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

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.

Related Post:

Ramen Yushoken

Between Bites Top 10 Best Ramen in Manila

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.

Between Bites TOP TEN Best Ramen Restaurants in Manila 2014

April 7, 2014 by Janey

Heard of the book, “Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul”? With all the good ramen bars opening left and right in the Metro somebody should be able to come up with a version, Rrrramen for the Food Soul.

Gone were the days when Shinjuku was the go-to ramen place or anywhere near the Makati Mile Long compound. Now, there are dozens and dozens of ramen restaurants to choose from. Between Bites has rounded up 10 of the more memorable or interesting ones.

Sensei Sushi by Chef Bruce Ricketts

March 11, 2014 by Janey

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

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

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

RELATED POST:

Robot Restaurant and Lounge

The Best of the Beast Dinner

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

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

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

On the Table

Tuna Soy, Pineapple with Kangkong Tempura

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

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

Salmon Belly Kushiyaki

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

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

Ebi with Flour Tortilla Aligue

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

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

Hokkaido Scallops

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.

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Japanese Restaurant

May 12, 2011 by Janey

If you do a backyard survey among your friends on their favorite cuisine, Japanese cuisine will definitely be on the top 2 list. And what’s there not to love about the Japanese? Er, except for territory invasion and similar events, Japanese are well lauded for their love for their country and most especially, the wonderful dishes they introduced to the rest of the world.

Sushi, don buri, tamagoyaki, sukiyaki, tempura, yakiniku, and the best quality of beef, need I say more? In Japanese cuisine, quality of ingredients and presentation are dealt with heavy importance.

Yes that’s me with the children of the foster family that adopted me for 4 days 🙂

The Michelin Guide supposedly awarded Japanese cities by far the most Michelin stars of any country in the world. Tokyo alone has more Michelin stars than the combination of Paris, Hong Kong, New York, LA and London.

I have about 25 Japanese restaurants in my list but the 10 below are what I have compiled for my TOP 10 at this time. Please don’t look for Seryna, Tsukiji, Yuu Jin, Haiku, Sushi Kappo Kobikicho and Nihonbashitei first and will have a different list for those. I can’t find my photos for Senju 🙁

10. Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

Upon entering Nagomi, one would feel the Japanese vibe of the restaurant, with the usual rack stand of Japanese magazines, private rooms with sliding doors and certain pieces like the Japanese lantern and posters add to the whole appearance. The very long sushi bar seals the deal.

Nagomi sometimes has that old smell but it doesn’t stop Japanese business men from the Ortigas area to frequent the place. This Japanese restaurant has a wide range of dishes to offer. It shows in their extensive menu.

If you don’t feel adventurous, their cold soba with tempura set satisfies your cold noodle craving at a reasonable price.

READ MORE:

Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

El Pueblo, Real de Manila,

Doña Julia Vargas Ave. cor ADB Ave.

Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

(632) 635 4546/ (632) 632 1736

9. Konbini

Before Royce Chocolates formally opened in Manila, Konbini Store is our easiest access point to Royce chocolates.

What’s interesting about Konbini Store is the way a customer has to order his/her meal. They have this rack of cards with photos of the dishes and price tag.

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You just get the cards (dishes) you want and pay for them at the counter like paying for grocery at a convenience store. Then they will serve the food on your table.

Miso Chasiu Ramen PHP 220

I was going to opt for the Shoyu Ramen but changed my mind and went for Konbini’s Miso Chasiu Ramen.

I wasn’t expecting much but was delightfully surprised that the Miso Chasiu Ramen was really a warm hearty bowl of yum. In degree of taste and cheaper price, it can actually rival Ukkokei Ramen Ron in my book.

READ MORE:

Konbini Store’s Chasiu Ramen

Konbini Store

57 Connecticut Street,

Northeast Greenhills, San Juan

(632) 722 4263

8. Nanbantei of Tokyo

Nanbantei is a Japanese restaurant located at the 3^rd level of Greenbelt 3. It looks smaller from the outside but the inside is very spacious with three divided dining sections. The open grill stands in the middle of the first dining area with a table outlining the front grill section.

The grill section is where yakitori happens. Yakitori is the process of roasting bite size pieces of meat, poultry, or vegetables, which Japan cooking is famous for.

Nanban Yaki PHP 180 (2 sticks) –Bubba’s order

Beef with special Nanban sauce. Square cut 1.5 x 1.5 inch of tender beef that has a peppery and smoked flavor. The beef was tender, buttery and flavorful. The sate sauce can append another layer of taste.

Yaki Niku PHP 170 (2 sticks) –2 orders, Jem and I had the same order

Grilled thin slices of beef, which were also good, but it was a tad bit saltier for my taste. The cut of the beef is similar to the Sukiyaki cut but slimmer and softer.

Nanbantei’s strength lies on their grilled dishes. Order the platters that appear to have more value for money.

READ MORE:

Nanbantei of Tokyo

3^rd Level, Greenbelt 3,

Makati City, MM.

(632) 757 4130

7. Hana and Kagura

Hana is a rather small restaurant, probably 30-32 sqm floor area that had a narrow bar on the right side and 3-4 tables inside and a private corner at the far end. Hana is known as the best place to get the biggest and most delicious Takoyaki in town.

Takoyaki PHP 120

Hana is quite famous in the block because of their Takoyaki. They have a takoyaki stand set up outside of the restaurant and you’re ensured that you get the freshest of their Takoyaki balls right of the hot iron grill. Takoyaki to some is considered as the best street food in Japan.

6 pieces of giant dumpling, shaped like a ball, is from a Japanese batter with diced or whole baby octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion.

READ MORE:

Hana Restaurant, Little Tokyo

Hana Restaurant

Little Tokyo Compound,

Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City.

(632) 339 3855

Open from 10 am – 11pm

Kagura

Kagura is in the same compound as Hana Japanese restaurant and they are actually right beside each other. Kagura was actually our first choice but it was fully booked for that day. Kagura is known to dish out the best Okonomiyakis or Japanese pizza.

