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

Leaving No Steaks Unturned at House of Wagyu Stone Grill

January 21, 2015 by Janey

First time I dined at House of Wagyu Stone Grill was back in 2009 at their Eastwood branch while the last time I visited was in late October last year, this time at their Greenhills branch. The restaurant still boasts of its handsome sophisticated interiors highlighted by their chiller inside the dining room which displays their select wines and Wagyu beef.

Stone Grill’s culinary focus is their Wagyu beef and its signature style of cooking the beef tabletop on top of a hot stone grill. Wagyu beef is considered a premium cut of beef due to its exquisite marbling. Beef lovers will find satisfaction in the range of Wagyu beef available at House of Wagyu Stone Grill.

–

RELATED POST

Wagyu Stone Grill

–

Pleased to note that attentiveness and attention to detail are still apparent in their service. What I particularly like about House of Wagyu is the ability to leave the cooking preference of your steak unto your own hands.

On the Table

Oyster Rockefeller Php 500

One of my favorite apps at House of Wagyu Stone Grill is their Oyster Rockefeller. Topped with white sauce, salty bacon bites and Parmesan cheese then baked to perfection with little burnt cheese parts that I love. I can finish one whole plate by myself.

–

Gambas

Another one of my favorite starters

Traditional Caesar Salad Php 300

Romaine lettuce, croutons, bacon and freshly shaved Parmesan. It was light, fresh and crisp with spears of sharp flavors from the bacon and Parmesan shaves.

Lady Satin Pillowcases

June 26, 2013 by Janey

If you can afford many hours of sleep, it is life’s most simple relaxing pleasure. We all wish for that uninterrupted deep sleep… and at times, sweet dreams to go with it. For some of us, we are sleep deprived, nightcrawlers tossing and tumbling on our beds.

That is why it is good advice to keep any noisy and bright electronics like TV or computers outside our bedrooms and make that one area as serene and quiet as possible. The bedroom is our refuge, where we surrender everything that went on the day and hopefully get a respite from many hours of movements.

I’m very particular with beds and beddings. I burn holes in my pocket investing on good bed sheets with very high thread count and quality material, pressure-less and conforming pillows, temp-adjusting duvets and anything that will ease me off to Zzzz-land like a magic carpet ride.

Aria’s Afternoon Delight Discount

September 14, 2012 by Janey

Enjoy 20% discount on ANY of Aria’s pizzas from 3pm-6pm Mondays-Thursdays*!

READ THE STORY HERE: Aria Cucina at Fort

Go pizza crazy at Aria!

Diamond Hotel’s The Cake Club at Bonifacio High Street

May 11, 2012 by Janey

The Cake Club by Diamond Hotel is one of the many things that make the hotel’s name sparkle among foodies with delight. Diamond Hotel made it even more accessible to its patrons by opening The Cake Club in Rockwell Powerplant a few years ago.

Now, city dining in Bonifacio High Street has become exciting as Diamond Hotel Philippines opens The Cake Club in the area. Located at the posh Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City near the same location as Aria Italia Cucina, guests are welcomed by the restaurant’s cozy and sophisticated interiors matched with Diamond Hotel’s signature cuisines and delicacies – providing 5-star dining experience in a relaxed setting.

RELATED POSTS:

Yurakuen, A Teppanyaki Feast

Corniche Steak Nights, More than a One Night Stand

Aria Italia Cucina

Mad Dash to Diamond Hotel for the Culinary Flavors of Indonesia

Wine and Raclette Buffet at Astralis

As mentioned in this blog a few times, I’m a big fan of Yurakuen in Diamond Hotel that’s why I’m always open to what other offerings they still have in store for us. Set to satisfy discerning taste buds is a sublime selection of savory dishes at The Cake Club. Starters include Red Beet Soup, Truffle Fries and the much-loved GM’s Salad.

I’m not a huge desserts person and before we go to the sweet part of the subject, I’ve lined up the signature must-try dishes below. Other than various cakes and sweets, the Cake Club also offers savory dishes that can whet your appetite.

On the Table

Truffle Fries PHP 180

We’ve seen truffle fries creep up in restaurant menus more and more in the recent years with the growing exposure and awareness of truffle. Some can get it right and The Cake Club did with its packed finger-size cut fries served in a modern “steel” cone that emits the enticing truffle aroma. I feel it’s such a steal at P180 when most are pricing the same over P220.

Aria Cucina Italia, Fort

April 3, 2012 by Janey

Aria Cucina Italia has made its mark in Boracay shores and it’s aiming to bring the same success to Manila when they opened a branch at the Fort last January. The light and airy ambience of Aria Cucina’s interiors brings the same summery vibe it has from its first store, including a wooden web-like net that serves as partition of the dining area.

–

Chef Marino Leonardis who originally was from Leguria, Italy was flown in by Aria Cucina’s owners Juan Elizalde (husband of Bianca Araneta-Elizalde) and Paolo Occhionero to head the kitchen ensuring that only the freshest of Italian fares are always brought out.

It was the first restaurant that Bubba and I checked out in the recently opened East Superblock at Fort a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful Saturday morning that weekend of March 10^th. We stopped at Ethan Allen first to drop off the items I used for the challenge and then we headed to Aria Cucina Italia for a quick lunch before heading to Kids Ministry orientation at the Church.

Modern Tapas Terrific at Relik

February 8, 2012 by Janey

A good memory might not just be the result of what you put in your eyes and ears but what you put in your mouth as well. I have been looking for a great Tapas Bar in Manila since August last year –after I came back from Spain and tasted the most delicious tapas with wine and cocktails. I can still remember how divine the tapas were as if it’s still inside my gaping mouth. There aren’t that many in Manila but the food landscape is starting to look promising with the newly opened Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge at the Fort.

The dining interior of Relik has a casual yet sophisticated vibe. The unfinished ceiling with vintage touches like an old radio, typewriter and refurbished turntable-turned DJ booth is somewhat like an extremely posh diner meet a jazz bistro meet a gentleman’s underground cigar club.

Pick Up Sticks at Yakitori Kitchen, Grilled Meats at its Best

January 12, 2012 by Janey

After much loved visits at Yurakuen for their all-you-can-eat Teppanyaki, which I easily rate top of its class, let me draw you to another facet of Japanese cuisine that I’m also a fan of. Yakitori is skewered bite-sized pieces of variety of meat, but chicken is commonly used or chicken offal, and sometimes favored ingredients of garlic, asparagus, enoki mushrooms and the like. These grilled items are placed on small bamboo spits and grilled atop charcoal.

Yakitori is not all about just grilling meats. That specific Monday in December, I visited Yakitori Kitchen, which Richard and I both eyed when we’re at the area (both times dining at L’Entrecote). I came from Kualu Lumpur just hours before dinner and albeit tired, I couldn’t pass up the chance to finally try the newly opened restaurant with the Club. If you know me enough, you know I absolutely love barbecued meats.

Yakitori Kitchen specializes in grilling meats using only export quality ingredients. They also use pink sea salt from South America to season certain barbecued meats, you can immediately taste the difference.

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.

Mad Dash to Diamond Hotel for the Culinary Flavors of Indonesia

August 19, 2011 by Janey

Last Tuesday, I sauntered to Corniche like a mad woman to catch the Indonesian feast happening at Diamond Hotel. I fell in love with Indonesian food after my Bali trip sometime March last year. I heard though that there are more I have to discover about Indonesian food from other parts of the country. What I have tasted in Bali, I already have thumbs up for but I’m also curious about other dishes outside Bali.

