janedchua.com Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Shawarma Snack Center

March 13, 2017 by Janey

Set a date with my not-so-little brother, James, and asked him what he is craving for to shortlist the restaurants we could possibly try. Unlike my not-so-little sister Joanne, planning lunch with Shoti James was a lot easier since he gave me an answer. Shobe Joanne would just say “any” or “up to you.” Well, 1 out of 10 times, she’d say “shrimps” or “crab” or “steak” but that’s 1 out of 10 so imagine how rare that is. I also have to ask my brother since he was a practicing vegetarian but I wasn’t sure if he was past that phase or still at it.

“I eat anything now. How about something Middle Eastern?”

DONE. I knew where to bring him but hesitated because it’s not exactly a joy ride to drive to Manila. I remember where my friend Nolan, one of my favorite music video directors, brought me one time in 2013 for Middle Eastern food.

Related Post:

Shawarma Snack Center

Picked up my brother around 1130am last Saturday and lucky day, the traffic was pretty light and the road trip to Manila took only 30 minutes. Before we know it, we were looking at the menu and trying to figure out what to order.

On the Table

Half BBQ Mix Grill Php 800

I think this is their version of a platter that gives you a sampler of their different meats but also comes with 3 kinds of appetizer. Bang for your buck.

–

[Read more…]

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2012, 2013, 2016, arabic, Authentic, best, best middle eastern restaurant, best Persian, best Shawarma, Between Bites, betweenbites, blogger, branches, Cuisine, easy, Filipino, food, food blog, food channel, food review, foodie, janedchua, janedchua.com, Lassi, lifestyle blog, list, location, Malate, Manila, menu, Metro Manila, middle-eastern, Moutabal, Must Try, old, Persian, Philippines, photos, pinoy, recipe, restaurant, shawarma, Shawarma Malate, Shawarma photos, Shawarma Snack, Shawarma Snack Center, Shawarma Snack Center food blog, SSC, top 10 best

One Friday Afternoon in Anilao

May 26, 2014 by Janey

Instead of doing the usual summer trip, we’ve decided to just chill and try to enjoy each other’s company over drinks, good food and music. Rented a boat for 4 hours at a rate of P22,000.

–

We left Ortigas around 930am that Friday and drove to Tagaytay to get brunch at Tootsie’s. After lunch, all 4 cars including Ray’s spanking new toy, Mini Cooper (which I wanted to try driving), headed to Acacia Resort in Anilao, Batangas.

This is how you rock a boat.

It was our take-off point and where we will be picked up by the dinghy to be brought to the boat. A dinghy is a small, open boat, similar to a life boat that transports you to a larger boat or ship.

By 3pm, all 12 of us have boarded the stunning Catamaran boat.

[Read more…]

3 Comments Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things, Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: acacia resort, anilao, anilao diving, Anilao resort, anilao snorkeling, Batangas, Beach, beach outing, best, best boat rental, best cruise, Between Bites, betweenbites, bikini, boat, boat photos, boat rental, bonding, catamaran, cheap, contact number, cruise, date, dinner date, dinner proposal ideas, discover, diving, drinking, engagement, Filipina, Filipino, janedchua.com, location, Manila, Map, Metro Manila, Outing, Philippines, phone number, photos, pinoy, proposal, rental yacht, road trip, sand, summer, summer outing, Sun, swimsuit, Tootsie’s, travel, trip, unexplored, wedding, where to go, yacht photos

Boon Tong Kee Philippines

March 20, 2014 by Janey

The first time I tried Boon Tong Kee was in Singapore sometime 2010. It started as a small chicken rice stall in Singapore’s Chinatown in 1979 and since then has grown into an international franchise with branches in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. There are 7 successful branches in Singapore but the branch I dined at is their first full-service restaurant at Balestier Road, which opened as far back as 1983.

[Read more…]

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2013, best, best Chinese, Between Bites, betweenbites, Boon Tong Kee, Boon Tong Kee branches, Boon Tong Kee Philippines, branches, chicken rice set, chili crab, dinner date, Filipino, food blog, food blogger, foodie, ginger, janedchua.com, lifestyle blog, list, Local, location, menu, Metro Manila, Name Kee, new, Philippines, Photo, pinoy, price, restaurant, restaurant review, review, roasted chicken, Singapore, Singaporean restaurant, steamed chicken, travel, Venue, wagyu of chicken, Wee Nam Kee, Wee Nam Kee branches, Wee Nam Kee Chicken. Hainanese Chicken. Best hainanese, Wee Nam Kee menu, Wee Nam Kee price, Yellow Chicken, Yellow Chicken festival, Yellow Chicken price, Yellow Chicken Wagyu

Take a Right to Main Street, Tuscany McKinley Hill

March 17, 2014 by Janey

A partially impromptu dinner saw me finally visiting the Tuscany restaurant strip at McKinley Hill, Fort. I wasn’t planning to eat since I was on an after-6 diet but I had a long day at work, I deserved a release.

I walked through the narrow path where all the restaurants are lined up – some are branches of restaurants I’ve visited before, others are totally new to me. The evening had a cool crisp breeze and the many trees around add to the relaxing climate –and to my appetite. I was debating between the ramen place, Wursty Wursty and ended up at Main Street.

