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  • Review of Nanka Japanese Latin Restaurant (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Review of Nanka Japanese Latin Restaurant (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Sometimes you want a restaurant that’s simply straightforward, a place that serves food you always want to eat. Nanka in Mother Ignacia Avenue, Paligsahan, Quezon City is one of them. It brings a “feel good” factor with its great ambiance and seriously delicious food that fuses together Japanese and Latin American cuisines. We discovered Nanka from a recent Poptalk episode which made us instantly fall in love with its dishes.

    In our case, it was truly love at first sight! My family and I tried their creative food for lunch last Saturday, and we were so delighted. If something new and exciting is what you’re looking for and “Japanese food with a twist” is what you’re craving for, consider adding Nanka Japanese Latin Restaurant to your go-to and must-visit restaurant list. 😉

    Review of Nanka Japanese Latin Restaurant (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Nanka’s stylish interior design definitely makes up for the comfortable and posh ambiance. With large space, this restaurant can accommodate up to 150 people, making it an ideal venue to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, etc. Anywhere in the dining room is a cozy spot to relax and dine, but I think the best part is in the middle in front of the “stage” area.

    Food:

    We started with Shrimp Inari (PhP 335) which basically is a plate of sunshine. It’s a very nice crowd-pleaser, a sweet bean bag-looking morsel with a pocket of sweet deep-fried marinated tofu, filled with sushi rice and topped with shrimp and ikura.

    Another appetizer we tried was the Crispy Eggplant Salad (PhP 195), made with smokey roasted eggplant, Tozasu sauce, edamame, garlic chips, cilantro, and cherry tomatoes. Overall, it’s a great dish with interesting textures. The crispy eggplants soaked up the flavor of the spices like sponge. Vegetarians will love this salad served with a side of Japanese rice, while meatier folks might want to eat it with steak or pork chops for a hearty meal.

    We also ordered Tofu (220), which looked simple at first glance, but do not let the look fool you. These pieces of tofu may look plain but they’re as moreish as they come. The sweet and savory crispy tofu delivered in spades in flavor, cooked with teriyaki sauce and aromatic spices such as grated ginger scallions and garlic chips.

    Pollo a la Brasa (PhP 385) is one of the house specialties. Served with cilantro mayo and French fries, the charred Peruvian roast chicken was fragrant and well-marinated. It had slightly crispy, golden skin on the outside, while leaving the meat delicately tender and juicy. It deserves a two-thumbs-up rating, the type of food that you put in your mouth, and the clouds open up before your eyes and you see god.

    Tossed with lots of shiitake, shimejii, and king oyster mushrooms sauteed in garlic, butter and soy sauce, the Shiitake Pasta (PhP 295) gave us joy. I’m not usually a big fan of pasta but this one is an exception. It was love at first bite! It’s a filling pasta dish packed with earthy and delicate flavors and a soul-satisfying warmth. The secret must all be in the mushrooms.

    Price for Value:

    Nanka works well for a variety of situations—a classy date, catching up with friends, celebrating a birthday, or when you just need to want food to excite your senses. This can be your next big group extravaganza spot. Tastes and quality of food definitely didn’t disappoint. Prices considering value are decent and won’t light your wallet on fire, especially if you’re sharing the bill with friends. Prepare setting back a little over P500 per person for a full meal.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pg/NankaPH/” name=”Nanka Japanese Latin Restaurant” description=”1810 Mother Ignacia Corner Roces Avenue, Paligsahan, Quezon City” rev_name=”For bookings and reservations, call (02) 5179677 and (0977) 6218472.” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-07-16″ user_review=”4.7″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

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

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

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

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

    Ambiance:

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

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

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

    Food:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Price for Value:

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

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

  • Review of Zaan Japanese Tea House (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Review of Zaan Japanese Tea House (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Just how many Japanese restaurants are there in Metro Manila? Too many to count. While there are some that specialize only in a certain type of Japanese cuisine (ramen, yakitri, soba, izakaya, tonkatsu, sushi, etc.), there are also those that encompass a lot of traditional foods. Some focus on offering only authentic Japanese food, while others innovate to add twists to improve tastes and create new fusion of flavors.

