Thai Bistro, The Thai That Bonds

October 24, 2012 by Janey

I’ve found a reason to go to the newly opened Robinsons Magnolia along Hemady St. They named it Magnolia since this is where the classic Magnolia creamery used to stand for decades. I saw it while it was being constructed every time I visited Papa. I heard that the mastermind behind the kitchen of Simply Thai and Silk Thai has opened her own modern Thai restaurant at the most ritzy-looking mall by Robinsons.

Robinsons Magnolia has an outdoor patio where a strip of restaurants are located – similar to Makati malls. This is the location of Thai Bistro, owned and managed by Chef Cecille Chang of Silk Thai fame, who looks more like a model than a chef slaving inside the kitchen to bring out her passion in infusing modernity and palatability in Thai dishes.

Since she wants to weave inventiveness with the classic taste, tweaking authenticity without marring the original, her ingredients are mostly imported from Thailand.

On the Table

Herbed Roti with Spicy Tomato Dip Php 195

Roti is bread made out of stone-grounded wholemeal flour. It’s quite chewy and Thai Bistro’s version is made without the usual butter, instead it was laced with herbs. The tomato dip gives it a fairly spicy but fresh dimension.

I used to love ordering Roti and Curry at Prince of Persia at the gas station near Mc Kinley Road but didn’t have a good alternative when it closed shop. At Thai Bistro, I found a new source.

Soft Shell Crab Pomelo Salad

A traditional Thai starter that I like since the taste of the sea from the soft shell crab, slightly seasoned is enhanced with the citrus from the pomelo. There is a textural crunch from the deep-fried crab meat followed by the suppleness of the pomelo, fresh citrus bursting.

Mieng Kham Php 180

Peanuts, chili, dried shrimps, coconut rest on top of a minty bitter leaf called Chaplu leaf, which Thai Bistro imports from Thailand.

This is one of two dishes that piqued my palate interest. I eagerly folded the leaf wrapping everything inside like a sack and lowering it inside my mouth. So of course that means my head was facing the ceiling and the one in front of me has probably seen the inside of my nostrils.

Since I went solo again to this dinner (and again and again), while everyone had a partner, I was allowed to get a second portion. That makes me a happy bee. This was both yummy and had interesting flavors especially with the sweet sauce that accompanied it.

Prawn Cakes Php 290

I always like ordering prawn or crab cakes –not that everyone gets it right. Thai Bistro is part of the selected few. Their prawn patties with golden orange color breaks into crackling murmurs when you slice a bite. Start with the crusty exterior then dampen the delicate shrimp within with the sweet chili sauce or tamarind sauce it came with.

Their prawn cakes are plump and packed. No offense okay, I used the word plump and not fat. Okay if you want me to be politically correct… chubby. There, chubby prawn cakes.

Satay Duo Php 265

Skewered duo of grilled chicken and pork meats served with cucumber relish and a tasty peanut sauce that you can easily get addicted to. Satay rarely disappoints in Thai restaurants due to its smoky strong marinade taste. Thai Bistro’s version satisfies and it’s juicy and not dry. The cucumber relish balances the smokiness.

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.

Aubergine Again and Again

September 23, 2011 by Janey

Aubergine, pronounced somewhat nasal by some people, is the French word for “eggplant.” I remember my mom always tells me that eggplants have barely any nutritional value –yet it’s frequently on our dinner table because it’s one of her favorite vegetables –or fruit for that matter. I take after her because after a certain point, I finally grew appreciation for them. Eggplants can absorb flavors tremendously and I love that its texture can be squashy because it’s always thirsty for liquid or oil. It’s prone to sucking up flavor and moisture from how it is cooked.

In Spain, it was highly cherished for its supposed aphrodisiac qualities. Who would have thought right? In 16th century England and Italy, eggplant was apparently shunned and suspected of causing madness. I don’t know about eggplants but I know one Aubergine can cause some happy madness in me.

Some eggplants have won best in gardening and biggest or best-shaped trophies but this particular Aubergine has been awarded the Nescafe Gold Spot 2009, The Miele Guide’s One of Asia’s TOP 20 (Restaurants 2009/10) and Philippine Tatler Best Restaurants 2008. [Read more…]

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Fat Michael’s Gastro Pub

April 26, 2011 by Janey

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

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

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

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

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

I just noticed a boo-boo 😀 LOL

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Somebody cheated! 100?? 100??

On the Table

Spicy Lamb Kebab with Curry Rice PHP 298

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

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

Rosemary Herb Chicken PHP 198

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

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

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

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

Fat Michael’s Gastro Pub

G/F Agustin 1 Building, Ruby Road

Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

(63 2) 843 1953

Fat Michael’s Flickr Album

Related Posts:

Dazzling Dishes at Frazzled Cook

Fat Michael’s

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Gino’s Eats and Beats: Get into the Eating Groove

July 16, 2010 by Janey

Guess where I was again last Tuesday night?

