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Review of NEW Hand Stretched Pizza by Pizza Hut Philippines #StretchPA
Food experts are always looking for the next big thing that will be the buzz of the industry and the top of culinary trends. That means food establishments are continuously pushing themselves onwards and upwards. And boy did Pizza Hut Philippines take it to the next level with their new hand stretched pizza, which is thinner and lighter than usual and easier to bite.

We are certainly no stranger to Pizza Hut as it’s one of the most trusted food chains here in the Philippines and all over the world with its wide range of delicious pizza menu. This giant pizza store has been pushing the boundaries of pizza with its stuffed crust pies, literally and figuratively. Now, doing things a little differently, it has come up with the hand stretched pizza with a burst of flavors and an abundance of toppings plus a choice of the crust glaze. Does Pizza Hut’s hand stretched pizza justify the hype? Let’s find out. 🙂

Review of NEW Hand Stretched Pizza by Pizza Hut Philippines #StretchPA

Service: ★★★★★

Pizza Hut’s “Hate Late” campaign guarantees on-time delivery service or the pizza ordered will be given for free. This advocacy toward punctuality was launched way back in 2006, and to date, Filipinos take note of the time as stated by the call handler and synchronize it to their watches. As avid customers of Pizza Hut, we are in full support of this campaign. We expected the hand stretched pizzas to be delivered at 7PM, and the delivery guy arrived at 6:52PM. Yay! 😀

Food: ★★★★☆

Thanks to Pizza Hut Philippines, we were among the first families to taste the new hand stretched pizzas. Flavors and glaze finishers can be mixed and matched, as follows:
- Flavors: Supreme, Hawaiian Supreme, 3-Cheese, Cheesy Pepperoni, and Cheeseburger
- Glaze Finishers: Toasted Cheddar, Honey Crunch, Toasted Parmesan, Garlic Parmesan Butter
We got the Supreme Pizza with Toasted Cheddar Glaze and the Hawaiian Supreme Pizza with Honey Crunch Glaze.

Upon opening the box, we were immediately captivated by the smell of pizza that uplifts the spirit even in the dullest of days. It’s that familiar Pizza Hut smell that brings back memories of childhood (since we have grown up with Pizza Hut), the kind that I want to keep in a smell box to be opened and inhaled when I need something to make me smile. 🙂 Oh, I just love that inherent fragrance and I’m sure many people know what I’m talking about.

Pumped full of the standard gooey mozzarella, the Supreme Pizza was topped with the usual ingredients: pepperoni, mild sausage, beef, green pepper, mushrooms, and onion. The thin pizza crust that was moist enough to have a tad of a chewy texture, yet toasted to a slight crisp. The glaze on the crust had a sharp cheesy taste, definitely a must-try for cheese lovers.

Even our mouse doll friends, Dodsy and Tabby, hurriedly came forward for the cheese! 😛

On the other hand, the Hawaiian Pizza consisted of ham, pineapple, and extra mozzarella cheese as toppings. Since my dad does not eat ham, we took it out and still the pizza was flavorsome with pineapple dices that helped to round off the taste. These sweet juicy cubes never fail to make the pizza well complemented. The pizza’s crust was was toasted just right and I liked that it wasn’t too hard that will leave my jaws working too hard. Its honey crunch glaze reminded me of breakfast cereals done quite well.

Price for Value: ★★★★★

For only PhP 499, you get two family pizzas with flavors and glaze finishers of your choice. Delivery service is for free. I thought these pizza slices are the real deal. The new hand stretched pizzas are available from April 7, 2015 to May 9, 2015 only so eat up! Make it great by stretching your experience up to the last bite as we did. 😛

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Pizza Hut social media accounts:
Facebook: Pizza Hut Philippines
Twitter: @pizzahutphils
Instagram: @pizzahutphil
April 14, 2015
Review of The Sunset Lounge (Pan Pacific Hotel, Malate, Manila)
“Pica-pica” pertains to a variety of small portions of food such as finger foods, whether in the form of snacks or appetizers. In comparative terms, it’s the Filipino’s version of Spanish tapas. Offering pica-pica at affordable prices, The Sunset Lounge of Pan Pacific Hotel in Manila is a worthy place to be discovered and visited. Located at the seventh floor of the hotel, the al fresco venue gives you a chance to take a cozy and silent retreat while watching the famous Manila Bay Sunset. 😛

The Sunset Lounge is open daily (weather permitting) from 5:30PM to 9:00PM. It is also available for private events and has a maximum capacity of 60 persons. Together with blogger friends, I was invited to experience dining here yesterday.

Review of The Sunset Lounge (Pan Pacific Hotel, Malate, Manila)

Ambiance: ★★★★★

There’s an abundance of good restaurants in Manila where you can enjoy a meal, but only a limited few provide a spectacular view of Manila Bay’s sunset. Almost like a hidden treasure, The Sunset Lounge in Pan Pacific Hotel is one of them.