[Read more…]

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2011, 2013, 2014, 2014 new restaurants, address, affordable steaks, best, best food blog in Philippines, best lifestyle blog, best steak, Between Bites, betweenbites, blogger, Canada, Canadian restaurant, cheap, contact number, date, deal coupon, deals, directions, discount, Filipino, Filipino food blogger, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, how much, janedchua.com, lifestyle blog, list, location, Main Street, Main Street address, Main Street canadian menu, Main Street location, Main Street restaurant, Main Street review, Main Street steak, Manila, Manila Philippines, Map, McKinley Hill, McKinley Hill Fort restaurants, menu, Metro Manila, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promos, Quezon City, Restaurants, review, San Francisco, Taste Manila, top ten best steaks, where, www.janedchua.com

RAP Steaks and Cakes

March 14, 2014 by Janey

A couple of weeks ago, I accompanied a friend to dinner but since I was on my after-6 diet (no, I wasn’t) and it was successful for 4 straight days (no, it wasn’t), I didn’t eat anything (no, I did). I was just there to make sure somebody who’s been skipping meals would eat and to raise the level of conversation – readers, you know I’m saying this with a mocking tone.

I could not add any scale of intelligence in any dialogue… unless you feed me Chef Ariel’s Unsalted Butter Poached Langoustine with Foie Gras, then I could probably narrate the logic why Pi is an irrational number and a mathematical constant always equaling to 3.1416, which is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. See, it has that effect.

Before I further yap and try to fool you with the amount of aptitude I have, we stumbled upon Rap, unassuming and without much expectation. Long story short, I tried a piece of the steak that was ordered just to get a taste and I was pleasantly surprised.

I restrained myself from ordering my own plate and distracted myself with the conversation. Fudge, it didn’t work. That juicy greasy bite haunted me for days and I started craving.

[Read more…]

4 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2011, 2014, address, affordable steaks, angus, best, best cheap steaks in Manila, best food blog in Philippines, best lifestyle blog, best steak, bestseller, Between Bites, betweenbites, blogger, branches, cheap, contact number, date, deal coupon, deals, directions, discount, Filipino, Filipino food blogger, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, how much, janedchua.com, lifestyle blog, location, Manila, Manila Philippines, Map, menu, Metro Manila, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promos, Quezon City, RAP, Rap branch, RAP steaks, RAP’s, Rap’s food, Rap’s menu, Rap’s menu price, Rap’s Ortigas Home Depot, Rap’s porterhouse steak, Rap’s review, Raps best cheap steak, Raps branches, Raps order, RAPS steak, Raps steak and cakes, Restaurants, review, sarap, Snackaroo, Snackaroo address, Snackaroo location, Snackaroo menu, Snackaroo price, t-bone steak, Taste Manila, tenderloin, top ten best steaks, where, www.janedchua.com

Munchtown, Everything’s Waiting For You

March 13, 2014 by Janey

Idle time is something I can’t stand. I’d rather be eating than be idle. That’s why I’m game, set and match to try any new activity, learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby. The only time I can sit still is when I’m watching a movie. And even then, I’d still be eating.

Growing up exposed to all kinds of films available to me at my Tita’s video store, I became a movie fanatic. In college, I would not let a week go by without watching at least one or two movies –if not, all that’s showing. My boyfriend (MB) then also loved catching the latest flick. Greenbelt 3 Cinema was our favorite for a number of reasons but firstly, the concessionaires can deliver food inside the theater.

We’d get lemon grape juice and corn dog from Muscle Beach, some Wrapwich (which I think we’ve tried all variants), Wasabi popcorn and Wasabi Tofu Chips (and almost everything on their menu) from Taters, burgers from Sliders, and potato skins from Tender Bobs with cheese sauce and sour cream.

He’d even walk to Segafredo just to get me my Margherita or Napoletana pizza with a request of a slightly toasted crust. Yes, I eat pizza inside the cinema. One whole box. And yea, even rice sometimes. I simply cannot let dimness get in the way. Others follow their heart, I follow my craving.

Munchtown opened at the Cinema level of Greenhills Promenade and I got pretty excited since a brilliant mind is behind it, Chef Robby Goco. I can’t deny the fact that I’ve frequented (became my 2^nd home) the restaurants that have opened with him at the helm.

RELATED POST:

Achiote, Rockwell

Green Pastures

Charlie’s

See, Ma and I Love Cyma

Charlie’s Grind and Grill with Joyce

Charlie’s Grind and Grill

In My Restaurant List This Coming Quarter

Wet Your Appetite at Ristras

Addicted to Ristras

Thursday Club: Ristras

On the Table

Munchtown Fries P195

Fresh Igorota Idaho potatoes with rock salt, black pepper, bacon bits, paprika, chili flakes, sour cream, dill and cream cheese

Love the fresh French fries where each is covered fairly with the wet ingredients. The specks of red from the paprika and green from the dill add a bit of appeal while the meat candy, that is bacon bits, added the charm.