    Zaan Japanese Tea House in Paligsahan, Quezon City falls under the “authentic Japanese food” category. While it doesn’t seem to have hit the mainstream radar, this small and quiet restaurant has several positive reviews online, which got us hooked. So we went and scoped it out ourselves. Yesterday, we dined here to experience what a true and hidden gem this place is all about.

    Review of Zaan Japanese Tea House (Paligsahan, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Zaan Japanese Tea House is surprisingly very serene, unlike the many other restaurants thriving in the same neighborhood. When we walked past the sliding door, we thought there was no one around. Apparently, we were just the first customers to arrive, and two other groups of families entered momentarily. The staff came out suddenly from the kitchen and greeted us.

    The theme is quite zen and sensual, and it’s ideal if you’re in the mood to spend a relaxing meal. Zaan Japanese Tea House is known to pay homage to the art of Japanese tea-drinking. And fittingly so, the backdrop gave us a vivid picture of how a real Japanese tea house is like. With warm wooden tables, bamboo fixtures, and shoji, this place has a cozy ambiance that made me feel like being transported instantly to Japan. Japanese teapots, plates and tea cups are displayed on the back wall, presenting an impression that Japanese tea is the star.

    Service:

    Unfortunately, at Zaan, service was not as gracious as we expected out of a traditional Japanese tea house. The space is small and it may be enough for one staff to run the operations. She was the only one serving customers, handling requests, taking out food, and processing the bill. The efficiency can be applauded, however there’s still a lot of opportunities to improve the level of customer service, especially in the areas of friendliness and hospitality.

    For instance, when we had to share food among us (as we normally do when eating out in a group of more than 3 people), we asked for extra bowls and utensils. Instead of explaining about their environmental cause and campaign about saving natural resource, the staff just said we’ll be charged an extra 10% to our bill for that request. She pointed to the menu and told us to read the details.

    So tell me, how can one person with a normal appetite finish this entire plate of okonomiyaki? I guess this is meant for sharing and can’t be fully enjoyed without having extra plates or bowls and utensils for other people to eat it with—unless you use your hands. We didn’t prefer sacrificing comfort so we asked for utensils for each person and ended up paying the extra 10%.

    I think the more appropriate way is to inform customers about it when we’re about to order or while taking orders so everyone will be on the same page and for everyone to appreciate the reason behind the extra costs. We were disappointed because she told us about it only when dishes were already on our table. Timeliness in communicating their message and explaining their intent in caring about the environment can really make a huge difference in making customers feel comfortable.

    Another good way to go about it is to mark up their prices to 10% on the menu and offer 10% discount to those who won’t be availing of the extra bowls, bags, plates and utensils. The staff would have to explain this too so guests would understand their thoughtfulness. The bottom line is that customers shouldn’t be shocked to find out about this later on.

    Food:

    We would have happily looked past the service if the food was great. It wasn’t and therefore we’re annoyed. Note that everything we ordered were recommended by the staff. The only satisfactory dish for our taste was the Zaan Okonomiyaki (PhP 290) which combined pork and squid to make a savory Japanese pancake. It had shredded cabbage, leeks, and topped with a variety of condiments.

    All succeeding dishes were completely out of the question, for those who plan to try. They surely looked interesting at first glance but turned out to be lame. You can do way better at the same price point in other Japanese restaurants in Paligsahan, Tomas Morato, Banawe, or nearby areas. In any case, here’s the food rundown and review.

    Topped with special rice crackers and salmon, Non’s Salmon Ochazuke (PhP 250) consisted of rice poured over with kombu-cha (kelp tea). Chazuke is one of the best remedies for hangover in Japan. It was being pushed as a house favorite too, which is sad as it’s easily the worst rice meal we’ve had in recent memory. Taste was bland and it can be skipped without feeling bad.

    Salmon Soboro (PhP 260) was another entree which proved that “looks can be deceiving.” It was presented with crushed seasoned salmon and scrambled egg over rice. Carbs overload might be the perfect way to describe it. The ratio of rice to salmon and eggs was our biggest gripe. The salmon was dry and leathery, and taste was off-putting. Sigh. It looked aesthetically pleasing, but taste was an absolute disaster.