With comfy couches and beds where guests can lie down, it’s an ideal place to unwind, relax, and lounge. Its romantic and laid-back atmosphere makes it perfect for a weeknight date, a quiet dinner with a friend, or an awesome deal on the weekends. The space may not look very large but it can accommodate 60 people for private events.

The swimming pool area is only one floor down, while the gym just sits at the back of the dining area. Non-hotel guests can drop by and spend the day to use the pool and gym for only PhP 250 and dine in at The Sunset Lounge in between.

At around 6:30PM, we witnessed the sunset and its blaze of colors. It wasn’t long when darkness enveloped the sky and the colorful lights were lit. It was an absolutely lovely sight!

Service: ★★★★★

One of the things I could rave most about in The Sunset Lounge is the great customer service. The staffs were super attentive to our needs and it was evident that they take pride in making the diners feel at home. There’s no rush and we lived in the moment, as they knew what we would need before we even asked.

Food: ★★★★☆

The Pacific Chicken Nachos (PhP 350) came as a mandatory appetizer to whet one’s appetite. Notable were the crunch of the tortilla chips with sliced chicken and the spiciness brought by the jalapenos. The salsa, cheese, and condiments harmoniously balanced out the heat and innocently packed a punch of flavors.

Immersed with edam cheese, mozzarella, and corn kernels, the Baby Back Pianizza (PhP 480) was one of the most unique pizza flavors I’ve ever tried. It was topped with smoked baby back ribs that seemed to be marinated sufficiently, making the pizza true to the flavor of its name.

If you want plain old comfort food, then Buffalo Wings and Chicken Drumlets (PhP 350) can serve you well. These are fond reminders of finger food we used to have in our childhood days. Though I would have preferred a boneless breaded chicken fillet, the deliciousness was easily justified and was enough to satisfy any craving.

Filled with sauteed garden vegetables wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried to crispiness, the Crispy Spring Rolls (PhP 350) can be a safe bet for vegetarians. Forming a velvety sheen, the shell was good and tender. Eat the spring rolls right once they’re served or they won’t be as satisfyingly crispy. Sweet chili dipping sauce provided was okay, but I thought vinegar will yield a much better fit.

The Reuben Quesadillas (PhP 350) for me were quite bland-tasting but the simplicity pleased the palate rather than overwhelm. The lightly toasted tortilla were made with green lettuce, sour cream, and melted cheese.

A taco’s filling is infinitely variable. If you want to pick something hearty and interesting, you may want to go with The Sunset Lounge’s Pork Sisig Tacos (PhP 350). Fill the taco shells a fun play of pork mask, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cheese and red sauce. The result is not only rich but a spicy-sweet-tangy powerhouse combo.

Note: The dishes we had were served buffet-style and the photos do not reflect the true portion per order. View The Sunset Lounge’s short but sweet menu. Each entree is good for sharing by two or three people.

Price for Value: ★★★★☆

I like it most when staffs of establishments make me feel special the moment I walk in. The first-class service and intimate environment in this hotel contribute to a high-quality experience. These plus their menu of classic pica-pica dishes with a twist of Filipino flavor make The Sunset Lounge’s prices worth the value. My positive thoughts on this restaurants won’t die down for days! I can’t wait to be back to Pan Pacific Manila, maybe for a staycation next time. 🙂
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bloggers with Mr. Ernie Bigay
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April 10, 2015
Review of Chelsea Kitchen (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong) + Food vs. Lipstick
In high school or even in college, I was not used to wearing lipstick. The closest thing to a lipstick I applied was a tinted lip balm that’s easy to spread and control. As I entered the corporate world, I learned that one of the ways to look more presentable and put-together in my profession is to keep my lip situation on-point. 🙂 My interest on lipsticks grew, and from then on, I started researching and trying out several brands and formulations to see which ones last the longest—even after a meal.

Quite relevant to this course of thought was the theme of the event I attended about a week ago at Chelsea Kitchen by Raintree Restaurants, SM Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall. It was entitled Food Versus Lipsticks, basically a combination of a food and a beauty event where we tested several lipsticks in terms of moisture, color richness, and staying power, while eating some greasy dishes that could potentially ruin or rub off the lipstick.

This is my first time to publish a food/restaurant review with snippets of insights/lessons from the lipstick-testing session at the bottom of the post. Please read on! 😛

Beauty Materials We Used:
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Lipstick Remover and Cleaning Wipes
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Lip Brush
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Lipsticks
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Review of Chelsea Kitchen (Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong) + Food vs. Lipstick

Ambiance: ★★★★★

Its location (by the entrance of SM Megamall, between Zara and H&M), the tasteful décor, and food props by the counter make the ambiance of Chelsea Kitchen more than inviting. It’s amazing how a well-designed dining area, no matter how simple, can alter the entire vibe of a place.