I guess this entry’s title kinda give it away huh? 😉 Patrick and Eric invited me out to celebrate Mr. Engineer’s birthday (referring to the latter because Pat still hasn’t found the need to take the board exams). The initial plan was to have dinner and drinks somewhere in Eastwood (which is nearer to my area) but plans suddenly changed because Eric and Jaja were coming from the South. Eric asked if we could meet at the Fort and wanted my suggestion on where to eat. I wasn’t answering his numerous calls. I was about to throw a bigger tantrum (these two mongrels had to make up for something else too) since I wasn’t in the mood to drive all the way to the Fort.

However, writing Gino’s Eats and Beats entry yesterday got me craving for their dishes. And I suddenly didn’t mind driving to Makati. Not even the ghastly strong winds could stop me.

As Fate would have it, it was a fairly easy drive to Makati –with moderate moving traffic, it took us only 20 minutes to get to Gino’s. When we opened the door, Gino recognized Bubba and waved “welcome” with a smile. I was a bit surprised to see him there on a Tuesday night but it’s noticeable that passion fuels the fellow. Soon after, Patrick arrived. Not long after, Eric and Jaja arrived. As usual, I took care of ordering the dishes… and I kept one eye closed not minding the prices. Pat said that Eric was footing the tab… and this was part of my “punishment.” 😉

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On the Table

Mushroom and Artichoke Spread PHP 160

Buttered slices of bread toasted and cut into soft bread logs creatively stacked Jenga-style. Sliced artichoke hearts and mushroom in a creamy cheese mixture –smooth with a bit of body in the texture. Certainly one of the appetizers you’d want the group to start with.

Truffle Mushroom Pasta PHP 245

Eric, Jaja and I kept grabbing this plate almost like we were doing a hand dance routine. Al dente pasta cooked soft but with a bite is fragrantly tempting the senses due to the aromatic truffle cream base teamed up with sizeable button mushroom (and bits of cheese and onion and bacon?). Feel luxury brimming in your taste buds in a simple pasta dish.

Grilled Angus Belly PHP 305

Three palm-sized Angus belly square chops grilled to the right doneness that doesn’t make the meat dry. Get an ample amount of grilled fat together with the tasty beefy meat. I didn’t even touch the sauce that accompanied it. I fervently wish there were more.

Angus Belly Salpicao PHP 270

I asked the wait staff the difference between the Greatest Salpicao (what we had last time) and the Angus Belly Salpicao. Greatest Salpicao’s cut comes from the tenderloin part, which means it’s leaner while the Angus Belly Salpicao is from the belly which has fatter parts. Fatty parts bring music to my ears so I decided to try that one this time. Life is too short to worry about grease. The Angus belly bits are soaked in this brown garlicky sauce and Bubba and Pat just had to each get a cup of white rice to soak that flavor in.

Shrimp Poppers (Free)

Gino was kind enough to send over a plate of shrimp poppers. Semi-crispy and crumbly exterior with delectable shrimp inside served with what I think is light mayo with blue cheese. Wipe-out in a flash.

Wings Platter (9 pieces) PHP 405

I ordered 5 pieces of Buffalo and 4 pieces of Honey Mustard for variety.

Greatest French Toast PHP 150

One warning: do not leave Gino’s without having dessert… or rather without having his Greatest French Toast. It’s basically French Toast lavishly spread with addicting Nutella for sheer pleasure. It’s topped with slices of banana and whipped cream with cherry on top. I’m not big on desserts but this one keeps me all happily frenzied with not being overly sweet which also reveals varied layers of flavor from the banana, whipped cream and nutella.

Oh, and you can cross order cocktail drinks from Distillery. I had an apple martini and it was interestingly perfect with the French toast. The boys had 8 bottles of beer between themselves.

At half past 10pm, our usual chatter goes nonstop but the place transformed into a cozier lodge. The lights dimmed while the brilliant music continued. I looked at Eric and he seemed to be enjoying a fab post-birthday dinner –casual and laidback as it is. It’s not like this every day in Tacloban I guess –that’s where he is based for work now. He returns home to Manila at least twice a month. I think what he appreciates most is the company of friends. He has made new friends there but nothing beats home or the comfort of old friends.