6. Izakaya Kikufuji

As usual, Bubba and I found ourselves trotting to Little Tokyo –one of our favorite places to get an authentic Japanese meal. Instead of visiting Urameshiya again, Izakaya Kikufuji is a favorite alternative.

The dining space at Kikufuji is quite spacious with the sushi bar slash open kitchen right smack at the center of the restaurant. The place was brimming with people, a lot were Japanese but I noticed that crowd also composed of Filipinos and we spotted eye candy Georgina Wilson.

Spicy Tuna Salad PHP 252

I love the tuna cutlets that tasted fresh and were coated beautifully with Japanese mayo that has a tinge of heat.

It’s better to visit Kikufuji during lunch than dinner. Prices are cheaper, for one. Kikufuji’s lunch sets come with free appetizers and side dishes like cabbage salad, miso soup, black seaweed salad and spicy tuna starter

Enoki Bacon Tare PHP 52

The grilled items on the menu are quite extensive and it’s hard to go wrong because it’s the Japanese chef who manages the grill. The bacon had grilled marks that looked appetizing and the cured meat wasn’t salty at all. There’s a bit of sweetness in the skewered meat that probably came from the enoki mushrooms as well.

Unaju Don PHP 345

I’m not a big fan of eel but I do order it from time to time being a small fan. Kikufuji’s unadon is quite good, cooked well without the fishy taste. The teriyaki sauce that they topped the boneless eel with is succulent.

Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki PHP 185

Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki was like shaved meat, similar to bacon, but sautéed with sweetened onions and leeks. It’s served with shredded raw cabbage on the side.

READ MORE:

Izakaya Kikufuji

2277 Pasong Tamo, Makati City

(632) 893 7319/ (632) 893 6131

Open for lunch and dinner

5. Ukkokei Ramen Ron

Ukkokei Ramen Ron is located along Pasay Road in Makati but it stands out from the rest of the scene since it garnered reputation as the best ramen in town, taking out Shinjuku who held the fame for the longest time off the top spot.

Ukkokei serves Ramen with three (3) different soup bases. This is the best place to start –choose from Shoyu (soy-based), Shio (salt-based) or Miso (miso-based). Then pick out the option you want under each soup-based category depending on the ingredients you want on your soup.

Miso Butter Corn Ramen PHP 360

Get served with a bowl of piping hot ramen that will bring you much comfort –both in taste and texture. Ramen is freshly made with just enough bite but still retains its softness and excellent elasticity. The miso-based broth tastes delicious but others might get turned off by the oiliness of the soup.

I love Ukkokei’s Miso Butter Ramen. There is generous amount of corn kernels and bean sprouts that adds a different crunchy bite while the butter adds creaminess to the whole deal. If you find the pork slices or chayu too few like I did, order an extra plate for PHP 120.

READ MORE:

Ukkokei Ramen Ron

Unit 1-2, Upper G/F, Tesoro Building,

822 A. Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road),

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 856 4588

4. Chibori

Chibori is a spacious sleek Japanese restaurant at the heart of the business district of Cebu. In 2008, this was where my tongue lost its virginity to Uni. Thanks to Norman who specifically booked that Japanese dinner for me to taste my first ever sea urchin experience.

Norma and Chris

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One of my favorite Cebu photos, this one with Travel Factor

Assorted Sushi Platter –Premium PHP 800+

6 kinds of sushi were plated on a wooden rack with some side garnish salad. It was my first time to try uni (sea urchin) and although it tasted like too much “sea,” I really enjoyed the salty fishy flavor and velvety texture. The boys let me finish most of it.

Sushi Moriawase

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Tempura

Sukiyaki PHP 600++

Sukiyaki is a Japanese beef hotpot with thinly sliced beef (ooh lala), carrots, leeks, tofu, other veggies and vermicelli noodles. The broth has a sweet note to it. Sukiyaki used to be a staple order for me every time I dine Japanese but haven’t ordered this much lately.

Chibori’s sukiyaki is a winner because it has a good balance between the sweetness of the broth and flavor of the beef. The veggies were soft but still had a bite to it. One of the best Sukiyaki’s in the Philippines!

READ MORE:

Chibori– Cebu

Chibori

G/F CJRS Bldg., Asiatown IT Park,

Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines

3. Tsumura

Tsumura has been a favorite haunt of enthusiasts of high quality and equally priced sushi. Some have dubbed Tsumura, “Tsu-mahal,” because prices of certain dishes here can go up the wazoo! A Japanese sushi chef runs the restaurant so definitely high expectations are set.

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Sashimi Moriawase PHP 890

The assorted Sashimi Moriawase set comes with a selection of fresh and imported fresh sashimi and a sampling of uni. The mixed set has a variety of raw fish that I’m not that familiar with, as well as beautifully cut squid, salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Their sashimi platter indeed has the finest cuts of delicious raw fish (at least those fish that are in my food-cabulary).

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Amiyaki Beef PHP 470

Uni PHP 80

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

2. Inagiku

Inagiku was awarded as Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secret (MBKRS) Winner of Best Japanese Restaurant in 2010. It’s no surprise since Inagiku is known to serve world-class Japanese cuisine with its delicate ALWAYS FRESH sushi and sashimi.

Sushi Platter

Tempura Sushi Roll

Grilled Gindara

Make sure that you always have room for Wasabi ice cream! It’s a favorite ice cream flavor of mine, next to Pistachio and Blueberry.

READ MORE:

Inagiku

Level 2, Shangri-La Hotel Makati, Makati Shangri-La Hotel

Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave. Makati, Metro Manila

(632) 813 8888 loc. 7588, 7599

1. Urameshiya Yakiniku Restaurant

Japanese is what Bubba loves best and the first time I brought him to Urameshiya for a dinner date, he fell in love with the restaurant. The setting strongly reminded me of my Japan trip. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Japan have a lot of character and produce mouthwatering dishes as those in the upscale ones.

Urameshiya Entrance

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Urameshiya Yakiniku serves the best Yakiniku in Manila. I’m biased because I love my meat in its smoky grilled/semi-charred condition. Bubba and I usually order the Tarafuku Set but their Wagyu set is also one of the best.

