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Review of Seoul Train Korean BBQ (Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Quezon City)

Seoul Train Korean Barbecue in Sgt. Esguerra Avenue is an easy and excellent place to try something new. It was on soft opening when we had our dinner. This restaurant serves delicious Korean food and makes you feel like you’re in a train. The background sound effect goes “choo-choo” repeatedly over KPop music, and we thought it’s cool. Craving for Korean food? You need this in your arsenal. Seoul Train Korean BBQ is the place to come if you like the idea of grilling meat on the table and eating inside a “train.” So go forth with confidence. Your long day at work deserves it.

Review of Seoul Train Korean BBQ (Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Quezon City)

Ambiance:

Korean bands’ logos, pictures of Korean idols, graffiti on the walls, and KPop artists performing on TV. No, these do not depict the actual trains in Korea, but Seoul Train Korean BBQ has a unique ambiance that’s hard not to love. It’s like dining in a train, as you’ll see signages of Korean train stations, directions to exit (way out), car number, stickers for senior citizens’ seats, and more creative visuals.

Outside, the facade of this train-themed restaurant is complete with rails, wipers on windows, and lights. I just didn’t manage to take a picture because it was raining, I didn’t bring an umbrella, and I couldn’t step back. Anyway, entrance to the dining area requires just a push of a button. The door opened automatically as how a real train carriage’s door opens.

In the waiting area, there are different forms of entertainment available for the waiting customers. You can buy a capsule toy (for PhP 60 each), play the claw machine (2 PhP 10 coins) and read some magazine. Seoul Train Korean Barbecue also has a VIP room which can accommodate up to 15 people. If you’re coming with a group this big, a reservation is a must. A consumable price of PhP 3000 on weekdays and PhP 5000 on weekends will be charged.

Service:

We booked a reservation ahead of time to make sure we could secure a spot under an hour. The staff strictly told us that we could only stay for 1.5 hours (7:30PM to 9:00PM), but since there wasn’t a heavy flow of new customers coming in that night, we were allowed to stay longer. Servers were courteous and nice, and you can get their attention by raising your hand (per usual) or by pressing the red button (similar to the stop button in a real bus which you press to signal you want to get off).

Food:

Most things on the menu looked good, but we chose ones that are more familiar so our taste buds could relate better. 🙂 For starter, we had Haemul Pajeon (PhP 400), the “legendary Korean seafood pancake” that’s crispy on the outside, toasty on the edges, and soft and chewy on the inside. There’s also a vegetarian option available, so if you or your friends are vegetarians, you may request for one.

There is something yummy and heart-warming about a sizzling bowl of bibimbap. A meal unto its own, Dolsot Bibimbap (PhP 350) was a heavenly combination of beef and flavorful vegetables cooked just right.

Tteobokki with Cheese and Noodles (PhP 380) turned out as a heartier version of simple tteokbokki. Tteokbokki is a Korean street food snack made primarily of chewy rice cakes and fiery, funky gochujang chili paste. The final assemblage was unabashedly spicy but impossible to put down. This is the go-to hungry stomach answer for K-Poppers. Eat between sips of cold water if you can’t handle the heat.

The star of the night? Saeng Galbi (PhP 980), of course. For pure meat taste, many Koreans prefer cuts of meat that have no marinade, especially when it’s the primmest beef short ribs you can have. A little salt and perhaps a dash of pepper will do wonders for the house special ssamjang. Banchan and lettuce can be refilled once along as requested. To eat the Korean way, place a leaf of lettuce on your palm, place meat, and a dab of dipping sauce. Then, close the lettuce and enjoy the eruption of heavenly flavors in your mouth.

Kimbap (PhP 210) was made from steamed white rice and various other ingredients, rolled in gim and served in bite-size slices. It’s “Korean sushi” assembled with fillings of different tastes and textures. Yum!

Price for Value:

Sumptuous food, fun atmosphere, and great train-dining experience. Seoul Train Korean Barbecue in Sgt. Esguerra Avenue ticks all of those boxes. Prices don’t come cheap (expect to pay PhP 600-PhP 900 per head) but has fair value. This Korean restaurant offers an intangible thing beyond just the food and service that makes you want to come back.