Thanks to the illumination provided by the mall, Chelsea Kitchen’s vigor seamlessly blended with its contemporary style. The atmosphere was laid-back, one where you can totally relax as you take the day off. Couches are stools were comfortable, and actions as seen in the open kitchen enhances attraction throughout.

Food: ★★★★☆

As an appetizer, the Sesame Seared Tuna and Mango Salad (PhP 350) isn’t much to write home about, but there’s no doubt that this salad tasted fresh and sharp. Packing some lovely nutritious greens in the blend, it consisted of tuna chunks, shallots, cashews, sweet miso cream, and ponzu honey. Sorry, meat-lovers might wish to take their cue to the next dish instead.

Chelsea Kitchen’s Crispy Hot Wings (6 pieces) (PhP 295) with carrots, cucumbers, and jicama were quite greasy and saucy and these came perfect for the testing session. The wings were succulent and surprisingly clean and crisp. With a hint of sweetness, the orange sauce also left an impressionistic mark. Reminiscing its taste was enough to make me swallow my saliva while writing right now. 😐

I ordered the Roasted Tomato Cream “Cappuccino” (PhP 140) as its name got me curious. Did it taste like cappuccino? No, I didn’t think so. It was more like tomato puree that’s flawlessly prepared with bold, creamy, and savory flavor and velvety texture.

It was a no-brainer to get the Squid Ink and Clams Pasta (PhP 320) to check if our lips would be tinted in black after eating the pasta. Distinguished by the aroma of fresh dill and sun-dried tomatoes, the soft angel hair pasta was just coated with black ink and was not originally black. Taste was a little bland for my liking, and what I found missing was that taste of the ocean that’s always a defining moment for seafood entrees. Anyway, the clam shells made a perfect companion, and a squeeze fresh lemon was great to jazz up the dish.

The 12″ stone-fired pizza, Super Garlic Cream Pizza (PhP 250), was absolutely delicious. It was just mouthwatering visually and a gustatory delight. Evidently, the pizza was freshly baked and well prepared, topped with the cheese and a massive amount of garlic. Oh, I loved the slightly burnt crust!

Served with roasted tomato cappuccino and fries on the side, the Ultimate Grilled Cheese (PhP 295) was oozing with three kinds of cheese. It had just the right level of cheese to please our palate without any satiation. The bread was fluffy and incredibly stretchy. Every bite tasted as good as the last. Yummy!

Another must-try we enjoyed was the Triple Decker Club Melt (PhP 320). The large sandwiches were made with grilled pesto chicken, farmer’s ham, egg salad, American cheddar, romaine, and tomatoes. The dish sported a good flavor and it was worth to mention that it didn’t come out soggy.

The 4-Hour Cola Ribs (PhP 450) were recommended and did not disappoint. The sweet and spicy barbecue sauce developed a nice flavor to the tender ribs. I guess it’s a great meat option to order this summer season to appreciate something sweet with tad tangy kick.

Swimming in pomodoro sauce, the Roasted Seafood Cioppino Pasta (PhP 425) was made with pesto spaghetti, loaded with fresh seafood, topped with herb croutons, and drizzled with fresh lemon. Nom factor is high. Give it a place of honor on your table. 🙂

For dessert, we shared a slice of the Birthday Cake (PhP 195) which looked too cute with baby blue and baby pink icing. The cake was sweet but not overwhelmingly sweet. Sadly, the texture was a little too rough and I felt that the cake bits lingered after every mouthful. I would have preferred a softer and smoother icing to go along.

From a long list of drinks on Chelsea Kitchen’s menu, the Super Food Smoothie (PhP 195) looked most appealing with healthy ingredients, such as honey, yogurt, berry compote, banana, and chia seeds. It combined tastes of sour, sweet, and a punch of nuttiness from the chia seeds. It’s a total winner.

Price for Value: ★★★★☆

Offering a different menu from Chelsea Grand Café in Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Chelsea Kitchen in SM Megamall is a congenial casual restaurant that’s ideal for tired and hungry shoppers in SM and those who just want to try some robust and adventuresome plates. Service is respectful and food in general provided a pretty good value for money. Come hungry for ample servings of delicious European cooking that’s decently priced. 🙂

