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  • Review of Mabuhay Palace Dimsum Buffet (The Manila Hotel, Manila)

    Review of Mabuhay Palace Dimsum Buffet (The Manila Hotel, Manila)

    In celebration of Father’s Day this year, we had lunch at Mabuhay Palace and dug into plates after plates of dimsum. Hakaw, siomai, congee, dumplings…you know it. We saw this restaurant the last time we went to The Manila Hotel (read Review of Café Ilang-Ilang). We were all enticed with their dimsum buffet offering (only at Php 888 net per head) and promised to try it in our next visit to experience “the most luxurious Chinese dining in the city.”

    We’re happy that this restaurant also offers a la carte dishes including vegetarian (for my dad). Mabuhay Palace’s quality of food is good and its consistency is tough to dispute. With its lavish menu of authentic Cantonese cuisine, there’s 100% your palate will be delighted. It’s one of the best we had so far. Come hungry, and you won’t leave disappointed. 🙂

    Review of Mabuhay Palace Dimsum Buffet (The Manila Hotel, Manila)

    Ambiance:

    Mabuhay Palace is decorated with imperial Neo-Classical interiors highlighted by rich hues of bright red, orange, and gold, with chinoiserie carved Chinese dividers. Panels are padded with dragon-pattern fabric and glass that you surely won’t miss right off from the entrance. The walls are adorned with hand-crafted panels made of jade and precious stones, which narrate the tale of the philosopher Confucius, opulent art works that took a family of artisans two decades to complete. The dining room felt cozy and the seats were comfortable. Each table will make you feel like you’re own private space.

    Service:

    The staff were warm and professional. Orders were quickly noted, but it took some time before food arrives on the table since they’re prepared and cooked only upon order. Main courses will only be served after finishing all dimsum entrees. We had to request for them to be presented at the same time alongside other items. Service was not perfect and there were items we ordered but didn’t get. Despite the service hiccup, we had an awesome meal. We received a sincere apology and some free drinks in return.

    Food:

    Unlike regular buffet setup where people queue at the buffet stations and get food from the counters, in Mabuhay Palace, patrons order food from the waiters while seated by ticking items on a checklist. It’s simple: just let the food come to you. There’s no need to wait in line or consider the movement (or appetite) of other people in the restaurant or select dimsum entrees stacked high with bamboo or metal steamer baskets from steam table trolleys as in a typical Chinese restaurant. Rather, it’s more of a formal dining encounter where guests just have to sit, relax, and enjoy food served on the table.

    Dimsum is the ancient Chinese art of making a whole lot of damn fine food, served small plate-style. Why settle on one dish when you can sample dozens? To make the most out of our dimsum buffet experience, we tried everything that’s available on the dimsum menu checklist: steamed pork and shrimp siomai, vegetable and chicken spring rolls, steamed seafood spinach dumpling, no mai gai (deep-fried glutinous rice dumplings with black pepper chicken and leeks), ma lai gao (steamed cup buns), seafood taro puff, seafood nori roll, deep-fried wonton, ham sui guk (baked pork barbecued puff), steamed buns chocolate and walnut, steamed crystal skin shrimp dumpling (hakaw), steamed pork and shrimp dumpling with zhen jiang vinegar sauce pan-fried pork and shrimp dumpling, pan-fried me chai and dong po pork buns, volcano buns, and mushroom bun.

    Aside from dimsum, cold cuts are also part of the all-you-can-eat menu. We had century egg seaweeds and golden fried crispy smooth tofu. For the main course, each person is allowed to choose one. My mom, sister, and I ended up choosing: crispy-fried shrimp glazed almonds, honey-glazed chicken, crispy ginger, and crispy fried pork spareribs. We could have ordered another main course (for my grandfather) but we were already too full to finish everything! While waiting for the mains, we were served with sweet corn coup with crab meat and Zzechuan hot and sour soup. For desserts, we had deep-fried chocolate buchi, blueberry jelly, and red bean jelly.

    Everything was excellent and we were so impressed. This must be the gold standard of dimsum restaurants in Manila. If I were to choose my favorite, it would still be hakaw. It’s the best. Fresh, juicy shrimps encased in a transparent dumpling wrapper looked and tasted amazing! Yum. 🙂

    Price for Value:

    Mabuhay Palace at The Manila Hotel is an elegant restaurant where nobody’s trying to flip tables or rush you out the door. It’s ideal for big group dinners or luncheons, with easy-to-share dimsum for everyone at a relatively fair price. If you’re into Chinese food, it’s hard to go wrong spending a special occasion here. Look forward to a whole table full of plates crammed with dumplings, steamed buns, and Chinese pastries. Go with people with a large appetite and make a reservation by calling (02) 527 0011. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/TheManilaHotel/” name=”Mabuhay Palace Dimsum Buffet” description=”The Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila 0913″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-07-01″ user_review=”5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of The Stockpile (The Sapphire Bloc, Ortigas)

    Review of The Stockpile (The Sapphire Bloc, Ortigas)

    Previously known as the Sunshine Kitchen, The Stockpile puts together classic comfort food with a twist. The cuisine is varied, featuring a lineup of Pinoy and Western dishes. If you want to drink, be outside, and feel like you’ve escaped civilization, this restaurant is worth braving the traffic for in the heart of Ortigas, Pasig. Located on the grounds of The Sapphire Bloc not too far from SM Megamall and Metrowalk, The Stockpile is a nice choice for a casual meal with friends. It also has a classy happy hour potential. Up for beer, scotch, wine, tea or cocktail? Get them all here. Check out their promotion: all the wines and cocktails you can drink for PhP 799 from 6PM to 9PM during Saturdays to Wednesdays.

