Rochkirstin | com

Blog

  • Review of Four Seasons Hotpot City (Manhattan Parkview, Araneta Center, Cubao)

    Review of Four Seasons Hotpot City (Manhattan Parkview, Araneta Center, Cubao)

    Vikings Luxury Buffet has established itself as a solid dining destination for special occasions, birthday celebrations, anniversary celebrations, and even casual meals among many families in the Philippines. From the same group that brought Vikings and NIU, Four Seasons Hotpot City is the latest addition to the Vikings family. After its successful venture in SM By the Bay, it has just opened a new branch in Manhattan Parkview, Cubao (near Gateway Mall) on October 3, 2015 with a space that can accommodate over 400 guests.

    This buffet restaurant serves not only items for shabu-shabu dining but also various dishes from appetizers and mains to desserts that are all worth traveling for. We were very fortunate to be one of the firsts to try them, thanks to Ms. Raquel’s invite. 🙂 Come and let’s eat like a Viking!

    Review of Four Seasons Hotpot City (Manhattan Parkview, Araneta Center, Cubao)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    “Uy! Ang ganda!”, while referring to the interior design, was the initial reaction I heard from people that surrounded our table. And guess what? Those are my thoughts exactly! 🙂

    The stunning dining room combines both form and function perfectly. The decadent white and gray color scheme throughout the light-filled, plushly appointed dining area keeps the vibe calm, refined, and quite sophisticated. Plant decors, words such as “HOME” and “FAMILY,” and wines displayed on the background are enough to capture your gaze for a while. For shabu shabu meals, every table is fitted with an electric stove top with divider.

    Properly labeled buffet counters and food sections are all positioned at one side, so flow of traffic goes smoothly and the different types of food are easy to wander into. Just like in any Vikings restaurant, diners get front-row access to chefs and the rest of culinary team at work.

    The five function rooms (for 12-14 people each) will take you to a more intimate and private dining experience. Huge chandeliers provide an interesting contrast to the dark and muted atmosphere, while the eye-popping bird painting on the wall completes the room’s enticing visual charm. Lovely!

    ♥ Washroom ♥

    Service: ★★★★★

    The number of guests seemed endless but the service crew has still done a great job in handling requests. They were attentive, kind, and fast to their feet. Our used plates, bowls, and clutter on the table were quickly taken out with permission. It’s always a humbling experience to be treated nicely. Food on the buffet spread were replenished in a timely manner. However, there were also times when diners had to queue up for it. In this case, staff asks for the table number and then delivers a platter of the food once it becomes available.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Sometimes a meal really does taste better in stylish surroundings. But even without minding the grand ambiance and decors, in Four Seasons Hotpot City, food tastes and quality are utterly excellent. Three elements are key to its magic: freshness of seafood and vegetables, tenderness of the meat, and the variety of items to try. It’s definitely right to put this restaurant in your list of favorites. 🙂

    Salads and appetizers are beautifully presented and these are not your average starters. I love the different flavors and textures of ingredients in each as I have personally tasted everything in these two sections. 😛 Home run!

    Divided into meat organs, seafood, balls, dim sum, noodles, vegetables, and vegetarian, the items for hotpot meals are whoa whoa whoa absurdly varied. Four Seasons Hotpot City must be the vanguard of the shabu shabu buffet revolution in the Philippines. 🙂 For the soup base, we chose chicken and sinigang which evoked both happy emotions.

    It’s good to learn that the premium meat from the Carving Station doesn’t require additional charge. The Roast Beef and Binusog na Lechon were particularly damn delicious.

    To end a stellar meal, desserts are a must. We had an assortment of ice cream, Filipino rice cakes, taho, yogurt, cookies, crepe, chocolate, etc. Eating only one won’t weigh you down like you think it might, so maybe order two—or more, as you can. 😛

    If you’re into all sorts of drinks, you’re surely welcome to use smile and prayer hands emojis. Four Seasons Hotpot City is the kind of establishment you walk into and immediately feel good about. Beverage options are impressively serious, complete with water, juices, shakes, teas, coffee, soft drinks, and beer.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    As with any Vikings brainchild, Four Seasons Hotpot City in Cubao is where you can have an unpretentious great time, but nowhere is it near as intense or intimidating as dining in a classy hotel restaurant. This is the kind of place where you can linger for hours and thoroughly sample every single dish you want. Prices are reasonable, especially now with the ongoing promotions. 🙂 Just note that waits can push well esp. during the prime of lunch and dinner time, so booking for a table way in advance will really help.