[Read more…]

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2013, 2014, affordable, atmos, Atmos cinema, bars, beef, best, best cinema food, best cinema in Manila, best comfort food, bestseller, Between Bites, betweenbites, branch, budget, budget date, cheap, Chef, Chef Rob, Chef Robby Goco, comfort food, contact details, contact number, Cuisine, date places, digital sound, dinner dates, dolby digital, east wing, expensive, Filipino, flavorful, food blog, food blogger, food photo, food review, food shots, foodie, Greenhills, how to get there, janedchua.com, japanese, list, location, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, meat, menu, menu price, Metro Manila, movie theater, movies, Munchtown, Munchtown Menu and price, Munchtown photos, Munchtown price, Munchtown review, new date places, new list, new restaurant in Manila, new restaurants, Philippines, pinoy, Place, price, pricey, Promenade, Promenade 3 Greenhills, promenade cinema, Promenade new restaurants, Quezon City, rating, restaurant, restaurant review, San Juan Munchtown menu, service, Shangrila Plaza, Steak, tampopo, theater

Sensei Sushi by Chef Bruce Ricketts

March 11, 2014 by Janey

A tip off can lead to the arrest of a high-powered official or it could help the most venerated African nationalist leader be seized by agents of South African police special branch in 1962. This valuable tip I got came from Sanju of Table for Three, Please. The website is one of my top favorite reads when I need to enliven my passion for glorious food or writing. Sanju is the same guy who had me seek out a restaurant specializing in octopus dishes and consume a moving, partially-live octopus in Korea. That was quite an experience.

While dining at Elbert’s Best of the Beast dinner in July 2013, Sanju and the rest of us prisoners of fantastic food exchanged notes on the latest in the Manila food scene. And he talked enthusiastically about Sensei Sushi. Eugene and I looked at each other and knew, we’d pay top bill to be there. The three of us set a date and ended up with 2 more in tow.

No undercover agent was placed in the inner circles of influential gatherings. And no, this tip didn’t lead to any covert ops. It piloted to a spectacular culinary journey.

RELATED POST:

Robot Restaurant and Lounge

The Best of the Beast Dinner

Sensei Sushi is quite a drive for us Northerners but the 20-seater restaurant in BF is worth that early Saturday drive. Our 6-man group reserved ahead and went for the Degustacion (P2,000 per head).

We arrived at the restaurant and got welcomed by Chef Bruce Ricketts. I’ve met Chef Bruce very briefly during his stint at Robot in Makati and now, he has opened his own. Sensei Sushi’s interiors are very simple with their ala carte menu written on a blackboard for the walk-ins.

The degustation menu is omakase-style. Omakase is a Japanese phrase that means “I’ll leave it to you” which also means to entrust. Don’t you worry child, we are not talking about love. On this front, everything about the degustation menu is left entirely to the chef who creates the dishes based on what is available fresh in the local market and on his culinary thrust or creativity that very moment.

On the Table

Tuna Soy, Pineapple with Kangkong Tempura

The dish came out looking like a garden patch freshly watered and kissed by the sun. The tuna cuts seared on the sides with roasted brown sugar and pickled scallions are brimming with brightness, freshness, some nuttiness and a sweet citrus taste.

The black sesame seeds make it reminiscent of Japanese cuisine but it’s not entirely pacific rim. The kangkong tempura adds texture to the somewhat melting tuna with all the stark flavors sweating in your mouth.

Salmon Belly Kushiyaki

The second dish was the salmon belly cubed, skewered and grilled skin side down, then finished with Jap mustard fusion and touch of truffle oil, garnished with bonito flakes that looked like wood shavings.

I snatch a bite of the light-orange-pink salmon –delicately plump, juicy and moist, and the grilled skin almost peeling off of it –crispy, salty and smoky.

Ebi with Flour Tortilla Aligue

Another beautiful looking plate and structural dish with two shrimp heads standing on guard while peeled shrimps balance on the tortilla bridge with a drizzle of aligue cream. The shrimps were cooked in chili oil, infused in glaze with chili bean paste. The shrimp, ever slightly undercooked, allows it to disappear almost instantly after a bit of munching, except when you use the tortilla as spoon, it gives you a textural crunch after the fragile shrimp.

The shrimps’ curled up flesh is creamy yet scuffling with some heat. I pursued that spark of intensity hunting it down the shrimps’ heads sucking what delicious fat I can. Unrestrained, I bite off the soft parts of the head where all the superior flavors are – and scrape the caramelized glaze with my teeth until it’s cleared off it.

Hokkaido Scallops

[Read more…]

2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2013, 2014, affordable, all day breakfast, bars, beef, best, best breakfast, best chef, best comfort food, bestseller, Between Bites, betweenbites, branch, budget, budget date, cheap, Chef, Chef Bruce Ricketts, comfort food, contact details, contact number, Cuisine, date places, dinner dates, east wing, expensive, Filipino, flavorful, food blog, food blogger, food photo, food review, food shots, foodie, French Laundry, how to get there, janedchua.com, japanese, list, location, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, meat, menu, menu price, Metro Manila, new breakfast place, new breakfast restaurant in Manila, new date places, new list, new restaurants, Paranaque, Philippines, pinoy, Place, price, pricey, Quezon City, rating, restaurant, restaurant review, Sensei Sushi BF, Sensei Sushi menu, Sensei Sushi Menu and price, Sensei Sushi photos, service, Shangrila Plaza, South, Steak, sushi

B&P Just Like Home

March 4, 2014 by Janey

“Morning has broken, like the first morning. Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird.” I love that song but even Cat Stevens voice cannot make me wake up that early on a weekend. I only do that for special people and, nothing else but, food.