    Lunch was booked through BigDish’s website two days ago, 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.

    Review of The Stockpile (The Sapphire Bloc, Ortigas)

    Ambiance:

    We fell in love with the place right off the bat, drawn mostly to the high ceiling that makes the room inviting and airy. The Stockpile has piles of paint cans arranged as an attractive wall backdrop. The space looks massive with ample spacing between tables and bright lights that bring the atmosphere of vibrant dining to life. There’s more seating available outside, but with the hot weather nowadays, choosing to be inside is a no-brainer.

    Food:

    The Stockpile Fries with Truffle Aioli (PhP 280) earned the most satisfying grade in our meal. It’s the best bet for the undecided. Fried in perfection, the fries were cut thin, perhaps to emulate fast food. The accompanying truffle aioli turned out as a good balance of creamy, garlic, and onion with a hint of truffle. Overall, this appetizer worked well to get us excited for the next dishes.

    Served hot on the table, the Bubbly Hot Cheesy Nachos (PhP 275) arrived oozing with cheesy cheddar sauce and a good blend of cilantro, onion, tomatoes, and longganisa. We topped each bite of the nachos with creamy and savory cheese. It’s a light treat that’s best shared with a group. Caution though with the chili. It’s hot and punchy and not for the timid.

    The Stockpile has several pasta selections on the menu. We ordered Truffled 4 Cheese Pasta with Smoked Bacon (PhP 395), which was made with provolone, grana padano, brie, and mozzarella. The velvet qualities of all these cheese combined had a silky mouthfeel, a seductive tang that plays on the lips like a careless whisper. Too bad serving was good for one; five of us only had a couple of spoonfuls each!

    Pan-roasted 24-hour Brined Double Cut Porkchop (PhP 490) was moist and juicy. Given a choice between rice and mashed potatoes, we chose rice and thought we made the right decision. The sauce certainly didn’t lack on the flavor department. The pork was delicious, but the slab of fat was churned out firm and tough. We could have liked it better when rendered softer and presented with a deep crisp crust.

    The 6-hour Slow Roast Porchetta (PhP 20) was another winning dish of the day. Cooked with French beans, au jus sauce, and vinegar, the porchetta formed a crackly, crisp shell with bubbly, crunchy, salty skin around an insanely juicy core that’s tender enough to eat with a spoon. Yum!

    If you’re looking for something more unusual than a plain slice, Sunshine Pizza (PhP 395) is a recommended pizza to get. Topped with The Stockpile longganisa, porchetta, arugula, egg, and garlic oil, the flavors delivered flying colors for sure. The golden yolk oozing slowly over the sausage and melted cheese is TDF (to die for). Arugula brought in freshness and a great texture contrast.

    Last but not least, we had Truffled Mushroom Pizza (PhP 540) that consisted with shiitake and button mushroom with cream sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, arugula, and truffle oil. We expected more of rich, umami notes from the truffle. In any case, this pizza was tasty, especially when we added chili oil (lots of it). The uniquely earthy flavor and meaty texture of mushrooms were so good it’s hard to say no to. Love mushroom pizza? Give this a try. 😉

    Price for Value:

    The Stockpile in The Sapphire Bloc is an all-day diner and bar that has been pleasing the local community for two years now. This cool spot is a good place to hang out and enjoy hearty artisanal pizzas, salads, soups, and pleasurable meals. Vibe felt cozy, service was overall okay, and prices are fair. We’ll swing back next time when we’re in the area. If you’re planning to dine in at The Stockpile, make sure to check out BigDish to score a great deal. 🙂 Click on the button below to book a table and get discount for up to 50%! You can also get a free 20% off ZALORA voucher when you book a table via BigDish. Check the promo mechanics here.

    To know more about BigDish, check out its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BigDishPH/ or visit its website at https://bigdish.ph/. Click this button to book a table now:

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/thestockpile.resto/” name=”The Stockpile (The Sapphire Bloc, Ortigas)” description=”Level 1, The Sapphire Bloc, Sapphire and Garnett Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 09275072795 or email thestockpileph@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-06-25″ ]

  • Review of Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen (Uptown Parade Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Review of Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen (Uptown Parade Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen is a Vietnamese restaurant in Uptown Parade Mall that feels homey and colorful. Other branch locations are found in White Plains and Tagaytay. From the moment you walk in the door, you can’t miss the heart of the place: an entire wall mural featuring contemporary Vietnamese art. The striking cement walls enveloping the rest of the space looks perfect for the ultimate urban interior design, with a contrast of chic and industrial charm.

