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Between Bites TOP 10 MUST BITES 2011

December 22, 2011 by Janey

I have scoffed, gobbled, munched, wolfed down different dishes in many, almost countless, restaurants that I have to really organize my food thoughts. That is the reason time and again I come up with these Between Bites Top 10 lists.

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Japanese Restaurants

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST DATE PLACES

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST FILIPINO EATS

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST PAELLA

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST Buffalo Wings

TOP 5 Sultry Strawberry Treats

Mercato Centrale, Where Food Lovers Meet, The TOP 10

Between Bites TOP 10 Things About Bali

And here we go again! This time I have dubbed my annual list as “MUST BITES” in line with the Between Bites “brand.” Yuck, brand daw oh. Haha.

10. Rub Ribs and Barbecue

A simple duplex with a red signage that spelled RUB stands in Tomas Morato. With more comfortable dining area on the 2^nd floor, the small space has quotable quotes in frames adorning the wall. Their menu offers wings, potato wedges, pastas, pork belly, among others but obviously, it is a no-nonsense restaurant devoted to the love of ribs and barbecue.

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Japanese Restaurant

May 12, 2011 by Janey

If you do a backyard survey among your friends on their favorite cuisine, Japanese cuisine will definitely be on the top 2 list. And what’s there not to love about the Japanese? Er, except for territory invasion and similar events, Japanese are well lauded for their love for their country and most especially, the wonderful dishes they introduced to the rest of the world.

Sushi, don buri, tamagoyaki, sukiyaki, tempura, yakiniku, and the best quality of beef, need I say more? In Japanese cuisine, quality of ingredients and presentation are dealt with heavy importance.

Yes that’s me with the children of the foster family that adopted me for 4 days 🙂

The Michelin Guide supposedly awarded Japanese cities by far the most Michelin stars of any country in the world. Tokyo alone has more Michelin stars than the combination of Paris, Hong Kong, New York, LA and London.

I have about 25 Japanese restaurants in my list but the 10 below are what I have compiled for my TOP 10 at this time. Please don’t look for Seryna, Tsukiji, Yuu Jin, Haiku, Sushi Kappo Kobikicho and Nihonbashitei first and will have a different list for those. I can’t find my photos for Senju 🙁

10. Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

Upon entering Nagomi, one would feel the Japanese vibe of the restaurant, with the usual rack stand of Japanese magazines, private rooms with sliding doors and certain pieces like the Japanese lantern and posters add to the whole appearance. The very long sushi bar seals the deal.

Nagomi sometimes has that old smell but it doesn’t stop Japanese business men from the Ortigas area to frequent the place. This Japanese restaurant has a wide range of dishes to offer. It shows in their extensive menu.

If you don’t feel adventurous, their cold soba with tempura set satisfies your cold noodle craving at a reasonable price.

READ MORE:

Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

El Pueblo, Real de Manila,

Doña Julia Vargas Ave. cor ADB Ave.

Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

(632) 635 4546/ (632) 632 1736

9. Konbini

Before Royce Chocolates formally opened in Manila, Konbini Store is our easiest access point to Royce chocolates.

What’s interesting about Konbini Store is the way a customer has to order his/her meal. They have this rack of cards with photos of the dishes and price tag.

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You just get the cards (dishes) you want and pay for them at the counter like paying for grocery at a convenience store. Then they will serve the food on your table.

Miso Chasiu Ramen PHP 220

I was going to opt for the Shoyu Ramen but changed my mind and went for Konbini’s Miso Chasiu Ramen.

I wasn’t expecting much but was delightfully surprised that the Miso Chasiu Ramen was really a warm hearty bowl of yum. In degree of taste and cheaper price, it can actually rival Ukkokei Ramen Ron in my book.

READ MORE:

Konbini Store’s Chasiu Ramen

Konbini Store

57 Connecticut Street,

Northeast Greenhills, San Juan

(632) 722 4263

8. Nanbantei of Tokyo

Nanbantei is a Japanese restaurant located at the 3^rd level of Greenbelt 3. It looks smaller from the outside but the inside is very spacious with three divided dining sections. The open grill stands in the middle of the first dining area with a table outlining the front grill section.

The grill section is where yakitori happens. Yakitori is the process of roasting bite size pieces of meat, poultry, or vegetables, which Japan cooking is famous for.

Nanban Yaki PHP 180 (2 sticks) –Bubba’s order

Beef with special Nanban sauce. Square cut 1.5 x 1.5 inch of tender beef that has a peppery and smoked flavor. The beef was tender, buttery and flavorful. The sate sauce can append another layer of taste.

Yaki Niku PHP 170 (2 sticks) –2 orders, Jem and I had the same order

Grilled thin slices of beef, which were also good, but it was a tad bit saltier for my taste. The cut of the beef is similar to the Sukiyaki cut but slimmer and softer.

Nanbantei’s strength lies on their grilled dishes. Order the platters that appear to have more value for money.

READ MORE:

Nanbantei of Tokyo

3^rd Level, Greenbelt 3,

Makati City, MM.

(632) 757 4130

7. Hana and Kagura

Hana is a rather small restaurant, probably 30-32 sqm floor area that had a narrow bar on the right side and 3-4 tables inside and a private corner at the far end. Hana is known as the best place to get the biggest and most delicious Takoyaki in town.