Because I cannot let the evening pass without Eric making his celebratory “blowing the birthday candle” moment, I ordered another plate of the Greatest French Toast and Bubba had the wait staff prop a lighted candle there. Maybe it’s also my excuse to have one wrapped to go because I knew Eric and Jaja enjoyed the dessert so much. Right on cue, Jaja and I (with Pat and Bubba chiming in) started singing the Happy Birthday song (albeit too loudly I think) and after a string of blowing (Bubba claims the air kept coming from Eric’s nose) and relighting the “question mark” candle, Eric finally made his 2010 birthday wish.

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Light’s out

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Again, again, again

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Make a wish!

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It’s my turn! 😉

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HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ENGR.IC! 🙂

BIG HUG!

Engr. Eric and Janey

Eric’s Bday 2008

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Celebrating Passing the Board

Moomba | Embassy 2005

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The Flash and Me After Embassy

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Have you tried Gino’s? Slouch back on your seat and feel the beats featuring the best of House and Hip Hop music and get into the eating groove with the best comfort food in Makati. Visibly and tastefully a one-stop shop for all your favorite comfort dishes.

Gino’s Eats and Beats

Unit A, Ground Level, Valdelcon Bldg.,

20 Jupiter St. Bel-Air Village,

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 519 1272 / (63) 917 885 6969

Eric Lopez Bday at Gino’s Album

EL’s Birthday at Bugsy’s 2009

Friday Night with the Engineers

Eric’s Lopez Birthday at Oyster Boy 2008

In Crumbs: July 2009

Misato

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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

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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

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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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Yummy Magazine Media Get-together at Mr. Jones

May 5, 2010 by Janey

Thursday saw me and a few other food aficionados at the Yummy Magazine Get-together Event at Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones is creating quite the buzz in the restaurant scene since this recently opened contemporary diner brings the diner experience to a whole new eating level.

An open-air front creates a bright and airy feeling when you decide to dine in one of the tables or booth areas outside. Space is warm and comfortable. There are also booth areas available in the dining area inside this Greenbelt 5 restaurant. Customers can sit down and enjoy a skillfully prepared meal from a menu designed for serving at any time of the day.

Definitely, there’s culinary prowess to back up the urbane diner concept. Mr. Jones is another collaboration of the same group that brought us Chelsea, M Café, and MoMo –managed by Raintree Restaurants’ Martin and Andrej Wisniewski with chef Kalel Chan. That day, we were served with their house specialties found in the menu as well as new dishes prepared exclusively for this particular Yummy event.

On the Table

The Threesome PHP 395

Sweet and Creamy Pineapple Apricot and Canadian-style Double Smoked Bacon Macaroni, Old Bay and Fresh Dill Prawn “Louie” with Caper Berries and Truffled Egg Salad with Black Caviar… Definitely a Mr. Jones’ house specialty! Three’s a good company especially with these wonderful starters!

Photo source

“Yummy” Buffalo Drum Pops

Tagged under specially-made-for-Yummy, chicken drum pops marinated “Buffalo wings” fashion served with French fries and bleu cheese on the side.

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Melted “Old Bay” Crab and Dory Thermidor PHP 375

Hollandaise and Mornay sauce, Wilted Spinach, Herb Rice Pilaf and Fresh Lemon

Wicked Truffled Mac and Cheese PHP 375

Mac and Cheese is definitely an American diner’s favorite but Mr. Jones version is sinfully delicious being baked with 3 types of macaroni, 4 cheeses, Canadian-style double smoked bacon, baby Portobello mushrooms, green peas and drizzled with Truffle oil. Now who wouldn’t love that gourmet addition of truffle and Portobello mushrooms?

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U.S. Beef Ribcap “Tapa & Garlic Overload” PHP 295

Topped with a heap of crispy garlic chips, garlic fried rice, Mr. Jones’ special MoMo, atchara and 2 eggs (choose your style of cooking)

Mini Black Forest Mud Pie

Photo source

The “Yummy” Funky Monkey

Every single detail conspires to create the “sophisticated but youthful” taste both in atmosphere and in the dishes Mr. Jones’ kitchen ingeniously whip up.

Mr. Jones

G/L Greenbelt 5,

Makati City

(632) 501 3682

Yummy Magazine’s MAY Issue

This month’s issue gets us quite excited when Yummy provides us with super saver recipes that we can crack for weekday cooking. Dining out comes as second option since eating good food can get very expensive, especially when there’s that 12% VAT always imposed. Good food doesn’t always have to come at a price since Yummy Magazine’s May issue features low-spend, high flavor recipes all under PHP 125 and 50 restaurants that please both tummy and wallet.

This has got to be the ultimate in anything that’s about “Cheap Eats.” Find the best spots to eat without breaking the bank. Yummy food editor Rachelle Santos also teaches you how to keep your food budget down by cooking smart and choosing the right ingredients.

Be sure to grab a copy before it runs out!