    Review of Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen (Uptown Parade Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Ambiance:

    Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen didn’t seem particularly special at first glance, but it most certainly is, thanks to perfectly executed Vietnamese dishes that will make you feel like you’re sitting in a restaurant in Vietnam. At least that was how we felt like when we were there. The peace and tranquility inside added up to an energy we don’t usually find in many dining areas in BGC. Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen didn’t feel intimidating or stuffy. It’s a solid option when you want to hang out in a cool place and enjoy authentic and homemade Vietnamese food with friends and family.

    Food:

    Best eaten with nuts or peanut sauce as accompaniment, Goi Cuon (PhP 320) was served as well-constructed traditional Vietnamese fresh rolls with a nice textural play. There were vermicelli, vegetables, warm pork and shrimp inside and soft rice paper on the outside. If a summer roll and a spring roll had a baby, this would be it.

    Fresh coconut sprouts, glazed pork, and steamed shrimp were combined for a light yet hearty salad with a good variety of textures and flavors, all dressed with punchy house vinaigrette. Bawai’s House Salad (PhP 295) had a great crunch and less intense heat that Thai papaya salads usually have.

    Com Suon Cha (PhP 435) was presented with a platter of grilled pork belly glazed in caramel-lemongrass marinade and mushroom egg pie. The pork was juicy and moist with firm fat. It was fine but I’m a bigger fan of the pie, the crustless Vietnamese quiche suspending a bounty of savory ingredients.

    Hu Tieu (PhP 370) consisted of pork bones and seafood broth that tasted pleasingly earthy. Flavor was not resting on MSG, but it was subdued and lacked a voluptuous mouthfeel. Compared to pho, hu tieu’s broth seemed lighter and on the sweet than savory side. The garden of fresh herbs added a vibrancy that made it desirable even in the summer heat. Pork belly and seafood turned out to be an interesting combination.

    For desserts, we tried Bánh Da Lợn (PhP 80), yellow mung bean and pandan cake topped with coconut paste and sesame seeds. It’s a scrumptious treat no less, mildly sweet with a chewy, gelatinous, and sticky texture. We also shared Cha Bap (PhP 80) or Vietnamese sweet corn pudding. Marrying juicy corn with creamy coconut milk, it’s delectable, refreshing, and comforting. I prefer eating it chilled with a sprinkle of tasted sesame seeds. For drinks, we had Vietnamese iced milk coffee which they call Ca Phe Sua Da (PhP 130). Vietnam has various coffee but this one, specifically when condensed milk meets with local coffee, leaves a sweet taste in your mouth. Drinking it cold magnifies the sweet taste. Yum!

    Price for Value:

    Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen is a gem for lovers of Vietnamese food. The menu isn’t too fancy; food are set at reasonable prices. Pretty much the whole idea of Vietnamese food is about eating light and clean flavors and finding umami in each dish, and this restaurant does it right. Here, dishes are served with delicate and fresh ingredients, honoring the natural elements of food. To try them, you just have to go! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pg/bawaisbgc/” name=”Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen” description=”Ground Floor, Uptown Parade, 9th Avenue Corner 36th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 0917 152 2924″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-06-13″ ]

  • Review of Prego Ristorante and Bar (City of Dreams Manila, Parañaque)

    Review of Prego Ristorante and Bar (City of Dreams Manila, Parañaque)

    From the team that brought L’Opera Ristorante Italiano and Balducci, Prego Ristorante and Bar in City of Dreams Manila is an Italian restaurant and bar specializing in regional Tuscan cuisine. Prego translates to “please” or “you’re welcome” in English. No wonder why this place is so welcoming! After our first visit yesterday, we’re ready to say that we do like this place a lot. Every dish was presented like a masterpiece before our eyes, and the flavors were beyond superb.

    Lunch was booked through BigDish’s website a week ago, 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 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.

    Review of Prego Ristorante and Bar (City of Dreams Manila, Parañaque)

    Ambiance:

    If you long for the gold standard for fine, not fussy Italian dining in Metro Manila, this will be it. Prego has a cozy yet chic feel, far from stuffy, yet formal enough to function as a post-work or pre-casino destination for those eating in this area for that purpose, or a place where you can celebrate and hold momentous events with loved ones. Prego has a main dining area with sofa seating for families and groups, a bar area for those who wants some booze, and a lounge where guests can go for coffee and dessert. The charming space is outfitted with high ceilings and good lighting. Wine bottles displayed on the walls and positioned at the back raise the glamour quotient.

     

    Service:

    The upscale atmosphere is enhanced by professional and accommodating servers providing the finishing touch on this gastronomic gem. Our plates were changed as soon as we finished every last entree, our glasses were filled with water in a timely manner, and we were asked every now and then if we needed anything. The plates did not arrive all at once, giving us time to really relish and finish our food and have some conversations in between. The first-class service added up to the refined mood that’s perfect for client entertaining or a fancy date night. Simply put, the warm, receptive staff won our hearts.

