Ramen Bar Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Oooh Mama Ooma!

October 13, 2015 by Janey

“Oooh mama!,” exclaimed by someone excitable. That excited, jumping person happens to be me. I’d be highly strung if we are talking about Ooma in this case. People have anticipated the opening of Ooma restaurant since it’s the second partnership between two geniuses, Bruce Ricketts and The Moment Group. The first one, a favorite of mine as well, is Mecha Uma.

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Ooma is a play on the Japanese word “umai” which translates to good. At Ooma, they take good seriously. But not too serious that you take the fun and warm comfort out of it. Like most Moment Group restaurants, Ooma is hip and almost avant-garde… always in the trail of something new, bold and flavorful.

I missed going during their media invite as I was traveling in July but glad to go on a personal visit where it will be more relaxed. I tried to have dinner twice (once with Merry and another one with Dave) but the queue was super long that I ended up eating at Lugang Cafe during both missed opportunity. Finally, early September, somebody was able to reserve seats. I couldn’t sit still all day, excited for dinner.

Using the blueprint of Japanese cooking, much thought and passion are injected into each dish. Bold flavors built together to create something familiar and comforting, with new tastes based on the modern day palate.

On the Table

O Gyoza (5 pieces) Php 235

Gratinated mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Scallion. Togarashi. Unagi sauce.

Uni Sashimi Php 195

Fresh uni. Shiso. Ponzu Sauce. White Truffle Oil.

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Love that slithery silky texture of uni

Hanger Steak Php 495

Sous vide hanging tender. Sauteed mushrooms. White truffle oil. Sweet potato mash. Crispy baby potato. Pickle dressing. Ponzu butter.

Mmm-delish! My second or third favorite dish on the table.

Uni Udon Php 495

Fresh Uni. Shrimp. Onion. Fresh mushrooms. Nori crumbs. Scallion. Uni cream sauce.

This is probably my favorite dish in the menu. I love uni and I love udon. I remember learning how to make udon in Osaka back in 2005. These find silk threads with veneers of creamy and briny white sauce coating it, cuffed with uni, shrimp and mushroom bites, punch luscious luxury in my mouth.

Scallop and Tuna Aburi Maki Php 295

Torched scallop. Tuna. Cucumber. Sesame seeds. Nori crumbs. Scallion. Teriyaki Sauce. Spicy Mayo. Kimchi aioli.

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Aburi, meaning to burn something, is a traditional Japanese method of blowtorch, direct flame to burn. It can be destructive or tame and the art of aburi brings out amazing things – a different flavor and an enticing aroma that fills the entire place. An Ooma signature dish, the Aburi Maki list includes a full range of the best ingredients including top shelf delights such as hamachi, uni, scallops, and soft shell crab.

Ooma’s Scallop and Tuna Aburi Maki is also a favorite of mine. Love the taste of burnt something in my mouth, deeply smoky, faintly bitter and indistinctly sweet. Ooma provides a jar of soy sauce with a brush to lightly brush your maki with. It’s probably good training for folks not to dip their maki and overly doused it in sauce.

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12/10 Restaurant in Guijo Makati

May 19, 2015 by Janey

Last December (and because I never get to blog these days, this post is 5 months late), I was on the hunt for good eats and Ace was my willing cohort to explore the nondescript neighborhood of Guijo Street in Makati. Joy was in my heart tummy when I found out that the couple behind The Girl + The Bull restaurant opened a new baby nearer than Paranaque.

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The Girl + The Bull

Location is in a small house converted into an Izakaya-concept restaurant with modern industrial-type interiors decorated with paintings, paper art and other forms of expression. Same as Girl + Bull, it breathes art both on the interior and on the plate. The beautiful bar with gorgeous display shelves of liquors greeted us as we entered the crowded locale.

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Izakaya joints mostly offer dishes served on small plates, thus portions are more personal serving than for sharing. Aligned with their intent, 12/10 wanted it akin to a degustation experience.

You can see from the 12/10 menu that focus is on seafood as most dishes are from the jewels of the sea. If you’re wondering about the numbers, 12/10 refers to their anniversary date of 10^th of December. Like Girl + Bull, everything at 12/10 is anything but traditional.

