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  • Review of King One Rotary Hotpot (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of King One Rotary Hotpot (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Buffet restaurants are a big hit nowadays and they’re almost always a full house in every location. My friends and I are among the many others who especially love celebrating events in such restaurants where we can eat all we can without consciously minding about the supply of food to keep conversations going. 😛 Last Christmas, we were quite late to make reservations for our barkada. We ended up dining in at King One Rotary Hotpot in Tomas Morato.

    Review of King One Rotary Hotpot (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Design and arrangement-wise, King One Rotary Hotpot is not really a stunner but nothing to sneeze at either. Its charm perhaps mostly roots at the lively family atmosphere and endearingly friendly staff. At the center, the rotary belt is pretty much the main attraction in the restaurant.

    Each table features a stove of hot and flavorful broth where vegetable, seafood, and meat options are dropped in and cooked. It only takes a couple of minutes before food is ready to be fished out with tongs or chopsticks.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    King One Rotary Hotpot has a hybrid of self-service and table service. From the moment we sat down, the staff handed out a checklist of items we want to get. Apparently, not all items on the list were placed on the rotary belt, so guests still have to request others from the waiter. Somehow, the ordering part was easy and convenient. Appetizers, drinks, and desserts were available on the buffet table, and we could grab them at our own pace, too.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Food tastes were okay in general, and the variety of items for the buffet hotpot was satisfactory. Few short courses could be ordered as part of the buffet set but in no way they could be considered destination-worthy. Quality did not pack a punch and failed to incite quite the mania fans of Chinese food.

    Moving on, from the conveyor belt, the top two ones we got were the sliced marbled beef and the beef balls. I could not recall just how many plates of sliced marbled beef we shoveled down our greedy little gullets, but it was surely more than six. 🙂 The beef was sooo good!

    Vegetables like enoki mushrooms, tofu, and fresh greens and seafood like crab sticks, scallops, and oysters were also delightful. The real diet-detonator though was the utterly addictive balls oozing with cheese. Texture was soft like your pillow and taste was a cross between yellow sunshine and heaven.

    Desserts were meek (sigh), so we crossed the street to the new J.Co for some donuts and coffee.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Dining at King One Rotary Hotpot in Tomas Morato was fun, interactive, and enjoyable. At PhP 650/person, the price represents a fair value for money.  The vast dining room with burners at the center of each table is great and recommended for family-style dining and for big groups of friends like ours.  🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kingone-Rotary-Hot-Pot-Tomas-Morato/276381379232624″ name=”King One Rotary Hotpot” description=”270, Forum Building, Tomas Morato Ave, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 332 8073″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-01-22″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of The Red Crab Alimango House (Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong)

    Review of The Red Crab Alimango House (Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong)

    After our Managing Director’s Report at the Isla Ballroom of EDSA Shangri-La hotel last week, our IT Director treated the team to lunch. It’s not every day that fate brings our team together for a lunch date, so we’re thankful we were given the “license” to venture beyond the confines of our office and into the dining proper. 🙂 Our first choice then was Cyma and the second was Tender Bob’s in Shangri-La Mall.

    Alas, both restaurants were full and could not accommodate 12 of us in a table at the peak of lunch hour. The Red Crab Alimango House was just adjacent and likewise offered large portions of food for group-sharing. We went in fast, hungry and eager to try their food.

    Review of The Red Crab Alimango House (Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Are those traditional Japanese windows? I’m not sure if Japanese is the theme here. As far as the food goes, these Japanese-inspired interior design does not match any of the restaurant’s menu. Although the overall concept was abstruse and quite doubtful, the atmosphere was nice. Dressed with rich chocolate brown furniture, wooden panel accents on the ceiling, and wooden lighting fixtures above each table, The Red Crab Alimango House in Shangri-La Plaza Mall looked refined and sophisticated. Somehow I hoped to see the dining room be punctuated with red and rainbow-bright decors just to emphasize on its “Red Crab” branding.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    When eating crabs, it’s a must to be careful as the legs of the crabs are quite thorny. The server brought us crab scissors and helped us initially with cracking. Otherwise, it would have been a messy affair. Service was quite fast and efficient except for the last part when we requested to pack the leftovers for us to take home.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    The Red Crab’s menu is all about seafood but there’s quite a bit of variety. We had Crispy Chicaron Bulaklak (PhP 245) and Baby Squid Sisig (PhP 195) for starters. The lovely crackle on the fried pork intestines made the crunchy chicharon bulaklak an amicable affair. We could not ask more from that golden brown crispy skin.