    Food:

    Who can pass up on fresh bread? 😉 Certainly not us.

    Prego Ristorante and Bar isn’t reinventing the wheel when it comes to Italian cuisine. It has all the makings of a great restaurant, and an even better place to discover food you love. Dishes on the menu are written in Italian with descriptions in English. For antipasti de terra, we had the house recommendation: Affettati Assortiti con Coccole e Salsa al Gorgonzola e Mascarpone (PhP 590), which basically consisted of assorted Italian cuts and pizza puffs, served with gorgonzola and mascarpone cheese sauce. This platter got our meal to an eye-catching start. Thinly sliced and arranged artistically in like triangular handkerchiefs, the cured meat had a mild taste and delicate texture. Most notable for me were the prosciutto and mortadella.


    The selection of pasta was pretty impressive as well, but our eyes were set on Ravioli all’ Aragosta (PhP 590) the moment we saw “lobster” and “shrimp” together in one. And we made no mistake, the homemade lobster and shrimp-filled ravioli in cream sauce was a true hit. Each pasta pillow was filled with a hearty and savory blend of the crustaceans, and the cream was loaded with heavy buttery goodness. The raviolis were colored with the flag of Italy, featuring three equally-sized vertical pales of green, white and red, with the green at the hoist side. Now, this is what we call creative!

    For our main dish, we chose to go with Bistecca Disossata alla Griglia con Spinaci (PhP 520/100g, minimum 300g per order). It’s certified angus beef rib-eye accompanied with sautéed spinach and vegetables. Again, we enjoyed every single bit of its parts. Cooked to medium doneness (as we requested), the steak retained the buttery, flavorful taste of medium-rare steaks while still having juiciness and tenderness that comes with a good piece of beef.


    For our dessert, we opted for something more unique than the traditional mango or chocolate panna cotta. Panna Cotta al Miele Tartufato (PhP 420) is a special version of the famous Italian cream custard with truffled honey syrup and sweet balsamic vinegar. Apparently, truffles aren’t just for pasta, pizza, fries, and risotto, and balsamic vinegar isn’t only for bread, pizza, and salads.

    It appears that nothing is impossible nowadays, and we were very pleased. Now we know that panna cotta ticks the box of things that go well with truffles. The flavor and fragrance of the truffled honey complemented the savory tones and richness of the cream. Texture was custard-like, silky smooth, and thick but still melts in the mouth.

    Price for Value:

    Prego Ristorante and Bar in City of Dreams Manila is everything you’d expect from a fine-dining Italian restaurant and bar. It pairs elegant and tasty plates with beautiful and serene surroundings overseen by their welcoming staff. Any meal would be a special occasion and although the experience is decidedly not cheap, it’s certainly worth what you pay. Plus, booking with BigDish would be a nice move to get discounted rates. Dine smarter and click on the button below to reserve a table now. 🙂

    To know more about BigDish, check out its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BigDishPH/ or visit its website at https://bigdish.ph/. Click this button to book a table now:

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com/restaurants/prego” name=”Prego Ristorante and Bar” description=”Upper Ground Level, City of Dreams Manila, Roxas Blvd, Parañaque, 1701 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 893 4155″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-06-05″ ]

  • Review of The Wine Club (Legaspi Village, Makati City)

    Review of The Wine Club (Legaspi Village, Makati City)

    What started as a wine retail store a decade ago is now a restaurant. The Wine Club in Aguirre, Legazpi Street is deep in the center of corporate midtown in Makati, located on the ground floor of a really nice condo. It isn’t actually a “wine club” like the name literally entails; there’s no membership or contract with a locked-in period for subscription. Rather, The Wine Club is a wine lounge where you can have a memorable night out. At the same time, it’s a distributor that offers a wide range of collectible Napa Valley and Sonoma wines to many distinguished hotels and restaurant chains nationwide. Their food menu is not extensive but quality of dishes is pretty solid.

    Dinner was booked through BigDish’s trusty mobile app a week ago, and we had an instant 20% 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 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.

    Review of The Wine Club (Legaspi Village, Makati City)

    Ambiance:

    Featuring a minimal design, The Wine Club has a rustic Italian ambiance. It’s upscale without being stuffy, and it feels celebratory almost any day of the week. Surrounding the modest bar and dining area are various wines on multi-level shelves. Heavy wooden bench tables set against contemporary bar stools create an intimate feel where guests can enjoy their wines at their own pace. Overall, the setting is cozy and the place feels relaxing. It’s an ideal spot for romantic dates, business meetings, power lunches, after-work dinners, and canapé evenings.

    Service:

    To maintain a good standard of service and professionalism, it’s always a plus when service attendants present themselves with a working knowledge about the wines’ vintage, appellation, varietal, and growing region and can answer succinctly when asked. They do at The Wine Club. The staff were conversational and were able to provide excellent recommendations with a good cadence of delivery. They were attentive and friendly without being overbearing.  Dishes were served in a coordinated, smooth, and timely manner.