Takoyaki PHP 120

Hana is quite famous in the block because of their Takoyaki. They have a takoyaki stand set up outside of the restaurant and you’re ensured that you get the freshest of their Takoyaki balls right of the hot iron grill. Takoyaki to some is considered as the best street food in Japan.

6 pieces of giant dumpling, shaped like a ball, is from a Japanese batter with diced or whole baby octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion.

READ MORE:

Hana Restaurant, Little Tokyo

Hana Restaurant

Little Tokyo Compound,

Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City.

(632) 339 3855

Open from 10 am – 11pm

Kagura

Kagura is in the same compound as Hana Japanese restaurant and they are actually right beside each other. Kagura was actually our first choice but it was fully booked for that day. Kagura is known to dish out the best Okonomiyakis or Japanese pizza.

6. Izakaya Kikufuji

As usual, Bubba and I found ourselves trotting to Little Tokyo –one of our favorite places to get an authentic Japanese meal. Instead of visiting Urameshiya again, Izakaya Kikufuji is a favorite alternative.

The dining space at Kikufuji is quite spacious with the sushi bar slash open kitchen right smack at the center of the restaurant. The place was brimming with people, a lot were Japanese but I noticed that crowd also composed of Filipinos and we spotted eye candy Georgina Wilson.

Spicy Tuna Salad PHP 252

I love the tuna cutlets that tasted fresh and were coated beautifully with Japanese mayo that has a tinge of heat.

It’s better to visit Kikufuji during lunch than dinner. Prices are cheaper, for one. Kikufuji’s lunch sets come with free appetizers and side dishes like cabbage salad, miso soup, black seaweed salad and spicy tuna starter

Enoki Bacon Tare PHP 52

The grilled items on the menu are quite extensive and it’s hard to go wrong because it’s the Japanese chef who manages the grill. The bacon had grilled marks that looked appetizing and the cured meat wasn’t salty at all. There’s a bit of sweetness in the skewered meat that probably came from the enoki mushrooms as well.

Unaju Don PHP 345

I’m not a big fan of eel but I do order it from time to time being a small fan. Kikufuji’s unadon is quite good, cooked well without the fishy taste. The teriyaki sauce that they topped the boneless eel with is succulent.

Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki PHP 185

Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki was like shaved meat, similar to bacon, but sautéed with sweetened onions and leeks. It’s served with shredded raw cabbage on the side.

READ MORE:

Izakaya Kikufuji

2277 Pasong Tamo, Makati City

(632) 893 7319/ (632) 893 6131

Open for lunch and dinner

5. Ukkokei Ramen Ron

Ukkokei Ramen Ron is located along Pasay Road in Makati but it stands out from the rest of the scene since it garnered reputation as the best ramen in town, taking out Shinjuku who held the fame for the longest time off the top spot.

Ukkokei serves Ramen with three (3) different soup bases. This is the best place to start –choose from Shoyu (soy-based), Shio (salt-based) or Miso (miso-based). Then pick out the option you want under each soup-based category depending on the ingredients you want on your soup.

Miso Butter Corn Ramen PHP 360

Get served with a bowl of piping hot ramen that will bring you much comfort –both in taste and texture. Ramen is freshly made with just enough bite but still retains its softness and excellent elasticity. The miso-based broth tastes delicious but others might get turned off by the oiliness of the soup.

I love Ukkokei’s Miso Butter Ramen. There is generous amount of corn kernels and bean sprouts that adds a different crunchy bite while the butter adds creaminess to the whole deal. If you find the pork slices or chayu too few like I did, order an extra plate for PHP 120.

READ MORE:

Ukkokei Ramen Ron

Unit 1-2, Upper G/F, Tesoro Building,

822 A. Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road),

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 856 4588

4. Chibori

Chibori is a spacious sleek Japanese restaurant at the heart of the business district of Cebu. In 2008, this was where my tongue lost its virginity to Uni. Thanks to Norman who specifically booked that Japanese dinner for me to taste my first ever sea urchin experience.

Norma and Chris

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One of my favorite Cebu photos, this one with Travel Factor

Assorted Sushi Platter –Premium PHP 800+

6 kinds of sushi were plated on a wooden rack with some side garnish salad. It was my first time to try uni (sea urchin) and although it tasted like too much “sea,” I really enjoyed the salty fishy flavor and velvety texture. The boys let me finish most of it.

Sushi Moriawase

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Tempura

Sukiyaki PHP 600++

Sukiyaki is a Japanese beef hotpot with thinly sliced beef (ooh lala), carrots, leeks, tofu, other veggies and vermicelli noodles. The broth has a sweet note to it. Sukiyaki used to be a staple order for me every time I dine Japanese but haven’t ordered this much lately.

Chibori’s sukiyaki is a winner because it has a good balance between the sweetness of the broth and flavor of the beef. The veggies were soft but still had a bite to it. One of the best Sukiyaki’s in the Philippines!

READ MORE:

Chibori– Cebu

Chibori

G/F CJRS Bldg., Asiatown IT Park,

Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines

3. Tsumura

Tsumura has been a favorite haunt of enthusiasts of high quality and equally priced sushi. Some have dubbed Tsumura, “Tsu-mahal,” because prices of certain dishes here can go up the wazoo! A Japanese sushi chef runs the restaurant so definitely high expectations are set.

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Sashimi Moriawase PHP 890

The assorted Sashimi Moriawase set comes with a selection of fresh and imported fresh sashimi and a sampling of uni. The mixed set has a variety of raw fish that I’m not that familiar with, as well as beautifully cut squid, salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Their sashimi platter indeed has the finest cuts of delicious raw fish (at least those fish that are in my food-cabulary).