On the Table

Mackerel Ceviche Php 195

Sriracha, Coconut, Coriander Oil, Radish

Since they source ingredients locally, dishes are easy to run out. Half of the menu was out by the time we settled in. Knowing it’s an Izakaya… okay, the truth is, I know MY appetite so we got 2-3 orders of almost everything available in the menu.

I noticed that most restaurants like using Sriracha in the last year or so. I think Your Local, Nomama, Mecha Uma, to name a few. This dish had a dollop of what looked like a Sriracha-based cream.

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This starter was visually stunning, the mackerel ceviche was light, but had this slightly flaky to mushy texture with crunches of the radish discs in between, and pickled in the coriander oil. Dip it into the lumps of srirachi that’s faintly spicy and garlicky and flavors will start rappelling on your palate.

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Mendokoro Ramenba

February 25, 2015 by Janey

I’m a big fan of Yushoken Ramen. It will probably be the only reason I’ll drive to Alabang on a whim. I did a double cartwheel and a reverse twist while in the air when I found out that Yushoken gave birth to another ramen place in Makati. Yeaa, I’m that athletic, if only I don’t have 5 lbs of food in my tummy all the time.

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Last December 20, we went to check out Mendokoro Ramenba, a collaboration from Elbert Cuenca and Ryan Cruz. Don’t expect katsu and other Japanese items on their menu. Compared to other ramen houses in Manila, Mendokoro Ramenba aims to focus only on what they do best… ramen. Their ramen bowls are limited to 80 to 100 bowls only daily.

Like the Japanese, they have a systematic way of accommodating their guests to ensure efficiency and fluid flow of your ramen experience. We arrived around 11am and patiently queued. First stop is the cashier station to order, pay and receive your order slip that indicates your guest number.

When a seat becomes available, your guest number will be displayed. Once seated, hand your order slip and the ramen dispatcher will work on your ramen. Lastly, ENJOY YOUR RAMEN!

On the Table

Karai Tokusei Tsukumen Php 470

While ramen is usually served in one bowl, Tsukumen is served separately in two dishes – one that holds the cold noodles with the toppings and the other holding the dipping soup. The right way to eat a Tsukumen is to dip the noodles first before slurping everything inside my wanting mouth.

The strands of the noodles slither slowly inside the small hole of my pursed lips while the crunch of the bamboo shoots thunder from inside my mouth. The tender slice of chasiu quiets it down. There’s a pleasant saltiness that doesn’t cling to the tongue, likely from the minions of ground pork punctuating the pork flavor. The red orange hue with the glistening oil shows the presence of the spice that’s lingering but the extra order of the creamy tamago tames it.

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Mala Tang Hot Pot in San Juan

October 10, 2014 by Janey

We were shooting to dine at Eat Fresh but it’s unfortunately closed during Sundays. The new Mala Tang signage and well-lit interiors made us decide to give it a try. It’s a simple red and black motif restaurant with a well-used small space and interesting decor. It somewhat reminds me of small eateries in Chinatown with the kitchen welcoming you on the right side by the door.

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Your Local Restaurant, Makati

October 8, 2014 by Janey

My first visit at Your Local was a confusion of sorts. After the 9am CCF Service that Sunday, my sister, the baby popeye and I usually hunt down new restaurants to try. The restaurant “Your Local” is in my short hit list, but I haven’t had the chance to go since it’s located in my favorite “most light traffic” place, Makati. I was unusually game to drive to Makati that day, since it’s Sunday, and Waze my way into finding Your Local. My sister was the one helping me navigate through Waze. We finally hit Esteban street and Shobe pointed that we’ve reached the place upon seeing the signage. I parked the car and we entered the door excitedly.

The restaurant was quite spacious with high ceilings to boot. We picked a corner table and settled. I think it was self-service so I went to the counter to order. Perusing their menu, I couldn’t quite grasp why they only have sandwiches and not main dishes. I asked if that’s all they have in their menu and got confirmation. A few moments later, I realized we were not inside Your Local but Yardstick. Mortified, we gathered our things and walked out quietly, but given away by our loudly grumbling tummies. We finally figured that its entrance was inside the building. We went in and wondered why Your Local’s door was closed even after an eager nudge. The building guard informed us that it’s closed on Sundays. Tug-dug-toinks!

