Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle
An appetite for the good life!
It’s been a while since I last ate at Poco Deli but I was able to visit again sometime mid-July. Parking is still tough around this part of Kapitolyo but luckily, we were able to park right out front. I walk in the familiar dining area with the display case and counter on the right and a huge shelf of wine at the far end.
READ MORE:
I know you’ve probably gotten whiff of the news that there’s a new Charlie’s Grind and Grill branch somewhere in Ortigas Avenue. There is!!!
Charlie’s Grind and Grill
RONAC Building,
Ortigas Avenue, San Juan.
Don’t miss out to order:
Buffalo Wings (one of my favorites!)
Black Angus Burger with Fries PHP 175
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Clam Chowder PHP 150
Panko Crusted Deep Fried Cheese Stuffed Portabello Mushroom Black Angus PHP 350
Filly Cheesesteak Hungry Size PHP 220
Fish and Chips PHP 180
Have you paid the new branch a visit? 😉
And if Charlie’s is full or if you want a new taste other than burgers, CHECK OUT B&T Mexican Kitchen which is 2 minutes away from Charlie’s.
B&T Mexican Kitchen Chicken Mole
Read More:
Charlie’s Grind and Grill with Joyce
In My Restaurant List This Coming Quarter
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Last weekend, Bubba and I took a short drive to Tagaytay for a quick city escape and stayed at Summit Ridge Hotel. Other than knowing where we were staying, we didn’t plan anything else. It was one of those trips we just wanted to play by ear.
Right. Around 630pm, we started searching for restaurants in the area to dine in that we haven’t been to before. Thanks to the fast wi-fi connection of Summit Ridge, Google-ing was a cinch. There were three restaurants we were looking at but since I’ve been harping to try Taj each time we passed by Tagaytay, I think it was about time.
Andanita Taj of Tagaytay is not only a 24-hour Indian-Mediterranean restaurant with a beautiful lake view, it’s also a bed and breakfast hotel that has 8 unique rooms that represent different spiritually enchanting countries. It piques my interest enough to consider giving their accommodation a shot the next time I have to stay overnight in Tagaytay.
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Bubba hated this moment. He said it was sooo tacky to get a photo like this.
I don’t know what gotten into me. I followed suit from another couple. LOL
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Taj has a lively and festive mix of colors, patterns and furniture choices –sometimes bordering tacky but the hits of Indian elements give it a distinctive charming appeal. I think though that the best place is the corner with the glass view of Taal Lake with the couches and drapes –probably a picturesque sight during daytime.
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We thought of trying the shishah for the first time but since they only had one and the group by the lounge overlooking the lake was already using it, we thought maybe it wasn’t our chance yet.
The menu with the colorful food photos are so enticing we wanted to order a lot but restrained ourselves. Our list of favorite Indian dishes includes Rogan Josh, Chicken Vindaloo, Mutton Curry, Chicken Tikka Masala among so many others.
On the Table
Chicken Vindaloo PHP 490
Chunk of chicken pieces dipped in yellow hot spicy gravy topped with potatoes, tomatoes, and chili pepper
Their chicken vindaloo was not in their menu and we had to ask if it was available. It actually was but I find it unusual that it’s excluded from their menu guide. It was okay, we still prefer Legend of India’s version. We found this one really pricey for a small bowl.
Mutton Biryani PHP 390
The mutton biryani was absolutely delicious. The mutton was cooked perfectly, tender and packing with flavor. The biryani rice that the mutton was mixed in was both dry and moist which makes it conflictingly good with bits of dried raisins whose sweetness balances off the heat. Altogether it was a wonderful dish that exudes exotic flavors. I’d definitely order this again next time I’m around.
Taj of Tagaytay is definitely a refreshing change of pace from the usual Tagaytay dining scene. The menu looks ready to tantalize your palate with truly flavorful dishes made with a harmonious blend of unusual spices and I look forward to the next time I’m trying out the other dishes.
Andanita Taj of Tagaytay Indian Restaurant
5059 Aguinaldo Highway,
Brgy. Neogan, Laurel, Batangas, Philippines
(63) 916 936 4219/ (63) 927 711 4247
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Bubba invited out to lunch and I can only be a happy beaver to get out of the office environment and enjoy a slow lunch with him. Away from the tall buildings of Ortigas Center, we found ourselves at a small deli near Charlie’s Burger (our usual for lunch dates on weekdays).
Poco Deli, situated unassumingly along East Capitol Drive in Pasig City, has only 5-6 tables including those outside. Upon entering, you’d notice Dave’s Natural Yogurt stand near the counter, display cases of cheeses and other deli products like sausages, and wine display at the end of the dining area.