    Food:

    Topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, and minced beef, the flatbread (PhP 500) comprised of a good balance of salt, spice, and a little spike of acidity. Mildly bouncy, the pepperoni had a meaty chew and the textural differences with the rest of the components were satisfactory. The crust was amply topped with cheese that added salt and a more depth of flavor to the pie.

    Fresh Basil and Pistachio Nut Pesto Pasta (PhP 490) was rich, appetizing, and deeply flavorful. The pistachio nut mixture was finely granular yet still contributing to its nutty, herbaceous, and lemony profile. Adding cheese would certainly make a savory topping.

    Presented with a deep, sweet, crisply charred crust, Grilled Tiger Prawn Sautee (PhP 590) was a hit. The shrimps were juicy and tender with a crunchy pop, and the layered flavors wonderfully burst with a decisive snap in our mouth.

    Cabernet Braised Kitayama Wagyu Shank (PhP 880) hit all the beefiness and represented a perfect bite of food. We’re happy that it didn’t fall short of our expectation. The beef shanks were luxuriantly rich, moist, and juicy with intramuscular fat.

    For our wine fix, we chose Long Barn Chardonnay 2014 (PhP 250/glass) and Bogle Merlot 2014 (PhP 280/glass) to pair with meat, seafood, pizza, and pasta. Long Barn Chardonnay 2014 is citrus, well-balanced, and almost full in the mouth. The palate is coated with notes along with hints of apricot, apple, balanced aromas of pear and vanilla, and an oak taste on the finish. On the other hand, Bogle Merlot 2014 tasted fresh with plum and fruity flavors with a touch of earth. Texture was smooth and lightly tannic. Overall, this medium-bodied red wine is great for sipping with food.

    Price for Value:

    The Wine Club’s impressive and varied new-world wine selection, user-friendly menus, and the trained staff are the top reasons why I think this wine lounge/restaurant is a recommended go-to destination for foodie and wine enthusiasts alike. If you want quaffable wine to keep the food as focus, you’re in good hands here. The Wine Club has wines that are made for easy drinking and a delicious modern Italian fare that delivers fair value in price. Its welcoming environment will have you returning time and again. Bring in more company to fuel a fun vibe, and make sure to check out BigDish to score a great deal. 🙂

    To know more about BigDish, check out its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BigDishPH/ or visit its website at https://bigdish.ph/. Click this button to book a table now:

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/wineclubph/” name=”The Wine Club” description=”101 Aguirre Street, Legaspi Village, Makati” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 893 7784 or email info@wineclub.co.ph” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-05-28″ ]

  • Where to Eat: 12 Best Restaurants We Tried in the Balkans

    Where to Eat: 12 Best Restaurants We Tried in the Balkans

    With all the eating we’ve done during our travel to the Balkans, I was 100% certain I would be gaining weight at tremendous speed, faster than I ever have in my life—and I was right (secretly hoped not). In 11 consecutive days, we visited at least two restaurants a day and were served with appetizing meals complete with a starter, a heavy main course, and yummy dessert. We could have waved a white flag, out of fullness, each time. In any case, we thank Mulan Travel Service Corp. for having done a great job in selecting restaurants with a sophisticated edge serving up delicious food that’s pretty hard not to love. In this post, I’m sharing the 12 best restaurants we tried in the Balkans (Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina). 🙂

    Where to Eat: 12 Best Restaurants We Tried in the Balkans

    1. Vila Prešeren

    Veslaska Promenada 14 SI-4260 Bled, Slovenia
    +386 4 5752510

    A sensational place for a contemporary, light cuisine with a touch of the Mediterranean, Vila Prešeren’s à la carte restaurant offers salad platters, risottos, pastas, fish and meat dishes, grilled dishes and desserts accompanied with top-quality wines from the best Slovenian and foreign wine cellars. We had amuse bouche, risotto with octopus, shrimps, and parmesan lollipop, beef tagliata made with creamy potatoes with tartufata and cabernet reduction, and the famous Bled cream cake. Overall, Vila Prešeren can be seen as a civilized oasis where refined fare are served by warm and considerate waitstaff.

    2. Restaurant Bevanda

    Zert ul. 8, 51410, Opatija, Croatia
    +385 51 493888

    Restaurant Bevanda is one of those places that’s perfect for a tough-to-please crowd. The restaurant’s distinct interior design looks contemporary and multi-functional. Facilities can accommodate both private and business events. Focused on pure and discernible food aromas, dishes were as classic as the decor. We had risotto with mussels and Kvarner scampi and prawns, sea bass fillet grilled chard on the Diamatian way, and millefoglie with forest fruit. If you’re missing the white-tablecloth dining rooms of days past, this restaurant in a resort in Opatija must be something you’ll fancy.