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Calderon Tapas in Kapitolyo

October 2, 2014 by Janey

Back to work early on a Tuesday, I wanted to start it right by not skipping meals. Timmy invited out for lunch and since I vowed to make the coming weeks a more balanced life, I was open to maximize my 1-hour break. He picked Calderon since Tanya gave good comments about it and between the two choices he gave me, Calderon was the optimal choice.

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I’ve visited Calderon in their San Juan branch, along Calderon Street in the Jose Abad Santos / Little Baguio area. The other day was actually my first time to visit the Kapitolyo branch but I already know it’s going to be a good lunch.

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Sango the Burger Master in Katipunan

October 1, 2014 by Janey

Sango is not new to me. I’ve visited their first store in the Creekside compound along Amorsolo Drive in Makati back in 2007. They are known for their classic American hamburgers and cheeseburgers with a Japanese-inspired meat sauce that resembles a Sloppy Joe but has a cleaner and richer taste.

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Blackbird Fly at Ayala Triangle, Makati

September 30, 2014 by Janey

I love the movie “I Am Sam” and the fact that throughout the movie, they used cover versions of Beatles songs. One of the songs I love in their soundtrack is Blackbird, which could actually be a song about the civil rights movement.

“Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise.”

Another Blackbird is grabbing my attention and can get me singing all dining service long. Formerly The Library at Ayala Triangle in Makati, Blackbird is the newest restaurant of Chef Colin Mackay of Sala, Sala Bistro and People Palace fame. But prior to being “formerly The Library,” it was “formerly Manila International Airport” back in the day.

The very spot is the same location as the Neilson Tower that’s why the restaurant draws its inspiration from an aviation concept. Even the menu supposedly is inspired by the aviation tower with international flights, carrying European and Asian-influenced dishes.

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There is a bar and lounge fronting the restaurant and a hallway leads you to the main dining area with a beautiful winding staircase as a focal point leading to a second floor for dining and private functions.

There is also an al fresco area which has a second bar outside.

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The view from top will also show that Blackbird actually looks like a motored bird, an airplane-shaped restaurant with a cockpit, left and right wings. There are two clocks on display, one is Manila time and other set to California time. It reminds me of my clocks at home which are set Manila and Paris.

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Hands down, Blackbird has to be one of the top three most beautiful and interesting dining destinations in Manila. If you’re looking for a date place to impress a date or celebrate with a loved one, your layover should be at Blackbird.

On the Table

Grilled Octopus, Cucumber Pickle, Sesame Soy P580

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Flat Iron Steak, Kimchi, Green Onion and Ginger, Lettuce, Hot Sauce P980

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Bellini’s Italian Restaurant, Cubao Expo

September 15, 2014 by Janey

I used to frequent Bellini’s a lot from 2003-2006 with my birthday-mate Paolo G, who also loves a good food trip. That habit continued 2007 onwards since Bellini’s was one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the Metro, alongside Café Caruso, L’Opera, the old Amici in Don Bosco, and Segafredo.

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Bellini’s who opened its doors in 1999 is already an institution in the Cubao Expo compound, also known as the Marikina Shoe Expo. They have also branched out and opened another one in Marikina. It’s been a long while since I last dined there.

I occasionally stop over to grab a couple of bottles of their in-house sweet wine but it’s been years since I actually tried their dishes. Over the weekend, I was in the area and decided to revisit the old favorite. At Bellini’s, the meal usually starts with complimentary bread sticks but the wait staff will also offer you their focaccia bread (P100) with a serving of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

On the Table

Fettuccine Tartufo Funghi con Prosciuto P400

Instead of fettucine, I had it changed to Linguini. Request for fresh pasta (additional P40) as it can be a world of difference in texture and taste. I love love love truffle, even if it’s just truffle essence. There’s something about it that really draws me in. My favorite is still Mamou’s Lorenzo Pasta, while Chef Du Partie’s tartufo pasta comes very very close second (and you know why), and Cellar’s, Locale’s, and Amoroma (which actually includes black truffle shavings) a good third.