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December 5, 2017
Review of Flavors Restaurant (Holiday Inn and Suites Makati)

We have visited Glorietta countless of times, but it was my first time to come across Holiday Inn & Suites Makati. I was actually surprised to learn that it’s conveniently located in the Glorietta Shopping Complex and has a direct connection to the mall. It was my sister’s 25 birthday last Sunday and we celebrated the occasion having lunch at Flavors Restaurant that’s housed at the hotel’s lobby level.

Review of Flavors Restaurant (Holiday Inn and Suites Makati)

Ambiance:

The restaurant design looks posh and sleek, much like what’s expected of it as one housed in a hotel in Makati. The ambiance felt cozy and merry, with Nutcracker Christmas-themed decors throughout the space. It’s a good way to make guests feel the mood of the festive holiday season, the kind that people wouldn’t want to walk past without wishing they were inside. Indulge in a feast for all your sense at Flavors. It’s a casual dining experience with a fine dining sensibility.

Service:

Flavors Restaurant may be formal and elegant, but the service did not seem overly stuffy. You can expect to have a refined and proper experience without feeling uncomfortable like you can’t sit back and relax. The waitstaff were courteous and helpful, rated 5-star for a 5-star Makati hotel. They also sang a happy birthday song for my sister! 🙂

Food:

We were wowed with an extensive spread of the premium classics (including lechon, roast beef, crabs, shrimps, and mussels), food stations artfully presented with hearty selections of meat, seafood and vegetables, and separate dessert tables for make-your-own halo-halo, chocolate fountain, cakes, bread and pastries, and fruits.

While there’s no particular dish that blew us away, there were certain ones that are on the borderline of great. International and local favorites and vegetarian options are available. Succinct to say, Flavors is a safe bet when you’re looking for a buffet restaurant delivering quality all-you-can-eat food with a variety of delightful choices. Feel free to get messy here – it’s the best way to enjoy the food.

Price for Value:

Makati is flush with expensive and highly rated dining spots, and Flavors Restaurant at Holiday Inn & Suites is no different. It hits the spot for any special occasion or family event. Rates are pretty fancy (P1900++/head) but definitely worth it. Especially in this holiday season, it’s the perfect time of the year to impress your loved ones with your refined palate and exquisite choice. We availed of BDO’s promo and got 50% off the bill! Promo period runs from November 1, 2017 to February 15, 2018. Check this link out for reference.

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November 30, 2017
Grand Launch of Fredley Banawe Complex (Banawe, Quezon City)

Fredley Food and Beverages, Inc. has been introducing exciting food concepts for the past four years. This year, they’re proud to have built their own complex with three of their brands—Macao Imperial Tea, Shabu-shabu Ichiban, and Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku—all housed at Fredley Banawe Complex. Today was the grand launch, and we were honored to take part in the event, witness the ribbon cutting ceremony, and try out their food specialties.

Macao Imperial Tea Philippines

As one of the fastest-growing cafe chains that’s proudly born in Macau, Macao Imperial Tea takes a deeply-rooted approach that highlights a mix of the rich Macanese culture and a personalized experience. Genuine, memorable, and special—this is what Macao Imperial Tea brings in each and every cup that’s especially made for their customers’ satisfaction. This cafe brought massive hype to social media with its cute tumblers and unique drinks. When we visited for the first time, I thought it’s very much worthy of the praise.

The vibe was charming and the location seemed apt as a hangout place for friends to spend hours enjoying drinks and pastries over a nice chat. Macao Imperial Tea in Banawe is open from 7am to 12mn, so you can be sure you won’t miss out.

Their menu is filled with interesting options such as chestnut cream, milk tea, coffee and quirky drinks like Kitten Milk Tea, Ginger Milk Tea, Walnut Black Sesame Fresh Milk, and Taro Sweet Potato Fresh Milk. I was truly spoiled for choice and then just asked the staff for best recommendations. We ended up trying their best-sellers, Chestnut Cream Cocoa (PhP 130) and Cream Cheese Oreo Milk Tea (PhP 120), and liked them both. A lot. I’m telling you, it’s a must-try!