TOP 10 Things About Bali

My Love Affair with Bali (1st of 3 Parts)

Memoirs of the Affair (2^nd of 3 Parts)

A Whole Lotta Bali Lovin’ (3^rd of 3 Parts)

Indonesia, as a tropic country, is abound with various spices across its islands and is known for their unique and colourful culture marked by their delectable dishes. From August 16-28, Diamond Hotel Philippines features the vivid flavors of Indonesia’s cuisine as it continues its remarkable series of food festivals with Selamat Menikmati: A Culinary Journey of Indonesia’s Best.

Corniche will be featuring the finest of Indonesian cuisine as this period coincides with the celebration of Indonesia’s national day. The event showcases authentic culinary masterpieces prepared by master chefs from Bandung, Indonesia to be served at the Corniche restaurant’s lunch and dinner buffet.

Basically, the many stations of Corniche famous buffet spread are still available but they have thrown in Indonesian dishes into the irresistible mix.

Three of Hilton Bandung’s most talented Indonesian chefs were flown to Manila to recreate their nation’s flavors at the Corniche buffet and I was really happy to meet and talk to Sous Chef Ovan Prahoro, who heads the team. He is a master chef who has an extensive background in cooking, not only from his native land but also from other countries such Riyadh, Dubai and Bahrain.

The Indonesian flavors are present in the curried meat and vegetables to indigenous samplings, from mild to intensely spiced up fares that includes Beef Rendang (Beef Stew with Sumatra Sauce), Mie Goreng (Stir-fried Noodle Dish), Sate Ayam and Sapi (Skewered Grilled Chicken and Beef), and Gado Gado (Mixed Vegetable Salad with Peanut Dressing).

Photo Credit: Abet of http://foodalphabet.blogspot.com/

Gado Gado became a favorite for me in Bali –one of the local dishes that I truly appreciated other than the Nasi Goreng Campur. Mixed veggies are shredded or roughly chopped tossed with this light and tasty peanut dressing that plays on sweet and nutty.

Photo Credit: Abet of http://foodalphabet.blogspot.com/

MORE THAN 1 WEEK LEFT!! Satisfy your Indonesian cravings and all other cravings for steak, fresh seafood, appetizers and mounds of desserts until August 28, 2011 for only Php 1,588 nett per person. This much anticipated festival also gives each guest a chance to WIN roundtrip tickets for two to Jakarta, Indonesia, courtesy of Cebu Pacific Air!

Particular to Corniche that other hotels cannot offer is the slow-paced cozy ambience that doesn’t feel stuffy and crowded. I distinctively like their high ceilings and warm modern interiors.

Diamond Hotel Philippines

Roxas Boulevard cor. Dr. J. Quintos St., Manila

For inquiries and reservations, (632) 528 3000 local 1121

www.diamondhotel.com

http://www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines

—

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 2011, 50, 50% off, address, Astralis, Astralis restaurant, August 2011 promos, Bar, best, best buffet in Manila, blogger, budget, buffet date place, Buffet discount, companies, contact number, Contest, Cornich, Corniche, Corniche buffet, Corniche menu, Cornish, date, date place, deal grocer, deals, Diamond Hotel, Diamond Hotel Group, Diamond hotel manager, discount, discounted price, ensogo, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, groupon, how much, how much buffet, list, location, Mad Mondays and Thrifty Tuesdays, Makati, Manila, Manila Diamond, Map, menu, Metro Manila, minimum of 4 persons, net price, other promo, owner, Philippines, phone number, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, reservation number, restaurant, Restaurants, rockwell, room rates, schedule, service, Sofitel luxury hotel, Sofitel Philippines, Spiral, Spiral buffet, Spiral buffet lunch or dinner, Steak buffet, Steak nights, Steak nights at Corniche, Steak nights at Diamond Hotel, Taste Manila, tax, Thursday night, time, until when, Venue, where, Wine and Raclette Buffet

Astralis by Diamond Hotel

June 13, 2011 by Janey

Astralis was supposedly inspired by an expensive wine of the same name. Astralis in Latin means stars or anything relating to stars, which translates to high standards of service –aptly named as such since Astralis is under the same management as Diamond Hotel.

Prawn Napolitana 🙂

–

The first time I was in Astralis in 2008, I thoroughly enjoyed their wine and raclette night. They have changed most in their line-up and introduced a recently launched menu. I was with Spanky, Richard, Glenn, Yedy, Jonel, Melanie and Lian last week to uncover the new digs at Astralis in Powerplant Mall.

READ MORE:

Wine and Raclette Night at Astralis

On the Table

Pan fried Chicken Quesadillas PHP 415

Grilled chicken breast, mozzarella cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream

We had two plates of this and it was a goner in a matter of minutes. The Quesadilla was gorgeously toasted that it gave a crunchy exterior. The filling of grilled chicken breast, mozzarella cheese and diced tomatoes never fail to satisfy, especially when scraped with pico de gallo and sour cream.

Lobster Bisque PHP 275

Generous slivers of succulent lobster with lemon foam

This was my order but had Richard take a spoonful while I took a spoonful of his order of double-baked wild mushroom which I liked more, it turned out. Richard also preferred the taste of the lobster bisque which was on the salty side for me. The pureed lobster is good but I really prefer the saltiness toned down a bit.

Double-baked Wild Mushroom PHP 255

Served crowned with phyllo crusts and Gruyere cheese

If you’re thinking of soup, I suggest you go right ahead and order the double-baked wild mushroom soup. It’s fool-proof for me. I love the semi-thick creaminess of the soup and the evident woodsy taste of the wild mushrooms that complements the nuttiness of the gruyere cheese.

GM’s Salad PHP 285

Sautéed fresh mushrooms, Mesclun greens, cucumbers, fresh basil, and sweet coconut-lime dressing

The GM’s Salad is named after the General Manager of Diamond Hotel who likes this salad a lot. It arrived sexily inside a parmesan crisp bowl with sweetened balsamic dressing on the plate. The broken leaves of Mesclun provided a soft-crisp texture and a distinct leafy taste to the cluster of cucumber and mushrooms.

Caesar’s Salad PHP 255

Fresh hearts of Romaine, shaved Parmesan, bacon and croutons

The Caesar Salad was much tastier than its presentation.

Seafood Risotto PHP 495

Shrimps, Mussels, Blue Marlin and Calamari in Spanish Saffron

Creamy seafood risotto was cooked right, had the right bite and yet softness flavored by Spanish saffron and probably seafood broth.

US Choice Porterhouse Steak PHP 1,195

14 oz. With grilled asparagus PHP 75

This was my choice of entrée. Yes, I’m a man-eater… I mean, meat-eater. A BIG meat-eater at that! My preferred doneness was medium and the kitchen got it perfectly with the most geometrically paralleled grill marks! BRAVO! The meat was soft, juicy and flavorful – the three words IMPORTANT to me for any steak description.

I love my grilled steaks with grilled asparagus on the side. I was a happy camper.

The porterhouse was huge, while the earlier dishes were filling, so I was able to finish the tenderloin part of the cut and 1/3 of the strip / rib steak.