    All Three Onigiri (PhP 200) will be a hit if you love biting into plain rice balls without anticipating any delicious or amply portioned filling inside. We ordered a plate of tuna, tamago, salmon onigiri but were saddened to learn that the fillings were way too small that it ended up destroying our excitement. It was like ordering just rice balls wrapped with nori seaweed!

    Tonkotsu Ramen (PhP 230) was mediocre, although it was suggested as the best ramen they have. The pork marrow broth was not as strong, rich and savory as other ramen places, and the Tamago (PhP 50) didn’t have that satisfying gooeyness that we’d hoped for. The add-on Chashu (PhP 80) also wasn’t tasty enough, not the melt-in-your-mouth type but dry and not soft as usual.

    Price for Value:

    Now’s a good time to remember that just because a restaurant is rated positively doesn’t mean it is actually great. We had high hopes. Zaan Japanese Tea House‘s interior is pretty cool, and the ratings posted on Zomato.com and TripAdvisor.com made it seem like something mind-blowing was going to happen. But then, we ate the food and experienced the service.

    We concluded that a visit here is ideal only when you ran out of choices or are simply bored. The nice space will keep you entertained but if you come looking for delicious food and quality service, there’s nothing to find at Zaan. Prices are affordable but not worthy of the unappetizing food. If you ended up here and can’t decide which to get, I recommend sticking to desserts. The pictures look lovely and appetizing on the menu. Also, please bring your own plates and utensils and save yourself extra 10% on the bill.

    Zaan Japanese Tea House Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/ZaanJapaneseTeaHouse/” name=”Zaan Japanese Tea House” description=”Ground Floor, Norfil Foundation Building, 16 Mother Ignacia Corner Roces Avenue, Paligsahan, Quezon City 1103″ rev_name=”Call (02) 412 8465″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-07-01″ user_review=”1.4″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Salu Filipino Restaurant (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of Salu Filipino Restaurant (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    For Father’s Day this year, we booked our lunch at Salu Filipino Restaurant in Sct. Torillo corner Sct. Fernandez streets, Quezon City. We read many great online reviews about their food and we’re excited to experience and learn why it’s known as one of the best Filipino restaurants. Owned by celebrity couple Romnick Sarmenta and Harleen Bautista, Salu serves authentic Pinoy dishes. Their extensive menu features specialties from Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao, from Benguet down to Zamboanga. Longtime fans insist “you can’t go wrong.”

    Review of Salu Filipino Restaurant (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    The ambiance was neither quiet nor stuffy. Salu is a great family restaurant for having a relaxing breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The theme looks warm and inviting and feels just right, even when packed with people. Paintings and decors on the walls set the tone for the dining room. It is a good place where you can bring your grandparents for a nostalgic feel. As for the space, it’s opulent. I was surprised to see a whole new area extending toward the other side of the room from where we were seated.

    Food:

    Every bite is a revelation here in Salu Restaurant where delectable regional Filipino dishes are different from the ordinary. We ordered some of their best offerings and were pretty satisfied with flavor-packed food. Their menu is not intimidating, as it’s filled with photos and creative descriptions. Note: Get ready for some modern twists; the adventurous will be rewarded. 😉

    If you’re nuts for comfort food and the combination of bagoong (shrimp paste), lechon, and kare-kare (peanut butter sauce) sounds enjoyable to you, then Binagoongang Lechon Kare-Kare (PhP 495) must be on your table. It’s a sinful, heavy dish with a rich mix of ingredients and divergent flavors that are truly Pinoy.

    Next, we had Sinigang na Isda sa Strawberry (PhP 545), one of the most eccentric entrees on Salu’s menu. The strawberries managed to balance the sourness of sinigang with its somewhat sweet, tangy, and refreshing contrast. It is a combo I couldn’t imagine liking before. Go get intrigued!

    Loaded with toppings, Salu’s Palabok (PhP 255) was okay but one I wasn’t too crazy about. I prefer greasier pancit palabok that’s smothered with thicker, golden shrimp sauce.

    Salu’s Pinas-Crispy Pata (PhP 850) was perfectly crunchy, matched with Poqui Poqui (veggies popular in the North of the Philippines). The salty exterior paired well with the tender and moist meat. It’s great with vinegar to cut through the fat just enough to make eating fried pork a dangerously simple task.