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Amiyaki Beef PHP 470

Uni PHP 80

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Supple mushrooms wrapped in thinly sliced Wagyu beef –very tender, flavorful that it’s mighty impressive. The mushrooms were very light, in mellow contrast of the excellent beef. It is simply an indulgence in fine food. The taste is divine.

Tsumura

2^nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza, Sedeno corner Valero Streets,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850

2. Inagiku

Inagiku was awarded as Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secret (MBKRS) Winner of Best Japanese Restaurant in 2010. It’s no surprise since Inagiku is known to serve world-class Japanese cuisine with its delicate ALWAYS FRESH sushi and sashimi.

Sushi Platter

Tempura Sushi Roll

Grilled Gindara

Make sure that you always have room for Wasabi ice cream! It’s a favorite ice cream flavor of mine, next to Pistachio and Blueberry.

READ MORE:

Inagiku

Level 2, Shangri-La Hotel Makati, Makati Shangri-La Hotel

Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave. Makati, Metro Manila

(632) 813 8888 loc. 7588, 7599

1. Urameshiya Yakiniku Restaurant

Japanese is what Bubba loves best and the first time I brought him to Urameshiya for a dinner date, he fell in love with the restaurant. The setting strongly reminded me of my Japan trip. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Japan have a lot of character and produce mouthwatering dishes as those in the upscale ones.

Urameshiya Entrance

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Urameshiya Yakiniku serves the best Yakiniku in Manila. I’m biased because I love my meat in its smoky grilled/semi-charred condition. Bubba and I usually order the Tarafuku Set but their Wagyu set is also one of the best.

On the Table

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Enjoying my Japanese BBQ!

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This was a wonderful date spent with Bubba

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And another one 🙂

Tarafuku Set PHP 1,850

With the economic crunch, it’s definitely not easy for everyone to shell out almost 2K for a beef set that’s good for a hungry couple. However, I really recommend burning (literally) 2K for Urameshi-ya. I feel that every peso of that set is worth the quality and quantity of meat you’re getting.

Urameshiya definitely tops our list at this time! 🙂

READ MORE:

Urameshiya Yakiniku Restaurant

Urameshiya Part Deux

Urameshiya (Urameshi-ya) Yakiniku Restaurant

2277 Amorsolo (beside Makati Cinema Square)

Makati City, Metro Manila

(632) 819 5008

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Fat Michael’s Gastro Pub

April 26, 2011 by Janey

Bubba invited me out for lunch a few weeks back. And I welcomed the opportunity to spend time/lunch with him. It was perfect timing because I really needed the break that week –lunch break that is. I rarely take a quality lunch break and I’m happy when I do… this particular lunch qualified as one.

He had something up his sleeve when he didn’t ask me where I wanted to eat. He parked at the basement parking of Agustin 1 Building in Ortigas and was glad to see there is a Fat Michael in the area. Fat Michael’s Gastro Pub was really huge and had the same quirky elements the original Fat Michael’s located in Bangkal, Makati is known for.

They had a colorful map of Ortigas drawn in some of the glass windows.

In the middle of the dining room slash pub stands a flight of stairs cum pedestal that had all things playful… and the ever familiar, “we cook slow.” board.

Fat Michael invites you to get any of their board games, chess, magazine, books displayed there and enjoy leisure time while waiting for the food you ordered to be cooked.

I just noticed a boo-boo 😀 LOL

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Somebody cheated! 100?? 100??

On the Table

Spicy Lamb Kebab with Curry Rice PHP 298

For the price, I was surprised to see just one skewer of the spicy lamb kebab and surprised that it didn’t come with curry rice. The rice it came with was enjoyable and the same rice they served the rosemary herb chicken with. The lamb was flavorful although it had some overcooked tough parts.

I also wished that the vegetables (tomatoes, onions and bell peppers) were grilled but they tasted very raw.

Rosemary Herb Chicken PHP 198

Bubba is craving for Go Greek’s rosemary herb chicken for the longest time now and orders rosemary herbed chicken elsewhere while we find a schedule to visit Go Greek in Glorietta.

During lunch here, I suddenly missed the dishes at Frazzled Cook.

Bubba and I played Scrabble during the whole lunch and we both laughed during the game trying to come up with words and the biggest score possible. It was a good lunch, albeit I found the lamb kebab a bit on the pricey side.

Fat Michael’s would be a great place for after-work drinks with colleagues or friends.

Fat Michael’s Gastro Pub

G/F Agustin 1 Building, Ruby Road

Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

(63 2) 843 1953

Fat Michael’s Flickr Album

Related Posts:

Dazzling Dishes at Frazzled Cook

Fat Michael’s

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Kikufuji, On a Different Light

October 21, 2010 by Janey

Bubba took me out on a dinner date two Saturdays ago and Kikufuji was our choice of restaurant. That specific visit didn’t impress me much, particularly service and menu price –I found it on the expensive side. Last Saturday, Richard and Irene who are pioneers of Kikufuji went to revisit the Japanese restaurant since they haven’t in two months. Bubba and I thought of tagging along.

The dining area looked cleaner during lunch than in the evening. Chaos seemed to be down a notch too. On both sides of the restaurant is the usual Japanese sit-down where you take off your shoes –it was booth type that allows a bit of privacy.

