drink Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Bayani Brew

February 21, 2014 by Janey

We’ve been seeing Bayani Brew under the beverage section of many restaurant menus. Bayani Brew traces its origins from the native formulations introduced by the mothers of the Gawad Kalinga community in the GK Enchanted Farm.

It advocates the use of indigenous ingredients such as lemongrass, pandan and sweet potato tops which are the main ingredients of “Bayani Brew Classic” and “Bayani Brew Purple Leaf.” Bayani Brew Classic’s shelf life is 3 months from the production date at room temperature while Bayani Brew Purple Leaf’s shelf life is 1 month from the production date at room temperature. Retail price is at P45.

Bayani Brew was inspired by the nation-building movement of Gawad Kalinga, which set up the GK Enchanted Farm pilot site in Bulacan as a village university, social tourism destination and incubator of social enterprises. They have transformed a once-abandoned, barren wasteland into fields of abundance. It’s great because it kills that poverty-mentality and inspires the rest of the community and other communities to be entrepreneurial.

Revisiting Agave Mexican Cantina

July 19, 2013 by Janey

Mexican is my favorite cuisine and while I had to satisfy my incessant hankering for all things Mexican for many years with only 2 restaurants then, Agave Mexican Cantina broke into the scene in 2009 and paved the way for more Filipinos to open their palate to what this cuisine is all about.

Mexican cuisine is widely Mesoamerican cuisine with traces of Spanish influences and is highly defined with ingredients such as corn, beans and chili peppers and myriad of sauces. I revisited Agave in their Fort branch last month with my good friend Ace to post-celebrate his birthday. Ace has been helping me practice my throws and understand the game of Ultimate better. After all the grime, sweat and dieting we TRY to do, it’s time to indulge.

Agave’s interiors are always welcoming with its bright walls and hues of yellow, orange and brown. The restaurant is always filled with energy from the tables of crowds that gather for either a sumptuous family-style dinner or delicious original drinks paired with incredible bar chows. Their menu is extensive so you’ll have no problem finding something suitable for your appetite.

RELATED POST:

Agave Mexican Cantina

Agave

On the Table

Chipotle Buffalo Wings P355

Chicken wings and its drumsticks glazed in Agave’s tangy chipotle sauce. Served with cool Hacienda ranch for dipping. The heat range can be requested in mild or extra spicy.

This started our Mexican culinary journey and I enjoyed nitpicking the chicken meat drenched in this cloyingly tangy smoked sauce with outlines of mild spice. Ace would have enjoyed it better if we got the extra spicy but I was pretty satisfied with its chipotle sauce evenly coating the wings with just the right sketch of heat.

Queso Fundido P380

Rich Mexican cheese and spinach dip with chunks of chorizo and artichokes. Served with garlic bread, tortilla wedges, and chips. Perfect for sharing.

Nacho Grande is Agave’s bestseller when it comes to appetizer but I decided to deviate a bit and order a new dish as our second starter. You can also opt for Camaron al Diabla which is a plate of tender shrimps sautéed with fresh bell peppers and onions, served in Agave’s spicy Diablo sauce. That evening, the cheese-maniac in me won and ordered the Queso Fundido.

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.

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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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

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

#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.

The Frazzled Cook

#916 Luna Mencias Street, Baranggay Additional Hills,

Mandaluyong City

(632) 782 5980

The Frazzled Cook Album

Fat Michael’s

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Boyzone Stephen Gately 33 Died During Holiday in Majorca

October 12, 2009 by Janey

Remember Boyzone, Irish band with a string of hits in the 1990s? -the band of Ronan Keating and the complete rival of Backstreet Boys then?

The Boyzone singer Stephen Gately, 33, died last weekend while on holiday in Majorca off the coast of Spain. He was vacationing in Majorca with his partner Andrew. Gately, married his partner Andrew Cowles in a civil union in 2006. He revealed 10 years ago that he was gay.

He reportedly died after a night out.

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DLSU Block LR23 Reunion

July 28, 2009 by Janey

Czar SMS-ed me about the LR23’s reunion last week that got me really excited. It’s been quite a while since I last seen my college friends. Date was on July 25, 2009 at 630PM at Gerry’s Grill, Blue Wave, Macapagal Avenue.

I barely made it to the block reunion arriving at 1030PM but it was all good since everyone was still there. I think the only person I missed was Llis and Tan’s proposal. I arrived 10 minutes too late.

Kisses for everyone while Tan gave me a big hug. Jonathan Van Haute, Tan for short, was the base player of our band. You heard it right. I was part of a band before.

Reminiscing Freshman Year

1999 -I remember FROSHIE orientation day vividly where I was standing in the same circle as Tan and Throi, who are both my band members. Each was asked for an introduction and sharing of their interests. Of course there was the usual, “Jane? Where’s Tarzan?” When I said that I play drums, I remember seeing Tan and Throi’s faces lit up. I speak their language. Music.