The rest was polished off by Richard, who is a great dining partner, especially that night. We were 2 seats apart across the table and still can communicate when it comes to sharing delicious food. Foodies unite!

Roasted Norwegian Salmon PHP 435

Crusted with fresh dill sauce and rice mélange

Glen ordered the salmon, which I was eyeing too while perusing the menu but told myself, I got to be true and order what my heart beats for. Har-har.

Prawn Napolitana PHP 615

Spicy, crushed tomatoes, and grilled buffalo mozzarella

This was Jonel’s order and it looked yummier in real life more than this photo. I’m probably ordering this next time I’m at Astralis.

US Choice Rib-eye

Spanky’s order I think

Lamb Shank Kaldereta PHP 545

Braised in tomato and liver sauce with carrots and sweet red capsicum

Lamb Shank Baby!

–

Very interesting. I also saw lamb shank kaldereta in another restaurant a few days before this Astralis dinner. Chefs seem to like making our Pinoy Kaldereta stew with lamb shank.

Australian Baby Lamb Chops PHP 1,145

This was Ricardo’s order. He gave me 1 or 2 chops which I finished in a sec. The lamb chops had intense flavor without the gamey taste. I’m sure Bubba would have enjoyed this too.

Trio Sorbet PHP 195

Mango, coconut and strawberry sorbet

I was so full towards the end of the dinner that I almost couldn’t move. When Melanie and Ricardo asked if I wanted to have dessert, I almost declined. YES, ALMOST! At this point, Spanky Spanx already skipped the scene for a drinking sesh so I was spared any additional teasing.

Richard and I decided to share the Trio Sorbet. I prefer sherbets over the more refined sorbet and only liked the mango sorbet in this trio roster.

Overall, Astralis still provides consistently quality service that is inclined to your needs and dishes that echo equally high quality ingredients and cookery. Whenever at Powerplant Mall and you want a quiet dinner that doesn’t fall short of satisfaction, Astralis should be your stop.

Astralis by Diamond Hotel

R1/Lvl. Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Dr. cor. Estrella St.

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(632) 890 7124

Astralis Album

Wine and Raclette Buffet at Astralis

—

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 50, 50% off, address, Astralis, Astralis Diamond Hotel, Astralis Powerplant, Astralis restaurant, Astralis review, Astralis Rockwell, Bar, best, best buffet in Manila, blogger, budget, buffet date place, Buffet discount, companies, contact number, Cornich, Corniche, Corniche buffet, Corniche menu, Cornish, date, date place, deal grocer, deals, Diamond Hotel, Diamond Hotel Group, Diamond hotel manager, discount, discounted price, ensogo, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, groupon, how much, how much buffet, list, location, Mad Mondays and Thrifty Tuesdays, Makati, Manila, Manila Diamond, Map, Melanie Samonte, menu, Metro Manila, minimum of 4 persons, net price, other promo, owner, Philippines, phone number, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, reservation number, restaurant, Restaurants, rockwell, room rates, schedule, service, Sofitel luxury hotel, Sofitel Philippines, Spiral, Spiral buffet, Spiral buffet lunch or dinner, Steak buffet, Steak nights, Steak nights at Corniche, Steak nights at Diamond Hotel, swiss, Swiss Raclette, Taste Manila, tax, Thursday night, time, until when, Venue, where, Wine and Raclette Buffet

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

–

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

—

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: addition hills, american, antique, best food blog, best foodie, best in Metro Manila, Blvd., chairs, Chef, Cuisine, discount, discover, drink, drinks, Fat Michael, Fat Michael interior, Fat Michael's, Fat Michael's Gastro Pub, Filipino, food blogger, food blogs, food review, Frazzled Cook, homemade iced tea, how to get there, Jude Mancuyas, kitchen, lamb stew, location, Luna Mencias street, mandaluyong city, Map, menu, mismatched, new Fat Michael, new restaurant in Metro, newest restaurant in Ortigas, ortigas, owner, Pasig City, Peruvian Hot Pot, Philippines, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, recipe, restaurant, review, san juan area, Seafood Paella, Shaw Boulevard, Spanish, spicy cajun fish, street, The Frazzled Cook, Wagyu Salpicao, what to order, where to go

Corniche Steak Nights at Diamond Hotel, More than a One Night Stand

March 4, 2011 by Janey

The last time I was at Diamond Hotel was when I attended a wedding of a former colleague about 2 years ago but I’ve been to their Astralis restaurant in Rockwell more recently than that. When I visited Diamond Hotel last week, it was a good surprise and refreshing to see that they have renovated their lobby level.

Located at the same level is Diamond Hotel’s restaurant, Corniche, which welcomes guests with its chic contemporary interior design. It’s hard not to catch the chandelier springing “migrating birds” concept suspended over the central area.

There are other elements in the interior that exudes both a Zen ambience and luxury. The full height windows draw attention to the lush landscaped garden while the scenic view that includes the picturesque rock formation with a cascading waterfall completes the stunning restaurant design.

Corniche is a French word that refers to a roadside of a cliff or ledge, attributing to its location beside Roxas Boulevard parallel to a waterfront promenade.

But more than its elegant interiors, Corniche showcases an exceptional buffet spread that is a class of its own. I used to frequent different hotel buffets in the past but since late 2008, buffets have lost its charm to me somehow. Too many dishes cooked altogether in big batches and most left sitting for long periods exposed to breathing people.

I’ve probably grown more finicky about my food (or its preparation). In the past 2-3 years, I only visited 2-3 buffet-concept dining spots. However, Corniche’s spacious interiors coupled with carefully prepared stations (and of course, glorious steaks) invigorate my lust again for a limitless range of scrumptious eats.

This hollow oven is where freshly made Naans (Indian bread) are baked.

–

Corniche’s lay-out is evenly spaced, with enough breathing room that avoids accidentally knocking off the dormant person in front of you staring at another “cuisine” station deliberating whether he/she had enough hands to carry 4 more plates.

That could be me, by the way.

More notable is the several on-the-spot cooking stations that guarantee your food is freshly cooked as ordered. One of the things I truly appreciated about Corniche. I also liked that some dishes are presented in small amounts to shelter quality assurance.

Richard started with fresh oysters. If you want your oysters anything but boiled, Corniche can cook it based on your cooking preference. I think more Pinoys enjoy baked oysters than the fresh ones. You can also get the oysters or other seafood tossed in butter, sautéed, lightly seasoned, or anything that will please the eating mood.

I started with sushi and sashimi from the Japanese cold bar. And I also got a plate of different cheeses on the cheese board on the way back to our table. I had substantive lumps of brie and goat cheese on my plate side by side with dried apricots, dates and nuts.

Obviously, the goat cheese is no longer in this photo 🙂

I went nuts with the goat cheese. It was so pristine white and had this crumbly texture that was specked with a dust of saltiness, creamy, ever so slightly sweet, and tangy taste that made me speak in softer tones.

–

Corniche’s Indian selection was surprisingly really good!

Savory and good taste of authenticity

–

I couldn’t help NOT to get pizza.

–

I loved the pasta cooking station 😉

Pick the ingredients you love. Create your own

–

Richard and I hovered by the steak station, eagerly anticipating… and I restrained to rub my hands together and chuckle an evil laugh like how movie villains do it just when they are about to conquer the world. Unique to Corniche, they offer different cuts and kinds of beef for your meat-ing pleasure.