5 Insights/Lessons Learned from the Lipstick-testing Session:

1. When you’re mindful about how your lipstick stays on while dining, food choice is important. More often than not, the lipstick comes off on larger pieces of food you put to mouth—overly greasy or otherwise, so it’s best to cut food to bite-size pieces. Yes, it’s usually the big bites that end up smudging the lipstick. In addition, it’s wise to put the effort of not touching your lips with the food.
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Monika
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2. As much as possible, drink a beverage using a straw. In cases when you really need to drink from the glass (like when drinking wine, champagne, or cocktails), just be more careful and try to avoid touching the glass with your top lip. Drink from the same spot so the mark of your lipstick will only be in one position.
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Joy
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3. Sticking with neutral or nude lipstick color is best. That way, you will be less worried when the lipstick fades. People will not notice as much and rather think that it’s just your natural lip color.
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Em
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4. More than creamy and shimmering lipsticks, matte lipsticks fared better. All the lipsticks I tried had good lasting power (Nichido, Ever Bilena, and M&Co), however all of them dried my lips out and caused some flaking.
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Joy
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5. Covering the lips with a lip primer and then applying a lip liner will extend the life of a lipstick application and keep the color in place. Doing these is worth a try, to help prevent feathering or the migration of lipstick into fine lines around the mouth.
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Me :P
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Feel free to comment both on the food and the lipsticks. 🙂

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April 7, 2015
5 Things to Love About Commercenter Alabang: A Place for #JustUs
Everyone longs for a quick getaway from home even just for a few moments to perhaps enjoy an entertaining movie, have dinner outside with loved ones or friends, or have a drink of coffee with only yourself for company. More often than not, however, one of the things that can keep one from venturing out is the thoughts of going through the hustle and bustle of a crowded mall. Thankfully, Commercenter Alabang offers a place just like that. It’s a place for “#JustUs.”

After having lunch at Butamaru that day and while waiting for dinner at Tus’ Clay Pots and Skillets, we visited Commercenter Alabang to watch a movie and stroll around to pass time. 🙂
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with Jeng, Chen, and Marge
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Here are five things to love about this lifestyle center in the South:

5 Things to Love About Commercenter Alabang

1. Relaxing, Less Crowded Retail

Commercenter Alabang showcases various convenient, exciting retail stores that offers a refreshing way to spend time with your family without going through the frenzied trip to a typical mall. With its non-complex layout, it’s a perfect go-to place for those into sports and hobbies. Present are: Kitchen Gallery, Bridgestone Tire Center Alabang* (see description below), Ducati, Callaway, Epic Cycles, and the soon-to-open Luxuri Boutique and Decor Contemporary Furniture.

2. Carefully-chosen Restaurants

The lifestyle center’s establishments have been carefully chosen to ensure varied dining. Commercenter Alabang houses dining choices that come with a warm and cozy feeling, including: Yellow Cab, Army Navy, Cocohut Fried Chicken and Fish, Mona Lisa Ristorante, Bacchus Epicerie, Buffalo’s Wings ‘N Things, Chubby’s Ribshack, Lasa Bistro, Le Coeur de France, KXP Kulinarya Express, Maple Restaurant, Elbert’s Cheesesteak, Kessaku, The Black Pig, Belcuisine Belgian Restaurant, A-Won Korean Restaurant, and more.

3. Fitness and Development Center

For fans of fitness and development, Commercenter has well-placed establishments such as Bikram Yoga Alabang, Asian Center for Dental Specialties, Fringe Salon, Asian Eye Institute, Centro Holistico, CMA Mental Arithmetic, 4C Early Learning Station, and the soon-to-open Aivee Institute.

4. Upscale and State-of-the-art Cinemas

To cater to the Southern community’s entertainment needs, Commercenter Alabang has Commercenter Cinemas that present a premium movie experience easily evident from its grand hallway down to the thematic ambiance of the theater. This is the newest place for a Dolby Digital 7.1 and 3D movie experience!

Inside the cinemas, we found highly comfortable seats, adjustable arm chairs, and wide legroom. Seats are easy to locate with the bold numbers on them and numbers lit at the side by the aisles. Food and drinks are allowed. Each of the four cinemas can accommodate 100-130 people.

5. Great hangout place overall

If you are having a staycation in any hotel in Alabang or just food-tripping like us, Commercenter Alabang is a great hangout place to consider as it has everything for dads, moms, kids, friends (barkada), and couples stationed in one building. It is located at Commerce Avenue corner East Asia Drive, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. This is my new favorite place in Alabang. 🙂 More stores are opening soon! Follow its updates by liking its Facebook page here.

Quick Guide on How to Go to Commercenter Alabang

Note: Basement Parking Main Entrance is located along East Asia Drive, just in front of Parque Espana.

* Short Feature on Bridgestone Tire Center Alabang

Commercenter has the one-stop tire shop and automotive services provider, Bridgestone Tire Center Alabang. Bridgestone offers unrivaled value, professionalism, and customer service. Built on the value and good reputation established by Bridgestone’s exclusive distributor, Philippine Allied Enterprises Corporation, Bridgestone Tire Center Alabang managed by Gian Carlo Lee and Martin Tee Ten make sure that every customer will be in good care.