On the Table

Appetizers/Side Dishes – Free

Kikufuji’s lunch sets come with free appetizers and side dishes like cabbage salad, miso soup, black seaweed salad and spicy tuna starter

Enoki Bacon Tare PHP 52

Katsudon PHP 265

A week ago during dinner time, Bubba ordered the same thing but this time, their Katsudon was cheaper. It was priced at PHP 300 during dinner, which is way more expensive. Plus factor is it comes with unlimited Jasmine rice.

Unaju Don PHP 345

I’m not a big fan of eel but I do order it from time to time. Kikufuji’s unadon is quite good, cooked well without the fishy taste. The teriyaki sauce that they topped the boneless eel with is succulent. Serving was generous that I was only able to finish half while Bubba finished the other half.

Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki PHP 185

Between Richard, Irene and Lauren, the three of them ordered Tempura, Gindara, Shake, Maguro and Beef Teppan. Yes, they are a family who loves to eat.

Other than those, Richard also ordered Shoga Yaki which is like shaved meat, similar to bacon, but sautéed with sweetened onions and leeks. It’s served with shredded raw cabbage on the side. It’s a must-order on the next visit.

Service was mainly more attentive and gracious this time around and I think Irene being with us had a lot to do with it. It is certainly best to visit Kikufuji during lunch time than dinner time because dish prices are cheaper for some reason and they give you more bang for your buck with all the side dishes that go with your lunch meal. They also include cold tea drink and cold coffee after your meal. Get authentic Japanese dishes at Kikufuji at an affordable price when you go during lunch.

Izakaya Kikufuji

2277 Pasong Tamo, Makati City

(632) 893 7319/ (632) 893 6131

Open for lunch and dinner

Izakaya Kikufuji Album

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Izakaya Kikufuji

October 14, 2010 by Janey

Saturday evening, Bubba invited me out for a dinner date and we found ourselves trotting to Little Tokyo –one of our favorite places to get an authentic Japanese meal. Instead of visiting Urameshiya again, Izakaya Kikufuji was our target that evening.

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On the Table

Spicy Tuna Salad PHP 252

I love the tuna cutlets that tasted fresh and were coated beautifully with Japanese mayo that has a tinge of heat.

Katsu Ju-Bako Mono PHP 350

Bubba never fails to order Katsudon and I can’t stop complaining when he does because it bores me to death. This time though, I purposely picked Kikufuji for Bubba to be able to order his favorite since they serve really good Katsudon.

It’s quite expensive at PHP 300++ but the breaded porkchop was quite substantial with thick pieces of pork meat. Richard said it’s better to go during lunch time since they give you appetizer and side dishes with your rice meals. Bubba loved his Katsudon order at Kikufuji and was glad that there was Tonkatsu sauce readily available on the table that he didn’t have to ask for one. Yes, he takes his Katsudon order with extra Tonkatsu sauce always on the side. Then why not order Tonkatsu? My thoughts egg-zactly! 😉

Bubba was quite surprised that I didn’t eat much. My appetite lately is quite weird actually. I feel like eating and I don’t feel like eating. After Kikufuji, we passed by the Japanese grocery store but the mongo bean ice cream that he had before was not available. We walked around Little Tokyo checking out the menus of the restaurants there.

At one point, I was tempted to eat Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki from Kagura but since Bubba was already full, decided to save it for another date.

Izakaya Kikufuji

2277 Pasong Tamo, Makati City

(632) 893 7319/ (632) 893 6131

Open for lunch and dinner

Izakaya Kikufuji Album

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Van Marley’s

October 5, 2010 by Janey

The Foodie Club visited Flaming Wings and since we were already in the area, part of our itinerary was to drop by Van Marley’s for dessert. It was just a measly 5-8 minute drive on a lazy Sunday evening.

Van Marley’s is a small, quaint foodie hub for simple and straightforward Dutch specialties. If there is one thing that makes Van Marley’s stand out and quite known for, it’s their “Dutchkins” –fluffy baby Dutch pancakes. And this is what the actual goal is for this specific food trip.

The dutchkins come with your choice of toppings:

Original: Powdered sugar and butter PHP 125

Whipped Berry Mix Cream Cheese PHP 125

Whipped Lemon Cream Cheese PHP 125

Nutella and Praline Sauce PHP 130

*add PHP 12 for a scoop of ice cream

On the Table

While the rest of the Club had 2 plates of dutchkins with nutella and praline sauce and 1 plate of whipped berry mix cream cheese between them (with Peter and Irene sharing a cold Stella Artois Lager Beer), these are what Bubba and I ordered:

Kroket PHP 135

Seeing the banner of the Kroket (croquette) outside, Bubba relented to ordering one and he was pleasantly satisfied that he did so. The medium-sized deep fried meat rolls that are cylindrical in shape were composed of both chicken and beef meat, some potatoes and spices.

The breadcrumbs in which the filling was encased was light and gave a good crunchy golden layer that’s as appetizing as the outside as the inside.

Dutchkins with Nutella and Praline Sauce PHP 130

The dutchkins are like bite-size pancakes with a billowed middle where the flavor/topping is delicately piped into. The addicting nutella inside is that delicious hazelnut spread we all love that gives a hint of cocoa, nuts and skim milk. The Praline sauce brings the harmony together with its pecan and buttery flavor. Yes, dutchkins make your mouth water 😉

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The dutchkins are light and pillowy soft that popping one pancake munchkin at a time in your mouth can be quite a habit. It’s so fluffy! 😉

Flying Dutch Wings PHP 155

Herbed spicy wings with a zing!