Topped with a creamy cheese foam made with whipped cream, milk and cream cheese, the drinks were both salty and sweet at the same time. Taste was simply exquisite, and thickness was decadent. Sipping straight from the cup without stirring and without a straw is recommended. 🙂 The drinks were also chocolatey, with the right amount of cream cheese bursting with complex flavor in every gulp. We also shared a piece of their almond chocolate cookie and loved it, too!

Shabu-shabu Ichiban

Shabu-shabu Ichiban is a popular hotpot restaurant from Nagoya, Japan. It gives patrons an authentic Japanese hotpot experience by providing plenty of interesting soup base options and unlimited servings of meat, sushi, and king crab. Like Chinese hot pot, Japanese shabu-shabu is also communal. Not only do you sit down to eat with all your companions, but you cook the food together in the same pot of simmering broth.

Shabu-shabu Ichiban offers a reasonably priced and delicious introduction to a golden meal. This Japanese restaurant in Banawe has all-you-can-eat and a la carte options available on the menu. Overall, food is great, generous in servings, and you definitely won’t sit through your meal hungry. Indulging in Japanese shabu-shabu is good way to bond with the family or celebrate an occasion.

We each had Set B (Weekdays: PhP 688 lunch, PhP 788 dinner; Weekends and Holidays: PhP 888) which was quite a mouthful. It consisted of: Sushi and Sashimi Platter, Vegetable Platter, US Angus Chuck Eye Roll, US Beef Short Plate, Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder), Chicken Leg Quarter, Chicken and Pork Dumplings, Assorted Balls, Shrimp Tempura, Fried Chicken Wings, Kushikatsu, Udon and Ramen Noodles, Dessert (Coffee Jelly), and Drinks. The soup bases we chose (tantan and spicy szechuan) were both spicy broths, perfect for the cold, rainy weather.

The broth was nowhere near as complex as ramen soup bases in Japanese ramen restaurants, but we dropped in udon and ramen noodles anyway since hotpot broth always develops more flavor as you cook various items in it. The noodles took seconds to cook, the fatty cuts of meat required just a quick dip, and the assorted balls and fish cakes benefited from a longer soak.

Thankfully, the settings on the in-table induction plate were carefully controlled by the staff. Just as we were getting into the hotpot groove, we also had bites of the remarkably greaseless tempura, sushi, and fried chicken in between. Yum! 🙂

Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku

After eating loads of food, we figured we have to return for another visit to Fredley Banawe Complex to experience their yakiniku special next time. Otherwise, we could have left bloated instead of pleasantly full. 😛

Sharing the same space as Shabu-shabu Ichiban, Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku is the newest concept among the three, offering authentic Japanese Yakiniku. A Japanese term for “fulfill,” Mitasu is said to live up to its name with the many kinds of Japanese favorites that will certainly leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking to get fancy with Japanese Yakiniku in Banawe, this is where you do it.

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October 14, 2017
Review of Alice Tea Salon (The Pearl Place, Ortigas, Pasig City)

I’m a big fan of Alice in Wonderland, so when I heard about Alice Tea Salon which opened up recently in Ortigas, I knew we definitely had to visit it right away. 🙂 Talk about fantasy dining. We love quirky venues that scream unique individuality. Alice Tea Salon in The Pearl Place is an Alice in Wonderland-themed cafe filled with a combination of baby blue and white colors as inspired by Alice’s dress and quotes such as “Drink Me” and “We’re All Mad Here.” Here you may find a simple scenery of the world of Alice once you pass the charmingly designed-card door representing the Red Queen.

Review of Alice Tea Salon (The Pearl Place, Ortigas, Pasig City)

Ambiance:

There was an ongoing baby shower party when we arrived, and the event occupied half of the place. Fortunately, we were still allowed to get in and have our own “fairy tale” experience. This place is a hidden gem that brings Mad Hatter’s eternal tea damnation to life with their Alice in Wonderland-themed interior and tea-centric menu. Alice Tea Salon conveys a clean layout with familiar features straight from Alice in Wonderland. From its porch, the red two-door Queen of Hearts embellished with card suits, to their black and white tiled floors and classy interior, it definitely is the perfect space for Instagram-worthy photos!

