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

 

Ya Kun Kaya –Ortigas

April 9, 2010

 

We’ve visited Ya Kun Kaya twice in two weeks.  This post is from the Ortigas visit.  But we also visited the other branch for the first time just recently.  While waiting for our flight to Cebu last Saturday morning, we also had quick breakfast bite at the Ya Kun Kaya at the domestic airport.  Something’s different, ambience for one.  I wasn’t able to take photos.

On the Table

Milo Set with Milo Dinosaur PHP 150

This is what Bubba got when he went to YKK alone a few weeks back.  He’s been raving about it ever since.

 

Cheezy Toast Set with Yin Yang PHP 150

Between the French cheesy toast and the grilled version, I like the latter better.  I prefer my toast with a good crunch. I love the soft-boiled eggs on top of my grilled toast –the eggs made me want to stretch out and say, “Good morning sunshine!”

 

Have you tried Ya Kun Kaya -Ortigas?  Go ahead and grab your breakfast anytime there -even as late as 11PM! 😉

 

 

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

 

 

 

Taverna Verde

April 9, 2010

 

 

If I were to choose a spot in Ortigas I’d love to hang out with friends for a few drinks, Taverna will be the place I will keep returning to.  It’s so accessible to me after office hours and ambience is terrific.  Good chill ambience to unwind and spend more time catching up.  Prices of the drinks aren’t bad at all.

 

More Photos from Bridgette’s Send Off

 

 

More than anything, I recently discovered that Taverna has really awesome bar chows.  Next time with company, I should try to eat here during lunch to try their entrées.

The night Madz requested for a get-together for Bridgette’s send-off, Bubba and I ordered a few dishes.

On the Table

Nachos

We had two orders of nachos and I think I finished 80% of the 2 plates.  Without a doubt, I declare Taverna’s nachos as one of the best in the North!

 

Croquettes

Bubba loved the croquettes and has been craving for it ever since.

 

Chicken and Pepper Melt Tortilla

Bridgette loved this!  There was nothing not to like at Taverna.

 

I’d have better photos and more descriptive review when I visit Taverna again –this time without the alcohol intake.  Purely food!

 

 

Taverna Verde

88 Meralco Ave. cor. Julia Vargas

Ortigas Pasig City

(632) 633 3671

 

 

 

Taal View Heights, Tagaytay

April 11, 2010 

The Initial Sessions

Planning, planning!

 

 

Album

Bridgette’s Send-Off at Taverna Verde

 

 

Last night, our group of 10 filled a table at Taverna, one of my favorite drinking spots in the Metro, particularly in Ortigas.  It’s been a while since I was last here but it’s good to unwind after such a long day.

 

Bubba and I were the last ones to arrive around 930pm.  Madz and Francis are usually on time.  And I’m almost ALWAYS on time.  So you know which direction to look at when I’m late.

 

 

I was feeling really tired and it was a slow start for me trying to catch the groove.  Madz was at the helm of the table conversation and it was great seeing her in such an uber-bouncy and cheery mood excited about having everyone there and sharing the photography session ideas both Pearl and her are planning.  How can you not get infected with such enthusiasm?  That’s why I really adore her.

 

 

The get-together was a pre-send-off (yes, there’s another despedida at Madz’ place on Sunday) for Bridgette, Madz’ visiting cousin from Australia, who also visited last year during Typhoon Ondoy.  Odette (Madz’ sister), Pearl (Madz’ studio business partner), Bogs (one of Madz’ dozens of cousin), Issang and Bobby, and Mr. Milo Kid (Francis… he hates that moniker) were there.

 

 

The Mojito relaxed me a bit and definitely, Taverna’s yummy nachos revived my energy!!!  I didn’t realize Taverna has such awesome bar chows since we always only order drinks and the Spinach dip appetizer.  Bubba was on an eating rage last night and ordered 2 nachos, 1 chicken and pepper melt tortilla, chorizo and cheese croquettes.  He wants to go back today for the chorizo and cheese croquettes.  Bridge loved the melt tortilla and claims that it agreed with her Australian taste buds.

 

 

We just kept laughing the night away.  I think we were the loudest bunch there and I didn’t even contribute to the noise that much (awfully exhausted and hungry) but I thoroughly enjoyed the evening with the whole group.  Issang left earlier because she was joining a Travel Factor trip that night (woo-hoo!), a first for her.

 

 

Despite some crazy moods of Bridge, Madz will surely miss her presence at home (even the bullying haha).  It’ll be sad to see her ride the plane back to Brisbane on Tuesday but I’m sure she’d be back in Manila for another vacation sooner than Madz can say, “Patience is a virtue.” 😉

 

 

 

EL’s Birthday at Bugsy’s

 

Pat obediently following my instructions to reserve a table for 6, indoors and couch area secured us a table at Bugsy’s Tuesday night.  My friend Eric is experiencing Murphy’s Law since the start of the month and the biggest blow was about his work –news that broke only last week.  On top of that, he lost a mobile phone, nicked his Mazda and is currently nursing a forlorn heart. 

 

EL celebrates his birthday every 23rd of June.  What a way to welcome a birthday right?