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Their menu consists of pasta, pizza and sandwiches as well as cheese boards and cold cuts of Mickey Deli’s products. Dave’s Frozen Yogurt for dessert and a list of wines are also available.
On the Table
Pomodoro PHP 155
The pasta pomodoro arrived 5-8 minutes after ordering. It had that sweet light tomato base on angel hair pasta.
Pizza Margherita PHP 280
The pizza took approx. 20-25 minutes before it arrived that Bubba and I only had a slice each before we had it wrapped.
Glass of Wine PHP 140
Pistachio Yogurt PHP 80
I’d probably do a repeat once there’s another lunch out invite, especially if I wanted to stay off the crowded areas like Charlie’s Burger (unless I’m craving for Charlie’s!).
21 East Capitol Drive,
Barrio Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Philippines
(632) 664 0519
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Hello, I am Jane and I was a Peanut Butter addict.
When I was a kid up until high school, Peanut Butter is one of my comfort foods. I love my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I love my peanut butter and banana. I love my peanut butter in a bottle. Yes, there are times, I just watch TV with a peanut butter bottle in hand and a spoon on the other.
My peanut butter ways died down a bit right after college –which is years and years ago. Other than the time I started calorie counting (when I ballooned to 130lbs), my sweet cravings (I used to be a chocoholic too!) getting plucked was another reason. Not to mention the salmonella scare a couple of years ago.
My visit to Peanut Butter Company rehashed my old ways.
Going Nuts at Peanut Butter Company
7 days after being introduced to Peanut Butter Co., I was back again at SM North (which was only my 2nd time in the mall) to pay PB Co. another visit. This time it was a bonding session slash brunch with Didi.
I ordered my favorites from the first visit.
This time though, I remembered to order (or at least, the counter lady took note) Marshmallow Peanut Butter sandwich.
Marshmallow Peanut Butter Sandwich PHP 135
It was simply coma-inducing –perfect marshmallow taste blended with creaminess of the peanut butter.
Hello, I am Jane and I am still a Peanut Butter addict.
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Saturday afternoon, Bubba, Joyce and I traveled to SM North EDSA with one thing in mind –gorge on PBC food. Medium-heavy traffic in EDSA at around 3PM slowed us down a bit but we eventually reached the destination. It wasn’t difficult to find the restaurant and I’m glad that SM guards know which direction to point to.
Peanut Butter Co is smaller than I expected. There are maybe 6 coffee tables outside the store, while inside, on the right, a table upholstered against the wall gives more area to dine in. The counter greets you as you check their menu for their assorted offerings. On the left is a shelf upholstered on the wall with a display of all the intriguing PB Co. peanut butter flavors. Some of their flavors are White Chocolate, Chili, Green Tea, Curry among others. But what it lacked in space made up BIG in taste.
On the Table
BBQ Wings PHP 125
Sink your teeth into these barbeque chili wings topped with the right amount of chili peanut butter. Taste the barbeque semi-chili flavor first on the chicken meat then get a light touch of the chili peanut butter that still blends with the whole flavor. If you were a peanut butter lover, you definitely won’t find this off. On the contrary, you’d order boxes of this to go for the next bball game on TV. I dug my fingers cheerfully into the box and grabbed myself a second and third helping. I couldn’t resist licking my fingers.
Classic Spaghetti PHP 135
Sun dried tomato peanut butter, meat sauce. The classic spaghetti flavor still glides upfront more than the semi-sweet peanut butter taste but you’d taste it –positively. Counter play of the meat sauce and the sweetness of the peanut butter –it’s certainly something to try. It was good enough for us three. We kept twirling ourselves a forkful.
Elvis the King Sandwich PHP 155
Crunchy peanut butter, bacon, banana –I guess I was expecting a lot from this being the highlight of Spanky’s email. It satisfied yes. Suggestion on improving it –thinner banana slices, crispy crunchy bacon, grilled toasty “pressed” (for easy handling and not the mushy hard to hold) sandwich. That would be a wonderful rapture of semi-crunchy sandwich with the softness of the banana, sweetness of the peanut butter and saltiness of crispy bacon.