Food/Drinks:

A tea party isn’t complete without the tea. Alice Tea Salon offers various types of tea (hot and cold are both available) brewed using an espresso machine with tea leaves sourced from Taiwan. Their bestselling variant is roasted oolong tea, and other original tea recommendations include English Breakfast, Earl Gray, Assam, and Darjeeling tea. They also offer sweet and delicious beverages like tea lattes, tea-based milkshakes, ice cream smoothies, and con pannas that don’t disappoint as well.

We tried Hot Wintermelon Macchiato (PhP 145), Strawberry Choco Smoothie (PhP 170), and Ruby Cappuccino (PhP 110). To match with the drinks and satisfy our sweet tooth, we had Ube Cheesecake (PhP 150) and Lemon Bars (PhP 50) which were also theme-appropriate. The ube cheesecake is a winner. The graham bottom worked as a natural pairing to the lushness of ube cream cheese. The delightfully nutty crust added a moderating element and some textural variation. 🙂 The tart, fruity flavor of lemon in the lemon bar was also much appreciated.

Price for Value:

We had a lovely time at Alice Tea Salon. The ambiance is quite enjoyable and service is on-point, too. It matched my expectation for sure. Prices are fair, not exceedingly higher or lower than the usual cafe or coffee shop in Metro Manila. This is a good place to stay all afternoon while chatting with friends. It’s just a few minutes of walking away from EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, Shangri-la Mall, and SM Megamall.

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October 1, 2017
Review of Yayoi Philippines (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

Beyond sushi and sashimi, there are far more interesting dishes that Japanese restaurants offer. One such must-try meal is “Teishoku” 定食, which Yayoi takes pride in. Teishoku is a type of Japanese set meal, where all of the dishes in the course are served together as a set. Teishoku dining is based on the ichiju-issai (or “one soup, one side”) traditional meals offered at Zen temples, which included a main, soup, rice, and pickles. The concept eventually spread throughout Japan and transformed into the convenient meal sets found at restaurants and cafeterias today.

Yayoi Philippines in SM Megamall Building B has just celebrated its first-year anniversary last September 16, 2017. We were one of the many customers who availed of their “buy one take one of teishoku” promotion that was valid only on that day, “Yayoi Teishoku Day,” as it was called.

Review of Yayoi Philippines (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

Ambiance:

The vibe was buzzing and the venue was packed with quite a lot of people, but noise level was tolerable. For the most part, Yayoi’s ambiance conveys clean lines and abundant lighting, and the palette is inspired by wood. Revealing a zen-like appeal with sleek, minimalist style with no superfluous decorations, neutral, subtle colors throughout the restaurant were pleasing and easy to the eyes. Walls were creamy white with wooden panel accents.

Service:

Since it was their anniversary day, operations looked very busy. The queue of customers outside was long, but it moved quickly since service was fast and efficient. The ordering process was a product of innovation. Customers choose food and drinks and submit their selections through an iPad. A few presses on the screen and a confirmation message will appear.

There’s no need to ask for the staff; they’ll serve the dishes momentarily on the table, and then come back later to process the bill when customers press on the “Pay Now” button. The menu on the iPad comes in English and Japanese languages. A physical menu is also available for less “techie” customers.

Food:

Common types of teishoku include tonkatsu (pork cutlet), yakizakana (grilled fish), and tempura (deep-fried battered fish and vegetables). We decided to try Yayoi’s best-sellers. Here’s the food rundown:

Sukiyaki Teishoku (PhP 595) was presented as beef hotpot with assorted vegetables stewed in teriyaki sauce. The slices of beef or the noodles were the main event, but the accompaniments (tofu, mushrooms, and miso soup) were equally upstanding. The sweetness of sukiyaki and teriyaki sauce and the savoriness of beef came together as basically more a feeling than a flavor. Adding beaten egg to the beef was part of the enjoyment.