    Pinatuyong Manok sa Mangga (PhP 375 half, PhP 675 whole) is a kid-friendly option on the menu, and it’s very good. There’s nothing revolutionary about this chicken, but there also doesn’t need to be.

    For desserts, we tried one slice each of their Taho Cheese Cake and Yema Cake. Both were highly satisfying. The sweetness and firm-but-yielding texture were spot on, and you could certainly taste the quality of the ingredients used, which was a cut above the norm for sure. Order with confidence!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BkNNMg4nnoj/?taken-by=rochkirstin

    Price for Value:

    Salu Filipino Restaurant is a lovely place to return to again and again. It’s a nice spot for a laid-back family gathering or any celebration. Prices are on the menu are moderate given the value. The tastes of food are impressive, full of bold and enticing flavors all served on gorgeous plates for sharing. The relaxed but attentive service oversees the meal, leaving us diners with a novel experience that’s expensive but worth it.

    [schema type=”review” name=”Salu Filipino Restaurant” description=”Scout Torillo corner Scout Fernandez, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Diliman, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 921-2448″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-06-29″ user_review=”4.6″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Jin Joo Korean Grill (The Podium, Ortigas, Mandaluyong)

    Review of Jin Joo Korean Grill (The Podium, Ortigas, Mandaluyong)

    Jin Joo Korean Grill is a modern Korean barbecue restaurant that serves an interesting mix of classic and innovative dishes. This restaurant is famous for their 8-flavored samgyeopsal including curry, herb, honey garlic, peanut, red pepper, smoky barbecue, soybean, and wine. Many of my friends gave recent positive reviews on their dining experiences at Jin Joo’s branch in Eastwood near our office.

    So when I saw a promotion on Metrodeal, which by the way was immediately sold out a few days after, I quickly grabbed the chance and bought a voucher with the advantage of getting “a sumptuous samgyeopsal grill and unlimited side dishes for P149 per person instead of P470.” The promotion, however, was limited to one person per table only.

    Following the promotion detail instructions, I made a reservation a week prior to coming. A day before, I called once more to confirm our booking and learned that senior citizen and PWD discounts cannot be used in conjunction with the promo. Since we have 5 senior citizens and 1 PWD with us, I didn’t bother anymore to present the voucher since the discounts would have a higher value to be slashed off our bill. Also, instead of availing of their unlimited samgyeopsal, we chose to order a la carte entrees as there’s plenty of interesting and exciting items on the menu to choose from.

    We dined at Jin Joo Korean Grill at The Podium with our family for the joint birthday celebration of my husband and me. 🙂

    Review of Jin Joo Korean Grill (The Podium, Ortigas, Mandaluyong)

    Ambiance:

    The restaurant’s brightly lit interior is mainly comprised of wood elements, contrasted by Instagram-worthy accent walls and pastel-colored chairs that exude a homey vibe. Basically, Jin Joo is for the most part a Korean barbecue spot that offers all-you-can-eat samgyeupsal (as a promotion), grill-your-own meat, along with a few add-on sides, in a welcoming, contemporary dinner locale with cooktop tables.

    At the peak of lunch time, the restaurant looked reliably busy, buzzing with the full-throttle energy of friends and families chowing and imbibing in cheery excess. Good thing I had reserved large tables for our party of 15 people. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have gotten free tables at all.

    Food:

    The menu places emphasis on different flavors and types of samgyeopsal, so it’s a good sign not to miss it. Each of us had a generous slab of Samgyeopsal (PhP 390). An order already includes “banchan” or Korean fixings, such as kimchi, seasoned sweet potatoes, stuffed cucumber kimchi, seaweeds, stir-fried dried anchovies, bean sprouts, etc. and a bottomless basket of leafy green lettuce.

    The staff facilitated the cooking and helped us cut the pork into bite-size pieces. And at just the right juncture, when the pork has been cooked to an irresistible crispiness, we dove right in and began eating. Each piece of meat had a good amount of lingering juiciness. However, when paired with either lettuce or the glistening fluffy rice, the grilled pork belly wasn’t fully impressive, especially when it’s not dipped into the soy bean paste and sesame oil. Perhaps it’s because it was only rubbed with salt and pepper.