On the Table

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Enjoying my Japanese BBQ!

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This was a wonderful date spent with Bubba

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And another one 🙂

Tarafuku Set PHP 1,850

With the economic crunch, it’s definitely not easy for everyone to shell out almost 2K for a beef set that’s good for a hungry couple. However, I really recommend burning (literally) 2K for Urameshi-ya. I feel that every peso of that set is worth the quality and quantity of meat you’re getting.

Urameshiya definitely tops our list at this time! 🙂

READ MORE:

Urameshiya Yakiniku Restaurant

Urameshiya Part Deux

Urameshiya (Urameshi-ya) Yakiniku Restaurant

2277 Amorsolo (beside Makati Cinema Square)

Makati City, Metro Manila

(632) 819 5008

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Chatime Tea, Why Don’t Cha?

April 14, 2011 by Janey

I never realized that the Milk Tea fever will explode this big. Foodie friends and non-foodie friends got hooked initially on Serenitea and some eventually switched their coffee time with cold tea drinks. I was never a big fan of coffee although I love the smell and I take it once in a while during meetings but I was pretty much taken by Serenitea since late 2009. We visit frequently in a week and somehow got addicted to it.

Family of drinkers

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Now, they have about 5 branches since they opened since 2 years ago. I did lessen my visits when prices hiked up, and even limited orders of my favorite peppered corn. Bubble Tea opened along Wilson Street and my Twin and I usually pick that spot for our chat/bonding/catch-up time. Happy Lemon, a new player in the market, has followed suit and started making waves in the Greenhills area since it opened late last year.

I have somehow got friends hooked on it also and have converted some from the first cooler to the latter. My different groups of friends cannot stop raving about Happy Lemon in the past couple of months and TODAY I’m quite excited to share with them, a new DRINK discovery.

After having lunch with Richard, Irene, Lauren, Fran and Paul at Cab Café 2 days ago, Richard suggested to stop by his latest addiction, Chatime. Chatime is a Taiwanese (the population who started the milk tea craze) brand of milk tea and is considered one of the largest bubble tea brands in the world.

What I love about ChaTime is their second floor that’s a huge lounge area with chic seat designs. It begs to spend more time there chatting with good friends and finishing your round of drinks. Or maybe 2 rounds *shrugs*

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They had so many varieties of drinks available to order that it might take you a while to choose your poison. Take note that some of the Chatime drinks do not come with toppings/pearls/sinkers so make sure that you check with their friendly staff. Pearls are an addition of PHP 15/serving.

Photo Credit: Richard Co of www.talesfromthetummy.com

While there was an order for 2 Cocoa Smoothies, Tea Guanyin Tea Latte, Grass Jelly Milk Tea and Cha Time Roasted Milk Tea, I settled on Taro Milk Tea (PHP 90) and got a Pearl Milk Tea (PHP 80) as an added free bonus due to the current promotion they have on the store.

Chatime OVERLOAD! I likey-like! 🙂

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It’s Buy 1 Take 1, choose any of the drinks on the menu board and take 1 Pearl Milk Tea (regular size) for FREE only from 12nn-2pm! This will last until tomorrow, April 15, so better head over to Chatime at Pioneer St. by today or Friday to get free dibs on their Pearl Milk Tea.

Taro Milk Tea

Chatime Taro Milk Tea is the most real taro drink you can find in the market. Don’t expect our local purple yam as its taro taste or the synthetic kind. It took me a few more sips, midway, to finally appreciate Chatime’s version of fresh taro and I grew to like it. It had pieces of the taro and i enjoyed the texture of the drink… not-thick or not-thin. It had a certain dance in your mouth. I might order the same next time I’m there but I’m also tempted to get a second drink to try their other offerings.

Try some Chatime drinks!

Chatime supposedly has 500 stores worldwide and it is now available in Manila with its first branch in Pioneer Street. Why don’t CHA give it a try? 😉

Photo Credit: Richard Co of www.talesfromthetummy.com

Chatime
Good Tea, Good Time

Pioneer Center, 8006 Pioneer cor. United Sts.

Pasig City, Philippines

Different Tea Assortment to Love at Serenitea

A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

Happy Lemon

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Between Bites’ TOP 10 Food Highlights of 2010’s 1st Half: What a Mouthful!

June 23, 2010 by Janey

Between Bites TOP 10 Food Highlights (2010 -1st Half)

10. King One’s Shabu Shabu

That Sunday lunch at King One’s Shabu Shabu (PHP 529 per head) was a wonderful lunch where the food were abound and of good quality –prepared well I should say. I get turned off with restaurants that offer buffet sometimes because of the way the food is prepared… but in this case, King One’s staff handles the food properly. Service was friendly, prompt and inclined –more reason to enjoy your King One feast. Don’t forget to order fresh prawns, mozzarella balls, tao pao and lamb! Oh lamb!

King One Rotary Hot Pot

M2-A Lower Hobbies of Asia

#8 Macapagal Ave., Pasay City

(632) 556 1370

9. Sweet Revenge of Maitre Chocolatier

Sweet Revenge is Maitre Chocolatier’s Lindt Molten Lava Cake -dark chocolate molten lava cake made from Europe’s finest Lindt Excellence Dark 70%, filled with oozing sweet and vengefully spicy chocolate served with vanilla ice cream

Sweet Revenge was the unanimously favorite on the table with its gooey warm chocolate that ruptures from the moist cake that’s bittersweet dark and spiced with chili. Midway when the chocolate flavor sinks in, the chili essence abruptly creeps in creating a sweet heat inside your mouth. Cool off with the vanilla ice cream that soothes your taste buds to a calm reverie. Bubba, Zipster and I loved the yin yang taste of darkness and sweetness, as well as the heat and arctic feel.

The spunk of the chili in the luscious chocolate liquid inside and the vanilla ice cream bring it all together in sweet harmony.

