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  • Review of Rekado Atbp. (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Rekado Atbp. (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Rekado Atbp. is a Filipino restaurant that ably executes traditional Pinoy food favorites and one that does so in a trendy setting. I treated my family to lunch in its branch in BGC Stopover a day before Christmas when we were exploring new restaurants in Bonifacio Global City. Serving generous portions of food, Rekado Atbp. is a laid-back spot that’s totally recommended for big-group and family-style dining.

    Review of Rekado Atbp. (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Rekado Atbp. in BGC Stopover Pavilion has classy interior design and theme that combines orange and versatile brown conveying luxury and earthiness. It’s interesting how these colors create an upbeat yet formal dining ambiance as they communicate a certain air of maturity and liveliness at the same time.

    The use of wood textures on the walls and dining fixtures made an interesting visual detail. The restaurant’s soft lighting was also a key element that heightened a more elegant experience. The chandeliers looked very nice and chic. I wished I could bring them home! 😛

    Service: ★★★★☆

    Servers were not as attentive as they should have been at the latter part of our stay. Maybe their minds were on holiday mode and they were also thinking about vacation? Anyway, for the most part, they were nice and friendly. Our orders came out fast and plates were taken as they empty.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Green mussels taste more like the sweet, briny ocean. Since mussels are such a blank canvas, dressing them up with flavors that can ultimately transform the dish to the next level must be a breeze. Tahong Chips (PhP 199) served with cream cheese dip put on a nice try. The chips were crispy and tasty with the condiment, but the true taste of mussels did not stand out in every bite.

    Tahong Sisig (PhP 250), on the other hand, was a stunner. Presented on a hot plate, the garlicky chopped green mussels were tempting and great with plain white rice. We sprinkled calamansi juice and mixed it all over. The result was a dish that’s decidedly tangy, exotic, and over-the-top delicious. Adding in chili made it even more palatable, and this is best for fans of heat. Bulls-eye!

    Binagoongan Verde (PhP 255) isn’t your standard lechon kawali. It consisted of crisp lechon kawali rubbed with shrimp paste served with green mango puree. The pork was juicy and well-spiced. The taste of bagoong was overpowering in this dish and it added a layer of pungency. For newbies, sometimes the aroma alone can be too much to handle. But for us who appreciate fermented shrimp paste, a whiff of it makes us become like a bee to flowers.

    Adobong Kangkong at Tokwa (PhP 95) was made with river spinach and tofu cooked in soy sauce and topped with toasted garlic. It’s got a nice kick and contrast between the sour vinegar, sweet soy sauce, and nutty garlic. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians gotta love it. 🙂

    Combined with vegetables, Bulalo Soup (PhP 460) was commendable in its simplicity, but it slightly lacked the taste of beef shank that we imagined. There’s nothing too bad about it, but it’s not life-changing either. The beef was really tender and fell off of the bone. It won’t hurt to eat the beef fat inside the marrow once in a while, especially this holiday season. It’s pure decadence!

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Finding a good restaurant in BGC is easy. It’s a culinary zone that’s expanding fast with new delicious spots in just about every corner. Still, it’s a breath of fresh air when the food is legitimately awesome. Rekado Atbp. is a recommended Filipino restaurant that serves great food at great value. 🙂 The next time you’re on the hunt for some Pinoy comfort food or need a reward for working late at the office in BGC, Rekado Atbp. is the move.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/rekadoatbp/” name=”Rekado Atbp.” description=”31st Street Corner 2nd Avenue, BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 3307720″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-12-28″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Other branch: Rekado The Columns, Salcedo Village, Makati City – Ground Floor, The Columns Tower 2, Ayala Corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Bel-Air, Makati City

  • Review of Monoreach Angkor Hotel (Siem Reap, Cambodia)

    Review of Monoreach Angkor Hotel (Siem Reap, Cambodia)

    Monoreach Angkor Hotel did not seem like a three-star budget hotel because of its highly elegant interior furnishing and excellent traditional Khmer hospitality and friendly service. Located along National Road No. 6 near Siem Reap International Airport, the world famous Angkor Wat Temples, and many other must-see landmarks, this hotel had been our luxurious home away from home when we were touring in Cambodia. Public transportation is not a problem. There are tuktuks stationed in front of the hotel, and the friendly drivers can easily bring guests to the temples, shopping areas, and places nearby.

    Review of Monoreach Angkor Hotel (Siem Reap, Cambodia)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    With a happy blend of character and style, Monoreach Hotel in Siem Reap ticks all the boxes with its appealing surrounding. Age-old wooden furniture that are tastefully furnished, bright natural lighting, clean tiles, and the high ceiling make a winning combination. Our tour guide said that the hotel is not new but was just recently renovated, and that perhaps explains the upgraded modern facilities and amenities such as the outdoor swimming pool, gym, massage rooms, souvenir shop, and function rooms for conferences and other events.