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The First Slurp of IPPUDO Ramen Philippines

September 10, 2014 by Janey

IPPUDO known as one of the most popular Hakata-style Tonkotsu ramen has finally opened in Manila, Philippines. It literally translates to “One Wind Hall,” Ramen King-awarded Shigemi Kawahara went against the wind in revolutionizing ramen in 1985, offering specially crafted bowls in a comfortable setting. IPPUDO Philippines first restaurant is located at 3/F Mega Fashion Hall. It is very spacious and can sit close to 80 guests.

The dining room is divided into the smaller area and the main dining area for bigger groups. There is also a bar fronting the kitchen for those who’d like to eat and run after the last drop of their ramen.

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With IPPUDO opening, it just reinforces that the ramen craze in Manila isn’t over and in fact, would likely to stay for good as Pinoys have given a space for it in the culinary landscape. Numerous folks were very excited with news that the same group behind the tremendously successful Yabu: House of Katsu, pioneer of the Tonkatsu craze in Manila, is bringing Ippudo to the local scene.

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At IPPUDO, each bowl must have a delicate balance of ingredients, broth and finely-crafted noodles. The ramen chef acts as the consummate story-teller in the kitchen, spawning art in every hot bowl. IPPUDO welcomes its patrons with much enthusiasm, knowing that every move from cooking to serving should be choreographed to perfect timing even down to the moment when the staff bids the customer, “…until we meet again.”

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Red Crab Alimango House, Eastwood

September 9, 2014 by Janey

Last Saturday night was a family night out. After taking a road trip to Pinto Art Museum during the day and making another pit stop at 14 Four Café in Marikina, the evening was set to be spent with family. I scheduled a dinner and bowling night for the crazy fam.

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I asked Ma if she had any food preference that evening and she said crabs… and specifically said, not with sotanghon, which was how we usually order crabs (or fried with salt and pepper) in Chinese restaurants. With that said, I’ve scratched out basically all Chinese restaurants we go to in our neighborhood, King Crab, Annapolis Seafood and Hai Kang.

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Mecha Uma with Chef Bruce Ricketts, Fort Bonifacio

September 4, 2014 by Janey

Nestled amid the high-rise towers that pepper Bonifacio Global City, Mecha Uma is located in a seemingly quieter corner of 25^th Street at the Fort. Almost hidden, it is a cut-stone requiring to be uncovered. The dining room is minimalist with elaborate wood frames hanging from the ceiling and the open kitchen as the focal point. The setting is comfortably intimate wherever you sit, even if you perch at the bar.

The interior allows the simplistic beauty of the dishes to really shine, same as Sensei Sushi where the background is thrown to oblivion, except for the food that inspiringly stands out.

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On the Table

Tuna P255

Coconut, foie gras mousse, roasted pineapple

Diced tuna, fresh and trumpeting with flavors inside a tuile-sandwich. The thin crisp wafer breaks gently exposing a bit of sticky sweetness, citrus, and a dissolving line of richness. The two nutty bites felt like every sense of taste was there, even a nearly imaginary heat. There was a crunch, then the flesh of tuna, the flavors, and instantaneously, a pleasing memory.

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Ippudo Ramen Hong Kong – Manila opening soon

September 3, 2014 by Janey

Ippudo hails from the ramen capital in Japan, Hakata (Fukuoka), and opened its doors in October 1985. Its popularity in Japan counting 65 branches all over the country made its founder Shigemi Kawahara the Ramen King of 2005. The restaurant has since then branched out to Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Australia and New York. This September, Philippines will be added to that list.

Excitement has been stirred up with news that the same group behind the tremendously successful Yabu: House of Katsu, pioneer of the Tonkatsu craze in Manila, is bringing Ippudo to the local scene. Ippudo will join the early starters Tim Ho Wan, Lugang Café, 8Cuts, Osaka Osho, Boqueria and newly opened Saint Marc’s Café in the SM Mega Fashion Hall.

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FIRST SLURP OF IPPUDO RAMEN MANILA, PHILIPPINES

During a business trip in Hong Kong last year, I picked Ippudo as venue for a lunch meeting. We ordered deep fried oyster with wafu tartar sauce (HKD 38), Ippudo’s salmon cutlet (HKD 82), the Ippudo BBQ Pork Buns (HKD 28), Eel Rice in Stone Pot (HKD 68), Ippudo Karaka Ramen (HKD 78) and another ramen which name escapes me.