    SautĂ©ed with liver, the baby squid sisig was just average and didn’t leave a good impression. The fact that I deserted the dish after the second mouthful was a clear testament. Perhaps removing the liver and putting in more onions and seasonings will make it more pleasant-tasting.

    Crab Adobo (PhP 195/100g) is one of the best signature dishes at The Red Crab. Comprising a blend of various salts and spices, the fresh crab’s meat tasted naturally sweet with fried garlic and aligue. Roe lovers may expect to rejoice as there’s more than enough to share. The sweet sauce that coated the crabs was also particularly addictive as it went well with plain rice, making a filling meal. How did I know it was fresh? The whole pincer was packed with solid meat—not the loose kind that falls apart easily.

    Lapu-Lapu with Sweet and Sour Sauce (PhP 185/100g)  reminded me fondly of my mom’s cooking as this was one of her star dishes that would make me cancel my dinner plans to head home for a homecooked meal. The tasty sauce dressed the fish equally and the fish was deep-fried for a succulent yet crispy bite.

    Lapu-Lapu with Chili Mango Sauce (PhP 185/100g) was as well a stunner. Mango sauce was tad weird for my liking though, so while the subtle sweetness of it did the lapu-lapu recipe justice, I have my preference with the more conventional technique.

    To compensate for our “seafood quota” on that meal, we had two plates of Sigarilyas Express (PhP 245) which was served with thinly sliced winged beans and kangkong stalks. Cooked in coconut milk and chili with crisp-fried pork belly, this vegetable entrĂ©e had the right level of spiciness and a slightly sweet tinge to it. It was fine but not really a “wow” kind of dish. I’ve had better.

    Lastly, the Manila Pork Ribs (PhP 325) came with a rich glaze of sweet pineapple-infused barbecue sauce and a texture that’s tender yet meaty. Earning compliments for its “well rendered fat,” the pork ribs tasted robust without being overzealous. It did not have a fall-of-the-bone softness; rather, the meat was released with just a gentle tug of the teeth, not a pain to eat.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    For finger-licking good crabs that are prepared to perfection, The Red Crab Alimango House is the place to be. Devotees give two “claws up” for the magnificent freshness and sweetness of the crabs. The rest of the food we tried were not as delightful but were decent in any case. Prices are expensive so for those who are short in budget, it will be best to save eating in this restaurant for big occasions.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/RedCrabAlimangoHouse/” name=”The Red Crab Alimango House” description=”Level 6, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 9104096″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-01-19″ user_review=”15″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Other branches:
    EASTWOOD MALL: G/F Eastwood Mall Brgy Bagumbayan Quezon City
    Tel. (02) 584-7433

    GREENBELT 3: 2/F greenbelt 3 Ayala Center Makati City
    Tel. (02) 757-4129, (02) 757-4716

    LUCKY CHINATOWN: 2/F Lucky Chinatown, Reina Regente St. Cor Dela Reina St. Binondo Manila
    Tel. (02) 708-9578, 0932-2415935, 0916-6532430

    MORATO: 104 JSB Building Cor. Sct Delgado Tomas Morato Quezon City
    Tel. (02) 374-8406

    RESORTS WORLD: 2nd Level F&B Resorts World Newport Mall, Villamor Pasay City
    Tel. (02) 856-0087

  • Kain Tulog Gang’s New Year’s Celebration (F1 Hotel Manila, BGC)

    Kain Tulog Gang’s New Year’s Celebration (F1 Hotel Manila, BGC)

    The Kain Tulog Gang (KTG) never fails to party in style. As the first event I attended this year, our New Year’s celebration was both fun and memorable. We give special thanks to our Bossman Spanky, our generous sponsors (Leonardo’s Lechon, The Plaza Ham, and Goldilocks), and friends from F1 Hotel Manila who arranged everything perfectly to ensure our enjoyment and pleasure. F1 Hotel Manila in BGC is our home far away from home! It is apparently where our foodie group was formed. 🙂

    with Pau Esmedilla, F1 Hotel Manila Marketing Assistant

    Happy New Year to our growing foodie family!