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Cafe by Eva Wong

2A (Beside Starbucks), No. 28 Jupiter Street

Bel Air, Makati City, Philippines

(632) 897 8559

8. Minato’s Great Korean Barbecue

Other than the smorgasbord of side dishes that includes Kimchi, spiced green vegetables, peanuts, bean sprouts, marbled potatoes among a variety of other side accompaniments, it is really the barbecue that’s quite good at Minato. It has to be one of the best in town.

Kimchi Pancake

The Kimchi Pancake is oil-fried pancake with bits of beansprouts and cabbage flavored Kimchi-style. And I think it’s free.

So Kal Bi PHP 350

Marinated beef short ribs –has a shadow of sweetness, garlic and soy. It’s hard to restrain oneself from gnawing the large bones with charred meat.

Sam Gyeop Sal PHP 240

The plate had thick, fatty slices of pork belly (almost looks like uncured bacon) alternating meat and fat and then skin. Meat is left unseasoned and usually cooked on a grill at the diner’s table. In this case, the wait staff helped in cooking the pork belly slices. On the side, green onion leeks and lettuce are served in case you prefer to wrap your meat inside. Customize it and add different side dishes or Kimchi and dip in sesame oil with fine black pepper and salt for a perfect finish.

Minato Korean Restaurant

Escriva Road (between Furu Restaurant and Agua Vida)

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

#8 is a toss-up between Minato and Chic Boy

tied at the same number.

8. Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

Great food doesn’t necessarily have to come at a price. There’s a new affordable (almost dare to say cheap) food discovery along Jupiter Street in Makati. Call on the Chic Boy. Chic-Boy is actually a play on the words Chicken and Baboy (pork) –the meats that are quite popular in the Filipino community particularly when it’s grilled.

Chic Boy is putting a whole new turn on chicken inasal, lechon manok and lechon liempo like you’ve never tasted before. They’ve taken a special secret recipe of tasty lechon manok and lechon liempo in Cebu and chicken inasal of Bacolod and put it all in one easy-breezy and affordable restaurant here in Manila.

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Must-orders include their Cebu Lechon Liempo and Salmon Sinigang (PHP 45). With those affordable prices and flavorsome and satisfying meals, how can anyone go wrong? 😀

READ MORE!

Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

Chic Boy

Jupiter St., Makati City

7. 22 Prime’s Tomahawk Chop

Quick-fire thoughts:

I love the ample size of fat that adds a buttery texture

and heightens flavor of the meat

Peppercorn sauce bursts a bouncy flavor that goes perfectly with the chop

The salad is a good pause in between bites of meat as a cleanser to the palate

Side of baby vegetables had the right crisp and seasoning

–the lone brussel sprout was my favorite! Quite tasty!!!

Don’t miss out on ordering my FAVORITE Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread!

Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread PHP 140

Gooey warm cheese topped on three breads, soft and bursting with tantalizing flavors. Served with baby greens in a mild citrus dressing sparkled with pink peppercorn. Sun dried tomato and broiled four cheese together? It’s an exercise in indulgence.

Premium Night at 22 Prime

22 Prime

22^nd Level, Discovery Suites

25 ADB Avenue

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center

Pasig City, Metro Manila

(632) 719 8888/ (632) 719 6821

6. Ya Kun Kaya Toast –Ortigas

Want a great breakfast that lifts you up at any time of the day? Head over at Ya Kun Kaya! 🙂

Kaya Toast (Half PHP 115, Set Menu PHP 140)

2 slices of delicious Kaya toast with butter –has the right lightly toasted crunch of the bread, slathered with butter and just enough green sweet coconut spread. Satisfies when washed down with Ya Kun’s famous coffee tarik or the traditionally pulled coffee. It’s not on their menu, but you can change your coffee to Yin Yang, which is this delicious half-coffee and half-tea drink.

–

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

Tsumura

2^nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza

Sedeno corner Valero Streets,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850

#3 is actually a toss-up between Tsumura and Serenitea

tied at the same number.

3. Serenitea’s Okkinawa or Hokkaido Milk Tea

Serenitea is your one-stop shop for all things serene about tea. They have different variants of tea that will help boost a definite change of drinking lifestyle. It is the healthy alternative to colas, coffee and sugar-loaded smoothies. We visit 3 to 4 times a week to get our “Serenitea fix,” which is usually their Okkinawa milk tea drink with nata or pearls (depending on what topping you want) or Hokkaido with pearls.

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A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

2. Frazzled Cook’s Paella

In terms of taste and price, I consider Frazzled Cook’s Seafood Paella as the best in my book so far.

Seafood Paella PHP 550

For those diners who love their seafood paella with the full generous portions of mussels, squid rings, shrimps, chorizo and egg, this is their best bet for paella and huge value for money. I love the fact that they serve it on the paellera since I enjoy most my paella with the burnt crispy part at the bottom.

For other recommended orders, below are some dishes worthwhile to try:

Wagyu Salpicao PHP 550

When the serving arrives on your table, initial thought would be, “this dish is pricey.” If you’re being served with quality Wagyu that certainly softens in your mouth in a buttery texture without any effort, then your money is good. Have no qualms being served only a few flavorful cubes of beef drenched in its sautéed oil with lightly fried chips of garlic and slices of button mushrooms. Superb.

–

Peruvian Hot Pot PHP 400

The Peruvian Hot Pot is their version of spicy lamb stew. This was Bubba’s favorite as the spicy invigorating flavors all come together from the lamb, olives, bell peppers and wine –great flavor and unbelievable rich sauce. The lamb meat had no gamey aftertaste that will surely convert those non-lamb eaters.

The Frazzled Cook

#916 Luna Mencias Street, Baranggay Additional Hills,

Mandaluyong City

(632) 782 5980

1. La Tienda Steak

Chuleton PHP 2,150 (PHP 425/100 grams)

It was the steak that was the highlight of this dinner date for me (okay, plus Bubba’s adoring chinky eyes). One of the best steaks I’ve tasted in Manila is not found on a focused steakhouse. It’s at a Spanish restaurant called La Tienda. I was pleasantly surprised how the steak gratified my meaty cravings. I think we had it cooked in medium doneness. The delicious steak was quite tender –glistening with appropriate grease and seemingly lightly salted while being cooked.