    Expecting a bit more than the plain and simple mainstay samgyeopsal, we ordered what’s supposedly their best offering, Jin Joo’s 8 Flavours (PhP 1560), for bolder flavors of marinated meat. It offered the familiar comforts of Korean grilled pork belly but with more exciting flavors and aromas. This is great to share with a group of 3-4 people. Imagine intense porkiness with various spices, with some parts of pork enveloped with fat. Yum!

    Beef Bulgogi (PhP 390) was a winner for the mouth and the eyes. It came as a fusion dish of fried shrimp, vegetables, sweet corn, and Korean spicy bbq sauce. The thinly sliced beef were tender, juicy, and slightly sweet and salty.

    Dolsot Beef Bibimbap (PhP 400) also came with beautifully arranged vegetables, mushrooms, fried tofu, and Korean spicy bbq sauce, all topped with fried egg cooked just right. The flavors were enough to please our palate. Mixed with rice, this dish can be addictive and very filling. On a hot pot, it was hot indeed from the first to our last bite.

    Japchae (PhP 350) was one of our best-loved dishes. It came with a light and refreshing taste, made with sweet potato noodles, beef strips, assorted vegetables, and sesame oil. The stir-fried glass noodles had a bouncy texture, and the sauce was sweet and savory.

    If you’re into spicy food, Jin Joo’s Fire Chicken with Cheese (PhP 890) is a must-try. It was served on a cheese fondue dish in a large cast-iron plate of barbecue-glazed fire chicken with sticky Korean rice cakes (tteokbokki), onions, sweet potatoes, and lots of shredded mozzarella and cheddar.

    The staff helped us cook the dish on our table, and we saw how the cheese melted into a delicious golden lava. How can you say not to a generous amount of melted cheese on top of spicy caramelized chicken chunks? It’s like comfort food taken to a whole new level!

    Jin Joo Korean Grill isn’t vegetarian-friendly. For my dad who’s a vegetarian, we ordered Hameul-Pajeon (PhP 380) but we asked for the assorted seafood ingredients to be removed. It turned out to be a plain pan-fried spring onions pancake with special dipping sauce. We’re glad they accommodated our request even when it wasn’t on the menu specifically.

    Price for Value:

    Order your heart out at Jin Joo Korean Grill at The Podium where a dazzling variety of Korean food awaits. It’s not the cheapest and prices could use some sprucing up, but for decent samgyeupsal and tasty banchan without having to travel to Korea, it’s the place to go. Call ahead to reserve and brace for variable service depending on the crowd.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/JinJooKorean/” name=”Jin Joo Korean Grill” description=”The Podium, Second Floor, ADB Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig, Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 0917 248 1777″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-06-23″ user_review=”4″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Hogshaven Smokehouse By Dulcelin Gourmet (Quezon Avenue, Quezon City)

    Review of Hogshaven Smokehouse By Dulcelin Gourmet (Quezon Avenue, Quezon City)

    The rainy season came with torrents, with a spike in traffic jams and flood-like situations in low lying areas in Metro Manila. Luckily, there are multitudes of worth-trying restaurants near us, so we didn’t have to drive too far from home. My husband wanted comfort food for dinner, browsed through Zomato, and found tacos on Hogshaven Smokehouse’s menu. I couldn’t find the story of Hogshaven Smokehouse anywhere online, and its website features only Dulcelin Gourmet’s cakes. It had me a little confused, but we gave in and went anyway. And holy smokes, their dishes are classically delicious!

    Apparently, Dulcelin Gourmet (specializes in cakes, famous for its Mango Torte) opened Hogshaven Smokehouse in July 2017 as a dine-in restaurant in West Triangle, Quezon City where people can enjoy gourmet-style savory food. It’s two menus in one setting. We got the best of both worlds and loved it!

    Review of Hogshaven Smokehouse By Dulcelin Gourmet (Quezon Avenue, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Hogshaven Smokehouse has a bright and modern appeal where people can dine well. Like the best cool places, you’d want to spend time here. The room is comfortably covered in wood panels, wallpaper, and glass. The semi-communal seating makes for a space that always seems to have a reassuring hum of conversation.