Get a limitless fill of steaks grilled to your delight with a line-up that includes US Strip Loin, US Rib Eye, US Hanger Steak, Beef Tenderloin and Roasted Prime Rib. The huge blocks of meat on display are chilled, ready for your favored thickness, whether ends, middle or fatty portion.

Richard and I picked Rib Eye because good marbling was evident from the raw beef. For our second steaks, my good friend and I went alternate routes when he picked Beef Tenderloin and I went for the Porterhouse.

These Savoring Steak Nights (PHP 2,285 nett/head) at Corniche happen every Thursday night where you get a mouthwatering line-up of appetizers, entrées, desserts and an all night free flow of robust red wine ON TOP OF the infinite number of grilled succulent choice cut steaks you can have. The buffet price is already inclusive of 10% service charge and local government tax.

Salmon Pizza with Capers

–

This is the real fountain of youth… CHOCOLATE! 😉

–

It makes me want to belt out an MJ song, “Don’t stop until you get enough. C’MON! And you don’t stop… you don’t stop ‘til you get enough…”

Interestingly, there was a bigger crowd than I anticipated that particular Thursday night but the place was still manageable and service was still top-notch minus the clang and clatter. I guess the crowd probably caught wind of the newest buffet scene to invade and there they were.

Ring them up for a reservation especially if it’s during weekends, just to be sure. When steaks this good come at a value price like Corniche’s, I’d start my love affair with steaks once again. And it definitely would be more than just a one night stand.

Corniche

Lobby Level, Diamond Hotel Philippines

Roxas Boulevard. cor Dr. J Quintos St. Manila, Philippines

(632) 528 3000

Corniche Album

Photo courtesy:

Richard of www.talesfromthetummy.com

Thanks Spanky Spanx for the invite! 🙂 I missed you kiddo!

—

11 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 50, 50% off, address, Astralis, Astralis restaurant, Bar, best, best buffet in Manila, blogger, budget, buffet date place, Buffet discount, companies, contact number, Cornich, Corniche, Corniche buffet, Corniche menu, Cornish, date, date place, deal grocer, deals, Diamond Hotel, Diamond Hotel Group, Diamond hotel manager, discount, discounted price, ensogo, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, groupon, how much, how much buffet, list, location, Mad Mondays and Thrifty Tuesdays, Makati, Manila, Manila Diamond, Map, menu, Metro Manila, minimum of 4 persons, net price, other promo, owner, Philippines, phone number, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, reservation number, restaurant, Restaurants, rockwell, room rates, schedule, service, Sofitel luxury hotel, Sofitel Philippines, Spiral, Spiral buffet, Spiral buffet lunch or dinner, Steak buffet, Steak nights, Steak nights at Corniche, Steak nights at Diamond Hotel, Taste Manila, tax, Thursday night, time, until when, Venue, where, Wine and Raclette Buffet

The Real Thing Diner, Drink, Eat and Be Merry

February 11, 2011 by Janey

Singer songwriter Noelle Cassandra has her hands full tuning American dishes with a spin of our favorite drinks. Together with co-owner KV Golamco, who worked for the Coca-Cola Company for 6 years, she opened the The Real Thing Diner at Il Terrazo complex in Tomas Morato.

The Real Thing Diner is a typical diner that dishes out all American food. The twist is the dishes in their menu have some cola drink chanted over it that can get you crooning the familiar “Always Coca Cola” jingle. They also serve ice cream floats, milkshakes, cocktails and beer in the diner.

–

Upon entering the diner that’s specked in white and red, with details and collector’s items of Coke adorning shelves and the display, with the happy jingle playing in the background, one can’t help but get that bubbly fizzy feeling that Coke has always provided us.

On the Table

Spicy Sarsi Wings PHP 199

Spicy Sarsi wings plate was one of the first dishes that came out. It was coated in this sweet glaze that tasted and smelled a bit familiar, I guess it was the Sarsi soda.

I ate like a plate and a half of the spicy Sarsi wings, not only because you know how much I love chicken wings, but this particular one has a unique but at the same time familiar taste that I can’t quite point a finger at. The chicken meat had enough crispy parts and soggy parts to enjoy. It was that night’s most memorable dish for me.

Eight O Clock Chicken PHP 289

The chicken breast soaked in a Minute Maid orange marinade that had sweet citrus hint but nothing overwhelming. It was served with buttered vegetables and steamed rice, ideal accompaniment to the tasty chicken.

Coca Cola BBQ Burger PHP 249

The Coca Cola BBQ Burger was served with crisscut fries, which I prefer over the regular fries. The burger had this thick and juicy beef patty glazed with a barbecue sauce that had Coke in its recipe. Layered with melted cheese, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, onions, take a hearty bite of The Real Diner’s Coca Cola BBQ Burger.

Ol’ Fashion Spaghetti n Meatballs PHP 199

It’s your usual good ol’ spaghetti with tangy-sweet tomato sauce and medium-sized meatballs.

Spinach Walnut Pasta PHP 259

Interesting pasta

Coca Cola Baby Back Ribs PHP 399

The barbecue glaze of the Coca Cola Baby Back Ribs had a semblance of taste to the Spicy Sarsi wings but it was likeable. The meat of the Baby Back Ribs was tender and fleshy, perfect to partner with the mashed potatoes.

Eight O’Clock Apple Green Tea Dory PHP 249

Steamed dory fillet drizzled with an Eight O’Clock Apple Green Tea sauce was a good break from all the meat on the table. The fillet’s light taste complements the apple green tea sauce.

The Real Thing Diner also serves various beverages and concoctions with a Coke “mix” like the Coca-Cola Cinnamon Snifter with infusion of Coke, Sarsi, ice cream and cinnamon powder or the Coca Cola Brew which is a merger of coke and coffee. Being a fan of rootbeer floats, I particularly liked the Coca-Cola Cinnamon Snifter, although the touch of cinnamon on my softdrink was new to me.

I’d like to go back to get a second try on the dishes and try more from their menu. I’d probably drag Bubba there one of these days to get a closer look and taste on what more The Real Thing Diner has to offer.

The Real Thing Diner

2F Il Terrazzo,

305 Tomas Morato St., Quezon City

(632) 352 4320

www.therealthingdiner.com

Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 2011, 2011 Philippine Holidays, address, best, best food blog, best food blogger, blogger, Coca Cola, Coke collectibles, Coke Diner, Coke-based products, collector's item, collectors Coke, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, harpist, how much, KV Golamco, list, list of restaurants, location, Makati, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, Noelle Cassandra, ortigas, owner, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, Quezon City, Real Thing, restaurant, Restaurants, review, service, Singer, song, Taste Manila, The Real Thing Diner, The Real Thing Diner Il Terrazo, The Real Thing Diner location, The Real Thing Diner menu, The Real Thing Diner review, The Real Thing restaurant, Tomas Morato, where

The Terrace at the 5th

September 3, 2010 by Janey

August 17, 2010 –Lunch was spent that day outside the office since Jaja decided to treat her team out to post-celebrate her August 7 birthday (Belated Happy Birthday Jaja!).

With the easy on the eyes green and white motif, it’s a venue where dainty ladies would normally spend leisure Sunday brunch. I guess the name, Terrace at the 5^th, comes from the look and ambience of the restaurant that looks like a terrace. It is similar to an outdoor patio that’s very relaxing and green.