    To kick-start our party at the Titanium function room, we were introduced to Chef Timothy Decker Gokioco, the new head chef of F1 Hotel Manila. He will be in charge of the kitchen operations of F All Day Dining, Canary Lounge, and F1 Banquet and Catering. Read more about him below.

    Inside Out was our event’s theme, and Chef Decker prepared a lunch buffet with items that are friendly for all kids and kids at heart respectively. Pinoy spaghetti, cocktail hotdog skewers, pork barbecue skewers, vegetable gratin, and crispy fried chicken are part of the main course. Highlights of the dessert station included the yema tart and the tablea polvoron.

    F1 Hotel Manila’s Spicy Lechon Duck on one corner caught all our attention as well. The duck skin was rubbed with spice and it had a nice crunch with just the right amount of fat hiding underneath. Taste was phenomenal.

    The Plaza Premium Baked Ham paired with loaves of warm pan de sal (courtesy of The Plaza Ham) with different sauces was absolutely delicious. Ham season was upon us, and this piece of pink meat was a pleasant holiday centerpiece on the table. (For orders, contact 02-8908446 or 02-8434267.)

    Leornardo’s Native Lechon is perhaps the best example of just how well Filipinos know their pork. The lechon’s interior was tender and moist with fat and juicy meat. Despite being a pure, unadulterated dose of pork, this is one thing you won’t tire of. Eating a whole plate is a dangerously simple task! (For orders, contact 02-7269828.)

    Goldilocks celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Rich and magnificent, Goldilocks’ chocolate cake is a true classic with just the right amount of sweetness. I love that they now accept requests for cake customization that spans from simple to the more intricate. Customized cakes are processed at least five to seven working days before the event. (For inquiries, call 02-5324050.)

    We also sang the birthday song to our dear friends who are having their birthdays this January. Happy birthday to Mati, Richie, Chiara, Aidan, and JPedro! 🙂

    KTG

    Chef Decker of F1 Hotel Manila

    The young and very talented chef joins the all-Filipino hospitality brand to put a stronger hold on the hotel’s contemporary yet authentic Filipino food and beverage offerings.

    Chef Decker started to help his mother in the kitchen at an early age, growing up with Chinese and Filipino cuisines. He then pursued his love for food and cooking when he took up HRIM major in Culinary Arts at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde in 2005. In 2008, he started his professional career in the kitchen at Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati, then joined several five-star hotels, went up the ranks until he landed The Cake Club’s kitchen as its Chef de Partie in 2014.

    Along with numerous awards and recognition, it was also in 2014 when Chef Decker was listed under Spot.ph’s “10 Must-Watch Chefs under 30,” and was able to bag the coveted Mabuhay Awards in the supervisory category. Chef Decker continued to be an achiever as he juggled his professional career with his part-time stint as a Chef Instructor at his Alma Mater also during the same year.

    With his family’s solid influence in his creations, Chef Decker shall be imparting several family traditions and heirloom recipes as he introduces original dining concepts starting this year. Thus, diners and patrons of F1 Hotel Manila shall expect a more vibrant and flavorful dining experience for 2016! 🙂

    Asian Buffet Adventure at F1 Hotel Manila

    This 2016, it’s time to savor the richness of Asian culture and cuisines at F1 Hotel Manila. The Asian Buffet Adventure at F All Day Dining Restaurant will be highlighting the variety of flavors from Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, China, and of course, the Philippines.

    Delight yourself with the buffet’s wide selection of Asian cuisine as there’s surely something for every taste, including a selection of fresh seafood, sashimi, noodles and other Asian favorites. The spread shall also include some signature dishes of F1 Hotel Manila’s new Executive Sous Chef, Decker Gokioco which include Poached Mahi-Mahi with Seafood Mousse in Curry Sauce; Fernando’s 4-Day Marinated Pork Belly, and his classic take on the traditional Peking Duck.