    Month-long promotions:
    October 3 – 6*: 50% OFF for the first 100 Pax!
    October 7 – 13: 25% OFF Facebook “Fans” Promo
    October 14 – 20: 25% OFF Instagram “Followers” Promo
    October 21 – 27: 20% OFF Quezon City Promo
    October 28 – 30: 15% OFF Vikings Loyalty Cardholders Discount

    Prices, subject to 5% service charge, are as follows: Weekday lunch Weekday dinner/ weekend and holiday lunch and dinner
    Kids below 3 ft Free Free
    Kids between 3ft and 4ft PhP 188+ PhP 288+
    Kids between 4ft and 6ft PhP 288+ PhP 388+
    Adults PhP 688+ PhP 888+
    75 years old and above 50% special discount 50% special discount

    For more information on promo mechanics, please visit fourseasonshotpot.com.ph

    Coming Soon:  SM Sta. Mesa!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/fourseasonshotpotcubao” name=”Four Seasons Hotpot City” description=”Ground Floor, Manhattan Parkview, Gen. Roxas Ave., Araneta Center, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries and reservations, call +(63) 932-7777, +(63)939-7777, or 0998-988-5888″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-10-07″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operation hours:

    Lunch: 11:00AM – 2:30PM
    Diner: 5:30PM – 10:00PM

  • Review of Mooon Cafe Mexican-inspired Restaurant (SM City Cebu)

    Review of Mooon Cafe Mexican-inspired Restaurant (SM City Cebu)

    SM Cebu was only about 10 minutes of walking distance away from the hotel we stayed in Cebu City, so visiting SM’s “first shopping mall outside of Metro Manila” was truly a must. For lunch, we went for the “mooon” that keeps on rising. 😛 Mooon Café was awarded as the “Most Promising Retailer of the Year” at the 2010 Outstanding Filipino Retailers-Cebu Search Awards. Owned and managed by Pages Holdings Inc., this Mexican-inspired restaurant which originated in Cebu is quickly expanding its branches nationwide.

    Serving luscious authentic Mexican dishes, Mooon Café offers house specialties that are well-prepared and well-cooked to ensure customers’ satisfaction. What enticed us most were their “Family Fiesta” packaged meals (for 4-6 people and for 6-10 people). We chose Set B at that time of their promotion and had a good meal before our flight back to Manila.

    Review of Mooon Café Mexican-inspired Restaurant (SM City Cebu)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Mooon Café looked like a colorful Pinterest fantasy-land with wooden pieces of furniture, plenty of seating for large groups, and notable jars displayed in walls. In contrast to the lively and vibrant interior design, the atmosphere was really quiet even at the peak of lunch time. Hence, this can be a great spot for a casual get-together with family and friends where funny stories can be exchanged. Here you can expect to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere that allows you to take your time and savor the taste of Mexico while in Cebu.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    Set B (PhP 1599) consisted of Nacho Supreme, Pochero, 22 pieces of fried chicken, Moonsteak, rice, and a pitcher of iced tea. In a sea of mediocrity, it was just about the best reliable lunch option we have come across in the area.

    The Nachos Supreme was a monster mashup of crispy nachos bathed in cheese and flavorful dressings. The melted gooey, smooth, and silky cheese was deeply satisfying! While you can practically guarantee getting full ingredients on each tortilla chip, there can still be the pleasure of hunting for particularly well-topped chips.

    With its crust having a completely irresistible shade of golden brown, Mooon Cafe’s version of the fried chicken came out light, crispy, and delicious. I distinctly remember that it had quite a salty grease, deep chicken flavor, and tender meat.

    The Moonsteak, presented on a sizzling iron plate, did not win me over. Drowned in gravy, the steak was not as amazing as I had hoped for. Out of all the dishes we tried, this one was generally unimpressive and totally skippable.

    The comforting bowl of Pochero had a good balance of meat and vegetables. If you’re in the mood for something simple but belly-warming, this Filipino Stew must be on your table. It was a far cry from the salty, one-dimensional soup.