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Between Bites TOP TEN NEW Kapitolyo Restaurants 2014

August 28, 2014 by Janey

Move over BF Homes and Tomas Morato-Timog area! Kapitolyo is aggressively becoming a hotspot for foodies especially with new restaurants sprouting in the area. In the last month or so, we’ve seen at least 6 new eating destinations launched there, and at least 6 others in a 3-4 month period. What does that mean for us hungry hounds? The habit of eating (and eating more) is truly unbreakable.

Between Bites has rounded up all the new ones to target.

Between Bites TOP TEN NEW Kapitolyo Restaurants 2014

10. Tomahawk Chops Grill

Menu is very limited with five options for starters, which are onion rings, nachos, French fries, chicken fingers and squid rings, but they know to name the restaurant their strongest suit.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE:

Tomahawk Chops Grill

What to Order:

Tomahawk Chop P295

Grilled or fried chops served with rice and one extra side. “Go dirty” rice option is available for P25. The Tomahawk Chop was fairly sized and at least an inch in thickness.

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Red Panda Presents Chef Philip Goulding

August 27, 2014 by Janey

A couple of Fridays ago, I visited Red Panda again and dinner was made a little more special with Chef Goulding at the helm of the kitchen. It was a ticketed dinner presenting Red Panda menu from Chef Philip Goulding and paired with Manny O wines.

This dining event hosted by Red Panda aimed to transfer knowledge from expert practitioners in the hospitality industry to young and aspiring practitioners of French cuisine. It was also a fund raising event for the DEYTT (Disciples of Escoffier Young Talent Trophy) 2014 at the Restaurant and Bar Show in Hong Kong which will have Philippine delegates.

Red Panda’s Head Chef Donnah Elizalde assisted Chef Philip John Golding during this dinner.

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Chef Philip’s inspiration came from the concept of Red Panda, which is East Meets West where both sides of the world are being celebrated. He designed the menu with the use of Chinese and local ingredients with the application of French technique of cooking.

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The Girl + The Bull

August 26, 2014 by Janey

As most of us would like to escape the dreary repetition of day-to-day routine, I flee to find great encounters of food as a diversion. After a short trip to Tagaytay for some breath of fresh air, the route back to Manila presented an opportunity to explore what BF Homes restaurants have to offer. I’ve been meaning to visit The Girl + The Bull since it has been making the rounds of foodie conversations in the past few months.

It took several turns and a phone call to finally get a landmark and find the place. If you’re traversing Aguirre Ave. from President’s Ave, keep going straight until you go past a traffic light and see a low-rise white building on your right named Casa Alfonso Bed and Breakfast. There is no restaurant signage but printed on the glass door are the words, “Yep, you’ve found us.” You have reached your destination.

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The dining interior of The Girl and the Bull is a living glam rock space of art mainly in black and white motif with checkered flooring. No humdrum moments here as every corner has a modern or creative installation that attacks the visual… which later on I find continuous and uninterrupted on the plate.

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Food Bite: Persia Grill Kapitolyo’s Chicken Tikka Biryani

August 26, 2014 by Janey

A comfort food it has become, I crave for Persia Grill’s Chelo Kebab Combination (P285), 2 skewers that combine their chicken tikka and chicken morg. You can opt to change one for Kubideh or beef but I find their chicken meat the most flavorful and particularly juicy. The grilled chicken breast fillets are marinated with Persian spices and herb.

The spikes of light heat from the marinade are beautiful and complimentary tamed with their garlic yogurt sauce. It comes with a small serving of grilled eggplant that’s smoky and delicious.

Change your long grain rice to Biryani (P40) with deep fried onions for added height of flavor. I love creaming it all up with the garlic yogurt sauce, too much that Edward McCullen will finally be able to resist my beauty.

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The Bowery, Burgos Circle Fort BGC

August 14, 2014 by Janey

My favorite part of every week is when I get to spend quality time with family. What comes close second is discovering new joints to have sumptuous meals in with people I love. My sister and I trooped to Fort to find The Bowery, which is from the same group genius behind Nolita, L.E.S Bagels and one of my Ortigas favorites, Borough.