    The Asian Buffet Adventure is available during lunch or dinner buffet for only PhP 1,399 nett per person, available until February 29, 2016 only. For inquiries and reservations, please call 02-9289888 or email at inquiry@f1hotelsandresorts.com.

    F1 Hotel Manila is located at 32nd street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. For inquiries and reservations, please call 02-9289888. For online booking and more information, please visit www.f1hotelmanila.com. Read about our staycation here.

  • Review of Seasons Restaurant (Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, Manila)

    Review of Seasons Restaurant (Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, Manila)

    In celebrating Christmas last year, we feasted on the dinner buffet prepared by Seasons at the Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino in Manila. This hotel is just 11-minute drive from our home, so it’s very convenient for us to avoid the holiday traffic. I got two vouchers from Ensogo.com.ph and paid only half of the regular price per person. Neat! Spanking and sassy, Seasons is an “interactive lifestyle restaurant” that offers a dining venue where the world’s most celebrated cuisines come together in one grand ensemble.

    Review of Seasons Restaurant (Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, Manila)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    No doubt, the atmosphere at Seasons speaks of beauty, style, and class. The buffet tables are laid out close to one another and in an organized fashion—according to cuisine and type of food. The interior design and arrangement of dining spaces in the restaurant have not changed since our last visit (two years ago).

    I love the play of wooden finishes and the deliberate use of illumination for aesthetics. Sleek chandeliers on a single row create a soft directional beam, and textured three-dimensional wall panels on one side makes a statement which can instantly draw attention. While everything looks posh in this hotel’s gastronomic arena, it will be great to see nice modern changes to the scene as well.

    Service: ★★☆☆☆

    There’s a certain level of expectation that comes along with hotel restaurants from an overall service perspective, and Seasons didn’t come close to it. Service was slow and was not up to normal hotel standards.

    At the onset, the waiter had me follow him walk through almost half of the entire dining area when asked where our reserved seats were located. Apparently, he was finding our table based on the name written on the “reservation name card” on top of each table when he could have noted the table number from the reception and directly pointed out where it was.

    The second disappointing instance was that we were given drinking water that smelled and tasted like ZONROX Bleach (an agent for cleaning, deodorizing, and removing of hard stains on clothes). Good thing that my mom and sister were able to taste it and raise the issue to one of the waitresses, so the glasses of water were replaced with clean and odorless ones.

    Thirdly, since we were seated in a corner that’s barely noticeable, getting the staff’s attention was as hard as finding a stud earring in the car. It was possible but hard. Fulfilling requests like taking out used plates and asking for tissue paper took longer as they should. I thought they’re understaffed because we saw quite only a few walking around and serving the needs of customers. It was not that they were not really paying attention or flirting with one another as if in a high school class without supervision.

    For all it’s worth, I give credit to the restaurant manager who immediately gave my mom a new fork when he passed by and saw it accidentally fell off the table.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    Seasons in Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino serves a range of classic Filipino food and some international delicacies. From breads, Chinese dim sum, DIY salads, and soups to main dishes and mouth-watering desserts, Seasons maintains its long-held reputation for elegant hotel restaurant dining in Manila.

    Sadly, when compared against premium buffet restaurants in Metro Manila now emerging and battling to be the forefront in the food industry, Seasons takes a backseat, at least in our humble opinion. The food situation was average and there were no weird flavors that don’t belong, but nothing about the variety and the tastes was memorable and there was not much to get excited about either.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    As it turned out, Seasons at Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino was a letdown in terms of service and the food selection, hence it follows that my rating for the price for value is on the low side of the spectrum. Take one star down when basing it on the original price of PhP 1499 per person.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.waterfronthotels.com.ph/manila/outlets/seasons.html” name=”Seasons” description=”Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel & Casino, U. N. Avenue Corner Maria Orosa Street, Ermita, Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 5261212″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-1-15″ user_review=”14″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: 6 AM to 10:30 AM (breakfast), 11:30 AM to 3 PM (lunch), 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM (dinner)