 

But like what they say, it’s hard to put a good man down.

 

EL still celebrated his birthday in tasteful fashion with friends over drinks and good food.

 

 

Bubba and I were first to arrive but we were an hour early so we were off to Big Bert’s for a carwash.  We came back to Bugsy’s and found Pat on our reserved table.  Of course, as Eric’s spokesperson, he briefed us with Eric’s mishap in the recent week.

 

On the Table

 

Buffalo Tenders (2) PHP 175

Imagine your favorite Buffalo wings with all the tangy spicy goodness without the bones!  No more working out tediously to get the meat out.  In every piece there’s a flake of crispy skin that makes it all the more addicting.  I can eat this all day.  Pat is not found of spicy dishes but he loved this obvious when he wiped out one plate.

 

 

 

The Family PHP 265

I ordered Warren’s Dip and Chips but it wasn’t available so I tried their appetizer sampler, The Family.  The Family was composed of potato wedges, mozzarella sticks (that I didn’t get to try.  *shooting a mean look to Bubba*) and buffalo tenders.

 

 

 

French Fries PHP 150 (?)

 

Deep Fried Burger Melt PHP 165

Burger meat, cheese in deep fried spring roll

 

 

Uncle Moe’s Beef Kebab Plate (2) PHP 130

I had to have my rice and I was craving for beef kebab.  Bugsy’s was nice enough to let us bring in the food from their neighbor and serve it on a plate.  You help your neighbor and you increase both your foot traffic –always good for business.

 

 

Margarita PHP 130

I love my margarita.  I find it funny that they served it on a Martini glass.

 

 

Arctic Vodka (2)

 

Bottles and Bottles of Beer PHP 50

 

There is so much to love about Bugsy’s.  The wait staff is really gracious, speedy and efficient.  You wouldn’t mind hanging out with them on a Friday night.  The food is nothing but delish particularly the mouth-watering appetizers!  Price on the drink list is reasonable.  There are no frills –just straightforward scrumptious dishes, reasonable price and quality service that always please.  It seems to be the homiest hangout spot to enjoy beer drinking with friends, colleagues or sport groups.

 

 

Fred and Madz followed afterwards.  It’s been more than 5 years since I last seen Fred.  He still looks pretty much the same except that in this dinner he brought with him MUSCLES.  Every time we look at him, he flexes them muscles.  When he asks for beer from the wait staff, he flexes them muscles.  When he laughs, them muscles flex.

 

 

 

 

Pat, I know you enjoy our company... but whats with the BIG smile?

"Pat, I know you enjoy our company... but what's with the BIG smile?"

 

 

 

Of course, Pat (as Eric’s VOLUNTARY spokesperson) had to share AGAIN with the latecomers Eric’s misfortunes.  After much sympathy to EL, we know that our presence there is not to sulk with him but to remind him the comfort of having friends around at times like this.  We remind him that as long as there is tomorrow, there is always another day of possibilities. 

 

 

So we exchanged stories one after the other.  Eric and Pat reminisced about the time there was a swimming get-together at Fay’s house.  My girlfriends (Gina, King and Fay) and Fay’s other girl group were there while I was MIA since my parents didn’t allow me to stay out late during college days.  Then-chubby Fred didn’t bring any swimming attire.  He had to wear Fay’s badminton shorts that were sheer.  We all doubled over laughing.  They both demonstrated how Fred swam that evening like he was playing shark.  Most of the time, he was sitting in one corner playing with Fay’s nephew trying to be unmindful of the beautiful girls that surround him.  It was so hilarious.  Fred evens the score when he tells us about the time Eric was so wasted and the Eng boys bathe him.  He was so smashed that he didn’t know they were playing with his “cockpit where he keeps his gun”.

 

 

 

At this point, Fred was still flexing his muscles as he tells the story.  The other tables were also getting as distracted as we were.

Bubba saw some Xavier friends while Chai walked up to me and surprised me.

 

 

 

We ordered another round of Buffalo Tenders.  It was everybody’s first time there except for Bubba and I.  They really liked the food and that makes me cheery.  The humor and energy were nothing short of an upbeat tempo.  The drinks continue to flow.  We literally laughed our hearts out –it’s been quite a while since my abdomen had this heavy workout.

 

Little miss bo beep with the Engineering boys

 

 

 

Oh, Fred looks so much like Jake Cuenca when he laughs.  With bigger muscles.  Madz had to take another shot of Arctic Vodka to reluctantly agree.  At this instant, Eric reminds me that it’s his birthday not Fred’s.

 

Effortlessly, the dynamics in the group bring so much energy to the table conversation. 

 

Bubba and I excused us to go to Barcino and get Eric a cake.  Good thing that Bugsy’s had a birthday candle on hand when we asked for one.  To Eric’s embarrassment, we sang the Happy Birthday song.

 

 

It was a workweek and we had to call it a night.  Pat was still raring to continue elsewhere.  Eric and Fred were on board but Madz, Bubba and I had to beg off.  Pat was convincing Madz to go when Eric unintentionally knocked the bottle that drenched Pat’s pants.  I think Pat’s pants absorbed all spill because the red couch he was sitting on was spotless.  That was our queue to get the bill.  We were supposed to treat Eric and split the bill but Pat was insistent on letting Eric pay –how ironically funny. 