    Generally, this is a no-stress, no-brainer kind of place. Dulcelin Gourmet x Hogshaven Smokehouse is a restaurant that you want to talk in without having to whisper or feel intimated. Sure, you could come here on a date, but neither the food nor the atmosphere feel ideal for a one-on-one meal. This is a place where you bring your friends or family members. Three or four of them, preferably. Tables are set up for groups, and the menu is made up of lots of interesting things to try.

    Food:

    Of course, we ordered Nacho-Rizo Supreme (PhP 195), the primary reason why we came. Hogshaven Smokehouse’s nachos aren’t overloaded with heavy ingredients. The melted cheese formed a slightly gooey pull with a silky smooth texture. It complemented well with the homemade chorizo toppings and tomato salsa on freshly cooked tortilla chips.

    Another great appetizer to share was the Seasoned Fries Trio (PhP 229), which consisted of straight-cut sidewinder and sweet potato fries, served with sriracha mayo. Packed with flavor, the fries were crisp on the outside and tad soggy inside. I could imagine munching on these alongside a meal such as a full rack of ribs. 🙂

    So yes, we got Kitayama Wagyu Short Ribs (PhP 349) on the table. But instead of the usual ribs, it’s tender wagyu short ribs with a spin. Cooked Korean-style, kimchi rice and poached egg made all the difference. Overall, it’s a spicy and scrumptious rice meal that took our attention. Feed your eyes!

    Next, we had Buttermilk Fried Chix (PhP 599), an absolutely must-order. Marinated in buttermilk then fried until crisp, the three pieces of juicy and crunchy boneless fried chicken thighs are ready to take you to heaven. Ah, they’re so good—and even better than Kettle’s version of buttermilk fried chicken which we also very much adore. The dish came with sausage gravy and steamed white rice.

    The Roast Beef Belly (PhP 299, single) with mushroom gravy was also a hit. The tender beef slices were moist and tasty enough, cooked with red wine and served with French beans and steamed white rice. It’s comfort food that’s satisfying but not one we’ll feel extremely confident to order next time.

    For desserts, we had one slice each of Dulcelin Gourmet’s award-winning Mango Torte (PhP 140) and the decadent Ube Flan Cake (PhP 145). The Mango Torte was made of crispy-chewy nougatine, golden mangoes and cream, while the Ube Flan Cake was made with chiffon cake covered in Ube cream and a creamy flan center. Both were a fantastic way to end a meal!

    Price for Value:

    Dulcelin Gourmet X HogsHaven Smokehouse’s varied menu makes it easy to have everything from a light meal to a try-everything group extravaganza. Offering many different kinds of food, they do almost all of it well. If you need a bite of something savory, get quite a frenzy over their chicken, beef, and pork dishes. Want something sweet? Make sure to try their specialty desserts. Prices are not exorbitant but are decent, given the generous portions and great food.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.dulcelin.com/” name=”Hogshaven Smokehouse By Dulcelin Gourmet” description=”36 Times Street, Quezon Avenue Corner West 4th Street, West Triangle, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call 9540147 or email dulcelingourmet@msn.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-06-16″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Galileo Enoteca (Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City)

    Review of Galileo Enoteca (Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City)

    In celebration of Louie’s 30th birthday last Wednesday, we had dinner in Galileo Enoteca, the first restaurant that came to his mind after a long day at work. “Galileo Enoteca Deli” literally means Library of Wines. He had been wanting us to try and experience dining in their uniquely decorated wine cellar style dining rooms, where the walls are covered with bottles of high quality wines. We heard that this restaurant in Highway Hills does great food, in a cozy space, and they treat you like you’re a lot more important than you are. If you’re in need of a place to take someone special, set your course here.

    Review of Galileo Enoteca (Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City)

    Ambiance:

    Galileo Enoteca Deli and Restaurant looks like a production. One glance and you’ll know for sure that it specializes in wines, cheese, assorted cold cuts and meat, and antipasti boards. It’s a classy hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant with a sophisticated vibe. The lighting is dim, setting the mood up for intimate dining, where events like Valentine’s Day, a first date, an important anniversary, or a proposal would be perfectly spent. There’s quite a number of communal tables for larger groups, too.