On to the term, Tan, Throi and Jason started getting together jamming. Tan and Throi have asked me to join their group. I asked what type of music they play and they said the likes of Metallica, Black Sabbath, etc. I played to Hansons’ MmmBop in High School and The Wonders’ That Thing You Do. Metallica was definitely not in my league. I timidly declined knowing that I haven’t listened to any heavy metal song plus the fact that they were all male. I proposed that they ask RJ instead, who is another drummer in the batch. The next term, Tan hands me a tape to listen to. I did and actually liked the music genre. Soon I was banging my head to the loud music. I was asked again but I was still tentative questioning my parity against their experience.

Tan offered a jamming session so I can see for myself. We scheduled it and played after class hours at a studio near Angelo King. Throi on lead vocal and lead guitar, Tan on base, Jason on keyboards and little me on drums. They taught me a thing or two and I actually enjoyed the session that several jamming sessions followed.

FASTIGAN ’98 Battle of the Bands

FAST ’98 sponsored a battle of the bands competition and my band had a bright idea of joining. We had several suggested names for the band but the band name that stuck in the competition was “Dr. Fungus and the Sunshine Kids.” Don’t ask me why. Leave it to the boys and their creative imagination.

I was all so nervous but friends calmed my jitters while Ainge sent me flowers. Hiding my fear, I had my hair all up in “braid” locks (trying to resemble dreadlocks). 3 hours before the event, we went to the auditorium (William Theater) to check the equipment and have a feel of the stage. To our forlorn, the old drumset that the organizers rented sounded like tin can. I don’t know what happened next but I think I volunteered to bring in my drums for our set. There was no time to call for the driver then, my band mates and I immediately rushed to my house in a cab. They swiftly disassembled “Red (my drumset)” and loaded it in the trunk.

The organizer asked if they could use my drumset for the entire thing. Tan was hesitant but I said okay. Later that evening, I see blood and scars on my snare while my tom-toms had nicks.

I remember the support from our block (and the Engineering block, good to have friends from other colleges *smile*) hooting and cheering while we were playing. It was tremendously heartwarming that it gave me plenty of energy to play. At one point, I looked at the side of the stage and saw a group of boys (I think part of the semi-pros) rocking with us, head banging and pointing at me with a rock and roll sign. We played three cover songs opening with Metallica’s “Die, Die, Die, My Darling.” We followed it with Black Sabbath’s Nativity in Black (NIB). We ended the performance with Metallica’s . I felt electrified after and I owe it to my band mates for giving me the coolest rockin’ memory ever! (Much love to Tan, Throi and Jason. You guys lived and breathed rock in college –from music to clothes to lifestyle –I couldn’t keep up ha-ha.)

Greyhounds, Chico Sci and other bands were invited to perform that evening as well. It was fantastic hearing their music. We placed 2^nd in the competition while 1^st place went to a band from batch ‘98. My band mates probably wanted 1^st place but I was extremely thrilled and satisfied bagging 2^nd!

News and Updates

10 years later and I cannot believe that it was even real… until I saw my band mates again Saturday night. Too bad Jason couldn’t make it. Tan proposed to his girlfriend that same evening! It would have been nice to jam again for old time’s sake but Tan is already based in Belgium (where his dad is originally from) and is leaving on August 7.

The first 30 minutes of our time, Bubba and I ate to our hearts’ content because we didn’t eat since lunch. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to catch up much with Czar, Francis, Donna, Kathleen, and Liz since they left early.

I was so surprised to hear from Czar that King is pregnant again! Czar, Davy and Eldonn didn’t look like they aged at all.

Panem looked a bit heftier since I last saw him at Megaworld. He has a family now with two kids. Davy is still hysterically funny! I remember telling him in college that I would get him as my “personal comedian/assistant” if I became rich enough to afford him.

Francis Dumaliang who is the brightest in the batch and a consistent dean’s lister is now working for his family’s construction business. Kathleen and Tan lost so much weight since college while I’m getting heavier each day. Both looked so great with their new weight!

Arezu and Liz are now lawyers and I am green with envy. I bumped into Jang at Tektite building the day before and he is also a lawyer working for Puno law firm.

RJ is now with RCBC Bank from Sun as a business analyst. Last time I saw RJ was when I invited him at the Nokia event at Embassy.

We talked about Tan’s future plans, Davy bumping into Ryan Lee (Dihia!) in Cebu of all places, their fart can, Davy’s ICP (instant pancit canton) speech in class that rolled us into laughter.

It was great to see everyone and it felt so short having to leave by 1230am. Still had a blast despite the short time spent reminiscing college days. I’m glad that Bubba met the people that shaped my college years.

Francis’ Album

RJ’s Album

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Memento Got Me Drunk

July 24, 2009 by Janey

The biggest event that happened last Saturday night, July 18, was URCC XIV Aggression where Bubba refereed 4 matches, including the two main events. One thing displeasing to note though was the event started really late than usual and ended close to 1AM when it usually finishes by 1030pm or 11pm. I guess the melodrama in some of the matches particularly the first match added to the late conclusion of the event. My friend Jody who got the 1K seat was only able to stay until 1030pm, which is just the start of the 5^th match because he had an early morning Globe benefit run at the Fort.