Grass display by the far end of the wall makes it feel like a garden. Beautiful lamps that are designed like a birdcage adorn the high ceiling. Twigs/branches pattern are painted on the green walls.

On the Table

Cynthia’s Amazing Artichoke Dip PHP 260

Served with tortilla chips –this was received with much gusto. Jaja initially ordered it with melba toasts but I suggested tortilla chips. Everyone happily munched on the crisp crackling tortilla chips with a nip of the creamy and tasty artichoke dip.

Terrace Salad PHP PHP 360 + PHP 120 (for additional grilled chicken breast)

Terrace at the 5^th’s signature salad of fresh garden greens with almond chips, apples, and popcorn sprouts tossed in a special balsamic dressing

We ordered 2 kinds of salad for our party of 7. The Terrace Salad was pretty satisfying with different textures coming from the fresh leafy greens, almond chips, soft apple slices and popcorn sprouts. There could be more dressing though because the last half of the salad was drier than the initial part. A drizzle or two of their balsamic dressing would have helped bring the rest of the salad together.

CCY Salad PHP 460

Prosciutto-wrapped mixed greens and rocket lettuce with tomato. Valencia orange and buffalo mozzarella in honey-mustard dressing.

Now, this was as interesting in presentation as it is in taste. Tubular of rocket lettuce was clumped beautifully by thinly sliced prosciutto that had the right tinge of saltiness that balances off well with the acidity of the freshly sliced tomato and timid buffalo mozzarella. The honey mustard dressing, very light, adds a sheer but pumped flavor.

Hickory Baby Back Ribs PHP 1,100

1kg tender, fall-of-the-bone pork ribs. Served with homemade potato chips

Louie Y’s Vongole PHP 340

Manila clams, garlic and white wine

This was okay but nothing impressive. I find the price a bit expensive.

U.S.D.A Roast Beef Belly PHP 580

Oven-roasted Angus beef belly served with root vegetable and mushroom ragout

Very tasty tender beef slathered with brown mushroom sauce that can be too robust at certain bites but the deep woodsy flavor is also likeable.

Silk’s Thai Hainanese Chicken PHP 480

Boiled chicken fillet in coriander broth served with sautéed garlic rice

–

A bit on the pricey side when you can get a serving for a hungry 3-4 for double the price somewhere else but well-cooked chicken, tender and only slightly moist.

D.C-style Apple Pie Ala Mode PHP 220

Frozen Brazo de Mercedes PHP 250

Meringue and custard cake with crème anglaise on graham crust

Sugar-free Chocolate Cake PHP 280

Heavenly moist cake without the sugar! Your guilt-free sweet indulgence

Friendly service was knowledgeable, fast and efficient. We ordered tea afterwards and the wait staff duly refilled the teapot with water upon our table’s request. Overall, it was a fantastic lunch and the group obviously enjoyed this birthday lunch celebration of Jaja.

Happy Birthday again Jaja!!! Where’s our next food destination? 😉

The Terrace at the 5^th

Unit 93, Ground Floor, Greenbelt 5,

Phase 2, Ayala Center, Makati City

(632) 729 6860

The Terrace at the 5^th Album

—

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: best, best Makati restaurants, Blog, Filipino, food blog, food review, foodie, GB5, greenbelt, Greenbelt 5, Makati restaurants, menu, Metro Manila, owner, Philippines, pinoy, price, review, service, Terrace at the 5th, top blogs, top food blog, where to eat

Asian Food Channel’s (AFC) Eats Asia on its 2nd Year

August 12, 2010 by Janey

August 7, 2010 – Last Saturday, Asian Food Channel (AFC) together with SKY Cable, held another installment of the highly attended Eats Asia event, following its success last year. The venue was at the NBC Tent at the Fort. Other than tasting what each country in the region has to offer, the afternoon was filled with several programs that included cooking Thai dishes, fun-filled games from the sponsors and table setting demo of Tessa Prieto Valdez.

There were two elegant buffet set-ups from Juan Carlo the Caterer and the famous Tamayo’s Catering.

Different culinary schools like CSB SHRIM, CCA, First Gourmet Academy, ISCAHM and GCIC Culinary Institute also participated in the event as well as various restaurants from the Metro. C2 Classic Cuisine, Red Kimono, Yoshinoya, Binalot, Kopi Roti and Arya headed the roster. Major sponsors were Selecta Ice Cream and Bounty Fresh Chicken.

–

It was great to see Jacob from Jacob’s Shawarma handling his own booth.

Of interest, Bee Cheng Hiang offers different kinds of famous Singaporean barbecued meats. This is like Asian “jerky” – similar to the western meats that are cut into strips and marinated in spicy, salty or sweet rub, dried or smoked. These include sliced pork, chili pork, gourmet bakkwa, crispy cuttlefish, see E sausage, chiziban (mmm!), crispy fish cracker and chicken coin.

They also have crispy pork floss which is great for snacking. They supposedly use 100% natural ingredients and stray from using MSG, artificial coloring and MSG. Visit their store at Robinsons Place Manila for their other products and premium gift items.

Bee Cheng Hiang

Level 1, Adriatico Wing,

Robinsons Place, Ermita, Manila

(632) 523 1687

Tune in to AFC on SKY Cable Channel 58

for more exciting updates on eats around Asia.

AFC Eats Asia Album

*Thanks Jen Mortillero for the invite!

Related Entries:

Jacob’s Shawarma

Food Tripping: Kopi Roti and Grilled Tomato

C2 Classic Cuisine

Ya Kun Kaya -Ortigas

Heart’s Day at Arya

—

2 Comments Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: 2010, AFC, Arya, Asian Food Channel, Asian Food Channel’s (AFC) Eats Asia, August 7, Bee Cheng Hiang, best culinary school in Manila, best food blog, CCA, CSB SHRIM, demo, eating event, Eats Asia 2, Eats Asia event, event, food blogger, food event, ISCAHM, Jacob, Jacob's Shawarma, Juan Carlo Caterer, Kopi Roti, media, Metro Manila, NBC Tent, owner, Philippines, quality, Red Kimono, review, Robert Rainford, service, Sky Cable, table setting, Tamayo's Catering, Tessa Prieto valdez, Valdes, visits Manila, Yoshinoya

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.

–

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.

–

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.

–

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.