READ MORE!

La Tienda

43 Polaris St. Bel-Air

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 890 4123

Because I love food so much, I have #11-#20 but I’ll save it for another post. Watch out for that soon! 😉

For the meantime, here’s looking forward to the wonderful eats and gastronomic experiences for the next half of the year! Food Highlights from July-December 2010 –2^nd half version! And finally, by the end of the year, TOP 10 of 2010!!! 😉 I’m so giddy with excitement! CHEERS!

THANK YOU Ming for this photo! 😉

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE and EAT!!! 😉

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

www.FoodieManila.com

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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

Different Tea Assortments to Love at Serenitea

April 21, 2010 by Janey

There’s no room to get bored with Serenitea’s long list of drinks! But it’s definite that you’ll really get hook at one or two and have that for one whole season before aiming for another variant.

First, choose your kind of tea: Assam, Royal Milk, Jasmine or Earl Gray. Then you can choose whether to get it cold, hot, with fruits or as a latte. There are also optional toppings to choose from: pearl, crystal, black bricks, pudding, lime jelly, and QQ.

Once Bubba and I brought Serenitea for a Sunday picnic and we both loved the drinks that accompanied us. Bubba got the Hokkaido milk tea with 75% sugar while my choice was the Grass Jelly milk tea with 0% sugar. What’s terrific with Serenitea is the fact that you can actually choose your sugar percentage from 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%… you can even go beyond or none. Richard of Ya Kun Kaya Ortigas shares that Irene gets 150% sugar with her tea drink -I’m quite the opposite since I enjoy drinks with less sugar.

Last time I was here was during the Foodie Club’s meet at Beijing Hand Pulled Noodles.

“Foodie Club”

–

I couldn’t just buy for myself so I bought for Bubba and Joyce.

–

I got Joyce the Yakult, which she loved.

So for those who are health-conscious or watch their sugar intake, this is your best bet to getting satisfying drinks without breaking your sugar level.

It’s been quite a while since we’ve been enjoying Serenitea. Let me share with you that the tea drinks from Serenitea have calmed even the most stressful days at work… the evening comes and the mind is still running wild with that day’s events, the tea drink somehow relaxes my mind into a soothing detoxifying reverie.

Drop by Serenitea and get a dose of freshly brewed tea in different assortments. Be warned that the place can get really packed even at odd hours so have the option to just order to go and bring it home or someplace else where you can enjoy your Serenitea.

Minimum delivery in San Juan area is PHP 200.

Serenitea Cha Kitchen

#1F G&L Bldg. J. Abad Santos,

Cor. V. Cruz, Little Baguio, San Juan

(632) 379 4166

Serenitea Multiply Site

Serenitea Album

Related Entries:

A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

Foodie Club’s meet at Beijing Hand Pulled Noodles.

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Marking Punta de Uian with Kinster

April 12, 2010 by Janey

I’ve penciled in Punta de Uian on my calendar for May 22, 2010. Punta de Uian is a resort in Zambales. It’s been a while since I was last in Zambales. It’s such a beautiful province and really underrated. There are so many pretty little islands in Zambales like Anawangin, Capones, Camara, etc. A lot and the towns there are really nice too.

It’s worth to try their bagnet too. That reminds me, I haven’t written about Conquer Zambales adventure race. I wonder if I still remember all the details… that was in August or October 2008 –see I don’t even remember the month anymore.

What got me excited about Zambales is not only the destination, but also the company. This is after all Kennykins’ idea. He SMS-ed me that he scored 2 rooms at Punta de Uian for free and booked us for May 22. “You were the first in mind when I got the accommodation.” Ain’t that sweet? 😉

Quickly put together this simple montage with Kennykins my Kinster:

I can’t track back to 2004…

(Maybe when I have time to dig up old photos)

…………..

2005 (?)

@ My Birthday Party

—

2005 (?)

@ Fridays, Glorietta 4

(This is soooo funny! I’m sure you’d be surprised to see this!)

—

2005 (?)

@ Superbowl

—

2005 (?)

@ Kenny’s Birthday Dinner at Tiananmen

—

2005

@ Araneta Coliseum for Cheerdance Competition

—

March 2006

@ Hed Kandi at World Trade

—

2006

@ Fashion Week

—

April 2008

@ Kenny’s Chelsea Treat

—

November 2008

@ Dawn of the Dead Halloween Party at Alchemy

—

March 2009

@ Playboy Philippines Launch

—

October 2009

@ Bubba’s Window in Taverna’s Parking Lot

—

January 1, 2010

@ The Fort on New Year’s

—

January 24, 2010

@ Palm Grove, Rockwell

—

May 22, 2010

@ Punta de Uian, Zambales

(INSERT MEMORABLE PHOTO HERE)

I cannot wait. 😉

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Frank Mir and Ecko Unltd

December 22, 2009 by Janey

Did anyone catch the last UFC pay-per-view? Frank Mir won against Cheick Kongo while BJ Penn badly cut his opponent’s forehead.

Check out the new Ecko Unltd’s Limited Edition Frank Mir shirt- fresh from his latest victory against Cheick Kongo SRP PHP 1,750 and are available in the following Ecko stores:

Trinoma 2nd Level

Eastwood Mall, 2nd Level

Festival Mall, 2nd Level

Marquee Mall, 2nd Level

Frank Mir Walk Out shirt

“Uncrushable.” Wear Frank Mir’s UFC 100 and 107 Walk Out tee. This Ecko tee is screen printed with a skeleton knight riding the infamous rhino with gold foil logo in front and “Uncrushable” in back. 100% cotton. Machine wash. Imported.

Get this limited edition shirt before they ran out of stock! 😉

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PBB Double Up

October 6, 2009 by Janey

I missed the opening night of the Philippine reality hit TV show, PBB. This newest season dubbed as PBB Double Up launched last Sunday with 10 housemates and 2 pairs of male twins. The housemates were chosen from 57,824 applicants who personally went to the 18 audition sites located worldwide.