Mix Toji Teishoku (PhP 475) is a mix of everything you would describe as Japanese comfort food: breaded pork loin, fried shrimp and sukiyaki beef simmered in special sauce and egg. I love how each piece had its own integrity and flavor. The sauce was rich and just gloriously creamy. Delicious.

Namban Teishoku (PhP 450) is a succulent chicken dish drizzled with special sauce and topped with Yayoi dressing. The fried chicken steak was amazing with the crispy skin combined with the meat. If you feel like it, place the chicken on the lettuce leaves and you’ve got a nice chicken salad!

Teriyaki Salmon Teishoku (PhP 595) was served with stir-fried salmon and vegetables with teriyaki sauce. When it comes to teriyaki salmon, I like the glaze sweet enough to cut through some of the fattiness of the fish. Sadly though, the pieces of salmon were neither juicy nor moist but too dried up for my liking (might have been a bit overcooked).

Price for Value:

Our dining experience at Yayoi in SM Megamall wasn’t life-changing, but overall it was satisfactory. You’ll be glad to know that they don’t skimp on the good stuff. Their #YAYfor1 promotion was a great deal! If you’re into Japanese food, you’ll love it here. Stick to their teishoku and you’ll be in good shape. Food tastes and quality of dishes served are worth the prices, with discount or without. 🙂

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September 21, 2017
Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

Kandle Cafe is one of the restaurants that are offering discounts when you reserve via BigDish. The food on the menu looked interesting, so we decided to drive to Mother Ignacia Avenue for late lunch last weekend to give it a try. The whole concept of naming the cafe “Kandle” takes well. It’s derived from the initials of the four siblings (Khyrss, Dong King, Leslie, and Eli) who own the place. Kandle Cafe has an easygoing neighborhood feel. It’s the kind of spot where the food speaks for itself and nothing is trying too hard to impress you; it effortlessly draws you in and makes you want to be there.

Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

Ambiance:

Kandle Cafe is a comfortable space, and it’s definitely cooler than your average coffee shop. Brewed and blended coffee, an attractive refrigerated display of pastries, and creative dishes should help keep you going while you do whatever it is you’re doing on your laptop. But there’s more. The ambiance features a modern layout with wooden furnishing. Decorative elements introducing splashes of color on the wall certainly bring out a homey feel and inviting atmosphere. Greenery is also dotted about the space. The wood theme is continued at the back patio, where diners can enjoy the al fresco dining setup. If weather is nice, sit out there and enjoy the chill.

Food:

We started our meal with Paella Croquettes (PhP 210): chicken in toasted rice balls. We’re no stranger to paella, but paella presented in balls is unique and something we couldn’t have imagined. Taste was incredibly flavorful for being so simple, nothing dry or crumbly. Inside, there’s a burst of cheesy goodness that melts in the mouth. Yup, these paella croquettes are awesome.

Kandle Cafe’s BBQ Chicken (PhP 250) was marinated in hickory smoke sauce and served with 63 degree poached egg, charred corn kernels, and greens. It’s not our favorite version of charred chicken but it was not bad. I’m a fan of the assortment of tastes and textures in just one dish. It’s like party on a plate! This dish is perfect for brunch when you want something healthy and hearty, or any time of day when you’re hankering for a bite of the Southwest.

Finally, we had the best-selling and most recommended Ms. Eggy & Mr. Eggoy Pasta (PhP 240). The name is already catchy enough to get us, but it’s the ingredients that won our hearts. 😍 It’s fresh squid ink pasta sauteed in smoked bacon and onion, light cream sauce, with 63 degree poached egg garnished with crispy bacon and toasted pan de mie. I could not seem to distinguish between the pasta and the squid; it’s hard to tell them apart. Both were tad thick, springy, and ropy. The squid ink flavor was mostly present, tasting briny and earthy. There’s an even more substantial build-up of savoriness when we mixed the egg.