Yummy Popcorn by Chef Tony

You think you’ve tasted it all? I’m sure you haven’t tasted this yet! And it’s really something to be excited about! Yummy Magazine in collaboration with Chef Tony presents the Southern French Herb with Cream Cheese flavor! It’s a mouthful because it’s done in good taste!

The Yummy Popcorn by Chef Tony in Southern French Herb with Cream Cheese will be available in select Chef Tony stores starting June for only PHP 200 a bucket!!! I’ve got my fill but I want more!!! Can June come any sooner? 😉

Thanks to Ro Manalo and Fran Haw of Summit Media for the invite! 🙂

Yummy Magazine Media Event Album

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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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A Potter’s Paradise at Ugu Bigyan

April 5, 2010 by Janey

Our recent Bali trip introduced us to an area there called Ubud, an artist village that is a foodie haven as well. This Holy Week, I didn’t have to travel that far to get both hunger for artistry and gastronomic finds filled. At the heart of Tiaong, Quezon, Ugu Bigyan sends me to another memorable journey.

It’s Maundy Thursday. We set out for San Pablo, Laguna at 8AM. It’s been a while since we traveled South on a holiday. I’m not really big on traveling southbound since they started that road construction that’s been ongoing for years. It’s good to know that all lanes are now passable in SLEX. Nevertheless, we didn’t escape the heavy holiday traffic.

I was quite excited to finally visit Ugu Bigyan. I remember in 2007, I called and inquired about getting a reservation for four because I was planning a weekend trip with Chai and her Mr. Big then. That didn’t push through but never did Ugu Bigyan leave my mind as one of the places I want to go to. I read somewhere about their delicious Filipino dishes –like Kulawo, Lato Salad, Sinigang na Baboy, Adobong Chicken and Pork, Grilled Tilapia and mussels with vegetables. I’d imagine that Sinagang na Baboy to be really sour, a bit creamy/milky (from the gabi or taro) and oily from the pork fats –just how I would make it if I knew how to cook it myself.

It took us 4 hours and 30 minutes to get to Tiaong, Quezon. The plan was to drop by Tahanan ni Aling Meding first and check in, but decided to go straight to Ugu Bigyan. It is 12:30pm after all, time for lunch. That long drive is not the best way to start anybody’s morning. It made us feel so tired and prickly.

The car entered the red clay house one won’t fail to spot on the left side of the street. As soon as the car got parked, limbs stretched out to the open sky. Walking inside, our fatigue seems to have abandoned us and stayed with the car.

Augusto “Ugo” Bigyan, is a celebrated pottery artist who opens the door of his house-cum-workshop to the rest of us looking for a relaxed getaway with a bit of ceramic artistry.

My Photo with Ugu

Stepping into the world of Ugu is like stepping into an old world. Earthy. Unpretentious. Al-fresco. Makes you feel that Metro Manila is hundred hours away… and your mind also leaves behind whatever occupies it in bustling Manila.

We meet Ugu’s sister(?), Haidee and her son Kim at Ugu’s clay-crafts gallery. There was another group ahead of us, scouring the area where Ugu’s hands have shaped some fine pottery arts and crafts. The shop displays his original dinnerware sets, furniture and house décor.

We look around and bathe ourselves in fresh air. The unpolluted air revives our tired spirits making us feel like we only woke up a few minutes ago, ready for the rest of the day.

Ugu’s pottery garden composes of different dining areas, each bedecked with its own artistic slash native charm.

While waiting for the food to be served, Bubba and I relaxed on our seats. We see more people coming in. A familiar face entered my view and I waved hello. It was Anton of Our Awesome Planet and he shared some of his discoveries in Quezon, particularly Cagbalete Island (which I’ve been meaning to visit as well after reading it on Jen’s site). Anton has a big project coming up (amidst a lot of his other ongoing projects) but this is a first of OAP and it’s pretty exciting! 😉 You gotta watch out for that!

I also saw Liza, formerly from the Star group with some of her friends. They are staying at Casa San Pablo, Bubba’s first picked when he planned this trip but I suggested trying a new place so we opted to go for Tahanan ni Aling Meding near Sampaloc Lake.

The wait staff, all in white shirt and board shorts (very summery), arrived and placed the starters on the table. One apologized that the dishes will come in one at a time because it’s being cooked personally by Ugu fresh in the kitchen. We didn’t mind at all since time seems to be irrelevant when you are in an exceptionally comfortable and relaxed setting.

On the Table

Halaan Soup

The warm broth with big clams (Pacific clams?) was very soothing, and ideal calmer for my sore throat.

Ensaladang Pako (Fern Salad)

The fern salad tasted fresh with a faint hint of citrus –the bits of green apple slices add a natural and easy sweetness to the dish.