  • Review of Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet (Binondo, Manila)

    Review of Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet (Binondo, Manila)

    Strategically located in the heart of Chinatown, the Philippine’s oldest business district, Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel provides good amenities of an international standard business hotel. When my maternal grandmother found that Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet (äŸ†äŸ†ć€§é…’ćș—) serves all-day buffet, she invited us to go try it out for breakfast. I thought it was definitely a great idea since this hotel in Binondo is just near our place and the cost per person doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Offered with a whopping price of PhP 148 (from 7AM-10AM), how could we say no? Also, restaurants around this area has not really disappointed us—until that day. 🙁

    We might had just expected more Chinese dim sum and more familiar palatable Chinese food to delight our taste buds. In any case, it was a nice try. The good news is that food variety they have on the buffet are on rotation, so it’s best to keep an eye every now and then to see what’s on the table.

    Review of Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet äŸ†äŸ†ć€§é…’ćș— (Binondo, Manila)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    On the surface, interior design at Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet looked rather unassuming considering that it’s placed in a “hotel of international standard.” The restaurant’s ambiance was contemporary, cozy, and clean. Red table linens easily created a decent “Chinese restaurant” setting. Buffet tables were arranged at the farthest end of the dining room, and dining furniture were set across with enough space for everyone to move freely about.

    Food: ★☆☆☆☆

    This buffet restaurant in Binondo may be a good place where hotel guests can comfortably dine in to start the day, but foodies must understand that there’s a lot more choices of restaurants in Chinatown where they can go for a leisurely meal.

    Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet’s food selection simply failed to impress. We had plain porridge, white bread and eggs, ampalaya (bitter gourd), fish, salted pickled mustard (kiam chye), Chinese cabbages, hotdogs, pork, garlic rice, noodles, and soup. At one glance, I knew they’re skippable. Tastes were not terrible but nowhere near a worthy representation of what Chinese cuisine has to offer. I was with my family and that was what counted more than the unappetizing food.

    Price for Value: ★☆☆☆☆

    If you’re satisfied with these food selections for morning buffet, then dining at Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet may be the best bang for your buck and you’ll have plenty fun finishing multiple plates. Nothing was wrong with the tastes of the food; these were just not my ideal choices for a all-you-can-eat meal. I’m better off paying the same amount of money to get a bowl of ramen noodles or a short order of my favorite dumplings in Binondo.Â ćŸˆæŠ±æ­‰ïŒŒæˆ‘äžæƒłć›žäŸ†.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.chinatownlailai.com/” name=”Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet” description=”801 Ongpin St. Cor. Padilla St. Binondo, Manila, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (+632) 25-22-888, (+632) 736-6501, or (+63927) 810-2559 ” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-01-09″ user_review=”5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”15″ ]

  • Review of Ippudo Ramen (Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita)

    Review of Ippudo Ramen (Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita)

    Every time we pass by Ippudo Ramen at SM Megamall Mega Fashion Fall, we always see a long queue. The line alone easily draws in more interest and attention from the hungry foodie souls in the area. Some people have the patience [of saints] to wait for more than half an hour for their turn to be seated. Regrettably, I’m not one of them, yet I still felt positive that Ippudo Ramen is a place that’s worth a trip on its own merit.

    Last week, my boyfriend and I watched Walang Forever in Robinsons Place Manila. After the movie, we went downstairs searching for a restaurant for dinner. My eyes lit up when we found Ipuddo Ramen in the mall—without any queue outside. It was a miracle! 😛 Apparently, this famous hip Japanese restaurant has opened just recently and soon this year it will be branching out to more locations in the Philippines. Happy New Year, btw! 🙂

    Review of Ippudo Ramen (Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Ippudo Ramen’s interior design in Robinsons Place Manila looked edgy and functional. It was nothing too fancy, just a straight up restaurant with traditional Japanese decors such as the lanterns and simple furniture. Although it’s tucked away in a busy mall, I was pleasantly surprised that Ippudo keeps an intimate kind of feeling and peaceful atmosphere inside. Splashes of vivid red, white, and black made up a color palette making the restaurant interior exhale a certain sophistication that resonate with its Asian style. Spotlights spread through the area gave an inviting glow. Soup spoons and bowls displayed on the walls reminded me of Ramen Nagi.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Warm hospitality was provided the moment we came in. There’s no annoying movie-star vibe in the no-frills dining room, and service was reliable and friendly. With engaging personality, the staff asked us about our thoughts on each dish and he made sure we had a good time.