With an automated aligner machine, a nitro air machine and a total of ten lifters, all equipment allow a comprehensive range of tailored vehicle services: oil change, under chassis, engine, suspension, steering, brakes, and tire services. Operated by highly trained and competent mechanics, service is swift, precise and highly professional. They ensure that all vehicles leave the shop in the best shape!

Along with the 25 tire centers in the country, Bridgestone Tire Center Alabang is actively promoting the Ecopia line, the most eco-friendly tire to date (made of eco-friendly materials), as well as other tires approved to have the eco-badge stamp. The eco-badge assures that all tires have passed a high standard, improved rolling resistance for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, longer lasting tire life and lower-noise technology and improved safety.

For more information, please visit its Facebook page.
April 3, 2015
Review of Taco Bell Philippines (Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City)
Fans of tacos would probably have heard of Taco Bell before. Taco Bell opened its first branch in the Philippines at the ground floor of Gateway Mall in Araneta Center, Cubao in 2004. I have passed by this location almost every day for a year when commuting to and from work way back in 2009. However, because I was always in the hurry to go to the office and catch the last train to home, I have never tried eating at Taco Bell—until last Thursday, thanks to Zomato’s invite. 😛

With its value-for-money offerings of food and drinks, Taco Bell now feeds people’s lives with its slogan, “Live Más.” Más means more. It is in the process of redesigning the ambiance of its restaurants all over the world. In Asia, first store to be redesigned was Korea, and the Philippines, specifically this one in Gateway, came as second. We were one of the first batches of people who learned the new things found in the outlet.
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with Ms. Aira and Mr. Lorent Adrias of Taco Bell
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Review of Taco Bell Philippines (Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City)

Ambiance: ★★★★★

Taco Bell in Gateway Mall looked like an ideal place to simply sit and chill. Compared to the old ambiance, the new vibe is brighter, more hip, and more colorful. I was most pleased with the electrical outlets installed on the bar tables where customers who are gadgets-savvy can charge their mobile devices while enjoying their meals.

I also love the casual dining theme, with accents of violet everywhere, and the open kitchen (enclosed with glass) which follows the growing trend of food establishments showing transparency in the way they prepare food. This helps to drive away fears associate with food horror stories about nauseating things that take place behind closed kitchen doors. As an observer, having visual access on how the staff prepare our orders was fascinating.

Service: ★★★★★

Operational efficiency and food freshness are two of the main reasons why patrons should check out the revamped Taco Bell. In relation to Taco Bell’s new open kitchen concept, the management has also improved the designation of tasks of the staff working behind the counter. Instead of one person doing everything to complete orders, everyone is assigned to do a unique task just like in a manufacturing factory.

The order-takers key in the items ordered by the customers, hands over the receipt, and advises to waits until their number is called.

The kitchen team is notified on the order through an LCD screen projected against the kitchen wall. Each has a role in making and assembling the food. Once done, a staff serves the order by calling out the number which is reflected on the screen visible to the waiting customers.

Food: ★★★★☆

The first appetizer to titillate our appetite was the Nachos Supreme (PhP 89). The platter consisted of “crispy-style” nachos with consistent crisp and cheesy toppings. It’s best eaten as soon as it’s served, otherwise the nachos become soggy with rubbery cheddar on top after sitting for a bit.

Next we had the Crunchy Wrap Supreme (PhP 69) “Meal 4” which was made with a warm, soft, flour tortilla filled with seasoned beef, warm nacho cheese sauce, a crunchy toasted shell, cool sour cream, lettuce and tomatoes wrapped up and grilled. It has robust flavors with a balanced touch of sweetness and savoriness.

XL Cheese and Beef Quesadilla (PhP 189) “Meal 5” is perfect for anyone who has a big craving. It was filled with the cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack three-cheese blend, topped with nacho cheese sauce. This simple dish had an alluring aroma from the melted cheese that I so love.

The Crunchy Taco and Beef Burrito (PhP 189) “Meal 6” was another good option that was done the way it should be—crisp on the outside, warm and soft on the inside. You can’t go wrong.

Note that all meals include sides and drinks.

For desserts, it would be a shame to walk away not having a bite of Taco Bell’s Chocodilla with Nutella (and marshmallows) (PhP 49) as it’s only available in the Philippines as of now. It was not too sweet but just right.

We also tried Churros with Dip (PhP 49). About the size of a breadstick, the light and airy churros can be eaten plain or dipped into the chocolate sauce. It’s a treat that’s great for a quick snack on-the-go.