    3. Restaurant Foša

    Ul. kraija Dmitra Zvonimira 2, 23420, Zadar
    +385 23 314421

    A Mediterranean restaurant in Zadar, Foša presented to us dishes that walked the line between approachable and elegant. Dinner started with the cold trio (octopus carpaccio, fresh fish carpaccio, daimatian bruschetta), followed with a fillet of sea bass with aromatic herbs gratin, oven-baked, and potatoes sauteed in olive oil, and ended wonderfully with chocolate lava cake. Ambiance was lovely, especially at nighttime. This is a space that works for both special-occasion meals and a casual drop-in.

    4. Seoska kuća Čilipi

    Bistrače 2, 20213, Čilipi, Croatia
    +385 20 771 163

    Seoska kuća Čilipi in Croatia is located in a rural area about an hour from Dubrovnik. All of the food and wine served at the farmhouse were grown by them. Meat lovers will be glad to savor their first-rate grilled meat (sausages, chicken and pork), while style-conscious diners will appreciate the rustic setting the most. This restaurant delivered an unforgettable meal for us. Wine made some of us feel “happier” than normal, if you know what I mean. 😛 Red and white wine were best paired with homemade cheese, prosciutto, and olives.

    5. Restaurant Adriatic Grašo

    Uvala Baluni 21000 Split, Croatia
    +385 (0) 21 398560

    Restaurant Adriatic Grašo is my favorite among all the restaurants in this list. 🙂 The spectacular view can’t be beat. Located on Sustipan cliff at the foot of Marjan hill (10 minutes walk from the city center of Split), this spot is known for the terrific way it handles seafood. Our appetizer, Couver Sea Fantasty, was no exception. It comprised of six different “swimmingly fresh” carpaccios on a bed of fresh salad. Scampi Cream Soup was also prepared simply and beautifully. For mains, we had white fish, calamari, and grilled scampi. Exquisite cooking and ambiance to burn define this date-night nexus. The mood was quite intimate and classy.

    6. Restaurant Galion

    Suranj bb, Kotor Municipality 85330, Montenegro
    +382 32 325054

    Galion in Montenegro is a must for seafood lovers. Their kitchen does its magic well. We enjoyed a parade of cold adriatic seafood and fish delicacies, satisfying squid ink risotto with sepia and crispy parmesan chips, and lemon cream with crispy meringue and tart crumble. There was a whole lot of wow from the combo of all these seemingly disparate flavors adorned with the Mediterranean soul. For its interior, Galion features aquatic flourishes and wooden tones enhancing an already sleek dining experience that is unmistakably high end–yet worth every penny.

    7. Restaurant Proto

    Siroka ul. 1, 20000, Duborvnik, Croatia
    +385 20 323 234

    Dinner at Proto Fish Restaurant was a grand affair, full of the kind that characterizes Croatian fine dining. Every mouthful proved to be a rewarding adventure. For starters, we had Adriatic salad with scampi, melon, and avocado and fisherman’s soup en tasse. The star of our meal was the Gratinated Lobster Tail “Ponta Ostra” (risotto with wild rice, truffles and mushrooms), and hazelnut parfait for dessert absolutely hit the spot. Brilliance doesn’t come cheap, and even though a turn in this dining room might be the most expensive thing, it’s worth splashing out for a meal here any time of day.

    8. Restaurant Poklisar

    Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000, Duborvnik, Croatia
    +385 20 322 176

    When a salad just won’t do, getting to the meat of the matter with heaping platters of protein is always a nice move. At Restaurant Poklisar where dishes have a great depth of flavor, we had mussels buzzara, a delectable serving of visually striking tenderloin (insanely good), and ended with sweet panna cotta for dessert. The flavors were comforting; it will only take a few bites to see why this restaurant has so many regulars. Along with its enticing old European atmosphere, Poklisar has exemplary servers who stayed on their toes to ensure diners leave vowing to visit again. Trivia: In Dubrovnik dialect, the name Poklisar translates to ‘’an ambassador.’’ Truly, they’re an ambassador of good taste and remarkable moments.

    9. Marco’s Bar and Food

    Ul. Korčulanskog statuta 1214, 20260, Korčula, Croatia
    +385 98 275701

    It’s not often that you get to travel to a restaurant by boat. We did at Marco’s Bar and Food, a welcoming wine bar and tavern situated at one of the best Korčula Old Town locations, right at the beautiful Trg Antuna and Stjepana Radica square. This place served one of the best food we tasted during our tour: soup, homemade pasta with lobster, and mascarpone cream with cookie crumble and wild berry coulis. Enlivened with modern presentation for great style and flair, the pasta with lobster was the most indulgent. A few bites, and you’ll realize the chef’s works of art taste as good as it looked.