    Food: ★★★★★

    For starters, we had a short order of Hakata Style Gyoza (PhP 195, five pieces), Ippudo’s classic pan-fried dumplings. The meat and vegetable-stuffed gyoza had an extra crispy exterior, while its inner skin remained soft. Size was small so each piece fit right into the mouth. It was great with the vinegar soy sauce.

    Unagi Rice in Stone Pot (PhP 490) is a winning comfort food, I tell you. The chunks of grilled unagi on top of shredded egg and the bed of sweet soy sauce-based unagi flavored rice were phenomenal. Include this in your stomach’s itinerary next time you plan to dine in at Ippudo Ramen. 🙂

    Served on our table with a glimmering sheen of fat on top, the best recommended Akamaru Shinaji Special (PhP 490) was powerful as its taste struck a perfect balance with the rich broth, spices, and the pork belly. With salted soft-boiled egg, the “very hard” delicately bouncy noodles had an al dente bite to them. Topped with “umami dama” miso paste,cabbage, sesame kikurage mushrooms, scallions, and fragrant garlic oil, this ramen bowl of glory is right in my personal wheelhouse.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Ippudo Ramen is where us noodle junkies can get a proper fix. It gives patrons a run for their money with its memorable ramen and exceptional Japanese offerings. This restaurant is a solid standout with top-end food creations in a setting that’s unassuming relative to the hype. I would love to come back for another foodie adventure with my sister. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/ippudoPH” name=”Ippudo Ramen” description=”Midtown Wing, Robinson Place Manila, Pedro Gil St Cor Adriatico St, Ermita Brgy 667 Zone 72, Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 353 0701″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-01-03″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Mad For Wagyu Buffet at Heat (EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)

    Review of Mad For Wagyu Buffet at Heat (EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)

    Roasted Wagyu Beef. Wagyu Xiao Long Bao. Wagyu Tacos. Wagyu Panini. Wagyu Sushi. Wagyu Shawarma. Wagyu everything! Sounds exciting? This is just the beginning. The list goes on and on. 🙂 Bottom line: Heat at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel invites everyone, especially die-hard fans of wagyu, to come try out their special offer that’s available every Saturday for dinner in 2016: MAD FOR WAGYU. This buffet features premium wagyu beef entrees that will make you feel completely and utterly stuffed and satisfied.

    Through the years, by consistently raising its culinary bar on inventive take on all sorts of food, Heat remains the kind of establishment you walk into and immediately feel good about. The KTG went up for it last Saturday and had plenty fun. Each dish was well-executed and clearly prepared and cooked by people who know what they’re doing the kitchen. Ticking both the quality and value boxes is easy, and our foodie group did it with aplomb.

    Review of Mad For Wagyu Buffet at Heat (EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Heat’s interior design looks enchanting for a dinner with friends, family, or for business. Two years have gone by and I still have the same adoration for the ambiance. (Read my short review here on Zomato.) Muted browns paired with other more vibrant colors give the restaurant a cozy and fun feel.

    No doubt, Heat in EDSA Shangri-La Hotel is almost jaw-dropping in the design department with the impressive arrangement of tables that can accommodate large and small groups. The soft lighting sets off an effect that’s formal and not overly stuffy. Such stunning surroundings enhance the phenomenal gustatory experience.

    The function rooms create a mood of hushed intimacy, but the outside “communal” dining area as well exudes a refined, understated glamour. Needless to say, this appealing feature of taste and aesthetics places Heat at the top tier of romantic dining venues, a reputation it has enjoyed for years.

