without adding extra sauce or condiments, the taste was satisfactory.

    Credits must go to the chef as the natural taste of ampalaya in Beef with Ampalaya (PHp 265) was pronounced without being too bitter. The bittergourd itself would have made the meal, but the soft and tender beef really sealed the deal here. Taking the entire saucy dish to new levels of deliciousness, the thin slices of beef did not give us a hard time to chew.

    I had initial reservations about trying the Fried Spareribs with Salt and Pepper (PHp 240) because it’s pork. The last thing I wanted was to be punished by formations of red patches and acne only to discover later that eating it is not worth the investment. Anyhow, I took the knife and cut a piece of spareribs for a small bite. My say? The spareribs punched way way above its weight in flavor. It was savory, so even if I do have an acne now on my forehead, it’s well compensated.

    Finally, we had the Fish Fillet with Beancurd (PHp 340), my favorite among all these food. Actually it was ordered just as an “insurance policy” (we had too many food already), which paid off. I loved that the skin of the beancurd and fish fillet was fried and still crispy outside despite that they were swimming in sauce.

    In any way it’s cooked, the fish may not have the sex appeal of an oyster, but it’s got romance. And with a sip of David’s Tea House’s light jasmine tea, it’s true love. ♥

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    David’s Tea House is a restaurant that can boost your confidence in spending for authentic Chinese food specializing in the taste of Hong Kong. Portion sizes of food are good for sharing, making food prices here totally reasonable in my sunny corner of the universe. If you’re really on tight budget, simply getting the Yang Chow Fried Rice (their flagship) sans additional viand may be fine as a completely filling meal.

    David’s Tea House in MOA accepts reservations for parties of all occasions. Book a party and avail of their free photo booth. Discover how and why their name became famously synonimous with hotpot table top cooking with their shabu shabu packages: PHp 780 for 2-3 people and PHp 1080 for 4-5 people.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Davids-Tea-House/300346420010360″ name=”David’s Tea House” description=”11113-1114 G/F, Entertainment Mall, North Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 556-0204″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-03-08″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]