–

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

—

14 Comments Filed Under: (NEW HERE??) TAKE A BITE OF THE FAVORITES FIRST!!!, Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, affordable, after clubbing, after gimmicks, all you can eat, alternative, american, assortment, Authentic, award, awarded, beancurd skin, bel air, best blogger, best buffet in Manila, best chicken, Best Chicken Rice in Manila, best chocolate fondue, best crab restaurant, best date place, best food, best food blog, best food blogger, best food review, best foodie, best hot chocolate, best in Metro Manila, best milk tea, best steak house, best tea drink in town, Between Bites, Between Bites's Top 10 Food Hitlist, blogger, boiling, branch, branches, Breakfast, breakfast fix, brewed tea, Buffet, call centers, Carlos Palma, chairs, champions, cheap, cheap finds, cheap food, cheap good food, cheap thrills, cheese, cheezy toast, Chef Bruce Lim, Chef's Table, Chic Boy, Chic Boy Pier One bar and Grill, Chic Boy Restaurant, Chicken and Baboy, chicken inasal, chili sauce, Chinese, chocolate cafe, chocolate shops, Chocolate stores in Philippines, Chocolates, Chuleton, Clawdaddy Crab House and American Grill, Clawdaddy Crab restaurant, coffee, contact number, creative chocolate, Cuisine, customized, date, davao, delicatessen, delivery, dessert place, different dinner, dining, dining club, dinner, discount, discover, dish, dishes, distributor, drink, drinks, Eva Wong, exclusive, Fat Michael's, Filipino, Filipinos, food blog, food blogger, food blogs, food finds, food review, foodie, foodie blog, Foodie Club, foodie club series, foodie find, FoodieManila, foodies, for orders, Fort, Fort Bonifacio, franchise, Frazzled Cook, freestyle cooking, fresh seafood, freshly brewed tea, Garden, ginger, good, grams, grill, grilled cheese sandwiches, group, guests, Hainanese Chicken Rice, hawker, healthy lifestyle, Hobbies of Asia, Hokkaido Milk Tea, homemade iced tea, hotspot, how to get there, how to go, Ilonggo chef, ingredients, inquiry, interactive, interesting, Irene Co, jelly, Joan Lim, Jok Bal, Jude Mancuyas, Jupiter Street, Kalayaan, Kaya, kimchi, King One, King One price, King One Rotary Hot Pot, King One Shabu Shabu, kitchen, Korea Town, Korean, Korean cuisine, Korean grilled barbecue, Korean schools, La Tienda, La Tienda restaurant, lamb, lamb stew, Lechon Cebu, lechon liempo, lechon liempo tasty, Lindt, Little Korea, live music, location map, Luna Mencias street, Macapagal Avenue restaurants, Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café, Makasuntra, Makati City, Makati restaurant, Makati restaurants, Malate, Mango strudel, Manila, menu, Metro Manila, Michelle Lim, Minato Korean restaurant, Minato Ortigas, new restaurant in Metro, now delivers, open 24 hours, operation hours, order, outdoor, owner, paella, Paella Mixta de la Tienda, paella valenciana, Party, party orders, Pasig City, peanut butter, pearls, perfect, perfectly cooked egg, Peruvian Hot Pot, Photo, photos, picnic, pinoy, play catchy words, Polaris street, premium, Press, price, Promo, pulled coffee, Quezon City, restaurant, review, ribs, romance, romantic, rooftop, Sam Gyeup Sal, San Juan, Seafood Paella, serenitea, service, Shabu Shabu, shangri-la plaza, shrimps, side dishes, Singapore, soft boiled eggs, Sol Kal Bi, South, Spain, Spanish, Spanish Cuisine, Spanish restaurant, Spanish rice, Steak, steak place, Stevie, Stevie Villacin, stevie's, Stevie's Hainanese Chicken Rice, street, sweetened soy sauce, Sweets, Sze Chuan sauce, Taiwan, Taiwanese, Tao Pao, Tao Yuan, Taste Manila, tea drink, telephone number, the best Korean restaurant in Philippines, The Frazzled Cook, toast, Tofu, Top 10, Top Korean Restaurant, top restaurants in Manila, TOP TEN BEST FOOD HIGHLIGHTS in Manila, unique, Valentine's, Wagyu Salpicao, website, what to order, where to go, where to order, whistlestop, Ya Kun Kaya in Singapore, Ya Kun Kaya Ortigas, Ye Dang Korean restaurant

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

–

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

–

Rustic Mashed Potato PHP

ClawDaddy Crab House and American Grill

6^th Level, The Ledge, Shangri-la Plaza Mall

EDSA Cor. Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City, MM.

(632) 636-5679

READ MORE

ClawDaddy Crab Buffet

ClawDaddy Crab

Meann’s Birthla at Cibo

June 3, 2010 –It was Meann’s birthday. I surprised her at the office with some Machiavelli chocolates and a banner with the Happy Birthday sign. Lunchtime, we headed out to Shangri-la Plaza for Meann’s birthday lunch treat from dee boss (CGS). It was a toss between Agave or Cibo. We ended up in Cibo.

We bumped into Pebs (AFC’s Senior Sales Affiliates Manager) and Michelle (wife of Chef Bruce of Tablescape) at the restaurant. Pebs used to be my religious supplier of Royce chocolates from Singapore back when she was still based there for work. And Pebs also used to work for SKY as airtimes sales head. She’s now with Asian Food Channel. I’ve met Michelle once when we dined at Chef’s Table.

Pebbles briefly shares that a good friend of hers and her husband’s suggested a place to dine at and when he sent the link of the place –it was my Between Bites site’s link he sent. She laughed a bit because we knew each other. What a small world after all. They tried Frazzled Cook and were really happy about it. I flushed a bit when Pebs said that I got many readers. I delight in the honor of being read… but alongside it is the “invisible” pressure of improving my writing and making good recommendations –those that are deserved.

We ordered one appetizer and a pizza to share among the four of us. As usual, I had my favorite, Pasta dela Terra. Meann asked me what’s good to order and I suggested either Pasta Dela Terra or Pasta Al Telefono. She got the latter while CGS and Karen got two other pasta plates I wasn’t able to note.

Pasta Dela Terra PHP230

Mushroom trifolati, stewed tomato, goat cheese, Parmesan, cream

Tegamino Di Formaggio Fuso Mozzarella PHP 230

Mozzarella, white cheese, tomato, anchovies, basil

Cibo

2nd Level Shangri-la Plaza Mall

Shaw Blvd. cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City, Philippines

(632) 631 7753

READ MORE

Agave Mexicana Cantina

Gastronomic Indulgence at the Chef’s Table

Pebbles and Royce Nama Chocolates Bitter

Frazzled Cook and His Dazzling Dishes

Cibo

Two Italians in One Night

Thursday Club Series: Agave Mexican Cantina

—

2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 100, 21 Libra, addition hills, address, american, antique, awarded, bel air, best, Best Chicken Rice in Manila, best crab place, best crab restaurant, best food, best food blog, best foodie, best in Metro Manila, best recipe online for fragrant rice, Between Bites, Blvd., boiling, branches, Buffet, bulk, chairs, Chef, Chef Bruce Lim, Chef's Table, chicken, chicken broth, chili sauce, Cibo, Claw Daddy Crab, Clawdaddy Crab House and American Grill, Clawdaddy Crab restaurant, contact number, Cuisine, date, delivery, different dinner, dining, dinner, discount, discover, drink, drinks, engaging, Fat Michael's, Filipino, food blog, food blogger, food blogs, food finds, food review, foodie, for orders, Fort, Fort Bonifacio, Frazzled Cook, freestyle cooking, Garden, ginger, grill, group, Hainanese Chicken Rice, hawker, homemade iced tea, hotspot, how to get there, Ilonggo chef, inquiry, interactive, interesting, Jude Mancuyas, Kalayaan, kitchen, lamb stew, live cooking, location, Luna Mencias street, Makasuntra, Makati, Malate, mall, management, mandaluyong city, Mango strudel, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, Michelle, Michelle Lim, mismatched, new, new concept, New Orleans, new restaurant in Metro, now delivers, olive rice, outdoor, owner, P1, P950, Party, party orders, Peruvian Hot Pot, pesos, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, recent, recipe, restaurant, review, ribs, romance, romantic, rooftop, san juan area, seafood, Seafood Paella, Sentosa, service, setting, shangri-la plaza, Shaw Boulevard, Singapore, site, Spanish, spicy cajun fish, steamed, Stevie, Stevie Villacin, stevie's, Stevie's Hainanese Chicken Rice, street, STV, STV Hainanese Chicken Rice, sweetened soy sauce, tableside cooking, Tao Yuan, Taste Manila, telephone, The Frazzled Cook, unconventional, unique, upcoming, Valentine's, Video, Wagyu Salpicao, website, what to order, where to go, whistlestop