 

 

 

 

On the way out, I snatched Fred’s jacket as soon as he stood up.  He stares at the chair for a few seconds and then looks under the table.  He looks at me and said, “Did you see my jacket?”  He looks bewildered and shy, “I think I lost my jacket…” with his voice trailing off.  I rapidly hand off the jacket to Madz from my back.  I asked him, “did you bring a jacket?”  He responds, “Yea, remember you were teasing me that I took it off to show off my muscles when I got in?”  “Really,” I respond biting my lip to keep from laughing.  He had this super worried look on his face that Bubba, Eric, Madz and I tried the darndest to stifle our laughter.  Madz and Pat went out ahead while we wait for Fred to look for his jacket.  He couldn’t resist and timidly asked the waiter if they saw a jacket.  That’s the time I had to tell him and point outside to Madz. 
 

 

 

 

 

We had such a commanding happy night that it took us another hour to say goodbye.  It was already midnight.

 

Spotted: Zanjoe Marudo, Epi Quizon, Drew Arellano, Jake Cuenca (oh, that was Fred, my mistake)

 

 

Bugsy’s

Unit C-105 City Golf Plaza

Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City, MM

(632) 489-4985

 

Bugsy’s Album

EL’s Birthday Album

 

Related Post

Bugsy’s

 

Bugsy’s

 

One weekday lunch in November, Bubba and I decided to eat at Bugsy’s.  Bugsy’s is one of the restaurants that plagued City Golf Plaza along Julia Vargas, Ortigas Center.  I heard it’s a favorite hangout after office hours for its scrumptious bar food and relatively affordable drinks.  Wait staff was courteous during our visit and helped us in ordering our food.

 

 

 

I spotted Perry Quimbo who I know from my Piedra days as the manager of Piedra but he seems to be managing Bugsy’s now.  Lunch that day was pretty relaxed.

 

On the Table

 

 

 

Deep Fried Burger Melt PHP 165

I was expecting mini burgers; instead we were served with deep fried rolls with ground beef and cheese filling.  I really liked it even if it was on the oilier-than-usual side.  Everything you like in a burger sans the buns inside golden crunchy wrappers.  Served hot with a yin yang of tomato ketchup and mayo.

 

 

 

 

Buffalo Tenders PHP 175

This is their version of the buffalo wings without the bones.  Crispy chicken strips deep-fried to a crunchy spicy goodness.  Served with sour cream on the side.  Perfect with a cold bottle of beer.

 

 

 

 

Warren Dips and Chips PHP 185

If this is the same Warren Dips that you can buy from Valle Verde then I’m glad I got to finally try this.  Pretty good dip, which is very similar to my homemade taco salad.  Chips weren’t that fantastic but the dip made up for what the chip lacked.

 

 

 

 

Bugsy’s Cured Beef Surprise PHP 165

Cured beef, garlic rice, fried egg. 

 

 

 

 

Bugsy’s

Unit C-105 City Golf Plaza

Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City, MM

(632) 489-4985

 

 

Bugsy’s Album

 

 

Uno Pizzeria -MOA

Alvin Tan sent an invite through my gmail account for a dinner at Uno Pizzeria.  The restaurant is located in Mall of Asia and the invite was on the same Friday of the Clear Black Night party at Taste Asia.  It was killing two birds with one stone and frying it too.

 

 

There was barely any table left open that Friday evening upon walking into the restaurant.  It was fully packed even before my lucky angel dust reached the place!  Diners have made Uno Pizzeria a happening dining destination in Mall of Asia especially on Friday nights when there is a live band playing.  The menu is an eclectic of sorts featuring pasta, fish and chicken dishes.

 

 

On the Table:

 

Buffalo Wings

Tender crisp wings coated with Uno Pizzeria’s fiery buffalo sauce.  Addicting glaze coated the crusty chicken wings but too hot to handle.  If you love spicy nibbles as much as I do, then this is the perfect match to your beer! 

 

 

 

Chicken Wrap

This is the dish to order when one is on a healthy binge.  Chicken slices, tomatoes and lettuce on pita wrap.  The tameness of the wrap allowed our palates some break from the heat of the wings.

 

 

Four Seasons Pizza

This is their bestseller pizza that offers 4 different flavors: 

Tandoori Chicken and Mango –grilled chicken tandoori with ripe manoges, onions, and peppers

West Side Shrimp Pesto –shrimps sautéed with garlic sauce fused with their very own pesto

Ruby Ribs –strips of tender ribs, with onions and fresh parsley on their tangy barbeque sauce

White Cheese –their version of the white cheese pizza

 

 

I went to Uno Pizzeria half full that I didn’t get to even try the pizza but Bubba seemed to have enjoyed all the food: Buffalo wings, shrimp pesto pizza and the white cheese.  The place being always full indicate how people have marked a favorite hang-out along San Miguel Bay.

 

 

Friday’s Album