    10. Restaurant Bota Šare

    Marina Drzica 1, Ston, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
    +385 20 754 482

    In an area with a dearth of good dining options in Dubrovnik, Restaurant Bota Šare is one that’s satisfying. Can you believe that two old dusty books with recipes found in the basement of the owner’s home were actually the foundation of all recipes for Bota Šare’s dishes? Their chefs find inspiration in those books to master their culinary art. As a first-timer here, it’s best to try the signature platters. Both the Mixed Bota Platter (daimatian smoked ham, cheese, fish pate, tuna salad, shellfish salad fish carpaccio, marinated fish, seafood risotto) and the Bota Mixed Fish Platter (tuna broshette, white fish file, grilled calamari, bread crumbed mussels, fried smelts with vegetables) were well-executed. The luscious combination of ingredients in each platter won’t just take you to a different block; it will knock you out of this world! For a sweet ending, we had cream caramel. Oh, it was divine!

    11. Restaurant Gallo

    Ul. Andrije Hebranga 34, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
    +385 1 4814014

    If you are looking for true continental and coastal Croatian cuisine, Gallo is the place. It’s only a few minutes of walking distance from Zagreb’s greatest cultural assets (the National Theatre, Mimara Museum, University Library, and Academy of Arts and Science). With the homey and classic ambiance, we felt like queens even though we weren’t dressed for the evening. Fish soup set the right mood for a decent meal. The seafood pasta though wasn’t cooked adequately, just south of al dente.

    12. Restaurant Oxbo Steak (Restaurant of Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton)

    Ul. Grada Vukovara 269A, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
    +385 1 6001 914

    The “too much of a good thing can be wonderful” philosophy seems to be the general premise at Restaurant Oxbo Steak. Our dining experience here can be summed up with the in-love emoji. The food was pretty solid, bordering on mind-blowing in terms of taste and character. Much to my delight, I can still vividly remember nodding while eating, as a sign of approval. The carrot and ginger soup tasted healthy and indulgent, and the Istrian Ravioli with black truffles, cream, and proschiutto was hearty and perfectly seasoned. As for the main, their strip loin steak with vegetable puree on the side and orange and brandy demi glace was decadent. Finishing the bourbon chocolate cake and raspberry sorbet was not a problem. It was so good! We didn’t have to battle over who gets what, because everyone got his/her own share of these marvelous entrees. ♥

    All photos were taken using Fujifilm XT2 + 14mm lens.

    [schema type=”review” name=”Where to Eat: 12 Best Restaurants We Tried in the Balkans” description=”This post lists the top 12 best restaurants we tried in the Balkans in April 2017. The restaurant visits were prearranged and booked by Mulan Travel Service Corp. in the Philippines.” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-05-26″ ]

  • Review of Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse (Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse (Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City)

    BGC in Taguig has enough good places now that you can legitimately crawl your way around it and go on a foodie adventure if you so choose. Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse in Burgos Circle is one of the restaurants in the area where you come for large portions of food with tons of flavor. It’s a Southern American diner where smoked and barbecued meat reigns supreme. If you appreciate a full tray of nachos with all sorts of tasty toppings, hearty sandwiches, and smoked bbq, Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse should be on the radar.

    Dinner was booked through BigDish’s trusty mobile app a week ago, and we had an instant 10% 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 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.

    Review of Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse (Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance:

    Located literally within the circle at Burgos Circle, Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse can quickly capture the attention of people driving around in the search for good eats. Inside, a cozy interior awaits with a bar counter on the first floor and more seats at the second floor. Distressed wood finishing and vintage decors create an atmosphere that is natural and contemporary, intimate and vibrant. Pipe details and black-and-white drawings on the walls make up a unique, industrial-meets-rustic setting.

    Food:

    Hot Pork Poppers (PhP 175) consisted of thin slices of deep-fried rub dusted pork belly and piedmont sauce. You can think of these poppers as dried or dehyrdrated bacon that are not as salty. They’re pretty satisfying to eat and easy to share.

    With the perfect balance of sweet and salty, Jera’s Ultimate Nachos (PhP 55) managed to impress. It’s generous in size and taste and has seemingly contradictory attributes: tender but not mushy, fatty and flavorful, sweet and salty. Toppings include way too many ingredients I couldn’t speak all in one breath: seasoned tortilla chips, pulled pork, homemade bacon strips, cheese sauce, bbq sauce, alabama white bbq sauce, fried tortilla, and sliced toasted baguettes. With all these stuff, it can be put easily as the holy grail of snack food.

    Crab and Corn Soup (PhP 150) was soup of the day. It’s by far the only crab and corn soup we had where there were crab sticks and corn kernels not only cooked as flavoring but in actual chewable bits. Nice touch!

    The star of the night had to be Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse’s Smoked Beef Brisket (PhP 550). The half pound of 16 hours smoked angus beef brisket was served with two sides: Texas Dirty Rice (PhP 60) and Chicken Macaroni Salad (PhP 85). Taste-wise, think a medley of sweet, savory, and spicy, with the pickles imparting a zesty and sour lightness. The beef brisket came with a wonderful meatiness well-complemented by the smokiness but only in the background, where it lingered for seconds after each bite.