Nats invited to have brunch and try newly opened B&P restaurant along Shaw Blvd. B&P, Just Like Home, is a casual dining concept restaurant from Cravings Group that serves all day breakfast, mains and desserts.

I walked in and was delightfully surprised that instead of a one-on-one date, my Victory group actually set up a belated surprise birthday brunch for me and Val.

B&P has homey interiors with couches and wooden shelves displaying books and cutesy colorful accents. The dining area, whether indoor or the al fresco veranda, is perfect for a Saturday brunch. You get a good view of the compact kitchen from where we were seated.

Curious on what B&P stands for, Ria asked the wait staff and she told us that it stands for Bea and Pia, daughters of the brains behind B&P.

On the Table

Creole Style Eggs P290

Two poached eggs guarding a beef patty swimming in a spicy buttermilk cream sauce with melted Swiss cheese. The velvety cream sauce is light, delicate yet invokes an attitude with the slightest tinge of spice.

It’s a great no-carb breakfast with mostly protein from the well-seasoned patty and delicious poached eggs.

[Read more…]

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2013, 2014, affordable, bars, beef, best, bestseller, Between Bites, betweenbites, branch, budget, budget date, cheap, contact details, contact number, date places, dinner dates, east wing, expensive, Filipino, flavorful, food blog, food blogger, food photo, food review, food shots, foodie, how to get there, janedchua.com, list, location, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, meat, menu, menu price, Metro Manila, new date places, new list, new restaurants, Philippines, pinoy, Place, price, pricey, Quezon City, rating, restaurant, restaurant review, service, Shangrila Plaza, Steak

Food Bites: Wildflour’s Kimchi Rice with Braised Short Rib

February 26, 2014 by Janey

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiild. I can never pull off my no-rice diet whenever I’m dining at Wildflour. I love quite a number of items in their menu but there’s simply one dish that I cannot NOT order. When it was just the Fort branch, its stage name was Steak and Egg. Kitayama Flat Iron Steak is served all sliced evenly served atop kimchi rice and poached egg. I got this thing with kimchi rice – fatal attraction.

I’ve visited Wild Flour constantly especially when it opened its branch at the Podium. Like many other things (because I have been ridiculously busy), I have failed to blog about Wild Flour until this food bite. Well, you know, for those who follow me on Instagram and Twitter, I’ve been ridiculously busy… eating. 22-lb gain, check!

[Read more…]

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2013, 2014, affordable, Bakery, bars Wild Flour, beef, best, bestseller, Between Bites, betweenbites, branch, budget, budget date, Cafe, cheap, date places, dinner dates, east wing, expensive, Filipino, flavorful, food blog, food blogger, food photo, food review, food shots, foodie, how to get there, janedchua.com, list, location, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, meat, menu, menu price, Metro Manila, new date places, new list, new restaurants, new york, Philippines, pinoy, Place, price, pricey, Quezon City, rating, restaurant, restaurant review, service, Shangrila Plaza, Steak, Wild Flour branches, Wild Flour cronuts, Wild Flour fort, Wild Flour Kimchi fried rice, Wild Flour menu, Wild Flour Podium, Wild Flour sticky buns, wildflour, wildflour breakfast, wildflour review

Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken

February 24, 2014 by Janey

After a long work week, you just want to make Friday evening count and a simple dinner sometimes ought to do it… coupled with a good meaningful conversation or just ridiculously silly “it’ll keep you laughing until your dreams” banter. Drove to Kapitolyo to hunt down Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken. Peri Peri or Piri Piri or Pili Pili is the Swahili word for “pepper pepper” which is what is included in the marinade that wraps the chicken before grilling. This pepper is African bird’s eye chili blended with garlic, lemon, herbs, paprika and brushed onto the meat.

Gostoso wasn’t so hard to spot as it is near the line of restaurants where Poco Deli, Lia Cakes are. Same street as Charlie’s Grind and Grill. The interior has a simple industrial but polished look, quirky and red.

I made a beeline to the loo as soon as I entered since my water bag was held for what felt like an eternity in the car. Their washroom has this funny sign which wouldn’t have been the least bit amusing if the door was locked when I turned it and someone was inside. I would have kicked it open. It was that kind of urgent.

When I was more relaxed, I perused the menu on the LCD screen atop the counter where you place your order. Time to tackle another pressing matter… hunger!

On the Table

Half and Half P750 (good for 2-3)

Instead of ordering ala carte meals, the shorter route was to not think and just eat so we got the half and half instead. No, this is not what I order in Starbucks to use the rare times I drink coffee, which is half heavy cream and half whole milk. Gostoso’s Half and Half is their 2-mains platter option that could either be Half Chicken or Slab of Pork or Shrimp Skewers.