Price for Value: ★★★★☆

Prices are totally inexpensive and wallet-friendly. Taco Bell in Gateway Mall must be a local treasure beloved for its tasty food and modern ambiance. This restaurant is recommended to those who want to try traditional Mexican food with a twist. 😉

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Other branches:
3/F Gateway Food Express, Araneta Center, Quezon City
2/F Trinoma Mall, Quezon City
April 1, 2015
Review of Tapella by Gaudi (Greenbelt 5, Makati City)

There’s quite an absence of good Spanish restaurants in my regular rotation lately, so when I received an invite to visit Tapella by Gaudi in Greenbelt 5, Makati to test out dishes by Executive Chef Robert Spakowski, I felt excited about Spanish cuisine again. 🙂 Tapella specializes in tapas and paella.

It was interesting to learn that while Chef Robert looked totally like a foreigner (Polish-Kapampangan on his father’s side and Spanish-American-Lebanese-Chinese on his mother’s side), he speaks Filipino fluently without a weird accent. He shared that he was born and raised here in the Philippines and has earned his Diploma in Culinary Arts and Technology Management from the Center for Culinary Arts Manila (CCA).

How did he become the executive chef in Tapella? The former executive chef of Tapella (his family friend) decided to return to Spain and asked if he can take her place. To prepare and equip himself better, Chef Robert took an intensive Grand Diplome in Spanish Culinary Arts course at the International Culinary Center in New York, USA and the rest, as they say, was history.

Review of Tapella by Gaudi (Greenbelt 5, Makati City)

Ambiance: ★★★★☆

Tapella by Gaudi has been established since 2009. The rectangular dining room is well appointed and large enough, so getting a table should not be a huge pain in the ass, especially if you have reservation. Ambiance is pretty cozy, one that’s great for a date night or an amazing hangout with friends.

At the back is a rack of wine bottles that serves as a good focus point of the interior design, versus muted brown walls bordering neutral beige that accentuates class.

There’s also an al fresco setting which houses the bar, a change of pace from the inside. Grab a seat here to experience a more informal and chiller vibe magnified by the beautiful landscapes and garden in Greenbelt.

Food: ★★★★☆

I have a love-hate relationship with salads, and Tapella’s Mixed House Salad Drizzled With Special Dressing (Ensalada Tapella) (PhP 200) fell somewhere in between. Usually for me, salads are not exactly a can’t-miss-item from the menu, but it’s worth to mention that the ingredients of this house salad formed a good combination not just on the plate but also in the stomach. Mixed up with olives and corn kernels, the lettuce leaves were well seasoned with the dressing, ought to help you survive the meat and heavy rice dishes later.

The Octopus with Paprika, Sea Salt, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Pulpo a la Gallega) (PhP 525) may look like a large order and intended for sharing between a group, but sometimes you need to overindulge a bit even for a party of two. As the star, the octopus was delicate and tasty, fork tender and not at all chewy.

Fluffy and generous with filling, the Open Faced Omelette with Chorizo (Tortilla Abierta con Chorizo) (PhP 235) was wicked good, one of the best versions of omelette I’ve ever had.

As something to whet the appetite, the Garlic Sauteed Shrimps (Gambas al Ajillo) (PhP 325) would be an excellent choice. It’s basically shrimps in garlic. What could go wrong? The shrimps tasted great and simple enough. I also noticed how the dishware was beautiful and meticulously selected for the course.

Another appetizing dish was the tender and juicy Basque Chorizo Sausage (Chistorra Vasca) (PhP 235). The chorizo sausages in oil were packed in so much flavor that eating a piece will make you reach for some bread for plate cleanup.

Next, we had Croquettes of Ham, Salami, and Mushroom (Croquettes Variadas) (PhP 175)—crispy turnovers with a variety of fillings. They looked great as finger food so I ditched the utensils to get proper-sized mouthfuls. Tapella’s croquettes were a bit salty and comforting wrapped into one.

As pitch-black as coal, the Squid with Black Ink Batter (Calamares, el Bulli) (PhP 385) was cooked well, however I didn’t think there’s anything distinctly special to it other than how it looked differently from the regular fried squid in golden brown color. Simply put, there was no hint of complex flavor from the squid ink.

Beef Salpicado, Chef’s Way (Salpicado a Mi Manera) (PhP 375) was oily but very delicious, so it would be hard to turn it down. I bet the chef used the juiciest morsel and used the choicest cut of beef for this.

If there’s one item that you can order with confidence at Tapella by Gaudi, it’s their Prime Rib Grilled Villagodio Style (Chuleton de Villagodio) (PhP 300/100g). Arriving on a clay dish heated by a burner on the table, the certified prime angus beef that’s only speckled with sea salt and quickly seared to preferred doneness was a revelation. Yes, it was really good! For steak lovers, it can be impossible to eat it without making faces of satisfaction. This piece of meat hits home, a rightfully celebrated stroke of “steak genius.”