Princess, the Sassy Vamp ng Cebu

Tom, the Romantic Stud ng Samar

Delio, the Simpatikong Kusinero ng Batangas

Paul Jake, the Negosyante Prince ng Cebu

Jason, the Boy Astig ng Mindoro

Melissa, the Inday Kengkay ng Gen San

Yuri, the Multilingual Hottie ng Japan

Carol, the Conservative Pharmacist ng Tondo

Mariel, the Struggling Mom ng Davao –is she the one who looks a bit like Wendy Valdez from PBB Season 2?

Yhel, the Young Widow ng Pampanga

Toffi, the Basket Bolero ng Rizal, and his twin brother Kenny, the Joker Jock ng Rizal

JP, the Jetsetter Dad ng Quezon City,and his twin brother JM, the Delightful Dad ng Quezon City.

Paul Jake, Kenny, Yuri, Princess and Tom are the ones emerging to have interesting personalities.

The housemates are billeted separately in two houses and right after the opening night, the twin pair were put to a challenge. Inside the confession room that adjoins the two houses, Big Brother instructed the two sets of twins—JP and JM as well as Toffi and Kenny not to inform the other housemates about the other twin.

Image Source: PBB Multiply Site

The twins went to separate houses and spent some time there when Big Brother called them again to instruct them to exchange places. If they failed in this task, they will incur the penalty of forced eviction. Last night’s first official EP showed that the house where most of the girls are staying suspect that something is up, particularly Carol, the conservative pharmacist and instructor from Tondo. Melissa, the supposedly funny one from the group noticed the difference in weight and facial features when the other pair substituted.

Tune in to know if the big double secret will be busted before the actual reveal. This ABS-CBN show airs every weeknight, right after Dahil May Isang Ikaw.

The Big Winner of PBB Double Up will get P1 million cash, a house and lot worth P2.5 million, a water business franchise, and an Asian tour. Aside from that, the Final Four will get to choose charitable institutions that will receive cash amounts equivalent to what they would be taking home.

PBB Steaming is available on SKY Cable. Call 631-0000 for more information.

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Urameshiya Part Deux

June 18, 2009 by Janey

It was another long weekend. This time we did not make any out-of-town plans and enjoyed Manila in its relaxing and calm condition. Friday night weather was made for sleeping in. Thursday evening was spent with my friend Chai at Jalapeño. It was a girl on girl tête-à-tête over delish Mexican food. She left later that night for Baguio (came back Sunday night) but met up with me first to get last minute tips for her trip to Vietnam –Cambodia last Monday. She’s repeating the trip Bubba and I had during the Holy Week break. Too bad she was only going to Phnom Penh. I would love for her to experience Angkor Wat and the Hub Street at Siem Reap.

It rained hard Thursday night. I slept at 4am Friday because I was up all night watching The Greatest American Dog. I finished the whole season in one sitting! I loved it to bits –the show’s concept, theme per episode, challenges that match with that week’s theme, casting and especially the loyalty of the dogs! With the heavy rain and thunders, 3 episodes made me weep silently in the cold room. I love it so much I can’t wait for Star World to show the next season.

Anyone here who watched the series? Who was your favorite? I have two!

I digress. Friday afternoon was spent playing briefly in the tournament. Right after, I visited Big Ace in Shaw Boulevard for the first time. They have an early bird rebate, which is quite a witty strategy to mobilize early players. After three hours of playing while Bubba gets a haircut, his watch and a mall roundabout, he picks me up for a Friday night dinner date.

We wanted to brave South Super Hi-Way and go for a “south food adventure,” but I thought of going back to Little Tokyo. It hasn’t even been two weeks yet and I am heeding to the call of Urameshiya. The two weeks felt like months as I have yearned to be back and taste their beef the very next day. And so off we went to Makati.

On the Table

Takoyaki PHP 100

This was ordered from the other restaurant.

I want to try the Okonomiyaki too at Kagura as recommended by my former intern Eisen, but saved it for another day.

Tarafoku Set PHP 1,850

I wanted to order the Wagyu set but my eyes bulged out at the sight of the new menu price. Previous price was at PHP 2,800 and now it’s PHP 3,300. I deliberated but since it was Bubba’s treat, I went to the safe and more economical side and ordered the same Tarafoku set which is also more expensive by PHP 200.

The quality of beef is still superb. Bubba did most of the cooking although I wanted to help out. It seems like he was enjoying himself with the thong and the plates of various meat. Amiable service from the wait staff is still consistent in its efficiency and promptness.

After eating, we stayed a bit for beer and watched Prison Break Season 4 on Bubba’s Mac. It wasn’t as exciting as the first season though.

Urameshiya (Urameshi-ya) Yakiniku Restaurant

2277 Amorsolo (beside Makati Cinema Square)

Makati City, Metro Manila

+632 819 5008

Urameshiya Part Deux Album

Urameshiya Album

Related Post

Old Swiss Inn –Old Sweet Memory

Urameshiya

Jalapeno

Albums:

Cambodia Trip Set 1 DSLR Photos

Cambodia Trip Set 2 DLSR Photos

Vietnam Day 1 Album

Angkor Wat Album

Siem Reap, Cambodia Album

Cambodia – Vietnam Trip Album

Related Post

Ho Chi Minh City’s Hidden Charm

Traveling to Cambodia

My Tuk Tuk Moment

Angkor Wat: Journey to the Lost City Begins

Inside Angkor Wat and the Beauty of Rain

Moving to Angkor Thom Aboard Big Feet

The Bayon

The Elephant Terrace, The Leper King and Phimeanakas

Back to the Roots: Ta Prohm

More of Angkor Wat in Stills

The Afternoon After Angkor Wat

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Stay Tuned: The Last Leg of the Cambodia Series