Price for Value:

Kandle Cafe in Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City is quite a foodie destination. It serves up great food in a somewhat unexpected setting, and to top things off, the menu represents a fantastic value as well. What I love most is how it’s designed to have a continuous indoors-outdoors relationship which allows guests to interact with fresh air towards the garden for a nice change of pace. Will I be back? You can count on it. I’d like to try their coffee next time. 🙂

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August 29, 2017
Review of Pink Panda Southeast Asian Diner (Poblacion, Makati City)

Pink Panda is housed on the ground floor of Y2 Residence Hotel across A. Venue Mall. On the surface, it would be easy to assume that it’s just another under-the-radar casual spot in Makati. But one step in and you’ll realize it’s far from that. It’s a dimly-lit restaurant where you can take delight in Southeast Asian food flavors and get a quick alcohol fix. Featuring Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Chinese, and Filipino comfort food, Pink Panda updates its menu every six months, retaining those that received warm accolade from customers and replacing those that didn’t. Aside from serving a la carte dishes for lunch and dinner, it also caters to breakfast of hotel guests daily buffet-style.

Dinner was booked through BigDish’s app, and we had an instant discount off our meal. In case you’re not yet familiar, BigDish is a brand-new way of offering dining deals and discounts. There’s no membership fee required. Just reserve online (through the website or mobile app) and get discounts off your bill depending on the number of people, date and time, and the restaurant chosen. Once booking is done, a confirmation code will show up and this should be presented to the restaurant at the time of visit. No hassle!

Review of Pink Panda Southeast Asian Diner (Poblacion, Makati City)

Ambiance:

Pink Panda in Makati opened in 2014 and it’s owned by Erwan Heusaff and his friends. It is a nice change of pace if you’re ever in need of a quieter meal in Makati, perfect for a date night, dinner with the family, or a cool hangout session with friends. Its interior design and theme exude a genteel charm. The modern space looks artsy and colorful, filled with Asian decors and influences. The bicycle on the wall and the ceiling panels are sleek accents that are most striking and unexpected. While the lighting and overall ambiance seemingly attract a grown-up crowd, this restaurant doesn’t feel stuffy in the slightest.

Food:

We started dinner with the Prawn Toasties (PhP 220) and were completely smitten with the taste and texture. I’m seriously craving for it while typing right now! Presented as small triangles of bread with sesame seeds and sweet chili sauce on the side, these toasts were savory. They were fried to a light bronze and had a mild, unobtrusive flavor.

Pink Panda’s Chicken and Dumpling Noodle (PhP 240) is awesome stuff that reminded me of childhood. It’s a chicken-rich and particularly hearty soup that consisted of roasted chicken, spinach dumpling, garlic chips, and egg noodles cooked in lemongrass ginger broth that’s aromatic. The soup had a good amount of salt, and the noodles had a good bite to it. The dumplings were flavorful and stuffed full, folded into little round parcels. Yum!

Who eats at Pink Panda without getting their signature Pink Panda Pork Bun (PhP 190)? Made with Chinese sausage, wood ear mushroom, and salted egg, these “siopao” pork buns are must-orders. They’re huge and tasty, especially with the sweet sauce. I liked that the pork did not have too much fat. We appreciated more of the meatiness in the fluffy steamed bun.

Dimsum and then Some (PhP 330) is a must-order when you want to relish a quality yum cha meal. Three different types of shrimp dumplings (more like “hakaw”) were served hot on the table: chili, pumpkin, and kinchay. Honestly I couldn’t choose which one was the best. All were great and really satisfying, with or without the accompaniment of chili soy sauce.

Crispy Beef Rendang (PhP 220) was the star of the night. It’s one of the best-selling dishes at Pink Panda, and the reason is pretty obvious. The short ribs were perfectly fried, with a crisp exterior and a tender inside. Swimming in spiced coconut sauce and a coating of delicious spices, their rendition of the beef rendang was so mouthwatering that we had to order two extra cups of jasmine rice (PhP 50) to maximize our enjoyment of the meal. Crunchy and fragrant, it’s a fiery fare that’s like an explosion of great flavors. Totally addictive.

Finally, we had Char Kway Teow (PhP 285), a popular dish in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. It’s a rich dish emboldened by chicken, Chinese sausage, hearty hofan, egg noodles, chili, and sweet soy, with a scattering of bean sprouts to add crunch. If you’re trying char kway teow for the first time, go for the gusto!