    Additionally, we ordered the Gardenia Pizza, a perfect vegetarian treat topped with tomatoes, onions, eggplant, green bell pepper, olives, pineapple tidbits, button mushroom, lettuce, and mozzarella cheese.  It was okay but I thought it was definitely an acquired taste of Pinoy’s general preference and unlike a nod to Mexican cuisine’s authenticity.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    At Mooon Café, nothing was over the top. Everything was simple, decent, and reasonably priced. Escaping with a bill under PhP 2000 even if you’re a group of 10 is possible. This restaurant can build a bigger loyal following among the Mexican food enthusiasts in town.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/moooncafe.resto” name=”Mooon Cafe” description=”Mooon Cafe, SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (032) 416 1122 (Main Office) or email pagesholdings@yahoo.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-10-02″ user_review=”11″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”15″ ]

  • My Top 5 Picks at the Ultimate Taste Test 2015 (Glorietta Activity Center, Ayala Center Makati)

    My Top 5 Picks at the Ultimate Taste Test 2015 (Glorietta Activity Center, Ayala Center Makati)

    Last September 12, 2015, Saturday, a thousand of foodies participated in the Ultimate Taste Test 2015 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati. Organized by Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet and San Miguel Lifestyle Brews, this food tasting event gave food lovers a chance to become food critics for a day. Over 40 food suppliers consisting of home-based food businesses and new ventures joined and served mouth-watering new flavors to guests.

    Ultimate Taste Test 2015

    It was my first time to attend such an event, and I was floored with the many different selections of food available.

    The mechanics are pretty simple. Each of us was given one plate and a spoon to be used for the entire food sampling duration, so part of the challenge was to keep the plate neat and clean after getting and tasting food from the first booth to the last.

    We were also handed out the map of the activity area and the rating sheet where we had to rate the food supplier accordingly on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest):

    1 – Thanks, but it could be better.
    2 – It is OK.
    3 – We had a good time.
    4 – I love it!
    5 – Awesome! I would recommend it!

    The Ultimate Taste Test 2015’s official results are not out yet, and everyone is excited to find out who got the highest ratings. Meanwhile, here are my personal top picks that scored a perfect “5” and won my heart completely. 🙂

    My Top 5 Picks at the Ultimate Taste Test 2015 (Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City)

    1. Chocoliquor – Cakes by Maricar

    “Imagine biting into a high quality chocolate bonbon then taking the smallest sip of excellent red wine, just enough to enhance the flavor. That was our inspiration.” – Maricar Reyes-Poon

    The chocoliquor cake turned out moist and rich with a great chocolate flavor. It was delicately sweet with just a small hint of bitterness. The liquor’s taste was not too intense and overly done to overwhelm one’s tastes, so the cake can be quite friendly for both adults and children.

    This cake has been featured before on Kris TV, and it rightfully deserved so. Presented in a gold tin/box, this alcohol-based cake is an awesome treat to the family or a gift for a friend. I’m surprised that prices are more on the affordable end:

    3.5″ round gold tin – PhP 290 (required pre-order, minimum of 12 pieces)
    6.5″ round gold tin – PhP 550
    9″ × 8″ rectangle in gold box – PhP 850

    To learn more about Chocoliquor – Cakes by Maricar, visit/like its Facebook page or contact 09178648282 to order/inquire.

    2. Fisher Farms, Inc.

    I knew I would love the Smoked Milkfish – Pure Belly Cut by Fisher Farms, Inc. just by the smell of it. 🙂 It was mouth-watering, especially with rice. What made it special are the facts that they use the most premium part of the bangus and virgin beechwood chips imported from Germany to create not only a juicy texture and robust smokey flavor of the fish but also make it chemical-free and safe.

    This is also best recommended for those who don’t have the time to cook and prepare food, since the item is microwaveable and can be easily served in minutes. The Smoked Milkfish – Pure Belly Cut by Fisher Farms, Inc. doesn’t contain artificial ingredients and chemical preservatives. It’s healthy since it’s a good source of protein and Omega-3, has zero trans fat, and is free from gluten, casein, nitrites, and MSG.

    Fisher Farms, Inc. also sells meaty fishy sausages without the strong fishy taste. Products are available in Rustan’s and S&R. For more info, visit their website.