Both starters were good openers. Quite simple in taste, cleansing the palate for a story of flavors to come.

Tortang Tahong

“Torta” is the Philippine version of omelette. This particular torta was made with mussels and onions. It’s not an immediate leap from the taste of the earlier starters but a first for me to try.

Kulawo (Puso ng Saging or Banana Palm Heart)

One taste of Kulawo and Bubba and I were both impressed. The smoky flavor emerges on top of the flaky dish. The grilled (tad bit tangy) taste is very delish and we couldn’t quite get enough of it.

Calamares

Big squid rings very lightly battered with sweet and sour sauce on the side

Sauteed Shrimps

Lapu Lapu with Mango Relish

Clean and light fish meat accompanied by sweet and slightly tangy mango relish

Barbecued Spareribs

Interestingly, each dish builds a different layer of flavor and ultimately, the smoky barbecue ribs reconnect the taste of the Kulawo, linking the overall taste. There’s a thick sheet of fat accompanying the chunk of meat and it melts in the mouth almost surreptitiously. The barbecue sauce coating is lip smacking that you’d want to scrape off the charred BBQ sauce and nick the bones with your teeth. Or maybe that’s just me *shrugs*

Cold Coconut Juice

Refreshing with shards of coconut meat

Ginumis

With a smorgasbord of food in front of us, Bubba asked me what my favorite was.

Bubba was surprised that I rated the ribs my #1 because he would suppose that Naughty Nuri’s has raised the bar high in terms of ribs experience. It’s hard not to really like Ugu’s version of smoked spareribs, with its rich, barbecue flavor… and the sinful fat!

I told him, “You already know by now, me and fat… are this close (crossing my index and middle finger).”

Bubba’s favorite was surprisingly the sautéed garlic shrimp, which he would not normally touch in an ordinary day.

We both agree on our second favorite –the smoky and quite tasty banana palm heart.

Service was great –efficient and very affable. Ugu is a multi-faceted artist that can whip up the most delicate pottery inside his workshop and the most delectable dishes from his kitchen.

There’s so much to remember on this wonderful lunch at Ugu’s 🙂

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Escape into this beautiful countryside home that showcases pottery artwork and clayware that contains scrumptious food… Leave with a satisfied tummy and relaxed mind. It reminded me of Bali, but it is definitely a class of its own.

Ugu Bigyan

Brgy. Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon

(042) 545 9144

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How to get there:

(Directions from http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.php?wpt=ugu)

To Tiaong Quezon:

From Manila, take the South Luzon Tollway all the way to the south end. At the end of the tollway, after the toll plaza, take the exit that points to Lucena and simply drive along this national road until you reach the Sto. Tomas junction. Sto. Tomas has two junctions, and one of which (the second) does not have any road sign when we passed by. Anyway, on both juctions, take the road to the left (southeastward) toward Lucena. This will take you through Alaminos then San Pablo Laguna. At San Pablo junction, just follow the highway, veering to the right and bypassing the city. Do not enter San Pablo proper. Next town after San Pablo would be Tiaong.

From Tiaong: From the Tiaong market, continue further southwest along the national road. After about 240m, the road will turn sharply to the left. Continue down the road southeast. About 480m from the turn you will see the Tiaong Municipio on your right. Continue travelling for another 2.4km from the municipio until you see the Tiaong Rural Bank on the left side. If you prefer looking at kilometer posts, this rural bank is a few meters after KM98. Turn left at the small street just before the rural bank. 600m into the street, after crossing a rail road halfway, you will see a sign ‘Alvarez Village’. Turn left, and barely 90m from the corner, you will see a distinctly different house constructed from bricks on the left side. This is Ugu’s workshop-residence.

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Chi’s Brick Oven Pizza Kitchen

January 11, 2010 by Janey

December 20, 2009 –Right after Bubba’s Virlanie Foundation Christmas project with the kids, we headed straight to BF Parañaque to attend DEFTAC’s Christmas party. Since we were early, we decided to get some breather and refreshments at Chi’s Brick Oven Pizza Kitchen. We’ve been planning to visit the restaurant for the longest time but couldn’t find the time because it’s quite far from our place. It was a good chance to visit that early evening since we were in the area.

Chi’s Brick Oven Pizza Kitchen is famous for their rustic take on everyone’s all-time favorite –pizza. Their pizza dough and tomato sauce are specially made by hand on a daily basis –the smell of freshness lofting in their kitchen. We ordered an appetizer, soup and half and half of 2 pizza flavors.

On the Table

Stuffed Potato Marbles PHP 125

Mini potato skins stuffed bacon and cheese and served with their sour cream dip. Bite size potato poppers served on cute cupcake paper trays.