    Hot Daddy’s Burger (PhP 275) was presented with: half pound beef patty, spicy bbq suace, brioche buns, cheddar cheese, crispy jalapeno peppers, and chipotle mayo. We were asked if we wanted mild, spicy, or deadly, and we chose mild (since we could always put on more hot sauce if need be). With a smidge of heat, the burger was moist and hit the right notes for the most part, with its familiar flavors. The beef was undeniably juicy. Additional condiments were not necessary at all.

    For dessert, we had the Apple Cobbler (PhP 280), which was made with baked apple slices, cashew streusel, vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce. It had rich and holiday flavor with fruity components. Highly recommended! 🙂

    Price for Value:

    Aside from heaping scoops of ice cream and halo-halo, if there’s anything that screams summer, it’s piles of smoked meat, and Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse in Burgos Circle, BGC has some serious power in making compelling dishes of it. Expect to get melt-in-your-mouth smoked beef brisket, roasted chicken and pork, at reasonable prices, for their specialties. Local and imported beers, cocktails and fresh juices are also available to complement substantial food. We’ll visit again, next time! 🙂

    To know more about BigDish, check out its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BigDishPH/ or visit its website at https://bigdish.ph/. Click this button to book a table now:

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/fatdaddyssmokehouse/” name=”Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse” description=”Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 8876030 or 0915 5627447″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-05-15″ ]

  • Review of Finnians Irish Pub (Little Baguio, San Juan)

    Review of Finnians Irish Pub (Little Baguio, San Juan)

    It’s been a long time since we last visited San Juan to discover and try new restaurants in the radar. Finnians Irish Pub invited us for dinner, and we thought we’ll have a great time chowing on a decent shepherd’s pie and then washing it down with cocktails. Finnians Irish Pub in Little Baguio (operating hours: 7PM to 3AM, except Mondays) is a cozy, non-nonsense pub where you can grab yummy food and wind down with casual beer. It’s best to go with up to three other people and indulge yourself in a variety of things on the menu.

    Review of Finnians Irish Pub (Little Baguio, San Juan)

    Ambiance:

    Sick of the same casual restaurant you dine in over and over?  Finnians Irish Pub will get you out of your rut. The atmosphere was pleasant and laid-back, and overall vibe was not stuffy, not too old, and not too young. It’s a nice haven where you can have a good catch-up with friends. Irish tunes were on the background and the volume was kept low to allow guests to keep up with conversations. Completing the Irish pub ambiance were: a wall-mounted TV playing sports, a nice bar area on the center, textured tiles, simple wooden tables, and comfortable benches and stools with no policy on seating arrangement.

    Food:

    Finnians Irish Pub is a good place to hang for drinks, but the menu is more than fish and chips. It serves a fusion of Filipino and Australian comfort food favorites, which otherwise does not exist in too many dining places around here. Food takes on tasty flavors. We started with Shepherd’s Pie (PhP 275), which is always a good choice when you’re in an Irish pub or restaurant. After a weekend of revelry, there’s nothing better than digging into a bowl of warm, meaty pie topped with buttery mashed potatoes. It’s worth ordering and not just a waste of calories.

    Garlic Buttered Chicken (PhP 240) was one of our favorite items on the menu. Even without gravy, it was spot-on delicious, with the right level of salt and not a hint of excess greasiness. The chicken was juicy (loved that), and the garlic and butter combo didn’t fail to make the flavor better.

    Cordon Bleu (PhP 245) was another crowd-pleaser. It’s got substance and something that’s a little bit fancy about it. The oven-baked fried chicken was wrapped around with ham and cheese and topped with rich white sauce. We hardly paused to breathe between bites.

    Finnian Irish Pub’s Fish and Chips (PhP 175) was served as a classic dish of fried battered fish and golden-brown fries. It nailed all the essentials: crisp, thinly-cut chips and fish that retained plenty of succulence and an appealing creaminess underneath a golden fried exterior. We got two orders for the group and enjoyed every bite.

    The Honey Bourbon Ribs (PhP 340) consisted of melt-in-your-mouth baby back pork ribs smothered with flavorful honey bourbon. The meat was tender with a nice smokiness to it. The sauce was sweet, thick, with an acidic tang and a discernible fruitiness. It’s a must-order.

    For drinks, we tried the Melon Ball (PhP 125) which was made with a concoction of melon, vodka, and pineapple juice. It’s refreshing, not too sweet, and a pretty awesome upgrade from the usual flavored cocktails. Our other friends on the table were happy with the Blue Lagoon (PhP 125) (vodka, blue curacao, sprite) and Tequila Sunrise (PhP 125) (tequila, orange juice, grenadine).

    Price for Value:

    Finnians Irish Pub has a special ambiance and charm subtly put together, where people can come to relax and be themselves. Prices are affordable and very reasonable. The servers were warm, hospitable, and really looked like they were on top of their game. Start your night here and enjoy a great meal, listen to music, and take part in the art of conversation over a few pints. Help yourself with Guinness beer.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/FinniansPub/” name=”Finnians Irish Pub” description=”403 F. Calderon, San Juan, Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 750 2654″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-05-07″ ]