Borough opened in 2010 at the Podium mall whipping foodies into a frenzy offering round the clock New York comfort food. I’ve practically ordered every single thing on their menu the countless times I’ve been there. That’s why I was very excited to check out The Bowery.

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The Bowery has strong handsome interiors with a discolored brick wall and mostly in dark wood tone.

On the Table

Raw Oysters on a Half Shell (3pcs) P180

Citron Patron Vodka Mignonette

Fresh oysters distilled in vodka and garnished with cucumber relish.

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Lobster Shrimp Truffle Mac and Cheese P1200

Crème Fraiche, Cream Cheese, Cracked Black Pepper, Garlic, Mozzarella, Truffle Oil

Foodies have been raving about this and if you want to indulge yourself in a more luxuriant version of our favorite Mac and Cheese, you should go check this out. The Bowery amplifies the dish with the presence of lobster, shrimp, and truffle essence.

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Hiyas Modern Filipino Comfort Food, Kapitolyo

August 12, 2014 by Janey

Target that evening was initially a music-themed game night at Nomama in Capitol Commons but Tuesday traffic was horrible so Nats and I detoured to find a good restaurant to have a quiet dinner in and catch-up.

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I’ve visited Avi Bistro two weekends ago and Greeka Kouzina prior and saw that Hiyas was the only one I haven’t tried and made the suggestion to Nats. Hiyas has simple interiors that crosses modernity but has traditional sentiments. I love the use of space and mason jar droplights. There seems to be a reading area on the right with shelves of books displayed.

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Avi Bistro, Kapitolyo

August 5, 2014 by Janey

Move over BF Homes and Tomas Morato-Timog area! Kapitolyo is aggressively becoming a hotspot for foodies especially with new restaurants sprouting in the area. In the last month or so, we’ve seen at least 6-7 new eating destinations launched there, and at least 8 others in a 3-4 month period. Watch out for my TOP TEN list this week listing down all the new ones to target.

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Between Bites TOP TEN BEST Kapitolyo Restaurants

After Saturday date night (bonding time) with my brother, Twin, he decided to join my sister and I in the 9am CCF Service last Sunday. The plan also for that day was to have a “Baby’s Day Out” and go swimming at Ace Water Spa, too bad I wasn’t able to join since I had a prior engagement. Knowing the grumblings of my tummy, of course, I couldn’t miss lunch.

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Look at that naughty smile! 🙂

Like there’s a plan to annihilate Tita or something. GULP.

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Avi Bistro has simple but charming homey interiors with spots of interesting chic trimmings. The right wall is a two-toned brick wall with the upper half oyster-colored and the bottom, red-painted.

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Written on the wall are the words, “Home brought closer to you,” which is an indication of what the kitchen repertoire is. Avi Bistro aims to make you feel right at home, relaxed and enjoying their comfort dishes.

On the Table

Amigo Crisanto’s Chili Con Carne P155

Choice of rice or nacho chips, sautéed ground beef infused with spices and topped with sour cream

Price points at Avi Bistro are very affordable. Their Chili Con Carne as an appetizer can likely serve 2-3 people while waiting for their mains. The sautéed ground beef is mixed with smashed refried beans and brown pinto beans then garnished with chopped green chilies, cheese, and sour cream.

I wish it was a little wetter than thick but it didn’t disappoint at all.

Papa Jack’s Crispy Chicken Adobo Overload P210

With choice of rice or mashed potato, 3 hours slow cooked chicken legs in Avi Bistro’s rich adobo sauce infused with dark chocolate and gravy

This was my favorite out of the 5 dishes we ordered. Yea I was able to escape ordering 5 instead of 3 (which my sister had pledged me to do) since we were 3 folks this time instead of 2.

I don’t know who Papa Jack is but he is rightfully the Papa of Chicken Adobo since it was so goooooooood. It was a simple black bowl with two pieces of chicken and gravy over hefty amount of rice. The chicken parts were likely fried first to a crisp and then coated with this peppery and garlicky adobo sauce that had me eating one spoonful of white rice after the other. Was I supposed to be on a no-rice mission? Abandon ship!