Cheddar Clam Chowder PHP 120

Their special potato clam chowder served in a mini-bread bowl topped with cheddar cheese

5-Cheese Pizza PHP 420

The classic 4-cheese pizza with a bonus, special tomato sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, blue cheese, feta and queso de bola

All Meat PHP 315

For the meat lovers, special tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon and roasted chicken flakes

Minute Maid Pulpy Orange PHP

Although I liked what we ordered, I was too tired to really appreciate the food because I ended up devouring more than eating. I want to visit again soon and try their other pizza flavors and their interesting entrées like the Pugon chicken dish.

After dinner, Bubba decided to skip the DEFTAC Christmas party to deliver the 30+ Jollibee meals we still had in the car (half of the Virlanie kids went to the province or were picked up by the parents before Christmas). Instead of bringing it home, Bubba called up Concordia (Sta. Mesa) and asked if they were still open to accept the food. Concordia said yes and was very appreciative that Bubba still remembered them. Concordia houses infants and holds classes for street kids (http://www.concordia.ph/).

Chi’s Brick Oven Pizza Kitchen

209 Aguirre Ave., B.F. Homes, Paranaque City, Philippines

(632) 820 7210 or (0917) 8971117/ (0917) 9260555

Tuesdays thru Fridays: 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Saturdays and Sundays 11:30 am to 10:00 pm. Closed on Mondays

http://brickovenkitchen.multiply.com/

Chi’s Brick Oven Pizza Kitchen Album

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Singapore Day 3: IKEA and Connection

December 16, 2009 by Janey

When I woke up, Kate was already at the desk clicking on her laptop. She was hard at it, working fervently at a career she loves. She used to be based in Singapore for work but she realized that there’s no place like home and eventually left the Singaporean company to go back to the Philippines. A few months later, the Singaporean company hired her back –this time, she is working home-based in the Philippines and the emails are her attendance at work. What a really great break! 🙂

She was almost done and she asked me my plans for the day. I said I had no plans and was thinking of a trouble-free last day in Singapore. She said she was going to IKEA and invited if I would like to join her. She wants to buy some stuff from IKEA and meet friends she made in Singapore. I was suddenly ecstatic!!! 😀

You see, I wanted to go to IKEA that I was harping about it the night before in the cab on the way home with Chrissy, Ivy and Jonel. Since I had no one familiar with the city to go with, I decided against it. I heard it was a bit far from Link Hotel. Thank goodness for an angel like Kate, my beloved roomie, and suddenly my Sunday was looking less bleak.

Another thing I like being bunked with Kate is, without having to speak, our movements are in such great tango with each other. She had her space and I had mine and timing in the bathroom between us was seamless –both productive and relaxed.

What made this departure day different though is I usually have my luggage packed the night before and clothes to wear and everything else ready. But after a fun night with the group much laughing and walking, I plunk-ed on my unmade bed with my water bottle. I wasn’t able to pack at all –a first in my book actually.

Good thing I was able to make haste and packed in 20 minutes (I usually take a leisure hour), just in time Kate finished packing too. We checked out and placed our luggage in the lobby. We were crossing the street when I checked my phone and saw Jen’s text message. I replied and said we were on the way out but will wait for her if she’s ready. She was all set and 5 minutes later the three of us were on a bus going to our IKEA date.

IKEA

IKEA was a good 30 minutes from our starting point. It wasn’t so difficult to get there by commuter bus since Kate was familiar with Singapore. At one point, it took a while to figure where the express shuttle is but both Jen and I were still at ease with Kate at the front. We took a train, 2 buses and we were finally at IKEA.

IKEA was like an enormous warehouse that offers a wide range of well-designed functional home furnishing products at prices so reasonable, both Jen and I did quite some shopping. We only had an hour before we meet up with Kate again so we really maximized our time –checking only items that really caught our interests and consulting with each other on the price and usability.

$1 Breakfast

I bought a few items (lamps, rags, photo frame, 1kg Swiss meatballs, chocolates, etc), while Jen’s big purchase was two white fur shrugs for her favorite chair at home. I ran out of Singapore dollars and my only complaint about IKEA is that they don’t accept US dollars. Jen and Kate had to lend me some SG money for my purchase.

It was time to relax when we had lunch at the huge IKEA cafeteria. Of course, both Jen and I tried the meatballs everyone was raving about. We also bonded with Kate’s friends from Singapore and asked them about life in the cosmopolitan country.

Going back was so much easier although we were running out of time because we were supposed to reach the hotel lobby by 3pm. Stopped by quickly at a money changer shop, had my US changed and paid my dues. We had a good 20 minutes to spare and since Kate knows I wanted to try Ya Kun Kaya, we looked for it at a nearby mall. Time is gold and I decided to just concede to trying Singapore’s Toastbox at the ground floor. Both Jen and I ordered food to go.