    3. Gelato Lab

    The softness and smoothness of the gelato served by Gelato Lab definitely stood out. My favorite flavor was the Matcha Choco Chip. 🙂 Mixed with chocolate bits that added a contrast, the Matcha Choco Chip gelato was made from high grade Japanese green tea powder thus produced an authentic full-bodied flavor.

    Others were also enjoyable and satisfactory. To achieve the Coffee Stracciatella gelato, Gelato Lab used premium Colombian beans to produce an intense, creamy taste of coffee without any acidity or bitterness. The beans were blended with thin bittersweet chocolate flecks, which perfectly complemented the richness of the coffee. To make the Mango Pudding gelato, real mangoes were used in the recipe and small mango bits were mixed in to add more juice to the bite. The Bailey’s Irish Cream had a unique taste of boozy flavor with just the right subtle touch of alcohol. Glorious!

    Aside from these presented in the Ultimate Taste Test booth, Gelato Lab also offers a good range of flavors from classic favorites (like dark chocolate and strawberry) and interesting combinations (like almond mascarpone) to the unusual (like thai milk tea, or pumpkin spice) and liquor-based (like pina colada).

    For more info, visit or like their Facebook Page.

    4. The Beef Barn

    My mom somewhat got addicted to going back a couple of times to The Beef Barn’s booth to relish their house specialty: the Roast Angus Beef with Wild Mushroom Sauce. Nothing could be more sinful and comforting than a huge chunk of fatty Angus beef smothered with a creamy wild mushroom gravy.

    The beef was crusted on all four sides and it had that melt-in-your-mouth wow factor that’s worth a minor heart attack. 😛 Indeed, the roast angus beef by The Beef Barn is a winner in our book.

    For more info, visit its website.

    5. Chivy & Co.

    If you want to get the famous Tian Tian hainanese chicken rice without having to fly to Singapore, Chivy & Co. can get you covered. Chivy & Co. created a recipe that’s inspired from the original and thought that they could make it even better.

    I can tell that they got it right. 🙂 How? They were able to retain the moisture and tenderness of the Sous Vide Hainanese Chicken and cook it in its natural juices perfectly. Three different types of sauces (ginger sauce, sweet soy sauce and chili sauce) were served together with the fragrant Hainanese rice. Absolutely delicious!

    Wrap Up

    The Ultimate Taste Test has been a fun event with something for everybody—appetizers, mains, drinks, desserts—you name it. As stated by Anton Diaz of OAP, “it is impossible to taste all the food in one session.” My mom and I went back three times to the Ultimate Taste Test (UTT15) activity area to give rest to our stomachs and set a good pace. 🙂 In between, we walked from Glorietta to SM, SM to Greenbelt, Greenbelt to Landmark and then back to Glorietta.

    We spent almost seven hours in the area and were happy to also spot some of our KTG friends. At the end of the day, we were able to taste and rate dishes from 40/49 food purveyors. Hooray! We can’t wait for the actual results. 🙂

  • PlateCulture – A New Social Dining Experience for Chefs and Foodies

    PlateCulture – A New Social Dining Experience for Chefs and Foodies

    What’s with PlateCulture? I find the idea really fresh and exciting, and I bet foodies will all agree. It’s simple: You request for a dinner on your chosen date. Chef approves your request. You confirm with a secure payment, and you visit the chef’s home and enjoy your meal together with friends and family. 🙂 In short, PlateCulture is like the “AirBnb for food.” It’s a platform offering to experience an authentic dining right at the chef’s home.

    How PlateCulture Started

    Founded in 2013 by a couple of Lithuanians, PlateCulture keeps expanding one country at the time. It’s currently present in 24 countries, with each one offering to choose from various chefs and cuisines. It has already proven its popularity in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

    Co­founders Reda Stare and Edvinas Bartkus are avid travelers and foodies who have strong passion discovering the world through the kitchen. The idea of starting PlateCulture has sparked during Reda’s trip in 2010 when she has spent a year traveling through Southeast Asia and India.

    The PlateCulture concept has changed a lot since the start. With users increasing every day, PlateCulture has recently released a new mobile app for Android phones thus the guests and chefs are able to communicate anywhere anytime. “What started out as a tourist attraction is now a community of foodies, which attracts locals and tourists alike,” Stare says.