The Frazzled Cook and His Dazzling Dishes

April 20, 2010 by Janey

As soon as my family and Bubba arrived at that quaint spot along Luna Mencias Street in Addition Hills in Mandaluyong, “Moms” as what I fondly call my mom, immediately asked, “I thought this was an antique furniture shop?” “Yes moms, this used to be the location of that antique store that had large vases displayed by the gate. It’s now a restaurant!” 😉

Behind The Frazzled Cook is the same folks who brought us Fat Michael’s –whose patrons have constantly requested to have the same restaurant opened near the north. Owner Jude Mancuyas has such a passion for their restaurant that it reflects from the shabby chic interior to the creative and delicious food that their regulars have come to love –that is unchanged in The Frazzled Cook.

The unique and artsy dining room was designed with some vintage chairs and comfortable couches, a varied collection of nostalgic memorabilia that include books, paintings and other trinkets. The medley of furniture is quite an eye-ppetizing treat in itself.

A quick review of the menu shows a variety of dishes that the “frazzled” kitchen can whip up on the fly. From Spanish, Italian, Mediterranean, Filipino and American cuisines, there is something for every individual with a discerning taste.

On the Table

Grilled Cheese Stacks PHP 130

Started with a lighter fare.

Seafood Paella PHP 550

–

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.

–

Peruvian Hot Pot PHP 400

–

Wagyu Salpicao PHP 550

–

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.

–

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

—

4 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: addition hills, american, antique, best food blog, best foodie, best in Metro Manila, Blvd., chairs, Chef, Cuisine, discount, discover, drink, drinks, Fat Michael's, Filipino, food blogger, food blogs, food review, Frazzled Cook, homemade iced tea, how to get there, Jude Mancuyas, kitchen, lamb stew, location, Luna Mencias street, mandaluyong city, Map, menu, mismatched, new restaurant in Metro, owner, Peruvian Hot Pot, Philippines, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, recipe, restaurant, review, san juan area, Seafood Paella, Shaw Boulevard, Spanish, spicy cajun fish, street, The Frazzled Cook, Wagyu Salpicao, what to order, where to go

Foodie Club Series: Beijing Hand Pulled Noodles

April 15, 2010 by Janey

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

http://www.foodiemanila.com/

(Only those watermarked. The others are mine. I don’t want to insult him haha.)

ZP picked me up from the office and off we headed to the San Juan area where most of food bloggers and foodies alike are meeting that Thursday evening. Assembly place of choice: Beijing Hand Pulled Noodles. ZP already placed the reservation for our little group –which is now dubbed as “The Club.”

BHPN is not new to me as Bubba and I have visited this place so many times for their lamb dumplings. Whenever we visit Ristras (which was a LOT in the past), the usual is to walk next door to BHPN and order their steamed dumplings to go.

BHPN is a simple noodle restaurant with seating capacity that can accommodate 30 conveniently. A counter is in between the dining area and their kitchen that has an open window. Catch their chef in action as he pulls long strands of fresh noodles and cut them in equal portions only with his hand.

The reserved seats were filled up and we placed our orders. Soon after, the table space was crammed with several orders of dumplings, dry noodles (braised beef, shredded beef and fish), tofu skin and century egg!

On the Table

Braised Beef Dry Noodles PHP 135

I’ve always tried their Braised Beef Noodle Soup but I should have learned about their Braised Beef Dry Noodle first because it satisfies more. The delicious braised beef in small chunks arrives with the “dry” noodles drenched in braised beef broth. The clear soup comes separate to add to the dry noodles in case there’s need for it or for extra hankering slurp of warm broth.

The dish made more appealing with the green vegetable (Taiwanese pechay?) on the side, good measure of minced garlic (for added flavor) and chopped green onions.

Lamb Dumplings PHP 60

7 pieces of fairly plump lamb dumplings with the option of steamed or fried. We love the steamed version and incidentally, it’s also ZP’s favorite. Initially, ZP and I were going to split one order but we should have known ahead of time that this is not possible as the lamb dumplings vanished sooner than we were halfway through our noodles.

The lamb dumplings have flavor on its own but it’s best dipped with the black soy vinegar of BHPN.

Century Egg PHP

Other orders:

Tofu Skin

Dry Fish Noodle

Dry Chicken Noodle

Food is much more enjoyed with a company that enjoys good food as well. Our group of 9 were all smiles as we cleaned out what was on the table. Didi even had food to go for Edmund. Thoughtful.

The Wilson-San Juan area is becoming more and more a foodie spot with the different restaurants sprouting. Beijing Hand Pulled Noodles definitely adds to that list of what to visit, especially for your dumplings and dry noodle hunger.

Beijing Hand Pulled Noodles

Unit 4 Citiplace Building

#8001 J. Abad Santos St.,

San Juan City

(632) 487 6148

Beijing Hand Pulled Noodles Album

—

5 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, area, Authentic, Beijing Hand Pulled Noodles, best dry braised beef noodles, best food, BHPN, Carlos Palma, Chinese, contact, discover, dry noodles, Filipino, finds, food, food blog, food blogger, food finds, food places, FoodieManila.com, foodies, fresh, fresh noodles, hand made, hand pulled, how to get there, Joe Kuan, lamb dumplings, location, Map, menu, Metro Manila, owner, Philippines, pinoy, price, San Juan, Taiwanese, vegetable dumplings, what to order

Tahanan ni Aling Meding and Outdoor Lunch at Lake Pandin

April 6, 2010 by Janey

We were out of the country only a week ago and I didn’t expect that we’d have plans for the Holy Week. I was really thinking of staying in but was pleasantly surprised that Bubba had something up his sleeve for me.

Although it’s been on my Things to Do/Visit list for quite some time, it was Bubba who managed to pull off the Ugu Bigyan-Tahanan ni Aling Meding-Lake Pandin trip. It was probably the best local trip he ever planned!

Casa San Pablo was Bubba’s first choice to reminisce our first trip together to San Pablo Laguna in early 2008. However, I opened the idea of trying a new place –my choice in mind, Tahanan ni Aling Meding.

Wake up to the soothing view of Sampaloc Lake from the balcony of your room and relish the feeling of living at a mansion. This house was built initially to be the rest/vacation house of the Borja family, whose whole family (11 siblings) is already based in the States. The hotel serves as their own mansion for relaxation and family reunions and other events when they fly to the Philippines.

Tahanan ni Aling Meding opens up their big gates for folks who are visiting San Pablo City, it’s your secret hide-away residence in Laguna.

Type of Rooms:

1 Family Room PHP 5,500

(5 beds for 6 persons)

1 Honeymoon Room PHP 3,500

(1 queen-size bed)

This is the room Bubba got.

—

Closet

—

There’s computer desk for your laptops.