Leave a Comment Filed Under: (NEW HERE??) TAKE A BITE OF THE FAVORITES FIRST!!!, Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2009, american, Art of War, Asia Poker, Asia Poker Sports Club, bad beats, beef, best, best in town, best service, big, Big Ace, biggest, blind, blinds, Cambodia, cash game, cash prize, CBS, Chai Talag, deal, dealer, dealers, dish, dog, dogs, Eisen Munoz, face up, food adventure, food trip, Globe, Good Service, Greatest American Dog, Greenhills, grill, grilling, group, groups, guideline, house player, house players, house rule, house rules, image, inside scoop, Jalapeño, Japan, japanese, July, June, Kagura, list, list of poker rooms, Malate, Malate rooms, Manila, Manila Poker, Manny Pacman, Manny Pacquiao, menu, metro, metro card club, Metro Manila, metrowalk, Mexican, Muñoz, Okonomiyaki, ortigas, Pacman, Photo, player, poker, poker rooms, pork, price, prize, profile, quality, Reality show dogs, reality tv, regular, rule, Ruth Elizabeth Talag, series, service, Show, show card, showdown, small, South, Steak, strategy, sweet, table game, table image, Takoyaki, tale, tales, Tarafoku Set, Taste Manila, Tip, Tips, tournament, tourney, tourneys, TV, Urameshi-ya, Urameshiya, Video, Vietnam, Wagyu, Yakinuku

Pacquiao Floored Hatton

May 4, 2009 by Janey

Three KOs’ a charm.

Pacquiao has really bolstered the path in becoming a boxing legend after knocking out Ricky Hatton. With consecutive wins and 2 straight wins from bigger guys, Pacquiao has definitely more than put the Philippines in the world map. He has gained a worldwide respect from boxing critics and fans. Pacquiao with a record of 49-3-2, 37 knockouts supposedly earned $12 million for the fight, while Hatton (45-2) was paid $8 million.

The pound-for-pound contender Hatton was knocked down twice during the first round. It quickly quieted a boisterous crowd of 16,262 at the MGM Grand arena, we know how loud the Brits can cheer. Many of them flew from England to sing and chant Hatton’s praises. The first knockdown was from a thundering right of Pacman, one that he has developed brilliantly through the help of his trainer Freddie Roach. Opponents have a hard time reading where Pacquiao will be coming from since he has become an ambidextrous boxer.

Referee Kenny Bayless rushed to Hatton’s side and started counting. By number 8, Hatton was back on his feet, still startled by the blow. He tried to buy time. Pacquiao knocked him out again with 11 seconds left. Pacman could have gone for the kill before the staggering Hatton lost his footing. But like a self-assured king of the jungle, he stepped back and circled his prey, knowing that there’s a perfect time to attack the jugular. He let the 1^st round pass (A collective sigh of relief of advertisers, PPV sellers and buyers and boxing fans can be heard from East to West).

At the start of the 2^nd round, Hatton looked unfazed by the first round. Hatton was on the offensive, remembering his brawling style. He became re-energized a bit. He kept charging at Pacquiao trying to return the favor. A seasoned athlete, Pacquiao stick to their game plan even with Hatton’s wild advances. He threw a flurry of punches with precision that left the Hitman helpless. Pacquiao’s speed left him confused.

Image Source: Dave Thompson/PA www.guardian.co.uk

Hatton probably thought Manny would target his body and left his head wide open. He threw a punch to where Manny’s face was supposed to be, only to have his knuckles kiss the wind. Manny dodged and released a left hook, the moneymaker, and it landed squarely on Hatton’s jaw. Hatton lay motionless on the canvass. 2:59 of the 2^nd round, the fight was over.

Pacman threw 73 punches in 2 rounds against Hatton’s 18? The 2 rounds of Pacquiao v. Hatton were more exciting for me than the 9 rounds of Pacquiao v. Dela Hoya. I saw the aggression from Hatton at the start of the 2^nd round but unfortunately Pacquiao has already sized him up.

Pacquiao sealed the deal of being the best pound-for-pound boxer Saturday night with this stunning performance. That left hook that separated Hatton from his senses is a dynamite of a punch and it exploded right at the target area where it’s supposed to hit. He is not only skillful, he is a smart boxer. He knows where the weak spots are and targets it. His increasing speed and accuracy make him an unbeatable title holder.

On the same day Mayweather announced his return to the ring with a July 18 fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.

Do we see a Pacquiao versus Mayweather fight at the end of the year? How about a Marquez next year?

The Real Deal: Pacman Signs with ABS-CBN

July 6 Marked the 1^st Round Between Ateneo and DLSU

Unfinished Business: Pacquiao v. Marquez

Manila Ice and the Philippine Heat

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Slab Restaurant

January 26, 2009 by Janey

Scavenging for a restaurant we can have dinner at, we chanced upon Slab restaurant in Ortigas some time end of November. The wait staff in cowboy outfit informs us that Slab opened in September 2008. Their menu is mostly Southwestern dishes with Ribs as their specialty.

On the Table

Potato Skin PHP

Slices of potato with skin on with cheese, bacon and tomato bits on top

Beef Ribs Full Slab PHP 525

Beef ribs marinated with barbeque sauce. Fall off the bones meat, full of flavor.

Slab Pizza PHP 345

Slab’s signature tomato based pizza with Italian sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, bell peppers, onions, herbs, olives, and mozzarella cheese.

Corn on the Cob Extra Side Dish PHP 40

Mojito PHP 110

Slab is located at Home Depot Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Slab Album

5 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: Home Depot, ortigas, Ribs in town, Slab, Slab restaurant, South, Southwestern cuisine, west, Western

Sex and the City Premiere

May 28, 2008 by Janey

In a city like New York, where moving on is a fact of life, is it really possible to revisit the past? And if we do, will old friends and situations still be as dear to our hearts?

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I watched the Premiere of SATC last night at Mall of Asia and really enjoyed every minute of the film. I only got disappointed with the clothes that SJP was sporting (And of Steve cheating, what the heck were you thinking Steve??) Even if I heard oohs and aahs from girls sitting beside me, I’d have to say that in my POV, Carrie’s ensembles fell below expectations.