    Be the guest or be the chef!

    What’s also great about it is that anyone who is passionate about cooking can become a PlateCulture home chef. Keen? All you need to do is to set up your profile and wait for PlateCulture’s ambassadors to pay you a visit to verify your profile.

    Chefs also get reviews and they are rated in terms of food, communication, cleanliness, and value for money. Chef Shamini from Kuala Lumpur shares his testimony: “It got me a step closer to my dream ­ opening my own restaurant.” He has already hosted more than 100 dinners and cooking class events. This gives a lot of aspiring chefs a chance to share and present their cooking skills without having to invest a big sum of money right away in a business.

    PlateCulture: New Social Dining Experience

    Now in the Philippines, PlateCulture has attracted crowds of both travelers and locals who are keen to get together for homemade meals. For tourists, it is a great way to get to know local culture through food and meeting locals since chefs often join the dining table. For locals, it’s an excellent opportunity to taste exotic meals prepared by expats, and unlike in restaurants, there is real interaction with chefs. It’s also a great way to impress a date. 😉

    Thousands of people have already enjoyed PlateCulture social dining experience, and yet everyone has been pleased with the result. They describe PlateCulture as: “Get to know foodies who love having a great company around the table to share their stories with. Over dinner you can meet art critic, singer, entrepreneur or doctor and make new friends from different cultures.”

    PlateCulture is available on web, in your Android and iOS (coming soon) phone.

    For more information, visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter. 🙂

  • Review of Alchemy Bistro Bar (Poblacion, Makati City)

    Review of Alchemy Bistro Bar (Poblacion, Makati City)

    Tucked away in the neighborhood of Poblacion, Alchemy Bistro Bar (Food + Potions) has been serving up straightforward European meals since last year. Surprisingly, it has an extensive menu of not only wines and beers but also food served in generous and satisfying portions.

    This restaurant is an approachable spot that’s only a short walk from the hip Jupiter Street and is located quite in the heart of the developing foodie district in Makati. We visited Alchemy last Sunday and found that is a good option for a special date or a night out with your barkada.

    Review of Alchemy Bistro Bar (Poblacion, Makati City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    If you know the manga/anime series Fullmetal Alchemist or are familiar with the concept of alchemy, I’m sure you will love the consistent decorations and displays here at the Alchemy Bistro Bar. I didn’t have any idea until my boyfriend explained that “alchemy” is seemingly a magical process of transformation, creation, or transmutation of matter with the sequence of comprehension, deconstruction, and reconstruction.

    Alchemy is associated with the medieval forerunner of chemistry, and this is why we saw test tubes and some lab objects that looked weird at first. As I began to slowly grasp its meaning, everything made perfect sense. The interpretation applied on the interior design was awesome.

    Brick and purple-painted walls gave a beautiful sophisticated look throughout the area. On one side of the dining room, full-length windows provided warm and flattering natural light during daytime. On the opposite view, the bar full of wines, beers, and “potions” brought a fitting backdrop as the focal accent of the bistro.

    Staying true to the venue’s theme, a picture of the transmutation circle, print of old books as wallpaper, gargoyles, and mannequins without heads were absolutely attention-grabbing elements that characterize the mystical practice of alchemy.

    The open kitchen at the side gave a glimpse of some live action going on. It’s always nice to say a quick “hi” to the chef. 🙂

    Lushly cushioned chairs were comfortable to sit on, and the rest of the furniture managed to project luxury without scaring away those who might just want a quick lunch or a glass of cocktail. Overall, Alchemy Bistro Bar looked like a great spot that’s chic enough for special occasions but also casual enough for a relaxed dinner with a friend.

    At Alchemy Bistro Bar, there’s also an entertainment stage where music is played all night long. Genre of songs rotates nightly and everyone is welcome to dance to the beats.

    The second floor showed a different side of the Alchemy Bistro Bar altogether. Bright color combinations and creative dining layouts made sure that there are enough yellow-brown clad seats to make guests feel like they got the best table in the house.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Personable and thorough, the staff toured us around and introduced dishes on the menu professionally. Her kind gesture definitely won plus points on customer service. Serving of the food and drinks was done well and in a timely manner. It was also a pleasant experience to meet and chat with the owner who also happens to be the main chef of the restaurant.

    with Chef/Owner Tina Moscardon

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    For appetizer, we shared a platter of Baked Oysters (PhP 350, 6 pieces) which I thought were really good. Beneath its crisp, browned surface, a buttery filling of spinach, Hollandaise sauce, and Gruyère cheese offered a delightful contrast to the oyster’s briny and meaty taste and texture.