A Between Bites reader, after reading my current and long-standing craving for Buffalo wings, suggested that I try Van Marley’s version of buffalo wings that they call, Flying Dutch Wings. The “Club” could not believe their eyes that just after having dinner of buckets of chicken wings minutes prior, I still preferred to order another plate of wings.

Van Marley’s Dutch wings are zesty wings that are worth a bite.

If you’re looking for something different to try, Van Marley’s offers you dutchkins, a dessert or tea/coffee snack-aroo that’s like no other. Next time, I’m ordering dutchkins to go.

I sure hope Van Marley’s box is as appealing as their dutchkins.

Van Marley’s

10-A Xavierville Avenue,

Loyola Heights, Quezon City

Open: 2PM – 11PM, Except Mondays

(632) 426 0160

Van Marley’s Album

Photo Credit:

Carlos of FoodieManila.com

Richard of TalesfromtheTummy.com

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Between Bites’ TOP 10 Food Highlights of 2010’s 1st Half: What a Mouthful!

June 23, 2010 by Janey

Between Bites TOP 10 Food Highlights (2010 -1st Half)

10. King One’s Shabu Shabu

That Sunday lunch at King One’s Shabu Shabu (PHP 529 per head) was a wonderful lunch where the food were abound and of good quality –prepared well I should say. I get turned off with restaurants that offer buffet sometimes because of the way the food is prepared… but in this case, King One’s staff handles the food properly. Service was friendly, prompt and inclined –more reason to enjoy your King One feast. Don’t forget to order fresh prawns, mozzarella balls, tao pao and lamb! Oh lamb!

King One Rotary Hot Pot

M2-A Lower Hobbies of Asia

#8 Macapagal Ave., Pasay City

(632) 556 1370

9. Sweet Revenge of Maitre Chocolatier

Sweet Revenge is Maitre Chocolatier’s Lindt Molten Lava Cake -dark chocolate molten lava cake made from Europe’s finest Lindt Excellence Dark 70%, filled with oozing sweet and vengefully spicy chocolate served with vanilla ice cream

Sweet Revenge was the unanimously favorite on the table with its gooey warm chocolate that ruptures from the moist cake that’s bittersweet dark and spiced with chili. Midway when the chocolate flavor sinks in, the chili essence abruptly creeps in creating a sweet heat inside your mouth. Cool off with the vanilla ice cream that soothes your taste buds to a calm reverie. Bubba, Zipster and I loved the yin yang taste of darkness and sweetness, as well as the heat and arctic feel.

The spunk of the chili in the luscious chocolate liquid inside and the vanilla ice cream bring it all together in sweet harmony.

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Cafe by Eva Wong

2A (Beside Starbucks), No. 28 Jupiter Street

Bel Air, Makati City, Philippines

(632) 897 8559

8. Minato’s Great Korean Barbecue

Other than the smorgasbord of side dishes that includes Kimchi, spiced green vegetables, peanuts, bean sprouts, marbled potatoes among a variety of other side accompaniments, it is really the barbecue that’s quite good at Minato. It has to be one of the best in town.

Kimchi Pancake

The Kimchi Pancake is oil-fried pancake with bits of beansprouts and cabbage flavored Kimchi-style. And I think it’s free.

So Kal Bi PHP 350

Marinated beef short ribs –has a shadow of sweetness, garlic and soy. It’s hard to restrain oneself from gnawing the large bones with charred meat.

Sam Gyeop Sal PHP 240

The plate had thick, fatty slices of pork belly (almost looks like uncured bacon) alternating meat and fat and then skin. Meat is left unseasoned and usually cooked on a grill at the diner’s table. In this case, the wait staff helped in cooking the pork belly slices. On the side, green onion leeks and lettuce are served in case you prefer to wrap your meat inside. Customize it and add different side dishes or Kimchi and dip in sesame oil with fine black pepper and salt for a perfect finish.

Minato Korean Restaurant

Escriva Road (between Furu Restaurant and Agua Vida)

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

#8 is a toss-up between Minato and Chic Boy

tied at the same number.

8. Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

Great food doesn’t necessarily have to come at a price. There’s a new affordable (almost dare to say cheap) food discovery along Jupiter Street in Makati. Call on the Chic Boy. Chic-Boy is actually a play on the words Chicken and Baboy (pork) –the meats that are quite popular in the Filipino community particularly when it’s grilled.

Chic Boy is putting a whole new turn on chicken inasal, lechon manok and lechon liempo like you’ve never tasted before. They’ve taken a special secret recipe of tasty lechon manok and lechon liempo in Cebu and chicken inasal of Bacolod and put it all in one easy-breezy and affordable restaurant here in Manila.

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Must-orders include their Cebu Lechon Liempo and Salmon Sinigang (PHP 45). With those affordable prices and flavorsome and satisfying meals, how can anyone go wrong? 😀

READ MORE!

Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

Chic Boy

Jupiter St., Makati City

7. 22 Prime’s Tomahawk Chop

Quick-fire thoughts:

I love the ample size of fat that adds a buttery texture

and heightens flavor of the meat

Peppercorn sauce bursts a bouncy flavor that goes perfectly with the chop

The salad is a good pause in between bites of meat as a cleanser to the palate

Side of baby vegetables had the right crisp and seasoning

–the lone brussel sprout was my favorite! Quite tasty!!!