[Read more…]

2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2013, 2014, 2014 restaurants Portuguese, affordable, bars, beef, best, best peri peri chicken place, best restaurant in Manila, bestseller, Between Bites, betweenbites, branch, budget, budget date, cheap, date places, dinner dates, east wing, expensive, Filipino, flavorful, food blog, food blogger, food photo, food review, food shots, foodie, Gostoso, Gostosos, Gostosos location, Gostosos menu, Gostosos Pasig, Gostosos photo, Gostosos price, grilled chicken, how to get there, janedchua.com, list, location, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, meat, menu, menu price, Metro Manila, new date places, new list, new restaurants, open flame grilled, Peri Peri, Philippines, pinoy, Piri Piri chicken, Place, Portuguese restaurants in Manila, price, pricey, Quezon City, rating, restaurant, restaurant review, service, Shangrila Plaza, Steak

Kimukatsu, Changing Your Katsu Experience

February 24, 2014 by Janey

Ramen bars aside, Katsu restaurants have been opening left and right in the Metro. One can easily drown into a void with all the places that can offer the fried pork cutlet set. It can plainly become boring at some point, unless it is brought to a higher dining experience.

That’s what can set a Katsu place apart. A unique proposition can effortlessly make foodies spot the difference. After walking around shopping shoes and clothes in the new East Wing of Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Isis and I entered Kimukatsu beside Ikkorya Fukuoka.

Kimukatsu is one of the most famous pork cutlet restaurants in Japan, with multiple locations in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Sendai, among others. It’s now in the Philippines, opening its branch in Shang last December.

Kimukatsu sets itself apart from the normal tonkatsu importing select pork loin from Japan, slicing it into 1mm sheet of pork and stacking it into 25 layers before encasing it in Japan-imported panko.

They take on a meticulous process before bringing out the dishes from their kitchen that can only ensure a juicy and tender 25-layered Mille-feuille-style Tonkatsu.

On the Table

Kimutaku P110

Kimukatsu offers different starters in their menu. One of which is Kimutaku which is Japanese tako pickle mixed with Korean kimchi. This was very tasty and I love the vinegary pickled vegetable with fermented spice. The sesame seeds add the little nutty crunchiness.

Ebi Mayo P210

Breaded shrimps tossed in sweet mayo. It had ample number of shrimps with a nice tinge of spice and sweetness.

[Read more…]

4 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2013, 2014, affordable, bars, beef, best, bestseller, Between Bites, betweenbites, branch, budget, budget date, cheap, date places, dinner dates, east wing, expensive, Filipino, flavorful, food blog, food blogger, food photo, food review, food shots, foodie, how to get there, janedchua.com, list, location, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, meat, menu, menu price, Metro Manila, new date places, new list, new restaurants, Philippines, pinoy, Place, price, pricey, Quezon City, rating, restaurant, restaurant review, service, Shangrila Plaza, Steak

The True Mettle of Comfort Food at Kettle

November 26, 2013 by Janey

Routine brings us to welcome and dive into the unknown and take pleasure in the unfamiliar. That is precisely the reason I love traveling so much, a momentary or season-long escape, or else, hunt and enjoy varying degrees of adventure from around. Yet at the end of the day, most of us are creatures of comfort. I am and it is no less than true when it comes to food.

I find myself easing into the seat of Kettle at East Wing of Shangri-la Mall. Where many restaurants claim to dish out comfort food, only a few could push past asserting and make bold statements not out of their mouths but into yours.

On the Table

Oven Roasted Squash Soup P249

Shrimp salad, lemon oil, tarragon

Similar to how Anzani, one of my top 3 favorite Cebu restaurants, does it with a bit of flair, the actual soup gets poured from a small ceramic flask into a bowl. Roast squash suffused into the creamy liquid deliver that delightful slightly sweet taste with only a bit of tarragon scent swinging from time to time. In between the smooth creamy soup are munches of shrimp that texturally play with your tongue.

Clam Chowder P229

Served on sourdough bowl

Pork and Potato Strips P399

Crunchy pork belly and fresh potato strips, fried herbs, red onion, aioli

Like a hot woman in a tight fitting dress that shows off all the right curves who walks into a bar with long sexy strides, this appetizer cum perfect beer chow takes breaths away. It can also get you sinning all the time –with all the beer you want to guzzle down to partner this. I don’t mind getting punished with the consumption of this sin.

Fresh potato strips with webs of shaved parmesan are non-stop mouth poppers. Add to it the salty tones from the crisp pork belly that I also love nibbling and gyrate my incisors with until every whisper of fat excretes onto my wanting tongue. I realize then I was born to be bad.

[Read more…]

3 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2012, 2014 restaurants, Bar, Beer, best, best comfort food, best cornbread, Between Bites, betweenbites, burgers, Cajun honey, Cajun style, Chef Chiloy Santos, chow, contact number, cornbread, dishes, Filipina, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, foodie, golden fried chicken, good, group, janedchua.com, Kettle, Kettle best seller, Kettle East Wing, Kettle menu, Kettle prices, Kettle restaurant, Kettle Shangrila, lifestyle blog, list, location, Mandaluyong, menu, Metro Manila, new 2013 restaurants, new restaurants, newly opened, ortigas, Pasig City, Pasta, Philippines, Photo, pinoy, recipe, reuben sandwiches, Shangri-la Mall, Shangri-la Plaza East Wing, Tender Bob's, Truffle

Ramen Yushoken

November 22, 2013 by Janey

It’s not every day that I drive to Alabang – okay, it’s probably not even every year, but since I wanted to support my friend Isis in her first bazaar at Cuenca for Soleful Manila (SoLa) shoes, Marco and I decided to head down south and show our love.