    Baked in the shell, the oysters were fresh and properly salty. It’s one of those entrees that taste so good that it’s hard to imagine anything tasting better.

    Next, we were served with the Slow-braised Lamb Shank (PhP 775), a house specialty that’s been marinated and slowly braised for 42 hours. Wow! The tenderness of this New Zealand lamb shank was incredible. It was fall-apart soft off the bone.

    Mediterranean couscous, sultanas, pine nuts, mint, carrots, and French beans added a gently sweet spice with a surprising depth. The accompanying sauce also lifted the flavor that went well with the lamb shank. However, in the end, we still thought that the lamb tasted too “mild” or bland for our liking.

    Also marinated and cooked for more than 36 hours, the glistening Roasted Organic Chicken (PhP 450) was nice but not so rich. With a tea-like aroma, the taste of rosemary was evident and the flavor clung to every bite. Paired with rice pilaf vegetables and chicken jus, this chicken dish was both earthy and succulent.

    The Alchemy Pizza (PhP 450) consisted of ingredients having distinct flavors that sadly overpowered more than complemented the others. The result of putting speck, balsamic reduction, truffle oil, Scamorza cheese, and arugula could be a hit or a miss according to one’s tasting preference.

    What’s nice though was that it didn’t skimp on any of the toppings. I just did not appreciate the strong and salty flavor profile of the cured ham. It was worth a try nonetheless.

    For desserts, we had the Crème Brûlée (PhP 210), a classic made with Fresh vanilla beans, and the Warm Molten Chocolate Cake (PhP 240), a soft-centered Belgian chocolate cake with chantilly cream on the side. Not too sweet and not too heavy, these treats were enjoyable.

    For the most part, I loved how the simple and subtle flavors of vanilla bean and burnt caramel were highlighted in the crème brûlée.

    Alchemy Bistro Bar offers a super long list of drinks, but what took our interest were the mocktails. Served in a sexy slanted glass, the Cucumber Delight (PhP 210) tasted okay and quite natural. It was made with a healthy blend of fresh cucumber, mint, and lime.

    Louie ordered the Thirst Quencher (PhP 210) that was made with pineapple, orange, and ginger ale. In fairness, there’s a good balance of citrus notes and spiciness of ginger. It’s a drink recommended for serious ginger ale fanatics.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    While decors and the theme may look bizarre, food and drinks at the Alchemy Bistro Bar (Food + Potions) in Makati are pretty decent and not the “experimental” type as I initially had in mind. This is a great place to explore when you feel like discovering French fare and more European-inspired dishes plus cool drinks to try out.

    Price point is affordable and not alarmingly expensive. They even serve BUDGET LUNCH MEALS from Tuesday to Sunday, and this calls for a great deal for people who live or work nearby. Check out its Facebook page to know more of their promos and upcoming events.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/alchemybistrobar” name=”Alchemy Bistro Bar” description=”4893 Durban Street corner Polaris Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 02 5007398 / +63 9175555641″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-09-10″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Snag Box Gourmet Hotdogs (Spark Place, Cubao, Quezon City)

    Review of Snag Box Gourmet Hotdogs (Spark Place, Cubao, Quezon City)

    Snag Box Gourmet Hotdogs is one of the newest additions to the must-try foodie destinations housed in Spark Place in Cubao. It’s the first ever branch, and I bet there will be many more to come, considering that it provides a great blueprint for a modern food stand worth franchising. 🙂

    In Australia, the locals commonly refer to sausages as “snags.” This, plus the fact that the owner of Snag Box works as a chef in Australia, explain the reason behind its name. We were pleased to meet and dine with the owners as they introduced their mega selection of don’t-miss gourmet hotdogs to us. Each is topped with interesting and delicious ingredients, and I guarantee that you don’t need to ask for extra condiments simply because the snags here are all fully loaded with HUGE flavors. 🙂