Now, featuring the different kinds of paella…The Black Paella (Paella Negra) (PhP 595) was not the most outstanding, but it’s a special treat that can be best paired with gambas. I just thought that a variety of seafood to complement the squid ink would make a better contrast rather than chopped squid alone.

Soft and risotto-like, Rice with Chicken and Vegetables, the Valencia Way (Arroz a la Valenciana) (PhP 450) came as a one-dish meal of poultry and veggies. For the most part, the bell peppers’ taste was responsible for the depth of flavor. Give it a shot if that sounds good to you.

Made with elements that create appealing color, Paella de Cocido (Cocido Paella) (PhP 400) was loaded with a good assortment of meat and vegetables as well. It’s a must-try, as it’s one of the national dishes of Spain.

Out of all the paella we tasted, Chicken, Asparagus, Shrimp, and Manchego Cheese Paella (Arroz Manchego) (PhP 675) was the best! I’m all for seafood and veggies any day, and this rice dish blew my mind a bit—with cheese on top! I’m counting down the days till I can get another. 😛

After tasting the previous winning paella, the Seafood Paella (Paella de Marisco) (PhP 600) failed in comparison. It was still good but not one I would be thinking about for days to come.

For desserts, we had Tarta con Lave de Chocolate (PhP 150). It was sinful, with warmed rich chocolate oozing out of the cake. Checking all the criteria of a good chocolate lava cake, this was indeed calories worthy.

Smooth and luscious, the Leche Flan (PhP 75) was equally enjoyable. It was creamy but still firm.

Drawing contrast from the traditional leche flan, Bacon from the Sky (Tocino del Cielo) (PhP 75) from South of Spain was thicker and it was made with a whole bunch of egg yolks, sugar, and water (and not whole eggs, milk or cream as in leche flan).

If you like cheesecake, go get the Tarta De Queso Dulce De Leche (PhP 150). A heavenly marriage flan and cheesecake, this dessert was so yummy that I could hardly resist the indulgence. 🙂

We washed all the food down with cocktail drinks: Ronin Lychee Sangria (PhP 295) (sake with lychee) and Don Roberto Sangria (PhP 225) (red sangria with red wine and fruits that have been marinated for 24 hours). Both sangrias tasted bright, refreshing, and fruity, but I prefer the red over the white.

Price for Value: ★★★★☆

We came in for lunch and after the end of the meal, I can say that all the food we tried were solid and reasonably priced. Items on the improved menu are not a crazy departure from familiar Spanish plates but are just more interesting.

Chef Robert has done a fantastic job with the restaurant and with his creative menu of culinary excellence. If you’re looking for some good Spanish comfort food in Makati, I suggest you hit Tapella by Gaudi right quick for a hearty pile of food with tons of different flavor going on.

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March 31, 2015
Review of Potts Point Café (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

Potts Point Café opened a new branch in SM Mall of Asia (Entertainment Mall, bayside) last month, following its first one in Eastwood. We were fortunate to have availed of its opening promotion, which was 20% discount on food.

What fueled our excitement most was the Australian Grass-fed All Beef Burger that appeared impressively humongous on digital posters on social media. The layers of ingredients were particularly tempting and so we visited with highly anticipative spirits. Now the question is: Did the burger live up to our expectation?

Review of Potts Point Café (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

Ambiance: ★★★★☆

Potts Point Café in MOA is a cozy space that you might miss if you’re not on the lookout. (Tip: It’s located beside Sarsa facing SM By the Bay.) This Australian organic café sports more of a casual dining ambiance, with bright and modern interior that welcomes a homely feel, allowing family crowds and groups of friends gather and share their passion for food comfortably. The minimalist color theme will definitely draw the younger crowd, and pictures of food on the wall can whet your appetite.

Service: ★★★★★

Service was nice and friendly. We stayed in the cafe for about five hours and we were not bothered at all. The courteous staff took our orders quickly and treated us decently. Wait time was acceptable and the food came out hot and ready. 🙂

Food: ★★★☆☆

Fancy names and long descriptions of food complete Potts Point’s menu, but of course we were sure to get the Australian Grass-fed All Beef Burger (PhP 395) plus a couple more dishes and drinks to share. Made with with Australian cheddar, pickled beets, olive oil aioli, and house-made brioche bun, the burger was no doubt delicious. However, at one glance, my first reaction upon seeing the burger was like “Uhm…is that it?” We were just concerned about the size. It was too small compared to how we imagined it. 🙁

In any case, whoever created the recipe for this burger deserved to be regarded with utmost respect. 🙂 We requested the beef patty to be medium well, and the result was a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.

The baked sweet potato wedges were a simple side that went well along with the main. It packed a good combination of soft and crunchy textures together with a balance of sweet and salty flavors. Yum!