I remember making an Elvis sandwich in 2006. The Sabiclub team was in Baguio for the weekend to support me during the grand opening event of Station 168 Internet Café Baguio branch. The next day, I volunteered to cook breakfast for everyone with the help of my office best buddy, Carlo G. I toasted the sandwich bread, plastered it with peanut butter spread, crispy bacon (that Carlo fried –I’m not big on frying), and instead of banana, a soft egg mixture I concoct that Bubba loves. Most found it weird, but funny that the whole plate of that was finished anyway. I think it was Mon (were you already part of Sabi then?) who commented that it’s quite unusual but it’s good. He didn’t sound convincing. I personally think it was yummy though 😉
PB Burger Sandwich PHP 185
Sesame peanut butter, lettuce, tomato, peanut cucumber mayo –Bubba’s order. He loved it that he only shared one bite with me and one bite with Joyce. Nothing out of extraordinary for me but I like the sesame peanut butter. It was delish and complements perfectly with the burger taste.
Box of Chips PHP 65 with Wasabi Mayo PHP 35
Fried seasoned potato slices –I now know where to get my fill of mojo potatoes.
Brewed Coffee Short PHP 45
Anything that is creamy yummy peanut buttery taste really sets the mood right. Price is really reasonable with most of the items less than PHP150. I think we spent a little over PHP 700 and there were three of us.
I’m now watching what I eat since I’m preparing for our Bali trip and I hope to shed some fat off my mid-section but I do allow myself to indulge at least once a week, preferably weekends. My indulgence for next week will be the same as last Saturday’s –PB Co!!! I hope you open a branch in Ortigas or San Juan area.
I thought I also ordered Marshmallow Peanut Butter sandwich (PHP 135) but I don’t think the counter lady was able to include that in our order. I don’t mind, I will surely be back next Saturday with Didi and Fran for another rich and creamy Peanut Butter-heaven brunch at Peanut Butter Co. Unwrap an exercise in indulgence.
Peanut Butter fanatics, try it and let me know what you think! 😉
Peanut Butter Co.
2/F SM City The Block
Quezon City
(632) 401 3826
Operation Hours: 10am – 9pm
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With summer fast approaching, travel plans and summer getaways are coming up. It’s nice to know that when you use your Metrobank Credit Card to book flights or shop for your summer essentials, you’ll also get free treats from Greenwich!
As early as February, you can enjoy a Greenwich Beefy Baked Macaroni for a minimum spend of P2,000 and Greenwich Solo Pizza for a minimum spend of P3,000. Plus, for an accumulated spend of P10,000 get a Greenwich Family Thin Crust Pizza, perfect for takeout on the way to your summer outing!
PROMO MECHANICS
Per DTI-NCR Permit No. ____, Series of 2010.
For the latest promos, visit www.metrobankcard.com
This promotion is open to Metrobank Visa/MasterCard Credit Card, Go! MasterCard, Femme Visa, World MasterCard, and PSBank MasterCard cardholders.
Cardholders must surrender their charge slips to get FREE Greenwich Products.
For a single charge slip with a minimum valid spend of at least P2,000, get ONE of the following:
Free 1 order of Beefy Baked Macaroni
Free 1 order of Meaty Spaghetti
For a single charge slip with a minimum valid spend of at least P3,000, get ONE of the following:
Free 1 order of Solo Pizza
(Available variants: Greenwich Special, Hawaiian, Ham & Cheese)
Free 1 order of Lasagna Supreme
For accumulated charge slips worth a total valid spend of P10,000 get ONE Family Thin Crust Pizza. Available variants:
Ultimate Hawaiian Overload
Greenwich Special Overload
Triple Ham & Cheese Overload
Philly Cheesesteak Overload
Extreme Cheese & Sausage Overload
Hawaiian Classic
Ham & Cheese Classic
Valid spend includes all retail transactions (examples of retail transactions are purchases at groceries, department stores, gasoline stations, restaurants, etc.), and merchant installment transactions (examples of merchant installment transactions are installment purchase of appliances, jewelry, etc). Online or internet credit card transactions are excluded from this promotion.
To redeem the free Greenwich products, cardholders must surrender their original valid charge slips, and present their Metrobank Visa/MasterCard Credit Card, Go! MasterCard, Femme Visa, World MasterCard or PSBank MasterCard at any of the participating Greenwich branches.
For the charge slips to be valid for redemption:
Name and card number on the charge slip must be the same as the name and card number on the Metrobank Visa/MasterCard Credit Card, Go! MasterCard, Femme Visa, World MasterCard or PSBank MasterCard Credit Card presented.
Transaction date of the surrendered charge slip must be within the promo period.
Unreadable charge slips are not valid for redemption. Cardholders must redeem Greenwich products using their charge slips before they fade.
Promo period is February 1 to April 30, 2010; redemption period is from February 1 to June 30, 2010. Cardholders can avail a maximum of three products per day.
Redemption will not be allowed on the following dates: February 14, April 1, and April 2, 2010.