    Monoreach Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap has 110 spacious and beautiful rooms of international standard. We stayed for two nights in a spacious twin/double room that’s packed with touches of the old-fashioned side. Dark woods dominate the interiors, lending a corporate feel. The room was spotless and air-conditioned, and the bed was comfortable and perfectly pleasant. The bathrooms was also spacious and modern, with a pretty bath tub, hot-cold shower, and plenty of free toiletries.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    The hotel service is a model of traditional formal service: courteous and respectful. The hotel staff was welcoming all the time and quick to respond. The only sad thing is that we had to ask for the Wi-Fi password every time we needed to access the Internet and it was only available in the lobby and restaurant areas.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    On the mezzanine level of the hotel, the Monareach Restaurant offers guests a poolside view on one side and a garden view and on the other. The breakfast buffet was not a lavish spread of delights, but it provided us a little bit of everything: Khmer, Chinese and Thai dishes. In short, it was not up to par with our expectation. The sad part was that since there were many guests dining at any time, we had almost run out of food on our second day. Apparently, food at the buffet was not replenished. We went down at 8:30AM, when breakfast starts at around 7AM. I guess the lesson here is to be up earlier to be ahead of everyone else. 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Monoreach Angkor Hotel in Cambodia is a haven of peace. It’s a well-run, hip hotel combining the past with 21st-century comfort and chic. Rooms looked posh and guests are pampered with care. Selection of food for breakfast was disappointing, but this didn’t make our stay any less satisfying overall. Price for its value is reasonable. Single room costs USD 40-45 a night; twin/double deluxe, USD 60-65; and superior deluxe, USD 70-80. These rates are inclusive of daily buffet breakfast.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.monoreach.com/” name=”Monoreach Angkor Hotel” description=”268 National Road Number 6, Siem Reap / Angkor, Cambodia” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call +855 63 760 182″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-12-27″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Top 2 Restaurants We Recommend When in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

    Top 2 Restaurants We Recommend When in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

    Where to eat in Vietnam? One of the things we enjoy most about traveling is discovering and tasting the local cuisine and specialties of the place. When in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, we tried dining at many Asian restaurants, and two among the best recommended ones are Quan An Ngon 138 and Saigon Steak 123. It’s a shame that I could only name a couple, and this is largely because we realize we’re not huge fans of Vietnamese cuisine. In any case, you can’t go wrong with these mainstays if you want tasty, comforting fare with a pleasing mix of traditional and modern at cheap prices. 🙂

    Top 2 Restaurants We Recommend When in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

    Quan An Ngon Restaurant

    Opposite the entrance to the Reunification Palace, Quan An Ngon 138 is a large restaurant located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street where we enjoyed a very good authentic Vietnamese meal. It was our tourist guide who directed us at this place and he’s right when he said it’s a good option for those seeking a bite to eat before or after visiting the palace. We were seated in the open-air format, with solid wooden tables, interesting handmade decors, and nice outdoor plants.

    Stepping inside the restaurant, we saw that Quan An Ngon Restaurant looks like one of those 18th century Vietnamese houses, one for the elites, no less. Walls are adorned with paintings and decorations.  Different stations prepare different kinds of food on the spot, and guests can observe them while cooking and preparing. The food selection is extensive and the quality is not bad. For those who like to taste local Vietnamese food in a wonderful and relaxing ambiance, this is the place! 🙂

    Quan An Ngon 138 is where the holy grail of pho awaits. This no-nonsense Vietnamese joint really does cater to a lot of pho fans. We gulped down satisfying noodle soups with rich and flavorful broth and fresh and appealing vegetables. With springy noodles and fresh bright herbs, the Chicken Noodle Soup and Beef Noodle Soup were aromatic and full-bodied. They’re the perfect food for chasing away the doldrums of winter, except there’s no winter in Vietnam. Temperature was just the same as in Manila.

    The Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls were heavenly. Filled with thinly sliced savory pork, cabbage, glass noodles, and carrots, these crispy deep-fried spring rolls were far more complex in flavor and texture than the usual Shanghai spring rolls I know. The food presentation also won my heart. 🙂

    Address: 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street | District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
    Phone: +84 8 3825 7179

    Saigon Steak 123 – European Steakhouse

    On our way to Ben Thanh Market, we thought of stopping by at a local restaurant for some refreshments as we were tired of touring around the famous landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City. Saigon Steak 123 – European Steakhouse caught our attention since its menu showed specialties of European and Vietnamese food. The menu emphasizes on wagyu steaks, hamburgers, and pasta, but we only tried local items.

    The atmosphere was romantic and cozy. This place is worth the splurge when you want to impress someone on a date out. Service was superb and the staffs spoke English relatively well (better than most locals we met on the streets).

    For dinner, we ordered the Fresh Spring Rolls which consisted of pork, prawn, vegetables, rice vermicelli, and other ingredients wrapped in Vietnamese rice paper and served with dipping sauce. The veggies along with herbs were crisp and they were neatly packaged in a deliciously chewy-soft wrapping that we snatched up and ate with our hands. The pieces were refreshingly cool and just great for a light meal.