Don’t miss out on ordering my FAVORITE Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread!

Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread PHP 140

Gooey warm cheese topped on three breads, soft and bursting with tantalizing flavors. Served with baby greens in a mild citrus dressing sparkled with pink peppercorn. Sun dried tomato and broiled four cheese together? It’s an exercise in indulgence.

Premium Night at 22 Prime

22 Prime

22^nd Level, Discovery Suites

25 ADB Avenue

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center

Pasig City, Metro Manila

(632) 719 8888/ (632) 719 6821

6. Ya Kun Kaya Toast –Ortigas

Want a great breakfast that lifts you up at any time of the day? Head over at Ya Kun Kaya! 🙂

Kaya Toast (Half PHP 115, Set Menu PHP 140)

2 slices of delicious Kaya toast with butter –has the right lightly toasted crunch of the bread, slathered with butter and just enough green sweet coconut spread. Satisfies when washed down with Ya Kun’s famous coffee tarik or the traditionally pulled coffee. It’s not on their menu, but you can change your coffee to Yin Yang, which is this delicious half-coffee and half-tea drink.

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Noticeably, the Ya Kun eggs were cooked perfectly, which other Kaya stores can’t quite get, where the eggs usually come out with still some raw uncooked parts. My little spoon broke into that fountain of yolk and I was soaked in sunshine delight. There’s no brighter day than eating wet and perfectly prepared eggs with the crunch of your toast.

READ MORE!

Ya Kun Kaya -Ortigas

In Crumbs: Ya Kun Kaya, Taverna Verde and Taal View Heights

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

G/F AYK Bldg., Escriva Drive (Right beside Astoria Plaza)

San Antonio Village, Ortigas, Pasig City

(632) 470 4285

7AM-11PM

5. Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice

Suffused in its natural chicken juice/broth, the chicken meat was very tender and delectable –quite tasty for what can be considered a “healthy food.” The exquisite and juicy flesh of the steamed chicken is finely balanced with the fragrant rice sprinkled with green onions. Add a splotch of color and taste by blending in the ginger in sesame oil, chili and sweetened soy sauce.

Ooh, the appetizing smell and pleasant gingerly-sesame light taste mixed with a touch of soy and red spice… makes you definitely bite off more than you can chew.

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice: Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice (For pick-up orders only)

21 Libra St. Bel Air,

Makati City

(0906) 508 4155

4. Legend of India

Next to my favorite cuisine, I think Indian cuisine is one of the most interesting and flavorful fares in the world. Indian cuisine uses various spices, herbs, and vegetables and fruits sometimes grown only in India. It also has a wide assortment of cooking techniques.

Kadai Paneer PHP 260

Cottage cheese cooked in a traditional kadai masala paste

Rogan Josh PHP 450

Rogan Josh is an aromatic curry meat dish cooked with a mixture of strong Indian spices where the fat of the meat is usually roasted first in yogurt marinade. Legend of India tamed their version for our group, which mean it wasn’t intensely hot, but it was still intensely enjoyable paired with the vegetable biryani or the naan.

Sweet Lassi PHP 110

It was my first time to actually drink a whole glass of sweet Lassi. I’ve tried it before in other Indian restaurants but found the others’ version too sour for my taste. Lassi is a popular and traditional Indian yogurt-based drink. I tremendously enjoyed Legend of India’s sweet lassi since it has a perfect blend of yogurt, milk and sweetener. There’s a bit of tangy taste to it but it mellows down with a frothy sweet milky flavor. It fully relaxes your taste buds from the spices.

READ MORE!

Legend of India is Legend of Taste

Legend of India

114-B Jupiter St.,

Bel-Air II, Makati City

(632) 836 4232

3. Tsumura’s Wagyu Beef Usuyaki

Other than the sushi and sashimi…

It’s the Wagyu Beef Usuyaki that’s memorable at Tsumura! 🙂

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Tsumura

2^nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza

Sedeno corner Valero Streets,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850

#3 is actually a toss-up between Tsumura and Serenitea

tied at the same number.

3. Serenitea’s Okkinawa or Hokkaido Milk Tea

Serenitea is your one-stop shop for all things serene about tea. They have different variants of tea that will help boost a definite change of drinking lifestyle. It is the healthy alternative to colas, coffee and sugar-loaded smoothies. We visit 3 to 4 times a week to get our “Serenitea fix,” which is usually their Okkinawa milk tea drink with nata or pearls (depending on what topping you want) or Hokkaido with pearls.

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A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

2. Frazzled Cook’s Paella

In terms of taste and price, I consider Frazzled Cook’s Seafood Paella as the best in my book so far.

Seafood Paella PHP 550

For those diners who love their seafood paella with the full generous portions of mussels, squid rings, shrimps, chorizo and egg, this is their best bet for paella and huge value for money. I love the fact that they serve it on the paellera since I enjoy most my paella with the burnt crispy part at the bottom.

For other recommended orders, below are some dishes worthwhile to try:

Wagyu Salpicao PHP 550

When the serving arrives on your table, initial thought would be, “this dish is pricey.” If you’re being served with quality Wagyu that certainly softens in your mouth in a buttery texture without any effort, then your money is good. Have no qualms being served only a few flavorful cubes of beef drenched in its sautéed oil with lightly fried chips of garlic and slices of button mushrooms. Superb.