Should it be proven that a cardholder was able to redeem Greenwich products without adhering to the above mechanics, the cost of the Greenwich products will be charged to the cardholder’s credit card account.
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The Killers Asia Tour is canceled, which means there is no show happening in Singapore, Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Tokyo and Seoul.
Their press release says that the band has been forced to cancel their upcoming appearances in the places mentioned above due to unforeseen circumstances.
Reports are circulating that The Killers are disbanding –for the second time. Their PR group is yet to confirm if this is true.
Photo source: The Killers website
Meanwhile, the recent press release states that the band deeply apologizes to their fans and is looking to reschedule the canceled shows.
Bubba bought three tickets –one for himself, one for my soul sistah Madz, and for me (I’m puzzled why I’m included in the equation) although I do listen to some of their songs.
How soon will Ticketnet refund our tickets?
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Charlie’s Grind and Grill is a stone throw away from the office that that has been the perpetual excuse to have lunch breaks there. It’s always at least half full –full when we dine there.
Bubba invited out for lunch that Wednesday, which is a QC holiday (he still went to work though), and by 12nn was already at the lobby area to pick me up. I got in the car and after a few seconds of dead air, a hooded person sitting at the back surprised me that made me shriek out loud. It was my sister Joyce. Bubba went to pick her up since QC schools were also on holiday.
On the Table
Black Angus Burger with Fries (2) PHP 175
Bubba and Joyce both got a burger set each. Juicy meaty hamburger patties that make you want to come back for more –grilled to perfection. Get it with fries and you add only PHP 20. Burgers can’t get any better than this especially when priced only this much.
Clam Chowder PHP 150
I had a heavy breakfast (Read: probably almost 2 cups of rice) so I decided to get something light. Clam chowder served in a bread bowl was creamy and tasted fresh –had generous amount of clams.
Key Lime Pie PHP 200
It was too sour for my taste that I didn’t get to finish even half.
This was also the time Bubba surprised me with the Nokia N95 Soul of Manila Wireless Adventure Race Part 1 televised video! 2007, Moi was fatty fat then but yay!
Even if it was a holiday, Bubba wanted to go back to ABS to work so I brought Joyce to my office instead after lunch. She had her own space, table and desk. She was so behaved and cute!!! Karen loved her and gave her many items to tinker with.
Other stuff to try at Charlie’s (ordered in previous visits):
Panko Crusted Deep Fried Cheese Stuffed Portabello Mushroom Black Angus PHP 350
We ordered this the last time we were at Charlie’s. That’s a mouthful of a description! And indeed it was. The cheese stuffed portabello mushroom was deliciously stunning in appearance and taste. You get a bite of layering flavors and textures leaving you hankering for more. The burger’s name is a mouthful but the taste can leave you mouthwateringly speechless.
Filly Cheesesteak Hungry Size PHP 220
The white bread was topped with local sirloin meat and charged with loads of tasty caramelized onions and green bell peppers. It was as good as the Black Angus burger –it will be quite difficult to make one a favorite over the other.
Fish and Chips PHP 180
Generous serving of dory fried to a golden crisp. Add malt vinegar.
Next on my list are the Meatballs Marinara and the Pulled Pork Sandwich. I can just hear my stomach grumble in anticipation. Executive Chef Rob Goco really knows how to tickle our fancy with great food from Cyma, Ristras to Charlie’s.
And if Charlie’s is full or if you want a new taste other than burgers, CHECK OUT B&T Mexican Kitchen along Ortigas Avenue.
B&T Mexican Kitchen Chicken Mole
Charlie’s Grind and Grill
16 East Kapitolyo Drive,
Pasig City.
(632) 635 4857
Charlie’s Panko Crusted Portabello Album
Charlie’s Fish and Chips Album
Related Post
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Celeteque Product Launch
Mag Net Café, Bonifacio High Street
August 15, 2009, 2PM
Skin Toned
(Thanks Lace for this photo!)
Items in this photo:
Random Brown Loose Spagh Dress
Terranova Black Pedal Pants
Be Black Belt
Random Black Belt
Gold studded ring bracelets
Stella Luna Of African Influence Pumps
Related Post
Romp the Ramp: 4 Letters in Black and Gold
If the Shoe Fits –Stella Luna Grabs
Romp the Ramp: The Day in Black and Gray
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Leopard Fading Print Pumps PHP 6,950 (aka Rarrr)
First time I met Rarrr at Rockwell, my pick-up line was…
Jane: If sexiness is a crime, you’d be guilty as charged.
Rarrr: (Purr)
First time I met Sleek at Rockwell, my pick-up line was…
Jane: You’re so hot, Global Warming is written all over you.