    For something out of the ordinary, we ordered the Vietnamese Pancake and thought it’s good but quite oily. It was served with coconut milk-flavored crepe made out of rice and topped with shrimps with shelves on and slivers of fatty pork. A lot like a crêpe, the Vietnamese pancake was thin and slightly crispy with airy and translucent texture. I enjoyed it very much. Yum! 🙂

    Address: 123 le Loi, District 1 Hcmc | 123 le Loi, District 1 Hcmc, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Phone: 8 3914 0747

    Click here to read about the top 10 tourist attractions we visited in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

  • Luwak White Koffie: Indonesian Instant White Coffee Now in the Philippines

    Luwak White Koffie: Indonesian Instant White Coffee Now in the Philippines

    White Supremacy: Millennials Spearheading the White Coffee Revolution

    Today’s generation of coffee drinkers like exploring different kinds of coffee varieties and flavors with different levels of creaminess, bitterness, sweetness, and richness. The funny thing is that most blends available to consumers nowadays focus more on the milky flavor rather than the authentic coffee flavor. Even I have grown accustom to coffee tasting like a mug of warm milk and only a tad hint of real coffee. 🙂 For traditional coffee folks who may be disappointed with this kind of coffee, “Luwak White Koffie” is the newest product now in the Philippines that can fulfill your satisfaction and make your taste buds happy.

    The Coffee Game Changer

    There’s a good number of brands of coffee competing in the market, and taste preferences have influenced the way instant coffee is made. Certain blends have come to taste less authentic than they should, but  “Luwak White Koffie” changes the coffee game by offering drinkers a more authentic take on white coffee. It is an instant blend from Indonesia with a milder taste of coffee and the right cream-to-sugar-to-coffee ratio.

    Not to be confused with the civet coffee or luwak coffee, White Koffie is a trade mark of the “Luwak” brand. Rather than changing the formula for white coffee completely, it has simply tweaked it to make the drinking experience a lot more fulfilling and a lot more memorable. If you’re a fan of white coffee, Luwak White Koffie must be worth a try.

    “Luwak White Koffie is not sweet coffee. It is coffee that happens to be sweet,” says Jerbie Ong, President of Reddimart Multi-Resources Inc., the official distributor of Luwak White Kofie in the Philippines. While keeping the creaminess associated with white coffee, the brand more importantly keeps the rich, otherwise bitter flavor of good authentic coffee.

    With the Indonesian instant coffee mix’s more authentic take on white coffee, drinkers will have a more fulfilling coffee experience. It’s the perfect coffee for millennials who want to relax with a good book in one hand and a steaming cup of joe in the other. For more information on Luwak White Koffie, please visit http://reddimart.ph/.

  • Top 5 Restaurants We Recommend When in Cambodia

    Top 5 Restaurants We Recommend When in Cambodia

    Life went by so fast in the past few weeks. I barely have the time to sit down and reflect on lessons I learned by far, yet I made a promise to myself to blog about the top five restaurants we tried in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Cambodia before 2015 ends, else the details might just go to oblivion. So, here it goes.

    Since we came with a packaged tour itinerary, most of our meals were already prearranged and we did not have a hard time finding places to eat. There were time when we had free days though, and these were when we decided to check out the city’s best-rated restaurants (according to TripAdvisor) by ourselves. We rode tuk-tuks, asked the locals for directions, and eventually found our way through. If you’re a foodie, you may also find this list helpful. 🙂

    Top 5 Restaurants We Recommend When in Cambodia

    1. Haven Training Restaurant

    HAVEN Training Restaurant offers just the normal kind of food and not some unique Cambodian delicacy, but what it sets it apart from others is that it works as a non-religious social enterprise and a training restaurant for vulnerable young adults from orphanages and safe shelters, as well as underprivileged young adults from very rural poor areas.

    The people who serve food here are mostly young, and HAVEN supports their transition from institution to real world, giving them a chance to step out of the poverty cycle. The trainees are also provided with protected and guided shared housing, meals, medical care and a monthly training allowance. Furthermore we offer them English and computer lessons.

    With regard to the food, HAVEN Training Restaurant in Siem Reap makes really good food matched with an appealing presentation. The place was packed at the peak of lunch hour. We did not come with a reservation but were lucky enough to score one small table in one corner. All the tables were spread out in a lovely garden setting, making for a memorable and romantic experience.

    Fish Fillet with Green Mango · $8.00


    Cordon Bleu (Chicken) · $8.00

    See its menu.

    Address: Chocolate Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
    Phone:+855 78 342 404
    Hours: Open today · 5:30 – 9:30 PM

    2. The Sugar Palm Restaurant & Bar

    The Sugar Palm has branches both in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. We visited the one in Siem Reap for dinner just before we went to the airport on our last day in Cambodia. This place was designed and purposefully built as a large wooden Khmer-house style restaurant set on the upper floor. An extended bar area at the center is where guests can have a pre-dinner cocktail or be entertained while waiting for a table.