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Peruvian Hot Pot PHP 400

The Peruvian Hot Pot is their version of spicy lamb stew. This was Bubba’s favorite as the spicy invigorating flavors all come together from the lamb, olives, bell peppers and wine –great flavor and unbelievable rich sauce. The lamb meat had no gamey aftertaste that will surely convert those non-lamb eaters.

The Frazzled Cook

#916 Luna Mencias Street, Baranggay Additional Hills,

Mandaluyong City

(632) 782 5980

1. La Tienda Steak

Chuleton PHP 2,150 (PHP 425/100 grams)

It was the steak that was the highlight of this dinner date for me (okay, plus Bubba’s adoring chinky eyes). One of the best steaks I’ve tasted in Manila is not found on a focused steakhouse. It’s at a Spanish restaurant called La Tienda. I was pleasantly surprised how the steak gratified my meaty cravings. I think we had it cooked in medium doneness. The delicious steak was quite tender –glistening with appropriate grease and seemingly lightly salted while being cooked.

READ MORE!

La Tienda

43 Polaris St. Bel-Air

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 890 4123

Because I love food so much, I have #11-#20 but I’ll save it for another post. Watch out for that soon! 😉

For the meantime, here’s looking forward to the wonderful eats and gastronomic experiences for the next half of the year! Food Highlights from July-December 2010 –2^nd half version! And finally, by the end of the year, TOP 10 of 2010!!! 😉 I’m so giddy with excitement! CHEERS!

THANK YOU Ming for this photo! 😉

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE and EAT!!! 😉

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

www.FoodieManila.com

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In Crumbs: Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice, Clawdaddy Crab House, Cibo

June 11, 2010 by Janey

2 Sets of Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice Aren’t Enough

May 30, 2010 –2 weeks ago, we ordered Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice yet again. This time, scared to run out of it, we ordered two sets (plus an extra cup of ginger, as usual). It was the highlight of Sunday family lunch at Bubba’s place. We learned that Sundays are usually the busiest day for Stevie since a lot of people call in for orders during this family day. That specific Sunday, there were 8 orders called in for pick-up in Bel-Air, including 2 that were ours.

Bored of the usual lunches in the office? Order Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice, pick it up, and share a great lunch at work. That’s what we did in April. Karen was stuck somewhere so the HCR lunch was shared with our COO and my boss. I’m glad they both loved it. Karen followed afterwards and ate a hefty share as well. I had three helpings myself.

I had more than three helpings 2 Sundays ago… 😉

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice (For pick-up orders only)

21 Libra St. Bel Air,

Makati City

(0906) 508 4155

Venting out on Food @ Clawdaddy Crab House and American Grill

May 31, 2010 –My make-up was lost one day and replaced the next day (Monday). And that brought a string of good luck with it in the weeks that followed.

But that Monday night, I can’t help but do a vent-out dinner (where I eat my heart out literally –I choose the restaurant and not look at the price tag when ordering and just eat what I want). I treated Bubba at ClawDaddy Crab House and American Grill. We rarely eat at seafood restaurants (Bubba is not a shellfish fan) but this time, I just wanted to get my hands messy with crabs and ribs.

Crab Maritess PHP 120/100 Grams (I think our crab was at 900grams so that was about PHP 1,080)

Crab sautéed in olive oil, white wine, garlic and chilies

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What I do every time I visit is order Crab Maritess and requests for the sweet and spicy Sze Chuan sauce on the side

Smoked Baby Back Ribs (Half) PHP 398

Smoked, slow-cooked, and char grilled baby back ribs basted with ClawDaddy’s BBQ sauce –with 2 side orders of dirty rice

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Rustic Mashed Potato PHP

ClawDaddy Crab House and American Grill

6^th Level, The Ledge, Shangri-la Plaza Mall

EDSA Cor. Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City, MM.

(632) 636-5679

READ MORE

ClawDaddy Crab Buffet

ClawDaddy Crab

Meann’s Birthla at Cibo

June 3, 2010 –It was Meann’s birthday. I surprised her at the office with some Machiavelli chocolates and a banner with the Happy Birthday sign. Lunchtime, we headed out to Shangri-la Plaza for Meann’s birthday lunch treat from dee boss (CGS). It was a toss between Agave or Cibo. We ended up in Cibo.

We bumped into Pebs (AFC’s Senior Sales Affiliates Manager) and Michelle (wife of Chef Bruce of Tablescape) at the restaurant. Pebs used to be my religious supplier of Royce chocolates from Singapore back when she was still based there for work. And Pebs also used to work for SKY as airtimes sales head. She’s now with Asian Food Channel. I’ve met Michelle once when we dined at Chef’s Table.

Pebbles briefly shares that a good friend of hers and her husband’s suggested a place to dine at and when he sent the link of the place –it was my Between Bites site’s link he sent. She laughed a bit because we knew each other. What a small world after all. They tried Frazzled Cook and were really happy about it. I flushed a bit when Pebs said that I got many readers. I delight in the honor of being read… but alongside it is the “invisible” pressure of improving my writing and making good recommendations –those that are deserved.

We ordered one appetizer and a pizza to share among the four of us. As usual, I had my favorite, Pasta dela Terra. Meann asked me what’s good to order and I suggested either Pasta Dela Terra or Pasta Al Telefono. She got the latter while CGS and Karen got two other pasta plates I wasn’t able to note.