    Review of Snag Box Gourmet Hotdogs (Spark Place, Cubao, Quezon City)

    Service: ★★★★★

    We watched how the staff prepare the snags and were satisfied to see that the hotdogs were made neatly upon order. To ensure sanitation, the staff wore a glove in her left hand that’s used to hold the hotdog in place. Condiments and supplies were strategically stored in front, making them easily accessible within an arm’s stretch. As in any food stand, instinct and speed are very important. At Snag Box, wait time is agreeable and customers get to be entertained with the cooking process.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Hotdogs in buns are the perfect on-the-run meals, and Snag Box’s juicy and plump snags are about 50 steps above Jollibee’s Jolly Hotdog Classic or 7-Eleven’s standard. They are what hotdog dreams must be made of. 🙂 With different colorful toppings that look like a work of art, these simply can’t get any better. Regardless of the toppings, the one common denominator among all these is the great hotdog sans condiments. Layers of ingredients have a uniform bite. Pick anything off the menu with total confidence.

    The buns were soft without being airy but not a wow. If they were just a bit more toasted and crisp, my overall food rating here would have been a clear five-star. Anyway, if you ask me what’s best, I would certainly recommend the Japanese Bulldog. It’s brilliant how the hotdog is wrapped with deep-fried bread crumbs like tonkatsu. I’d even want to eat it with rice! 😛

    Japanese Bulldog topped with Asian slaw, tonkatsu sauce, black sesame

    Noriyaki (PhP 125) hotdog topped with Asian slaw, kani, wasabi mayo, and nori

    Rustic Onion Medley (PhP 125) hotdog topped with mixed onions, cream cheese, glaze, and cheddar

    Truffle and Wild Mushroom Ragu hotdog topped with mixed mushrooms in cream sauce, toasted garlic, Pamersan, and sprinkled with truffle oil

    Chili Beef (PhP 125) hotdog topped with chili beef, cheese sauce, sour cream, and jalapeño

    At Snag Box, monstrous hotdogs take the stage and these are better accompanied with Truffle and Garlic Parmesan Side Crunch (PhP 60). A bag of these flavored potato chips will do more than subside a salty and savory craving. Eat them as soon as served because once the chips lose its crispiness with time, they don’t taste as good and fresh anymore.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    The gourmet hotdogs at Snag Box, Spark Place each has its own little gastronomic journey. I’m not a “hotdog” fan but tagged at reasonable prices, these hotdogs are quite satisfactory. When it comes to uniqueness of tastes, they win big smiles. One is actually enough for a filling lunch. Stop by with friends and #GetYourSnagOn! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://instagram.com/snagbox” name=”Snag Box Gourmet Hotdogs (Food Stand)” description=”Ground Floor, Spark Place, P. Tuazon, Cubao, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, email snagbox1@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-09-08″ user_review=”13″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”15″ ]

  • Cyze’s 30th Birthday Celebrated with Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. Kids

    Cyze’s 30th Birthday Celebrated with Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. Kids

    The 30th birthday is one of the most welcomed and exciting milestones in a person’s life. If you are turning this age, what could be the perfect birthday gift for yourself? There are many choices for sure: getting that designer bag you have always wanted, spending a leisure vacation to some place far from home, or finally buying a car and exploring the city as a tourist.

    In the case of Czye, it was throwing out a birthday party with Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. kids and their families. By sharing smiles and blessings with other people and making them feel happy and special, it was truly a 30th birthday well spent. 🙂

    How I Learned About Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc.

    The blogosphere is abuzz with so many campaigns and awareness programs by various foundations and groups, but not everyone is a supporter. Three months ago, I saw a video posted by Vikings Luxury Buffet on YouTube for Father’s Day. It was about how parents and children who are members of the Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc. share their love and support for one another even through the most difficult times.

    These families must be very strong and brave indeed as they all fight against cancer. Their voices mesh together to make a louder and stronger heard sound wave on positivity.

    Here’s the video. Please watch.

    By the end of the clip, I found myself tearing up. Their messages were so inspiring, and because of that, I just felt determined to reach out to Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc. to inquire on ways I could contribute. Covering events and blogging about them to help spread awareness is one. In addition, I can also help by improving their website design.

    About Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc.

    Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. (CWFI) is the embodiment of a dream that no Filipino child, especially the underprivileged ones, will suffer a diminished quality of life because of cancer. If you also want to help them realize that dream, send an email to cancerwarriorsph@gmail.com or visit http://www.c-warriors.org/ for more details.

    Donations are accepted at the following banks:

    Metrobank
    Account Name: Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc.
    Branch: Marajo Tower Branch, The Fort
    Current Account No.: 519-7-51901107-3

    Unionbank of the Philippines:
    Account 1 (For Manila-Based Patients):
    Current Account no. 00-157-000-1010

    Account 2 (For Batangas-Based Patients):
    Business Check:
    Current Account no. 00-157-000-1100

    Contact Numbers:

    Manila: (02)5622954 / +639175979564
    Batangas: (043)7563993 / +639228450008 / +639167331925

    You can also leave a message below and I can forward your inquiry to CWFI.

  • Review of TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie 團團小館 (SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)

    Review of TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie 團團小館 (SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)

    If Hong Kong comfort food is what you’re after, TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie will treat you right. TuanTuan in SM Megamall is a collaboration between the Lugang Group and the Mui Garden/Deer Garden restaurants of Canada. Extravagant dishes centered in Hong Kong cuisine and Macanese flavors marry a touch of French flair. Your best bet is to head in for its panoply of savory curry, noodle soup, and signature snow buns, or take delight in some of its best-selling items just as we did. 😉

    Review of TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie (SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Filled with thoughtful details, the interior design of TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie has a good command of both modern and retro-style themes. Everything looks classy, with elegant crystal chandeliers and consistent bright lights above the tables. I’m sure it took a lot of effort (and money) to look this effortless.

    Ideal for a more intimate setting, the back dining area is arranged with a long table that can sit 10 guests. It has an eye-catching faux garden wall with realistic artificial plants that make the space feel rather magical as an indoor patio or an extended oasis of the restaurant.

    The wall just beside this area also deserves a good deal of attention, as it’s decorated with like a collage of framed pictures and things that tell different wonderful stories.

    It’s pretty remarkable that TuanTuan has this kitchen countertop in the middle that somehow reflects a laid-back kitchen that charms with its warm but neutral palette. The black and white scheme really never fails to look polished, suitable for contemporary and chic interiors.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was prompt and friendly. In other semi-random information, it was funny how the staff were all camera-ready whenever I would position my camera to take a shot of a section of the restaurant. Even those chefs preparing the pork snow buns in the open kitchen smiled and posed when I was about 20 feet away. It’s been great engaging with them. 🙂

    Food: ★★★★★

    We made sure to snag an order of TuanTuan’s Signature Barbecued Pork Snow Buns (PhP 128, 3 pieces) because I have heard from several friends how these buns taste better than those of Tim Ho Wan. My verdict? They are right! These pork buns have a crisp, sweet, streusel-like top that flakes beautifully. The filling is delectable and almost addicting. It’s made up of tender, sweet-savory pork wrapped in a warm, pillow-soft freshly baked golden bun. Yummy! TuanTuan’s pork snow buns are a compelling reason to eat here in their own right.

    Looking colorful and tasty, the House Special Trio (PhP 398) consisted of creamy baked seafood, pesto wild mushroom, and pork chop rice. This dish struck a number of notes, thanks to the combination of flavors that had successfully addressed every part of our palate, with each boasting a unique taste that just can’t be beat.


    Standing up to strong spices, the Steamed Halibut Belly with Chili and Garlic (PhP 468) was not a boring entree either. Although we found it a hassle to remove the fish bones while eating, the flavor did not turn us off. The fish meat was soft and tender. I especially liked the sauce which gave an alluring aroma that reminded me of home. 🙂 Overall, it’s a messy and glorious dish with salty, sweet, pungent, and fresh flavors, plus multiple textures to boot.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie in SM Megamall’s Fashion Hall is a must-stop for Chinese food lovers. Featuring a fusion cuisine made from a distinctive range of Portuguese-influenced dishes from Macau, TuanTuan serves food that are worth waiting in line for. While tabs are mostly on the high end, this restaurant still left me wanting to come back. 🙂 See its menu here.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/tuantuanmanila” name=”TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie” description=”3F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 6327483 or 09155008026 or email tuantuanmanila@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-09-03″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]