    Our tour guide warned us that prices of food in this restaurant are expensive. Indeed, the tabs are far costlier than those in local eateries, but the delicious meal we had was worth it. The Sugar Palm was awarded as the 2014 winner and received a certificate of excellence by the TripAdvisor Community. Another compelling reason why tourists must try the food here is that Restaurateur and TV Chef Gordon Ramsay himself recommends it.

    The only thing I didn’t like was that cooking time took long and we were so hungry. Other than that, their rendition of Khmer dishes with a slight modern twist was great. Ambiance was very airy and homely. Wait staff was friendly and professional.

    Khmer Chicken Satay · $5 

    Prawn Khmer Curry · $8.50

    Fried Noodles with Beef · $5.50

    See its menu.

    Address: Taphul Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
    Phone:+855 63 964 838

    3. Amazon Angkor Cambodia

    This restaurant was near our hotel. Upon entrance, we were astounded by its massive space and large spread of food in a buffet setting. Amazon Angkor offers a wide exhibit of Cambodian and international cuisine featuring Japanese, Thai, Chinese, and others. Overall, the different tastes and flavors were enjoyable.

    While dining, guests get to watch a live performance onstage. Musicians playing folk songs and Apsara dancers gave a good overview on the Cambodian tradition, culture, music, and arts. The show started at 7:30PM and ended at 8:30PM. At the end of the show, we were allowed to take pictures with the dancers. Buffet set per person including the show costs $10. For this price, the value was unbeatable.

    Address: Krous Village, Svay Dangkum, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
    Phone: +855-12 966 98

    4. Samroh Srah Srang Restaurant

    We stopped by at Samroh Srah Srang Restaurant (in front of the Srah Srang Lake) for lunch when we were touring the Angkor Wat Complex. The restaurant looked simple and straightforward, but the food was good and typical Khmer. We were seated in the air-conditioned dining area, so we treated the experience as a nice and welcoming break from all the walking (and temple-hopping) we’ve done for the past four hours.

    Spring Rolls and Mixed Veggies with Nuts

    Chicken Curry

    Iced Coffee

    Address: Group5, North Srahsang Village , Nokor Thom Commune | Siem Reap Angkor Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
    Phone: (0) 12 77 89 42

    5. Friends the Restaurant

    Like HAVEN Training Restaurant, Friends the Restaurant also operates its business with a cause. This colorful training restaurant near the National Museum is not only famous in Phnom Penh, Cambodia but also across the globe.

    It is run by Mith Samlanh whose vision is to build the futures of former street children and marginalized young people in Phnom Penh since 1994. Friends has a shop called attached to the restaurant that sells all sorts of handmade stuff created by the students and villagers.

    We had the pleasure of eating sumptuous food and supporting their development of local people. Friends the Restaurant has a little of everything from tapas, burgers, and salads to desserts and drinks for the veggie lover, the fish and seafood lover, the adventurous, carnivores, and the sweet tooth. It’s a warm and charming place that’s quiet, much like a lovely oasis that’s very relaxing.

    Burmese Chicken Curry with Crispy Noodles, Smoked Chili, and Pickled Mustard Greens · $5.75

    Khaiphaen’s Grilled Beef Salad with Szechuan Peppers and Crispy Frangipani Flowers · $6.50

    Mixed Berry and Green Apple Crumble with Coconut Ice Cream · $4.50

    See its menu.

    Address: #215 Street 13, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
    Phone:+855 12 802 072

  • Review of King Lei Lei Hotel (Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan)

    Review of King Lei Lei Hotel (Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan)

    About three months before our trip to Taipei, we booked a family hotel room via Agoda.com in King Lei Lei Hotel in Ximending (台北市西门町) at a discounted price. The primary reason why we chose this hotel was its close proximity to many tourist places in the city. Several other satisfied guests recommend staying in this hotel because of comfort and convenience. The property is five minutes’ walk to Ximending metro station, which makes it accessible for us to travel to many areas easily. Below is my review of King Lei Lei Hotel as a budget hotel in Taipei, Taiwan.

    Review of King Lei Lei Hotel 金丽丽旅社(Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    King Lei Lei Hotel may be an appealing option for backpackers, budget travelers, and other easygoing travelers in Taipei. It was built in 1980 and was renovated in only this year (2015). This budget hotel is nowhere a trendsetter in the “artsy” department. Thus, those looking for a more exquisite and elegant hotel should definitely think twice. In our case, since we’re out most of the time whenever we travel, we’re fine sticking just with the basics.

    The “quad” room we occupied was good for four people. With two queen-size beds, a sofa, and a dresser, the room looked quite old-fashioned but it was in pretty good shape. In terms of design, King Lei Lei Hotel is not really fit for a king.