—

2 Superior Rooms PHP 3,500

(2 beds)

4 Executive Rooms PHP 3,000

(2 beds)

2 De Luxe Rooms PHP 2,500

(2 beds)

Amenities:

*Wi-fi Zone

*Aircon

*Cable TV

*Swimming Pool (7am-10pm only)

*Hot and Cold shower

*Refrigerator

*Telephone

—

At breakfast the next day, we noticed a table of foreign guests and a lot of families staying in Tahanan ni Aling Meding. Two families enjoyed swimming at Tahanan’s pool. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wilson Borja and sharing a breakfast conversation with him –reminiscing how the whole Mansion started.

Tahanan ni Aling Meding

Dagatan Blvd., Sampaloc Lake,

San Pablo City, Laguna

Manila Line: (632) 520 6089

Laguna Line: (049) 562 5951/ (049) 562 5855

Email: admin@tahanan.info

How to Get There:

(From Tahanan ni Aling Meding Brochure)

Coming from Manila, after San Pablo border, stay on the Maharlika Highway. You will see a Caltex station to the left, immediately before a fork in the highway. The right side of the fork leads straight to Lucena, the left leads to San Pablo City Proper. Take the left road. At the junction to Calauan, take the main avenue to your right. This is Rizal Ave. Turn left at the corner of San Pablo Central School. Follow the road beyond the City Hall. As soon as you see the lake, turn left on the perimeter road (actually more of a sharp U-turn). Tahanan will be to your left.

—

Reminiscent: Jay’s Kinabuhayan. Elusive: Kusina Salud. Revisit: Palmera’s.

During this trip, we fought the urge to drop by at Jay’s Kinabuhayan Café to just say hello. We remembered our fantastic time at Jay’s eating that delicious spiced chicken and greens/flower salad of his. After that lunch in 2008, we also had some bonding time with Jay and his trustee aide and friend and some of his pet animals over some smooth lambanog –yes we were drinking at 3 in the afternoon! After which, we had a short trip at Kubli Springs and took an energizing dip while playing some guitar music. Good times, yeah.

We missed to try Kusina Salud last time we were in town. Bubba has been trying to contact Kusina Salud since Tuesday that week to no avail. Nobody seems to answer the phone or maybe we have the wrong or an old number. It was included in the plans to have dinner there that evening. Unfortunately, since we weren’t able to place our reservations, we hesitated to walk-in.

—

Palmera’s restaurant was again recommended to us. When it was being described, I felt that I knew the place. And I was right. We dined there in 2008. We were supposed to go to Jay’s Kinabuhayan Café for dinner that day but ended up going to Palmera’s instead because of fear of getting lost and rebel attack (?).

Bubba couldn’t remember that we ate there until we walked inside the place. Palmeras’ has its own appeal as a grill-resto-bar that offers live music on certain nights. Bubba ordered Crispy Tilapia slightly recalling that he liked it the first time we were there. My order was grilled liempo and hot calamansi juice.

—

Before Shot

—

He massacred the tilapia

—

A sweet smug smile.

—

Whatta really large snake!!!

—

He in fact did like it and finished the three tilapias. We drove back to Tahanan ni Aling Meding to retire for the night. Bubba’s plan didn’t end there. The next day after checking out, we headed straight to this “secret” place Bubba has been keeping under wraps.

I was very much in the know about the Ugu Bigyan and Tahanan ni Aling Meding plans but he cooked up something special for me –a simple outdoor lunch at Lake Pandin.

Lake Pandin

Lake Pandin is one of the seven lakes, called Pitong Lawa, in San Pablo, Laguna. We reached the gateway point and parked our car. Aling Siona, the wife of Mang Tano, who Bubba corresponded with regarding our reservation that day, welcomed us and guided us in the trail.

It was a 10-15 minute trail walk to Lake Pandin. Bubba asked me if the trek feels like the Kabigan Falls trek we did in Ilocos Norte. I said it was a bit the same but there were more scenery in the previous trek I think. He knows I have my qualms on trekking but I like it better than hiking. I’ve never hiked in my entire life.

Mang Tano and wife are part of the group (“samahan” in Filipino) who escorts the visitors –they are the same group that live nearby the lake and make a living out of fishing and the Pandin Lake tours. Nowadays, it’s all ladies who paddle the raft because the “men” felt a bit awkward in the past when foreign guests wear only their skimpiest.

The idea is they serve your lunch on the bamboo raft and the lady paddlers will take you across the lake at a quiet corner with shade. Enjoy nature’s breeze in Pandin Lake while eating your lunch made by the locals.

I was taken by the calming beauty of Pandin Lake. The sun was out but we didn’t feel the heat –just the cool wind whispering softly in our ears. We had the view of the lush greens at every corner.

Lunch was simple but tastes good. We loved the little shrimps in coconut milk (gata). And despite having tilapia the night before, Bubba was able to finish the 3 tilapias on the table again -this time grilled instead of deep fried. 🙂

—

After lunch, Bubba and I relished the calmness of the scenery and stillness of time. We look out at the “docking port” where we came from and felt so on our own. Our minds were very relaxed… while my body was such in a tranquil moment.

—

Our Fun Rapid Shots (Neoprint style photo sesh haha)

*WARNING*

Might be too cheesy for those with strong gag reflexes.

—

Our “Pose Ode” to Madz *salute*

—

More Photos:

In his own time.

Bubba with the pink paddle.

—

Thought-bubble: “This is just so nice.”

—

Yea, I have a tummy.

I tried to exercise but with my eating habits…

there will always be a happy bump there in the mid-section.

Sexy ain’t in my dictionary.

Never mind, I’m happy.

—

The lady paddlers resting as we were resting.

A coconut suddenly fell, almost on the head of Marlyn. We all laughed.

Out of relief.

—

Bubba and Boozie-la

—

At peace with nature.

—

Back to the roots.

—

“Initiation?”

“Baptism of Fire?”

—

Oh no!

I wasn’t trained for this. 😀

———–

After a couple of hours in this peaceful setting, we decided to head back. If only I didn’t promise “Moms” that I’d be in Manila for dinner-out, we’d be staying until past 5PM. Bubba helped in paddling back to shore.

—

The Baranggay Tanod who makes us feel safe.

—

It was a short 20-minute paddle, where we bonded with our raft paddlers, Marlyn, Malou and Nik.

Ate Marlyn, Ate Malou and Nik

—

The Other Lady Paddlers

—

The Baranggay Tanod who protectively watched us from afar and helped us trek back to the parking lot.

—

You can opt to take the ride at PHP 180 and with lunch, an additional PHP 180. We enjoyed the afternoon so much that Bubba gave PHP 500 as extra. If you plan to visit and you enjoy it tremendously, please feel free to leave an extra for the community locals. They earn here through integrity and hard work that it’s so easy to give from the heart.

The Afternoon at Lake Pandin

It’s one of those afternoons I will long remember. Tranquil. Serene. Rural. This was the part where we most felt recluse from the world.

Bubba and I shared varying moments here. There were moments we talked. Moments we took photos. Moments we look out to the world… …even moments where we each had our own thoughts, devoid of the other’s presence.

Being enclosed in the rural surroundings is a humble reminder that life started out simple. And in simplicity, we are in touch more with our inner selves.

Lake Pandin

Baranggay Santo Angel

San Pablo, Laguna

—