I also appreciate how easy I got along with Jen. I’ve been reading her Sexy Nomad site and like her steady positivism and travel spirit as well even before meeting and working briefly on a film project together. Just the day before, we bonded over breakfast and waiting time at Selangor.

We hailed a cab and finally reached the lobby on time. We were one of the early ones there. The bus actually left an hour later. No complaints since Jen, Kate and I had to repack our luggage and hand carry bags to fit in what we just purchased.

After repacking, we still had 30 minutes to enjoy leisurely the soft-boiled eggs and kaya toast combination we bought. Yummy!!! It wasn’t Ya Kun but it satisfied my kaya and egg craving!!! 😉

All aboard the bus, we hit our airport destination. Because of the items I bought from IKEA, I was over the limit weight by 7lbs! First time it happened to me too but since we were in a big group, I wasn’t too worried. Not until the ground officer said we couldn’t do a big group check-in, which was a bit weird. I was getting really concerned… Being quite independent, I was timid to ask people if I could share their weight limit 🙁 I checked how much it would cost me to just take in the extra weight -PHP 7,000! Gosh, I didn’t want to pay an extra 7 Grand for “pasalubongs.”

After much scurrying, (big thanks to Alodia, Ashley, and Jonel as well as Frances and Fran who tried to help out), Jonel shared my luggage weight and checked in my bag under his name. *BIG HUG to Jonel*

Whew, trouble-free huh 😉

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Aubergine

September 16, 2009 by Janey

Recently dined at Aubergine for a business dinner with BBC and it was quite appropriate. Aubergine, French for eggplant, is an illustrious French Continental restaurant affiliated with the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM). It is not my first visit at Aubergine but the stellar wine cellar still catches the attention as the showpiece spectacle of the restaurant.

Image Source: Aubergine.ph

On the Table

French Duck Confit PHP

With creamed Brussels sprouts and parsley marble potatoes

Roasted Wagyu Beef Tri Tip PHP 1,200

With pan-fried duck foie gras, Port wine sauce, glazed vegetable and Pommery mustard mash potato

The entrée plate arrived looking fanciful with the lavish alliance of Wagyu and foie gras at the spotlight, outlined with champagne froth, while shoestring potatoes curled resembling a bush, glossed vegetables and mustard mashed potato at the hem.

Requested for medium and the kitchen got the perfect doneness according to preference. The Wagyu beef is just divine, a reddish pink center with an outer charred layer perfectly seared, locking the moisture of succulent meat. The luxurious lean cut of Wagyu didn’t have intense marbling in it as most expect of Wagyu beef. Tri tip is a comparatively lean cut since it is taken from the bottom sirloin, similar to skirt steak.

Foie gras, the fattened liver of a duck or goose, in this case duck, was indisputably delicious. It was definitely rich in flavor, surprisingly more generous in size than expected. Quite delicately rich and creamy, it enhanced the beef flavor of the meat providing an almost melting effect in the mouth.

Aubergine’s Roasted Wagyu Beef Tri Tip is a perfect embrace of everything that is sheer pleasure with beef.

Aubergine

32^nd and 5^th Bldg.,

5^th Ave. Cor. 32^nd St.,

Fort Bonifacio, 1634 Taguig City

(632) 856 9888

Aubergine Album

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Pink Kitchen 2008

September 24, 2008 by Janey

Pink Kitchen returns to Rockwell Tent for a bigger culinary event. Food lovers await this “good food = good cause” weekend this October as the best chefs gather for the I Can Serve cause. Whet your appetite with a world of flavors as 2008 bring vendors that include experts in Asian, Mediterranen and Fusion cooking. From light snacks and drinks, to full course lunches and dinners and mouth-watering desserts.

Led by Bettina Osmena, Chairman of the Fund Raising Committee, her team includes Beth Romualdez, Chairman of Pink Kitchen, Libet Virata , heads the Marketing and Sponsorship team, Ina Vergel de Dios, leads the Logistics team. Ria Romero is consultant for entertainment and marketing. Via Reyes and Jing Racelis handle project management.

For more information, visit the website at http://www.icanserve.net/

Pink Kitchen Album

Pink Kitchen Related Entry

2 Comments Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: 2008, bianca araneta, cancer awareness, I can serve, iCanServe, kitchen, oct. 18-19, pink kitchen, rockwell tent

Angel’s Kitchen

June 16, 2008 by Janey

Mama decided to treat us out for lunch to welcome Bubba’s return from Hong Kong (I swear, my mom loves him more than she loves me! There was no treat when I got home! Harrumphus!) And so, off we went to Angel’s Kitchen in Greenhills. I am only filled with good memories since my last visit to this restaurant that’s why I suggested this place. On Saturday lunch, I was glad that we were able to secure a table. Last time I was here, it was so packed!