    The bedroom was outfitted with standard amenities, such as the electric fan, AC, telephone, mini fridge, free Wi-Fi and cable LCD TV. All will be fine for families who are willing to overlook a scuff or two on the wall. The best things about this room were that it’s relatively spacious for a family and it had a laid back atmosphere which I thought could easily win over travelers looking for a quiet, unique place to stay.

    The private bathroom had a minimalist theme. Shower was efficient with both cold and hot water. Slippers, towels, shampoo, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste were provided.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    I’m not sure if people at the hotel counter know how to speak and understand English because we spoke to them in Mandarin all the time. They were not so friendly but were accommodating enough to manage our requests. We asked for additional coffee, towels, and tissue paper, and we were allowed to just get the stuff from the hotel’s moving cart of toiletries and freebies without question and without added cost.

    The reception area wasn’t manned at all times, but there’s a bell that guests would have to ring to call the staff’s attention. We didn’t encounter any problem checking in and out of the hotel. Our room was cleaned and maintained daily.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    King Lei Lei Hotel in Ximending has 22 rooms. It’s good for couples, solo travelers, families with children (both young and older), and business travelers. As a point of reference for budgeting, the double room (for two) costs USD 26.23 per night, and the quad room (for four) costs USD 44. Considering price for value, it’s a bargain. 🙂 We stayed here for three nights.

    To read about the top 10 attractive tourist places we visited in Taiwan, click here.

    [schema type=”review” name=”King Lei Lei Hotel 金丽丽旅社” description=”10F No.191, Hanzhong St., Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan 10846″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-12-14″ user_review=”12″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”15″ ]

    Check in time: 4:00PM
    Check out time: 12:00NN

  • Review of Planet Grapes (Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong)

    Review of Planet Grapes (Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong)

    Planet Grapes in Shangri-La Plaza is the third branch of PG in the Philippines. Now we don’t need to travel to outer space to actually land on another planet! 😛 Kidding aside, Planet Grapes is where traditional Filipino street food is glorified and earns its own spot together with wine on the menu.

    Whether you want to try a traditional wine pairing, an adventurous meal, or just some great Pinoy dessert, Planet Grapes is sure to delight. The selections here are as different and exciting as you’d want them to be. This is where you can let go your traditional ideas of what a good restaurant is supposed to be and just enjoy some winning combos.

    Review of Planet Grapes (Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Planet Grapes’ interior was full of attractive wine bottles that are displayed on the background and those striking ones that make up the chandelier. The ambiance was splendid, and the overall setting was quiet and intimate.

    I love the coherent and consistent theme on the first and second floors. It gave a cozy, upscale, and warm vibe that’s desirable and presentable—anything but low key. It’s lively without being real loud, so you can come for food and wine but still hear the people next to you.

    Fixtures throughout the space and the enomatic machines look most sleek. Speaking of enomatic machines, these are state-of-the-art Italian machines that allow customers to try different wines by sip, half-glass, and full glass sizes. Cool stuff!

    With all these combined, Planet Grapes must be the next new classic. Sound the alarm. It’s a headliner, an ideal place to take your date on a nice, sit-down dinner and share a magical spark over some comforting Filipino food. It’s also a great go-to restaurant to grab lunch or snacks with business partners and colleagues.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was fantastic. Especially if you’re trying out wine for the first time and can’t decide which would go well to complement your food orders, Planet Grapes is a good place to start to learn about the types of wine and their characteristics. The service attendants are equipped with the knowledge to describe wine and serve it correctly and confidently to customers. They’re incredibly helpful with wine options, food recommendations, and general pleasantries.

    The Open Kitchen

    Food: ★★★★☆

    We had our department planning here and stayed for both lunch and merienda. The food we ordered were delicious, interesting, and slightly overwhelming all at once. Planet Grapes – Shangri-La Mall’s menu is focused around plates rooted in Filipino cuisine, but with some modern twists that kept us engaged and satisfied in our dining experience. To know more about the items on the menu, click here.

    For starters, we had Chicharon with Tinapa Dip (PhP 215), PG Super Sisig (PhP 210) and Grilled Chorizo (PhP 135). All were indulging and maybe the type that you don’t want to eat in front of your boss as you’re sure to end up with a little bit of grease on your lips.

    Chicharon with Tinapa Dip is one of the best-sellers and for good reason. It’s the familiar taste of crispy pork rinds cooked through an air fryer matched in heaven with salty smoked fish. The bold taste of smoked fish made this appetizer really sumptuous. It was nearly impossible to stop the “hand to mouth” action. Nom nom nom.

    On a screaming-hot cast-iron pan, the Super Sisig entree was good but nothing out of the ordinary. I thought it’s tempting to eat it with rice, but it also tasted fine by itself.

    The chunks of chorizo, on another plate, was pleasurable with nice pockets of firm pork fat. They were made just right, neither too sweet nor heavily spiced.