    Food:

    For our starter, we warmed up with the hearty and healthy tomato-based Classic Minestrone Soup (PhP 290) made with fresh vegetables, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. This soup was filling and it had robust layers of flavors, making each spoonful enjoyable and comforting at the same time. The complimentary bread was served warm and freshly baked. Yum!

    Vincenzo’s Cotoletta Alla Milanese (PhP 490) looked too foreign on the menu, but it turned out to be a familiar dish that’s remarkably good. It’s chicken cutlet dredged in bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy dish to love! Imagine a flavor and texture festival that blends crispness and juiciness, and you got it. Fries and salad on the side were also tasty.

    A seemingly gourmet dish, the Risotto ai Funghi Porcini (PhP 440) consisted of lush and creamy arborio rice matched in heaven with an earthy flavor of porcini mushrom and an incredible pungent aroma of truffle oil. It was toothsome, exquisite, and almost intoxicating. If you’re a fan of truffle, please do give it a try! Consider sharing it, though. 😉

    Price for Value:

    Galileo Enoteca Deli and Restaurant is your best bet when in the mood for elegant dining, Italian wines and delicacies. Prices are beyond moderate but the delightful food, beautiful setting, and attentive service make the experience well worth it, especially for a special occasion. Galileo Enoteca has Wine Wednesdays, when you can get all wine bottles for half the price with a purchase of their Cheese Buffet or any entree. This deal makes it a great place to get a little tipsy, too!

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://galileoenoteca.ph/” name=”Galileo Enoteca” description=”80 Calbayog Corner Malinao Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City” rev_body=”For inquiries, call 532.04.82 or 534.46.33″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-06-10″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Lazat Fil-Asian Restaurant and Bar (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of Lazat Fil-Asian Restaurant and Bar (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    With Louie’s continuous hunt for nearby restaurants that serve ketogenic-friendly food, we found Lazat Fil-Asian Restaurant & Bar which specializes in Asian fusion, barbecue, and Filipino cuisine. Formerly, it was called Cercchio, but the owners apparently changed it in 2017. We looked through their menu online and immediately, the list of appetizing dishes got our nod of approval. Lazat is a charming restaurant ideal for families and large groups. They put a little extra love into their food to make you remember it and want to come back. This spot is understated, stylish, and well-groomed. More of this in my review below.

    Review of Lazat Fil-Asian Restaurant and Bar (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Lazat Fil-Asian Restaurant & Bar creates texture and visual appeal by mixing and matching monochromatic colors with green accents in one room. It further sticks to the theme by combining black and white square and diamond patterns on walls and throw pillows. Providing a modern look, the rich combo works wonders when put together with intent. The dining area is spacious, and large windows illuminate the room and set the tone for a simply bright and airy place.

    Food:

    Served with three sauces, the Oven Baked Crispy Pata (PhP 710) produced tender meat and intensely crispy skin pata with smoked flavor. It’s exactly what you should order when you’re craving for really delicious pork on your plate. And by the way, all three sauces complemented well. 🙂

    Their Sizzling Pork Sisig (PhP 310) is a delectable marriage of chopped lechon kawali cooked sisig with fried egg. It had absolutely bold flavors and was almost creamy to the bite. Notably, the savoriness and porkiness were extreme, so pairing it with rice is top-notch.

    Last up, we had Spicy Kangkong (PhP 185), which was basically kangkong stir-fried in garlic and chilis. I loved how it gave a wonderfully sharp, growing heat that made for a pleasant surprise. The pronounced flavor of garlic was great, enhancing the overall fragrance and taste of the dish.

    Price for Value:

    Among the many food establishments in Scout Limbaga area, this welcoming family-friendly restaurant is probably one of the best known. People came to dine in here after the other group, and the streams seemed endless. Other food on Lazat’s menu looked really interesting as well and worth a try. Prices are fair given the quality of super-flavorful food and portion of serving. It’s best to snag a table earlier than peak meal hours since it’s always a packed spot. Check it out!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pg/LazatRestoBar/” name=”Lazat Fil – Asian Restaurant & Bar” description=”76 Scout Limbaga, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila” rev_body=”For inquiries, call (02) 351 5279 or email lazatqc@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-06-09″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]