Priorities, priorities… love for food comes first. Since Ramen Yushoken has been on my hit list for a long time, we stopped there first for our late lunch. A waiting line didn’t discourage me and thankfully, less than ten minutes and we got seats at the bar.

The usual suspects of shio, shoyu, miso and tantanmen are part of the menu but I wanted a dish that’s not in black and white… one that I ordered under my breath.

[Read more…]

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2012 restaurants, 2013 restaurants, Adrian Cuenca, affordable, aji tamago, Alabang, Authentic, Ayala Alabang, best, best Ramen in Manila, best tonkotsu broth, Between Bites, branch, cheap, date place, Elbert Cuenca, Elbert's Steak Room, food, food blog, food photo, food review, foodgasm, foodie, gyoza, janedchua.com, japanese, Kazuo Yamagishi, list of best ramen restaurants, list of new restaurants, maze ramen, maze soba, menu, menu price, Metro Manila, miso ramen, Molito Lifestyle, new branch, Philippines, pork broth, price, Ramen, Ramen God, ramen restaurants, Ramen Yushoken, review, shoyu ramen, soup, Sunday family lunch, Tokyo, Top 10, Top Ten, Yushoken menu, Yushoken photo

Not to Miss Mesclun in Serendra

June 26, 2013 by Janey

The world was moving the first time I was introduced during a Sunday lunch in December. Maddie was beside me and I was sitting quietly dazed on my seat, nursing a very bad hangover. A power shake they served cleared the clouds over my head and when I started tasting their dishes, that’s when my focus centered.

RELATED POST:

Mesclun at Linden Suites

A few months later, I find myself strolling yet again Serendra, which I used to frequent a lot but have leaned towards BHS in the recent years for the shops and last year, BHS Central, for new restaurants. Now, I’m gravitating towards Serendra again since there’s a restaurant there not to be missed… Mesclun. It breathes a new verve to the area and my food soul wanders there.

On the Table

Andre’s Poke P345

Hawaiian-style tuna ceviche in soy sesame dressing

If you find the name funny, you haven’t heard what the Hawaiians call their appetizer. Poke, served in Hawaiian Cuisine, is a fresh raw salad with cut-up or cubed pieces of seafood like tuna or salmon, lightly dressed in sesame oil, roasted crushed nut mayo dressing, chili flakes and soy sauce, garnished with seaweed. I am fond of sashimi and spicy tuna salad and this clearly is a close counterpart but just accessorized and amped up.

The taste of freshness barbed with a tinge of heat and mayo cream rolls on the tongue beautifully.

[Read more…]

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, bars, beef, best, best date restaurants, best dining spots, best dinner dates, Between Bites, betweenbites, Blog, blogger, branches, Chef Katrina, Chuck's Deli, clubs, contact number, date place, date places, discount, enjoy, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food finds, food review, foodie, Fort, janedchua.com, lifestyle, lifestyle blog, Linden Suites, list, list of restaurant, location, Manila, Manila food reviews, Map, menu, Mesclun, Mesclun appetizers, Mesclun bestsellers, Mesclun menu, Metro Manila, ortigas, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, Quezon City, recipe, restaurant reviews, Steak, taguig, Tower 1, travel, travel blog, videos, where, www.janedchua.com

Hillside Ranch, In the Meat of the Moment

May 30, 2013 by Janey

I stepped into Trellis restaurant last Thursday and walked into a restaurant that’s older than me. Trellis has opened its doors to clients since 1980. That evening saw me and the foodie bunch led by Spanky, hovering around the corner where the carving station is. Spotlight was on two celebrities breaking into the scene, who did their cameo at the Salcedo Market and during the Ultimate Taste Test.

Trellis has that easy atmosphere making it a steady place to dine and chill. The acoustic band was terrific crooning Dave Matthews Band and Bob Marley songs. Trellis famous for its pork sisig let this sizzling dish make its carpet entrance and it’s visible on almost every table at the restaurant filled with drinking corporate folks.

However, the real stars were the Beef Belly and the Corned Beef Brisket during dinner time and I was so stunned I almost asked for an autograph. Guess who’s the management behind the talent? The brand Hillside Ranch.

Hillside Ranch began when the young husband and wife tandem, Atoy and Chay Tayag of Angeles City, Pampanga, decided to finally put their years of expertise into meat entrées that rival what restaurants can dish out of their kitchen, but theirs make gourmet meats available right at the comfort of your home.

“Atoy’s family owns a meat processing business called Mother Earth, which make beef franks, tocino, longganisa, and sisig,” shares Chay, whose family runs the Kapampangan restaurant, Binulo while she manages the catering arm of an American restaurant, Rumpa.

Hillside Ranch is uniquely suited to the challenges of serving restaurant-quality food straight from the freezer and making it as delectable for home consumption without compromising its quality. Hillside Ranch only uses USDA beef for that premium consistency and only specific cuts to be able to withstand reheating process whether pan fried or via microwave.

The Beef Belly was unveiled in its full glistening glory, studded with pepper in that beautifully cooked brown color. The knife swiftly cuts into the meat with barely any pressure and tenderly limps on the plate. Sharing the limelight are side dishes of Garlic Rice and Polenta.