    Our mains consisted of some grilled specialties: Organic BBQ Pork Spare Ribs (PhP 725, 450g), Organic Pork Chop (PhP 450), and Black Cod Steak (PhP 395) with our chosen sides: Grilled Parmesan Corn, Fresh Mixed Salad, Plain Rice.

    BBQ pork ribs come to mind first when I think of “ribs.” Prepared and rubbed with a good mess of seasonings and smoked on the grill as we’ve seen in the kitchen, these organic bbq pork square ribs by Planet Grapes are a hit. The tender ribs stood out to me primarily with the barbecue sauce having a good blast of flavor.

    Dry and chewy pork chops are a thing of the past. PG’s thick-cut organic pork chops were not too tough but also not too fork-tender. I thought eating them with apple sauce or pickled vegetables would be great, but that’s a story for another appetite.

    Among the three, the black cod steak was my favorite. Wonderfully buttery, it was deeply seasoned and the result was completely irresistible. The rich white-flesh fish came with a moist, succulent texture.

    To cap off our meal, we had Turon Trilogy (PhP 165) which reminded me of Napolones from Bacolod and Choco Collision (PhP 225) for desserts. With beautiful flaky crisp layer of skin on the exterior, Turon Trilogy was filled with three classic Filipino dessert delicacies: thinly sliced banana, purple yam (ube) and jackfruit (langka). It definitely scored high.

    As a chocolate lover, I have to give the sexy plate of Choco Collision a round of applause! It’s hard to say no to a rich and creamy chocolaty treat topped with vanilla ice cream like this. 🙂

    The wines available at Planet Grapes represent different wine regions in the world. We tried the “Gunderloch Jean Baptiste Riesling Kabinett 2013, Pradikätswein.” Yes, the name is quite a mouthful. It’s a light-bodied white wine with a cool nose of barely ripe apple, a touch of honey, orange and gentle herbs. It tasted clean, vibrant, and edgy with a scintillating mineral. I like that it has a low level of sweetness and somewhat a silky mouth-feel. Let’s toast!

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    If your goal is treating yourself to familiar Filipino comfort food and be surprised at how wonderful it would taste with wine, then Planet Grapes in EDSA Shangri-La Mall is the spot. It may not serve the best Filipino food ultimately, but it cooks up decent and flavorful meals.

    Hitting good notes on the ambiance and services as well, Planet Grapes is a solid choice, a respectable one. It also has branches in Tuscany, Cebu, and Riverpark. Prices are more on the costly side but they’re expected and acceptable for their given value. Here, you can find yourself wanting to linger, talk, and relax no matter who you are with. Check this place out! 🙂

    “Planet Grapes is a bar and restaurant that offers wine without the drama. This no-nonsense approach to wine enjoyment provides a refreshing twist for budding wine drinkers both young and old. Find the wines you love, one grape at a time with flexible options to different serving sizes of wine.”

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://planetgrapes.com.ph/” name=”Planet Grapes” description=”Ground Floor, North Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 02 2469069 ext:268″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-12-12″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Top 10 Attractive Places We Visited in Taiwan (3D3N Itinerary)

    Top 10 Attractive Places We Visited in Taiwan (3D3N Itinerary)

    My first trip to Taipei, Taiwan was way back in 2009 after my college graduation. Six years later, this place has proven itself worthy of another visit. This time around, I traveled to Taiwan with my entire family. 😀 It’s not really a large country, and yet it seems as if weeks could be spent exploring its burgeoning art, modern facilities, delicious food scene, and innovative technologies. Most of us don’t have that luxury of time though, which is why we have carefully arranged and organized our 3D3N Taiwan itinerary for a vacation on a long weekend (November 27-30, 2015).

    Hotel Elevator Creative Top Shot :)

    We researched online and chose sights and experiences we were particularly interested in. Here are the top 10 attractive places we set foot on.

    Top 10 Attractive Places We Visited in Taiwan (3D3N Itinerary)

    See:

    1. Jinshan Buddhist Temple (開臺金山寺) (East District, Hsinchu)

    On our first day, we drove two hours from Taipei to Hsinchu City (新竹市) to see my aunt, visit her office, and have lunch together to catch up. On the way to the restaurant, we stopped by at Jinshan Buddhist Temple, formerly known as Xianglian Temple.

    Surrounded by the fresh water of Lengshuikeng, this temple serves the worship of Buddha Guanyin, Sakyamuni, Amitabha, and Zhusheng Niangniang. It was built over 100 years ago and was declared as a third-grade historical site by the Ministry of the Interior on August 19, 1985. Today, it’s a popular place for writers and poets to drink tea because of its beauty and tranquility.

    Jinshan Buddhist Temple is one of Hsinchu’s eight major attractions since 1894. It has been renovated multiple times during the war against the Japanese and after World War II. The current structure stands with “protective wings” on the left and right sides, the original main hall with three rooms, and the front pillar and entryway. The architecture style was inspired from the middle era of Qing dynasty. The two stone lions guarding the front door looked powerful, adding to the temple’s rustic beauty.