Well, another major event occurred that night (slash July 19’s morning) and it took place at a small bar called Memento –and that event was lil ol’ me getting drunk after several years. I can’t even remember the last time I was drunk. The ultimate I can remember was probably 9 years ago, sophomore year in college.

Right after the URCC event, we dropped off Madz in Ortigas and headed straight to Bautista Street to look for Memento bar. It was both our first time at the venue and thankfully it wasn’t such a difficult place to find.

The party already started by 11pm and getting there by 130am, you’d expect everyone drunk. The Sabi peeps were playing Carlo’s famous Do or Drink Game now programmed in his PDA phone. Mon, who also watched URCC with 5 other friends including Chay, got to the venue ahead of us.

We were reveling in the party mood when Carlo suddenly put me on the spotlight and ordered me to take this drink called “Boy Bastos.” What a name for a drink huh? I think it’s supposed to be 11 hard drinks mixed into one (gross…) Memento is known for its Boy Bastos drink and Beer Bong challenge. It’s their claim to fame and it’s obvious from their photo walls.

I naturally begged off as I do every time I am put on the spot. However, Carlo didn’t let me get away this time. Being his and Cam’s birthday, I just couldn’t refuse plus the crowd was cheering us (Chris, Mon, and I) on. Not wanting to be a party pooper, I went to the bar nervous about drinking the tall glass.

The server conked the glasses against the bar signaling that it’s time to chug down the mix. I grabbed my glass like a tough cowboy in a Salon and guzzled all the liquid and tapped the glass on the bar as soon as I finished. I was the first one to finish the drink!!! YAY! Who says a girl can’t drink?

I look back and saw that it was Camille who joined the fun and not Mon. Mon and NA followed after us.

My tummy grumbled. I was hungry but I was also trying to hold my drink down. What was in that drink? Mon, Chris and I did some URCC MMA recap over the loud music. The Do or Drink game continued.

In Martini’s drunkenness, he was still able to coin a new Happy Birthday greeting, “Hababerdie!” (Oh and the following day, he dreamnt he was back in Sabi but resigned after one day haha.)

Carlo let me order more food (yippee!!!), which pumped my energy as always. Their food bar price wasn’t so bad either. I really liked the chicken fingers, cheese sticks and chicharon bulaklak. I was laughing hysterically at the most miniscule things and I was enjoying seeing NA lash out on a good trip as well. Carlo tells me that her moments of drunkenness are usually mellow –same as mine actually.

Not long after, the wait staff said it was their final call for orders that also queued that the place was closing. My watch says 330am, still pretty early to close.

We kissed everyone goodbye and dropped NA off her place. We gave Carlo a ride as well while Martin and Mon were left behind. I am not too sure if Martin was able to take Mon home or vice-versa. Martin was so drunk too and It was quite an experience to go home feeling drunk after quite some time and that feeling of silliness that goes with it. Little did I know that the next day was going to be a day of major hangover.

It was worth it.

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.”

Belated Happy Birthla to Cams (July 18) and Happy Birthla TODAY to Carlo (July 24)! I love you both (that’s why I’m not posting your ages here)!

Carlo’s Multiply Memento Album

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The Steaks at Texas Roadhouse

June 11, 2009 by Janey

I cannot count how many times I’ve been to Texas Roadhouse, whether in the El Pueblo or Bonifacio High Street branch. When I want no-brainer good food, it is definitely in my shortlist of go to restaurants.

Since this is a “Texas” themed restaurant, its main thrust is in its steaks –the all time favorite American grilled food. The hand fits the glove as the restaurant is equipped with a long bar for some heavy cowboy drinking, swinging saloon doors and the wait staff in cowboy attire.

On the Table

Santa Fe Nachos PHP 275

For starters, we never fail to order the Santa Fe Nachos. It is that bright cheesy triangle nacho dotted with a jalapeno slice in the center. It’s in the first bite that holds the surprise because underneath the solid layer of cheese is yummy tomato basted ground beef. Served with marinara and sour cream on the side.

Parmesan Crusted Fish Fillet PHP 350

It’s also a staple order in our table. More from the previous post

Boneless Barbeque Chicken PHP 275

My sister Joyce loves anything Barbeque-d and chicken. The dish she kept mostly for herself.

Herbed Trailboss Steak PHP 495

Add sautéed mushrooms PHP 90. My mom opted to add the sautéed mushrooms for an additional charge and she was happy with her steak. She loves her meat well done because reddish meat makes her feel repulsive. She really enjoyed her order and couldn’t be any happier. At any rate, her steak for me was okay but the flat iron steak was that evening’s table champ.

Flat Iron Steak PHP 475

It was very flavorful with enough juices in it to keep the meat moist and tender. There is little needed to boost flavor since the meat is wonderful on its own tender meaty glory. The meat wasn’t grainy or stringy. It was so tender that it delicately softens in your mouth . It is definitely a steak that “meats” your taste buds.