    Service: ★★★★★

    EDSA Shangri-La Hotel is known as a really outstanding hotel with exceptional service. The staff at Heat is armed with professionalism, efficiency, and great attitudes. What I loved the most was the complimentary five-minute massage that the guys at Chi Spa offer to all Mad For Wagyu customers.

    The team behind must have acknowledged the fact that most people feel tired, drowsy, and/or sleepy after eating so much. I had the massage while resting and pacing my meal right before dessert. It was good and I felt so relaxed. The person who went before me even struggled to keep his eyes open. 😛

    Food: ★★★★★

    At Mad For Wagyu, wagyu beef, as the name implies, is the main star. For those who are not familiar, wagyu is the priciest (about USD 190/kg) and the juiciest, richest steak in the world. The flavor mostly resides on the fat, and it consists of a mouth-filling savoriness combined with a palate-coating richness. The texture is as tender as lightly cooked fish. Once cooked, the delicate red marbled slices of wagyu transforms into savory, meaty, umami goodness.

    We demolished the lot…and a whole lot of it!

    Wagyu ShawarmaWagyu Beef Jerky

Wagyu Beef Tartare

Chef Tobias Unger, Executive Chef of EDSA Shangri-La Manila

    Chinese Station: Wagyu Beef Balls, Wagyu Beef Asado, and Wagyu Xiao Long Bao were supremely delectable. Roast duck, roast pork, Hainanese chicken, and seafood dumplings were items that left me almost breathless. Above all though, my favorite has to be the Xiao Long Bao! 🙂 Wrapped with a delicately steamed skin, the juice-filled bun formed a tender, springy ball inside.

    Japanese Station: Fresh sushi and sashimi were presented neatly and colorfully. True wagyu lovers should aim to try the Gyu Maki, which is topped with wagyu beef, for something different than usual.

    Grill Station: While Mad For Wagyu buffet is heavy on meat-centric offerings, the lobsters also end up being truly craveable. Have them grilled with butter and call this king of crustaceans a winner. If you have a big appetite on more meat, wagyu sirloin, wagyu ribeye, and wagyu burgers must strike your fancy no less.

    Soup Station: Adding on to the variety of food at Mad For Wagyu, soups with noodles are also available by request. I dove into a bowl of seafood laksa noodles which gave a warm and gentle comfort with a bit of spice.

    Carving Station: Looking to impress, the Wagyu Roast Leg of Beef and the Wagyu Tomahawk are a serious carnivore’s dream. I especially loved the roast beef for it was riddled with that mouthwatering marbling and succulent, beefy flavor. Fork tender, the texture was smooth and deeply satisfying.

    On the other hand, there’s nothing really more enticing than seeing a gargantuan piece of Wagyu Tomahawk. The slab of meat was so big that it looked like a guitar. 🙂 Caramelized roasted-brown outside, inside was nice and pink, and in the center, a warm cherry red. A closer look revealed the veins of marbling fat that makes it so good.

    Lots of condiments with different flavors are available in the Sauces Station, but I preferred eating the wagyu beef without any additional sauce accompaniment.

    Desserts Station: Don’t leave without treating yourself some desserts. If you’re tired of eating the same old desserts, it will be cool to try the Wagyu Chocolate Crepe! This crepe was shaped into the Wagyu symbol, a signature dessert that’s a perfect ending to the fantastic cuisine. It wasn’t too sweet and tasted just like a regular crepe. Adding strawberries, blueberries, and other fruits and ice cream is optional.

    Don’t miss these items:

    • Red-wine Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek by Chef Tobias
    • Marinated Wagyu Tenderloin Beef by Chef Yusuke Hino
    • Stewed Wagyu Beef Brisket with Radish and Homemade Sauce by Chef Tony
    • Wagyu Beef Ball Pao Bun by Chef Andy Liew
    • Wagyu Beef Cheek Cannelloni by Chef Marco

    Beverage Packages:

    • Wagyu Beertail (PhP 450) – beer mug lychee margarita, Corona beer, tequila, lychee nad lime, comes with a wagyu neck pillow
    • Unlimited Wine Pairing (PhP 750) – Piccini, Rupe Ai Sassi Montepulciano, Italy Chairman’s Selection, Shiraz, Australia Cadet D’OC, Cabernet Savignon, France Felix Solis, Tempranillo, Spain Calterra, Carmenere, Chile
    • Free Flowing Draft Beer (PhP 700) – Stella Artois On Tap

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Positive dining experiences at Heat are frequent—perhaps even the norm. If you’re a foodie in Ortigas, Mandaluyong, or anywhere near this part of the metro, you have found yourself in the perfect locale. For lovers of wagyu, you really can’t go wrong with Heat’s theme. Arrive hungry, and savor everything!