    2. Long Shan Temple (艋舺龍山寺) (Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District)

    When in Taipei, it will be sad to miss out on Long Shan Temple. Why? It’s the most popular temple in Taiwan! We’re very fortunate that our hotel was only one station away from Long Shan Template Station, so we didn’t need to travel far. The temple complex is not big, but if you’re like me who likes taking pictures, 30 minutes stay might not be enough. 🙂

    Founded in 1738 by Han immigrants from Fujian, Long Shan Temple is now Taipei City’s top religious site. It also serves as a prime venue for exploring both Taiwan’s vibrant folk faith, its unique temple arts and architecture. Like Jinshan Temple in Hsinchu, Long Shan Temple was also rebuilt and restored several times after destruction by natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons, and damages caused by bombings in World War II.

    The structure looked impressive with sweeping swallowtail eaves, colorful mosaic-like decoration figures on the roof, and elaborate stone and woodcarvings. We also noticed that the doors, beams, and poles across the halls are beautifully decorated.

    Aside from the many tourists, many immigrants of Taiwan also frequently go to Long Shan Temple for spiritual support. They pray to the gods to help them overcome any obstacles and difficulties in their adaption to the new environment. It was so great to see people in uniforms reading text and chanting in unison first hand. Huaxi Night Market is in walking distance.

    3. National Palace Museum (Shilin, Taipei)

    Another significant landmark in our must-visit list was the National Palace Museum. The main building of the museum has three floors filled with the world’s premier collection of Chinese art, many famous historical masterworks, and treasures from the Forbidden City in China, including the stunning Jade Cabbage.

    Most of the things we found there were things we have already learned about from our Chinese history class way back in high school. This experience was different though. Seeing the valuables pieces and collections physically presented in a super organized manner made us better understand the history of China with its imperial artifacts and relics.

    We appreciated the text descriptions on the exhibits explaining 10,000 years of China’s history (from the first to the last dynasty), and we were able to manage even without the audio guide. If you have the time to spare, I recommend checking out the National Palace Museum. We were able to walk through the entire main building in three hours.

    Admission fee is NTD 250 and additional NTD 200 for the audio guide. Because my dad is a PWD (person with disability), we got free tickets for him and the person accompanying him in wheelchair (that’s me). My mom holds a ROC passport, so she paid the discounted rate at NTD 150. My sister was the only one who paid the full price. 🙂 Note: Big bags, food, drinks, and photography are not allowed inside. Visitors are asked to check in these prohibited items in a locker before entry.

    Shop:

    4. ATT 4 Fun (原紐約紐約展覽購物中心) (Xinyi District, Taipei)

    From City Hall Metro Station, we walked to ATT 4 Fun and felt most excited to see the Alice in Wonderland themed decorations on the fourth floor. We were psyched to take pictures of the place and try out some food while researching about it on Google Maps online. 🙂

    The whole building was designed to mimic the American modern and innovative look and artistic conception of space. The first two levels feature big brand stores like Forever 21, Pull and Bear, Zara Home, Mango, Tokyo Plaza, etc. The third to fifth floors make up a huge paradise for foodies. Various restaurants fill up the area with brilliant and luring food displays. ATT 4 Fun is a great center to indulge your comfort food cravings.

    5. Taipei 101 (臺北101) (Xinyi District, Taipei)

    From ATT 4 Fun, we walked further to Taipei 101 around the corner. Taipei 101 is a skyscraper that was classified as the world’s tallest in 2004 and remained such until the opening of Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010. In 2011, the building was awarded the LEED platinum certification, the highest award according to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, and became the tallest and largest green building in the world.

    Entrance fee to the observation deck is NTD 500. Priority pass is double the price of normal entry. We didn’t anymore go up because I did not think it’s still worth my time and money. Watching the Taipei City lights from the airplane was already good enough. 😛 #CheapskateMode In any case, the wow factor that could possibly make a sky’s-the-limit-type value to it is the speed of going up to the 89th floor through the elevator. It only takes about 37 seconds! Hard to beat. 🙂

    6. Sogo (Fuxing) and Pacific Sogo Department Store (太平洋崇光)

    A Japanese-Taiwanese joint-venture combination shopping center in Taipei, Sogo specializes mostly in expensive international brands and luxury boutiques like Versace, Burberry, Hogan, Hermes, Dior, Chanel Tiffany, Prada, Gucci, and many others. It is a fantastic place to look around and do a bit of designer shopping in Taiwan.

    Spacious shopping floors aim to provide a comfortable and abundantly stocked shopping arena. Note: If you spend more than NTD 3,000, you may head to the Customer Service Desk to process your VAT refund and get it in cash. Plus you can get free parking for three hours.

    We spent most time at the basement where we had lunch in one of the local restaurants. Gourmet food, traditional Taiwanese sweets, and fancy cakes on the shelves were all pleasing to our eyes.