Next, we had the Squid Ink Spaghetti (PhP 285, Solo) with cherry tomatoes, Parmesan shaves, and arugula topped with fried calamari. The pasta was cooked perfectly to al dente, but what really set this interesting-looking dish apart was the flavorful squid ink, which imparted a dose of sea salt freshness. Caution though, as the black ink can easily turn yours lips black. Wipe it down with soft tissue paper or pretend you’re wearing a vampy dark lipstick! 😛 I liked how the fried calamari gave a nice elastic texture without tasting too rubbery.

More carbs? The Vietnamese-style Organic Slow Roast Pork Belly with Nuoc Cham (dipping sauce) and Pineapple Fried Rice (PhP 375, Solo) can make a classic entry to the dining table. But I’m sad to report that the flavor lacked depth. While its aroma was alluring, the sauce alone failed to enhance the taste. The slow roast pork belly was a good offering but nothing spectacular to wow.

When we were done eating, we continued our conversation over drinks. Similar to my reaction to the burger, I also felt “cheated” when the Hot Macchiato (PhP 110) was served. It’s too small, maybe only 1/3 of the size of a regular cup of drinks in fast food chains. The taste of espresso was evidently there, but I would prefer one that’s sweeter with more milk than foam. (This macchiato was strong and bitter for me. )

On the flip side, Potts Point’s Iced Latte (PhP 130) was good and refreshing. Not too sickly sweet, this drink had the right level of creaminess to please.

Made with the combination of green tea, peppermint, English breakfast, lemon and ginger, the La Maison Du The – French Handcrafted Tea (PhP 90) was also nice with a subtle kick of ginger to fend off chills and refresh the taste buds.

Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

Potts Point Café in SM Mall of Asia is recommended to those who want to feel like indulging in guilt-free organic food. For a restaurant which takes pride in serving the freshest, sustainable-sourced ingredients, the tastes of food were quite average. Portions were not as well enough to justify the cost, for the most part in our experience. In all fairness, this is a good place to hang out with friends or order grab-and-go options any day.

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March 27, 2015
Review of Tim Ho Wan 添好運 (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

It has been almost a year since Tim Ho Wan 添好運, Hong Kong’s most famous Michelin star dim sum restaurant, opened its first international expansion in the Philippines after the Singapore branch, which owns the Asian franchise of this Hong Kong original. Tim Ho Wan is a “go-to” for consistent Chinese food, pleasing diners with its simple and straightforward menu of traditional favorites and more modern specialties plus drinks.

My sister and I had lunch in its flagship branch in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City on a Wednesday. With bright and inviting atmosphere and great food that round out the experience, there’s no wonder why the dining room fills up very quickly anytime of the day and anytime of the week. Take note that strictly no reservations are accepted. With that said, it’s most recommended to go early or expect a wait. The hype has not died down. Wahaha. 🙂

Review of Tim Ho Wan 添好運 (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

Service: ★★★★★

Tim Ho Wan’s waiting system must have already proven itself effective, with the staff bringing order to an otherwise potentially chaotic situation. Chairs for people in queue are available outside, while others have to stand and wait until their names are called. We were lucky to find seats immediately, since we came before the prime of lunch hour. To order, we just ticked the items on the checklist and submitted it to the staff.

The restaurant was full but we were not rushed and were given the best customer service we could ask for.

Food: ★★★★★

Tim Ho Wan is popular in dishing out lots of yummy goodness to impossible lines of loyal fans. Ordering the Baked Bun with BBQ Pork (PhP 145 for 3pcs) is a must. This is the iconic signature dimsum that lures in crowds who push the wait to an hour or more (consider yourself warned).

The buns were pillowy soft, light, not oily, not chewy, with crumbly pastry crust that’s so freshly baked. The char siu filling was sweet and savory. It’s an indulgence worth braving the crowd for. 🙂

The Steam Spinach Dumpling with Shrimp (PhP 120) is a welcome break from ordinary sautéed spinach. It’s a great way to enjoy tender, leafy greens with shrimp in translucent, delicate wrapper.

We dipped it in a mixture of soy sauce and chili sauce for better taste. It’s a simple yet tantalizing treat that’s elegantly showcased, a sensible choice for this lenten season. 🙂

We also had Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf (PhP 190) (machang) which was served steaming hot. The fragrant glutinous rice was seriously good stuff, and shredded of meat and mushroom inside were tasty and perfectly flavored. We loved every bite!

Price for Value: ★★★★☆

I have no qualms about the freshness and good quality of ingredients that went into making good food here at Tim Ho Wan. With regard to prices, they are still more expensive than the Chinese restaurants my family frequents. However, considering that Tim Ho Wan is the “world’s cheapest Michel Star restaurant,” this place can be a safe bet and certainly one that warrants a return visit without question. 🙂

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March 25, 2015