Sleek: You’re so ugly… you need me to validate your humanity.
Jane: You’re so sharp… you can puncture my tires.
Sleek: With admirers like you, who needs enemies?
Jane: Please, for the love of all pretty and fancy…
Sleek: That’s definitely not YOU.
Jane: I can make you happy with my company.
Sleek: You cannot afford me.
Jane: I have deep pockets.
Sleek: With holes in them.
Jane: I don’t intend to dignify your insult with another comment
Sleek: You just did.
With the tough economic times, I refuse to spend on shopping (unless necessary) but I was provoked –vehemently.
These new pairs won me over! They are so pretty, I can’t help but fall… Thanks to “lil sis” for you know what! Love is love.
ADORA Dept. Store
Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City
(0918) 2433666
SH
2nd Level Shangri-la Plaza
EDSA corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City
(632) 634 7599
RW
1st Level Rockwell, Powerplant Mall
Rockwell Drive, Makati City
(632) 728 0678
Related Post
Window-shopping is so detrimental to one’s health.
The recent prognosis of the doctor attributes my drowsiness to shoe addiction. My shoe fetish is back and it is in a serious condition. First symptom was sometime February but I took medications that will nurse me back to health for the rest of the year.
Two weeks ago, I bought 2 pairs, fairly priced. My Charles and Keith needed a stand-in so I bought 2 flats. I thought nothing of it and passed it as a slight fever.
Temperature rose. A visit to both Stella Luna Rockwell and Shang-rila branches this weekend and I was completely in stupor with the beauty of the shoes in Stella Luna! They are oh so lovely! There were about 4 pairs that gave me a trance.
Blue Green Strappy Stilettos PHP 7,850
I cannot decide between the black and blue/green but finally settled with the gold/pink/white after some convincing from the Sales Assistant. I can get black from anywhere anyway. If I’m getting StellaLuna, I might as well get an accent piece.
Leopard Fading Print Pumps PHP 6,950
I rarely like animal prints but this one nipped me on the heel. I love the fading effect.
My wallet suffered 3rd degree burns and a big hole marks the spot! “Never say never” but I will try avoiding shoe stores for the rest of the year. Straightjacket please!
Fall in love with the shoes at Stella Luna Website
Related Post
Right after our dinner at Sala, we decided to check out another restaurant in Makati. Bubba has been yapping to try out Mana-ish, a Mediterranean restaurant situated at the ground floor of the same building where he trains jiu-jitsu. And so I relented that same night.
Blanche (PHP 110), special Manai-sh white sauce topped with mushroom and bell pepper.
I have to say that the Blanche didn’t quite leave an impression on me. I’m not sure if it’s the name but it was timid… bland. Maybe I should try their wraps next time since this must be their specialty.
Related Post
Between Bites is a FOOD, TRAVEL, and LIFESTYLE BLOG that AWAKENS an appetite for the GOOD LIFE.
LIVE a HAPPY, VIBRANT, POSITIVE LIFESTYLE!
GET a BITE of FOOD, TRAVEL, gadgets, ADVENTURE, culture, hip trends, music, movie, sports, poker, reading, FASHION, and EVENTS happening in and out of the Philippines.
Eating is a continuous event but in the spaces in between, my time is spent taking photos, traveling, dancing, hitting my drums, having fun, tinkering with the latest gadgets, conversing, writing, boxing, LOVING the people around me, LEARNING a thing or two, and PEDDLING HAPPY DREAMS.
I am…
Animated.
A glam ghost and the biggest dork
A ghetto queen, a jack of all trades
A revival, a reinvention, a rarity, a simplicity and complexity
I am a lover of JESUS!, food, dance, music, rain...
I have my own concoctions you can’t resist
–Magellan needed to discover
I LOVE the heat of the sun on my skin
And the wind blowing my hair
I LOVE wild laughter.
I LOVE making adventures out of the routine
I LOVE the lowest and highest points of my life
I want to build gardens of sunrise and sunsets
I move to the beat of rhythms and base. RnB.
I move to the beat of LIFE.
I move to the beat of LOVE.
I’m every inch human.
READ the 411 on Jane, the Peddler of Dreams, the Biter of Adventures, the Insatiable Traveler! Click HERE.
POP ME AN EMAIL! EMAIL: betweenbites@gmail.com
Majestic Angkor Wat in Cambodia
ME finding roots at Ta Prohm, Cambodia
SKY JUMP, Macau Tower.
Milan, Italy
Colloseo in Rome
Parasailing in Manukan Island, MALAYSIA
Recent Table Guest