On the Table:

Amuse Bouche: Melba Chips and Pate

Beef Pot Roast PHP 325 ++

Even if I repeatedly persuaded my mom to order from the list of signature dishes, she wanted to order this one. Since high school canteens fed us with so much pot roast, I wasn’t so keen in ordering this one.

Lamb Curry PHP 425 ++

My mom touched the lamb curry first, which was a mistake by a mile. Try the bland stuff first before the flavorful dishes or else you’d ruin your taste buds. She tried this first and when she tried the pot roast started complaining that it lacked flavor. Lamb Curry will always be a staple order whenever I’m dining at Angel’s Kitchen. It’s worth the price you pay as there is a generous serving of the tender meat.

Pinakbet Rice PHP 350 ++

It was same as last time although drier. My mom enjoyed this dish a lot.

Soft Shell Crab Salad PHP 250 ++

Ooh yummy! I liked how crunchy and tasty the crust is!!! It totally set it apart from other salads. If I’m on a diet, I’m gonna order this every single day! It comes with a lemon buttery sauce that adds a lot of flavor to the greens.

Iced Tea (2) PHP 65

Bubba said the iced tea was good.

Chocolate Lava Cake ala Mode PHP 135 ++

Mom really liked the ice cream on top. The brownie she found a bit hard and ordinary for her taste.

Oreo Cheesecake PHP 150 ++

My mind was set to order their banana cream pie since it’s their best seller and I’ve heard so much about it. But I knew that Bubba wanted to order the oreo cheesecake. I love cheesecakes but I grew out of the oreo crusted ones. Since this was supposed to be Bubba’s “special” day, I set my selfishness aside and ordered Oreo Cheesecake.

It was a good choice to follow Bubba’s lead since the Oreo Cheesecake was such a winner!!! I have to say that it’s the best Oreo Cheesecake I’ve tried in the metro. Nothing in mind can even come close! The cheesecake really blew me away. The crust was not crumbly like a cookie. Soft and velvety was the Oreo crust, while the cheesecake was light, fluffy and rich.

Angel’s Kitchen Album

4 Comments Filed Under: (NEW HERE??) TAKE A BITE OF THE FAVORITES FIRST!!!, Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: angel's kitchen, Angels, Banana Cream Pie, Connecticut, Greenhills, kitchen

Angel’s Kitchen

March 28, 2008 by Janey

I believe that Angels exist. They are among us. I’ve started collecting angels when I was in high school, when I received my first angel figurine as a gift. Since then, people have started giving me gifts that had anything to do with angels for birthdays, pasalubongs or what-nots. I have received angel painting, angel frames, angel magnets, angel necklace, angel pendants, angel earrings, angel lamps, angel mugs… The last time I counted my angel collection (3 years ago) it was around 60-70.

Whenever I see an angel picture or ornament, I’d get really excited and look at it intensely, but since I didn’t want to break the tradition (of not having bought anything for my collection), I just bond with it for a moment and leave. It’s pretty neat that all of the angels in my collection were gifts/souvenirs/passed on.

My first visit to Angel’s Kitchen made me reminisce the time I used to name my angels (yes, I told you I’m psychotic). I even had a special display case for my favorite ones. The restaurant is a small space to begin with about 10 tables only. 2 stitched angel frames greet you as you enter the door. Angel Kitchen is a bright and welcoming restaurant. White walls are decorated with rectangular wooden framed mirrors. White spherical lamps dangles from a well-furnished semi-high ceiling. Rich wooden tables and chairs total the whole look.

On the Table:

Pinakbet Paella with Liempo PHP

Bubba’s order. Rice and Pinakbet vegetables cooked together with a binagoong flavor. 2 huge crispy pork liempo on top of the rice were tender and tasty. I ate 3/4s of the dish and ¼ of it is already filling.

Lamb Curry PHP

Cushee’s order. So predictable since I love lamb and curry and the idea of marrying the two is really a brilliant contribution of Persian cooking. It was served with apple chutney, which was a good balancer for the spice of the curry. The lamb curry was delicious but I prefer it spicier the next time. I didn’t detect even 1 degree of heat from this curry. I had to ask for chili pepper flakes just to add pizzazz to the dish.

Pork Binagoongan PHP

Bubba’s order. It was equally as flavorsome as the lamb curry. We asked for more sauce though and the wait staff didn’t oblige since the sauce were portioned per order. All the dishes could use a bit more sauce on the side.