    Mad For Wagyu buffet net price per person is PhP 2415. While this may require saving more than a few hundred of pesos, tasting and indulging in delicious premium wagyu beef in various forms is worth the potential scrimping in the aftermath. 🙂

    Operating hours: 6 pm to 10:30 pm

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  • Review of Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    On the Saturday before Christmas, Louie and I planned to celebrate the holiday and have a quiet dinner in a restaurant in Tomas Morato. The Frazzled Cook was our top choice, however for some reason, Waze wasn’t able to guide us to the right direction and we could not find the place after driving up and down the street past the address where it should have been. We ended up in Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel, a nonetheless fine choice where food is just what we’re in the mood for.

    Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel has been awarded as one of the Philippine Tatler’s 2009 Best Restaurants on its 6th month in operations. That says a lot about the quality of its food. “Buenisimo” is a Spanish word which means very good or someone exceptionally beautiful.

    The restaurant is owned and run by Chef Gino and Giannina Gonzales, son and daughter of celebrity chef Gene Gonzales of Cafe Ysabel. The menu at Buenisimo is a collaboration of Cafe Ysabel’s favorites, traditional fare that their family used to have on Sundays and new experimental dishes with unique taste concepts and pairings. I personally have met Chef Gino in a Yummy Magazine event held in Enderun, BGC and I know he makes really delicious and crave-worthy food, so it was interesting to actually sample dishes in one of his restaurants. 🙂

    Review of Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    As a cozy nook in the heart of Tomas Morato, this place sets the standard for “special-ocassion” dining. With its clean lines and neutral colors, the interior design exudes a luxury feel made for celebrating something special. Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel in Tomas Morato provides a modern take on Filipino minimalism. The relaxed yet upscale atmosphere looked impressive.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    The staff was gracious and accommodating, helping make for a relaxing setting that’s as casual or formal as you want to make it. When there were more guests though, servers were not as attentive and they did not respond promptly when called for as when there were fewer active tables. That’s pretty understandable at prime times, but there must be a room for improvement in terms of efficiency and alertness to keep a high level of customer service.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel delivered a perfectly roasted chicken that’s brined overnight served with caramelized onion gravy. The dish is called Giannina’s Roasted Chicken (PhP 318) on the menu, and it’s definitely one of the most recommended comfort food in the list. Along with mashed potatoes and vegetables on the side, the roasted chicken had crisp skin and tender and juicy meat that draws the difference between good and great. As soul-satisfying as it is, this entree can be the ultimate weeknight staple.

    Four Cheese Pizza (PhP 468) made with pomodoro, mozzarella, bleu cheese, gruyere cheese, white cheese, and fresh basil was great. The bottom part revealed a soft crumb that is pliant and chewy, not crackery or tough, that transitioned from being soft and bread-like to moist and slick right where the cheesy flavors and sauce meet it. The pizza was tad salty and had the right amount of cheesy goodness with a bare hint of sweetness.

    Three Mushroom Truffle Cream (PhP 438) was overwhelmingly good. Made with shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms. We chose the spaghetti type of pasta over penne and fettuccine, and it turned out well. The creamy pasta was intensely flavored with fresh mushrooms, and truffle oil gave a savory depth. We love it! 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel serves excellent renditions of food without an ounce of pretense. Staffs give guests a warm welcome and offer its approachable menu in the vibrant, stylish setting. All in all, this charmer in QC makes wow-worthy dishes matched with fair prices to boot. It deserves its well-earned reputation for premium-quality cooking.

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