It’s a stunning meat that can get me squealing in delight, minus a shot of Johnnie Walker’s Black Label –my first time to try it in my life. It got me to shut up the whole night with Spanky teasing I’m too anti-social. I couldn’t tell if it was Johnnie that got me standing crookedly or my knees buckled in sheer enthusiasm over the mouthwatering meats laid in front of me. I kept stuffing my mouth with the sandwiches and the meats without a care that I’m slowly growing an inch or two on my belly… a happy belly at that… and every pun intended.

[Read more…]

4 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2012, 2013, best, best date places, Between Bites, betweenbites, blogger, dinner date, Filipino, food blog, food review, janedchua.com, lifestyle blog, list, list of restaurants, location, Makati, Manila, menu, Metro Manila, new, Philippines, Photo, pinoy, price, recipe, Salcedo Market, secret, travel blog, Venue, Weekend market, where to get

Shawarma Snack Center, Authentic Dishes That Are Never Close to Plain

May 29, 2013 by Janey

Malate is an old district in Manila, home to many historical churches, schools and rows of restaurants and bars. It’s been quite a while since I’ve been in the area but a couple of Sundays ago, a random city road trip brought me to a long standing Middle-Eastern restaurant that I wished I discovered even when I was still attending college in De La Salle University.

With initially no direction in mind, I was just too glad that my friend “Director N” brought me to try Shawarma Snack Center. Don’t judge a book by its name. I love hole-in-the-wall restaurant discoveries, like the time we purposely stumbled on Combos Turk Cuisine. It’s off the grid usually, not that pricey and more often than not, has great taste sensibilities… and it’s fun.

RELATED POST:

Unearthing Love For Turk Cuisine

There are two restaurants bearing the Shawarma Snack Center brand but one had AC while the other was an open dining area. Direk N asked if I’d be comfortable eating inside since most were men puffing sheeshah and some were drinking. I say I’d risk punching someone in the face if it means tasting the best kebab and shawarma he so claimed while driving ourselves there. Authenticity screams with the gaudy look of the interiors and all those dining there were of the same ethnicity, except us two.

[Read more…]

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2012, 2013, Authentic, best, best Persian, best Shawarma, Between Bites, betweenbites, blogger, Cuisine, easy, Filipino, food, food blog, food channel, food review, foodie, janedchua, janedchua.com, Lassi, lifestyle blog, list, location, Malate, menu, Metro Manila, middle-eastern, Moutabal, Must Try, old, Philippines, photos, pinoy, recipe, restaurant, shawarma, Shawarma Malate, Shawarma photos, Shawarma Snack, Shawarma Snack Center

Follow the Road to the Yellow Chicken at Wee Nam Kee

May 29, 2013 by Janey

Remember that Last Song Syndrome (LSS) after watching The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, one which Dorothy kept singing as she used it as a guideline to lead her to Emerald City. Follow the Yellow Brick Road? Well, my version lately is Follow the Yellow Chick Road.

After Anti-Gravity Yoga class at Beyond Yoga BHS Central, Isis and I walked the road that led to Wee Nam Kee, where we anticipated finding an emerald of a dish. The imported Yellow Chicken, deemed as the Wagyu of Chicken, that can get anyone fixed on a new high with Hainanese Chicken Rice.

I find myself back in the modern and clean interiors of Wee Nam Kee but this time, at their Serendra branch. From entering Manila shores some 2 years ago, the restaurant has already expanded to 6 branches. There are only two branches that serve the highly acclaimed Yellow Chicken, Wee Nam Kee Serendra and Glorietta branches. For something as good as this, it has every right to be a bit elusive.

RELATED POST:

Wee Nam Kee, A Slice of Singapore

The restaurant’s interiors give off a clean-cut contemporary feel with beautiful bird cage drop lights, but more than the comfortable setting to bring family or close friends to, it is what’s placed on the table that’s the main highlight and loyal patrons keep coming back for. On a late Sunday lunch, the place was packed.

On the Table

Chili Crabs with Fried Mantou Bread (4pcs) – Price varies on weight

Wee Nam Kee has an extensive menu but we had to stick with its house specialties like their Singaporean Chili Crab and Cereal Prawns to accompany what we targeted for that day – Yellow Chicken.

Isis had her eyes set on this dish as soon as she opened the menu and even if I had crabs the day before, I did not back down. Wee Nam Kee serves a mean Chili Crab dish that has all that sweet spicy mixture of garlic, shallots, sesame sauce, ginger, oyster sauce, tomato and of course chili sauce that I don’t mind getting my hands dirty on.

By now, you know the drill, soak up the chili crab sauce with the fried mantou bread and if there’s a drop on your plate, mop it off and place it in your mouth.

No wasting that red sticky goodness that strikes just the right punch of sweet and spicy. I also love that the good-size crab had hefty meat inside that’s not overcooked but tender and still retained its integrity. I could finish heaps of white rice with this or a basketful of fried mantou.