Price for Value:

If you’re interested in trying Asian fusion food, Pink Panda Southeast Asian Diner in Y2 Residence Hotel is the place to be. Open for walk-ins from 11am to 12mn, it serves a variety of popular Southeast Asian dishes with a modern twist in a hip and creative environment. Prices are good for those on a budget; you can order a lot without spending a lot. Be adventurous, and try reserving through BigDish to get up to 50% instant discount off your bill. Check out this link to get started.

Y2 Residence Hotel offers the weary soul a distinctly serene and tranquil ambiance even when it’s merely a few minutes away from the city’s Central Business District as well as several world-class shopping destinations and vibrant nightspots.

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July 26, 2017
Review of Small Talk Cafe (Legazpi City, Albay, Bicol)

One of the best things to experience when traveling in the Philippines is discovering local food favorites which leave guests feel more immersed in the place. After we checked into Pinehurst Suite in Legazpi, the innkeeper recommended us to try Bicolano cuisine in Small Talk Cafe located along Dona Aurora Street. We went to Ligñon Hill Nature Park and met two locals who were very kind to drive us to nearby tourist destinations worth visiting. As a thank-you for their help, we invited them to have dinner with us in Small Talk Cafe. It’s a modest house-turned-restaurant that serves local delicacies like Adobong Manok sa Gata, Pinangat Pasta, and Mayon-stuffed Pizza (inspired from the Mayon Volcano in Albay).

Review of Small Talk Cafe (Legazpi City, Albay, Bicol)

Ambiance:

Small Talk has all the makings of a perfect spot for a family meal. It has the culinary buzz without the pressure. We love the vibe of the restaurant. It’s ideal for small talks, smooth conversations, or a long catching up, since the setup is like a rustic house that feels warm, relaxing, and convenient. With wooden tables and chairs, a piano, artworks, and a number of bright colors and patterns throughout, it’s a nice reprieve from the common “rustic yet modern” feel that most spots seem to have these days.

Food:

We thought anything that has “Talk of the Town” noted on the menu in red was worth a shot. We started with Albay Fries (PhP 50). The fries didn’t quite deliver mouthwatering flavors but what got us hooked was the fact that it’s made from the root crop of laing (taro) or “linsa.” With properly crispy exterior, these fries tasted interestingly different from the usual French fries. There’s a subtle sweetness of the root playing well with the condiment.

We ordered Filipno-style Spaghetti (PhP 475) which was sweet and cheesy just the way we imagined. It’s meaty and hearty, and the sauce was spoon-worthy. Taste and texture of the noodles come close to how my mom cooks it. Two thumbs up for this one!

Completing the homey eating experience, another comfort food we tried was their Crispy Whole Fried Chicken (PhP 400). The fried chicken had a solid crust with a heavily seasoned batter and a perfect marriage of taste and crunch.

Made with taro leaves and gata blended in white sauce, Pasta Pinangat (PhP 140) was also a standout. Cooked a little touch of spiciness, this pasta was brimming with delicious coconut cream flair. It also has an earthy depth that elevated the dish further.

We saved the best for last and got a slice each of the Bicolana Pizza (PhP 280). Loaded with pinangat (laing), pineapple chunks, mushroom and mozzarella as toppings, this pizza is a clear winner. It’s a solid interpretation of a classic. How laing played with mozzarella and tomato sauce added weight and character for sure. Its essence was apparent but not overwhelmingly so.

Price for Value:

Small Talk Cafe which opened in 1999 has been regarded over the years as the best restaurant in Albay. We haven’t been into every single one so we can’t say it’s true, but there’s no doubt this restaurant is a must-visit when in Legazpi. Packed with foodie-friendly shareable plates, Small Talk Cafe’s food prices were very fair and reasonable. Plus points go to staff who treated us like we were guests dining in their home. They got the local charm, all very friendly and hospitable. The relaxed service makes you feel special in a touristy way. Savor a fresh experience at Small Talk Cafe without worrying about the bill. This place is awesome! Check it out. 🙂

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July 2, 2017