Pasta Dela Terra PHP230

Mushroom trifolati, stewed tomato, goat cheese, Parmesan, cream

Tegamino Di Formaggio Fuso Mozzarella PHP 230

Mozzarella, white cheese, tomato, anchovies, basil

Cibo

2nd Level Shangri-la Plaza Mall

Shaw Blvd. cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City, Philippines

(632) 631 7753

READ MORE

Agave Mexicana Cantina

Gastronomic Indulgence at the Chef’s Table

Pebbles and Royce Nama Chocolates Bitter

Frazzled Cook and His Dazzling Dishes

Cibo

Two Italians in One Night

Thursday Club Series: Agave Mexican Cantina

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2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 100, 21 Libra, addition hills, address, american, antique, awarded, bel air, best, Best Chicken Rice in Manila, best crab place, best crab restaurant, best food, best food blog, best foodie, best in Metro Manila, best recipe online for fragrant rice, Between Bites, Blvd., boiling, branches, Buffet, bulk, chairs, Chef, Chef Bruce Lim, Chef's Table, chicken, chicken broth, chili sauce, Cibo, Claw Daddy Crab, Clawdaddy Crab House and American Grill, Clawdaddy Crab restaurant, contact number, Cuisine, date, delivery, different dinner, dining, dinner, discount, discover, drink, drinks, engaging, Fat Michael's, Filipino, food blog, food blogger, food blogs, food finds, food review, foodie, for orders, Fort, Fort Bonifacio, Frazzled Cook, freestyle cooking, Garden, ginger, grill, group, Hainanese Chicken Rice, hawker, homemade iced tea, hotspot, how to get there, Ilonggo chef, inquiry, interactive, interesting, Jude Mancuyas, Kalayaan, kitchen, lamb stew, live cooking, location, Luna Mencias street, Makasuntra, Makati, Malate, mall, management, mandaluyong city, Mango strudel, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, Michelle, Michelle Lim, mismatched, new, new concept, New Orleans, new restaurant in Metro, now delivers, olive rice, outdoor, owner, P1, P950, Party, party orders, Peruvian Hot Pot, pesos, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, recent, recipe, restaurant, review, ribs, romance, romantic, rooftop, san juan area, seafood, Seafood Paella, Sentosa, service, setting, shangri-la plaza, Shaw Boulevard, Singapore, site, Spanish, spicy cajun fish, steamed, Stevie, Stevie Villacin, stevie's, Stevie's Hainanese Chicken Rice, street, STV, STV Hainanese Chicken Rice, sweetened soy sauce, tableside cooking, Tao Yuan, Taste Manila, telephone, The Frazzled Cook, unconventional, unique, upcoming, Valentine's, Video, Wagyu Salpicao, website, what to order, where to go, whistlestop

The Frazzled Cook and His Dazzling Dishes

April 20, 2010 by Janey

As soon as my family and Bubba arrived at that quaint spot along Luna Mencias Street in Addition Hills in Mandaluyong, “Moms” as what I fondly call my mom, immediately asked, “I thought this was an antique furniture shop?” “Yes moms, this used to be the location of that antique store that had large vases displayed by the gate. It’s now a restaurant!” 😉

Behind The Frazzled Cook is the same folks who brought us Fat Michael’s –whose patrons have constantly requested to have the same restaurant opened near the north. Owner Jude Mancuyas has such a passion for their restaurant that it reflects from the shabby chic interior to the creative and delicious food that their regulars have come to love –that is unchanged in The Frazzled Cook.

The unique and artsy dining room was designed with some vintage chairs and comfortable couches, a varied collection of nostalgic memorabilia that include books, paintings and other trinkets. The medley of furniture is quite an eye-ppetizing treat in itself.

A quick review of the menu shows a variety of dishes that the “frazzled” kitchen can whip up on the fly. From Spanish, Italian, Mediterranean, Filipino and American cuisines, there is something for every individual with a discerning taste.

On the Table

Grilled Cheese Stacks PHP 130

Started with a lighter fare.

Seafood Paella PHP 550

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The traditional saffron seasoning is evident in this colorful Spanish dish providing the delightful piquant taste. What I like best is the several lemon wedges that garnish the top. Bubba knows how I love a liberal squeeze of lemon that adds the zesty kick. This paella, similar to the one I remember enjoying at Fat Michael’s in 2007, was the very equal highlight of the entire meal for me.

Spicy Cajun Fish with Saffron Rice PHP 375

Get a shade of Southern cooking by ordering their spicy Cajun fish with saffron rice. In our case, the saffron rice was substituted with French fries.

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Peruvian Hot Pot PHP 400

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Wagyu Salpicao PHP 550

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Pork Chop PHP

This was another one of Bubba’s orders, which I really didn’t get. Pork Chop would really be the last on my list when eating out unless I know for a fact that the place makes really damn good tender pork chops. They have a tendency to easily dry out. I didn’t get to taste the dish but with Joyce and Bubba’s approving smiles, I know that the pork chop didn’t disappoint.

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Iced Tea (by the pitcher) PHP 275

Jude probably wanted their restaurant to reflect the cozy, casual atmosphere of Fat Michael’s. At The Frazzled Cook, one can enjoy a hearty meal that’s quite exceptional while relaxing in a “home away from home” environment.

Twas Bubba’s celebration treat of my Glutamax win 🙂

Great bonding time with Shobe Joanne

The Frazzled Cook’s cooking expertise comes through in every dish he carefully prepares –begging you to wonder if he’s frazzled in the kitchen at all.