    7. Ximending Night Market (西門町)

    Taipei is known for having festive night markets with all sorts of fashionable clothing, quality goods, and tasty food. The streets suddenly come to life after sunset in these areas. Ximending Night Market was truly one of the highlights of our trip where we experienced the authentic local street life, culture, and tastes of Taiwan. It’s a very busy area where the lights shine bright and welcoming! We spared one night for shopping here and had a blast. 🙂

    Filled with all kinds of shopping options, Ximending in Wanhua District is similar to Harajuku or Shibuya in Japan. Both are famed for a wide range of entertainments and activities that allure large numbers of young people and young adults. We even saw live dance performances and magic tricks right in the streets. As such, Ximending Night Market in Taiwan has been noted as the hottest spot and the most fashionable shopping area in Taiwan. This place alone attracts an average of over 3 million shoppers per month. That’s a lot of foot traffic!

    Ximending is accessible via Exit 6 of the Taipei Metro Ximen Station.

    Eat:

    8. Shian Yeou (鲜友火锅)

    Hungry patrons line up at this Taiwanese hotpot buffet restaurant in Hsinchu, where each table features a boiling cauldron allowing guests to have their own interactive cooking experience to make rich and flavorful broths of soup with various meat, seafood, and vegetarian options.

    I mentioned on an Instagram post that Shian Yeou’s concept is like Four Seasons Hotpot City in the Philippines. Besides the hotpot items, mouthwatering plates of dim sum, cooked Taiwanese food, desserts and drinks are also available in the chic setting. This restaurant has a casual vibe to its ambiance, and the mix of food here is generally playing with traditional oriental-style dishes and spicing them up a bit with Japanese sushi and American snacks (fries, chicken nuggets, onion rings, etc.).

    If shabu-shabu dining and buffet is right up your alley, definitely hit this place for a great hotpot meal. Go out with a full belly and a happy smile as we did. 🙂 Prices are reasonable and staffs were kind. Rates: NTD 359/pax for lunch and NTD 399/pax for dinner. Operating hours are 11AM-11PM on weekdays and 10:30am-11PM on weekends.

    9. Modern Toilet Restaurant (便所主題餐廳) 

    There’s plenty of themed restaurants in Taiwan, and Modern Toilet Restaurant is only one of the top-rated spots that caught our attention big-time. The walls are covered with tiles just like in a regular bathroom, and the lights that hang from the ceiling above each dining table are plungers.

    As you can see, the interior design looks quirky and creative. We sat on the “un-working acrylic toilets” upon entrance and got the menu with lists of food that seemed decent. Our orders came out not as fast as we expected, but the presentation of food won us over. Dishes were served on plastic miniature toilet bowls, and drinks, in miniature urinals. Although some guests may find the place and the food weird, naughty, and disgusting, Modern Toilet Restaurant is never out of customers.

    Food tastes were okay and nothing to be disappointed about. Portions were quite generous, too. We had the following:

    Toilet Chicken Nugget (NTD 120)

    Clam Spaghetti with White Wine (NTD 250)

    Seafood with Cream Sauce Au Gratin (NTD 270)

    Modern Toilet Beef Curry (NTD 280)

    Chocolate Ice Cream (free with our mains)

    Modern Toilet Restaurant also sells souvenir items for gifts and remembrance. These are stuff you can take back home and give to friends to make fun of. 😛

    10. Hello Kitty Kitchen and Dining

    Before going to the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to catch our red-eye flight back to Manila, we went to Helly Kitty Kitchen and Dining for afternoon snack/early dinner. My sister’s friend, Maylene, joined us and we all heartily took delight and spoiled ourselves with Hello Kitty desserts and drinks (tagged with hefty prices). 😛

    The ambiance was obviously catered to fans of KT, with cutesy pink details across the dining room. The menu is  bountiful with irresistible cakes, pastries, and Western-style dishes like pizza, pasta, burger, and salads all with Hello Kitty’s face. So adorable!

    We ordered the following:

    Tiramisu Set (NTD 300)

    Macchiato Coffee Smoothie (NTD 230)

    Peach Apple Juice (NTD 180)

    Vanilla Cake (NTD 280)

    Hello Kitty Cheesecake (NTD 130)

    Wrap Up

    Taipei is a very friendly city. It offers a captivating tour of historic sights mixed with an easygoing pedestrian environment. We particularly appreciated that public transportation, even for senior citizens and PWD, is so convenient. People are warm, kind, and helpful.

    Our three-days Taiwan itinerary may seem a little unambitious and not busy enough for experienced travelers, but every part was well organized and at the same time not too restrictive. This family trip to Taiwan will always be memorable because it’s my dad’s first out-of-the-country travel experience after he met an accident three years ago. We’re so thankful to Auntie Evelyn and her family for guiding us through and also to Auntie Julie for spending some time with us and even treating us to a meal. 謝謝你們的幫助!! 🙂