[Read more…]

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2013, best, best Chinese, Between Bites, betweenbites, branches, chicken rice set, chili crab, dinner date, Filipino, food blog, food blogger, foodie, ginger, janedchua.com, lifestyle blog, list, Local, location, menu, Metro Manila, Name Kee, new, Philippines, Photo, pinoy, price, restaurant, restaurant review, review, roasted chicken, Singapore, Singaporean restaurant, steamed chicken, travel, Venue, wagyu of chicken, Wee Nam Kee, Wee Nam Kee branches, Wee Nam Kee Chicken. Hainanese Chicken. Best hainanese, Wee Nam Kee menu, Wee Nam Kee price, Yellow Chicken, Yellow Chicken festival, Yellow Chicken price, Yellow Chicken Wagyu

Shawarma Guys Shawarma-rama

May 16, 2013 by Janey

Next to my favorite Mexican, I enjoy Persian food since their sauces and spices are also divine. Italian and Japanese cuisines come close 3^rd or tie it at 2^nd place. Remember in high school where there was a Shawarma explosion and it became a food craze? The recently opened Shawarma Guys at the Fort is bringing back all the love we had for everything Shawarma.

There are a number of Persian restaurants in town where you can get shawarma, that gyro-type of wrap or Persian-version of a soft taco if you will, filled with either grilled lamb, beef, chicken, turkey or veal skimmed off a vertical spit. Since it’s the dawn of a new age, Shawarma Guys is veering a little bit off authenticity and taking on a more playful yet contrastingly intense approach to shawarma.

[Read more…]

2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2012, 2013, 24 hours, after gimmick, Bacon Shawarma, best Shawarma, Between Bites, BGC, branches, Breakfast, date, dawn, drinking, food, food review, foodie, Fort, janedchua.com, list, location, Metro Manila, new list of Manila restaurants, owners, Persian, Philippines, photos, Platter, Quezon City, Restaurants, Shawarama, Shawarma best, Shawarma Guys, Shawarma Guys BlackBenny, Shawarma Guys Fort, Shawarma Guys menu, Shawarma Guys on Boys Night Out, Shawarma Guys photo, Shawarma Guys price, Sisig Shawarma, taguig, urban, Urbn, vote for best shawarma

Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen

May 9, 2013 by Janey

Although stores and shops are still sparse in the newly opened East Wing of Shangri-la Mall, its food landscape is starting to shape up. The well-lit spanking new hallways of the mall can easily usher you to check out the line of new restaurants. I’ve tried two in this part of Shang and another one last Sunday after attending the 4pm Service taking on an unscheduled dinner invite.

RELATED POST:

Balboa, East Wing

Wrong Ramen Makes it Right

Nomama Artisan Ramen

Kichitora of Tokyo

After scouring 2 levels and eliminating Shabu Shabu, Sushi and Filipino restaurants, we finally settled to have something light and not heavy that evening. Ramen was the choice and I was sort of craving for it. That brings us to the door of Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen, which had a line outside. Good thing we just needed a table for two and there was one ready for us.

The interior of Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen is quite an eyeful, heavily designed with wood panels marked with Japanese characters. I don’t know if space-functionality is compromised but it certainly gives a bona fide Japanese feel with all the lighting fixture and wood element.

Specializing in Ramen, the menu is quite limited but centers mainly on ramen offerings. Soup flavors come in different categories mainly: shio ramen (salt flavored soup), shoyu ramen (soy sauce flavored soup), tonkotsu ramen (pork bone based creamy soup), and miso ramen (miso flavored soup).

On the Table

Gyoza P150

6 pieces of Japanese potstickers, a great starter or side dish for the bowls of ramen. Bite into the tasty dumpling filled with minced pork and chives, dip lightly in the gyoza sauce it comes with and pop the whole thing in your mouth and enjoy the outside crunch intermingled with the soft filling inside.

Miso Tonkotsu P380

Tonkotsu-based soup with very rich pork broth specially blended with quality miso paste. It comes with green onion, bamboo shoots and 2 slices of pork chasu. I smell the waft coming from the bowl and I know I am in for a treat. The warm broth was comforting yet had spikes of unexpectedness, like it is familiar but I am still surprised.

The bamboo shoots add a crunch while the half / soft boiled egg (P50) I ordered on the side attached softness and some creaminess. The slice of roasted pork is tender but lacked the taste of roast but the flavorful orange broth brings everything in.

[Read more…]

2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2012, 2013, address, battle of ramen, best, best Ramen in Manila, best Ramen restaurant, Between Bites, blogger, contact number, date, dinner date, discount, east wing, Filipino, food blog, food blogger, food review, foodie, Fort, Fukuokka, glorietta, how much, Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen, Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen menu, image, interior, janedchua.com, japanese, lifestyle blog, list, location, Mall restaurants, mandaluyong city, Map, Metro Manila, new, new restaurants, newly opened, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, Quezon City restaurants, ramen craze, ramen place, restaurant, review, Santouka Ramen, Shang, Shangri-la Mall, Shangrila Mall, Taste Manila, where

Balboa in East Wing Shang

April 12, 2013 by Janey

Last Tuesday, I watched Croods at Powerplant Mall. The mall at Rockwell has always been a favorite mall of mine and I enjoy watching movies there. Their seats are comfortable and feel clean and well-vacuumed. It’s not overly crowded, it feels homey and easy. I’ve been watching movies there lately again. Shangri-la Plaza comes close second. And I like it due to proximity and almost the same things I like about Rockwell. I like it even better now with the addition of its newly opened East Wing.

Last night, another random invite got me watching Olympus Has Fallen in Shang Cineplex. I liked the trailer and after watching it, I loved the action-packed edge-of-your-seat movie.