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That royal blue number with superfluous sleeves was something I would have wanted to wear 2 years ago. Not today. Since Carrie habitually wears kitschy vintage finds, the feather hairpiece worn on the wedding day is forgivable. I actually borrowed (or stole) one from my friend Kenny, that looks similar to it and I wore it during a hat party. BUT it just doesn’t jiggle with the Vivienne Westwood gown. It’s too over the top! The wedding gown was already out there… a smaller hairpiece would have been better in my POV. The Christian Dior gladiator shoes are not typical wedding footwear but that’s Carrie for you. I find the touch of a blue hairpiece as a good couture-ish addition but maybe not 4-inch feathers pointing to the sky –had a feel of being costume-y. Oh well, I’ve also been fashion forward to my detrimental at times. What do I know? *Shrugs* The movie stylist, Patricia Field, is a professional and a popular one at that. Every scene is filled with enough labels to keep many fashionista salivating. And you become really attuned with the art of fashion. Overall, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte’s wardrobe better were better than Carrie’s in this film. Even, the color choices of their gowns during the wedding fit the glove.

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Among the fabulous foursome, it is with Charlotte that I identified the most last night. Carrie would have been totally me when I was in college. Miranda when I was in law school and initial working years. Boring as it seems, but I identified the most with Charlotte’s expressions and habits. I still have bits and pieces of Carrie within me but that girl has definitely left the building.

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With SATC characters now 40 and older, story lines no longer hinge on getting into the VIP list at the latest happening bar or obtaining the “it” bag of the moment. The movie now revolves wisely about matters of the heart. After finding true love – as all four women had in the finale of the hit HBO series – what comes next? The story definitely does not end there.

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Miranda and Steve reach an impasse in their marriage as Charlotte worries over her miracle pregnancy and happy marriage. In Hollywood, Samantha can’t seem to reconcile her love for Smith with her unease at being absent from the city she drew adventure from. The lady quartet hit their stiletto-shod strides and sashayed together through thick and thin, in clubs, Mexico and abandoned moments at the wedding venue. Throughout, the four women turn in sensitive, solid performances. This does not diminish one ingredient that made the show provocative –a lot of sex talks.

(Love Charlotte and Carrie’s outfits with the Benz background)

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New York writer Carrie Bradshaw and Vogue freelance contributor, who was the star of the season, follows quite a performance in the movie. From where we left off in the season finale Carrie was still very much in love with Big. The movie starts off with nostalgia as the film showed snippets of the past seasons’ highly influential events. From the early beginnings of 20s girl bonding in shopping, cocktails and men to the growing up transitions of the 30s ladies to now 40s women who face life head on and value the matters of the heart.

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Carrie and Big were looking for the perfect Manhattan apartment where natural light can fill the rooms. With all the skyscrapers in NY, this really becomes a hunted treasure. Carrie breaks to friends the news of finding a model abode for her and Big that he volunteered to pay for. Miranda, being very independent minded that she is, informs Carrie that if worse comes to worst, Big can easily throw her out and she becomes a homeless person in her Manolo Blahniks. Carrie said that Miranda should stop worrying and just feel what Carrie wants her to feel… Jealousy.

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I really liked that part because a girlfriend should really be upfront with a tad of jealousy and envy instead of keeping the feelings inside letting it surmount to being unhappy for her friend. Being jealous of a friend’s vacation to Paris or her successful opportunities is inevitable. But it all boils down to knowing how to handle it and being happy for her without being bitter. Bitterness eventually leads to backbiting. So be happy, happy, happy! If you’re not as successful or hasn’t been presented with certain opportunities, at least your friend is experiencing it. You have felt it close enough to make it partly yours.

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Back to the story, Carrie then confronts Big surreptitiously implying that marriage should be in place. Marriage, however, never entered the equation with Big. Big wants Carrie. Carrie wants wedding. Wedding bells chimed.

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Meanwhile, Miranda settled in Brooklyn with dormant husband, Steve, and 4-year old son Brady. Lawyer Miranda, struggles to balance work and being a mother, while neglecting for 6 months that she is also a wife to Steve. Funny moment (but not new since other movies had a sequence like this also) when Miranda and Steve were having sex and Miranda blurted out, “Can you just get it over with!” Later on, Steve betrays Miranda with a one-nightee, and Miranda briefly separates with Steve but in the end forgives him.

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Upper East Side rich kid Charlotte is mom to adopted daughter Lily. After several years of childbearing activities and adoption, she finds out that she’s pregnant. All the while, with so much chaos around her, Charlotte is overly worried about her seemingly perfect life and wondered where it was going to go wrong. Thank heavens that the writer decided to include an almost flawless and high fidelity marriage because it is still possible to have that.

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The ever lustfully empowered Samantha has relocated to glitzy LA and spends her time managing the publicity for boyfriend Smith, a hot young model making a name in Hollywood. There’s also the sexy neighbor Dante who is ready to test Samantha’s monogamous state. Their love story is also one for the books and I really liked the angle and how it played out. I remember one scene in the season where Samantha went up to the PH suite with her old ex-boyfriend and told Smith off. Samantha, “play with your friends and I’ll play with mine.” Eventually had sex with her ex, went down the lift, the lift opens and voila, Smith was waiting patiently for her. Smith then brings her home. (Choke)

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Jennifer Hudson’s role as an assistant was brilliant as it brings a fresh character to the all-so-familiar drama. I just wish that her role were developed more instead of it just being sprouts of personality. Her acting seemed dry compared to her performance in Dreamgirls.

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The wedding hype buzzed throughout Manhattan landing on Page 6 and getting sponsored by a highly celebrated designer. From an intended 75 guests to a whopping 201, Big’s 2 previous failed marriage woes, and getting way ahead over their heads, the Big D finally arrives. Instead of it being Carrie’s big day as a blushing bride, Carrie was dropped, took the part of a flushing bride and the wedding day became a BIG day.

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The real beauty of “SATC” as a movie lies in the return of all those things that were too familiar to us… the tacit sexual moments, provocative language and wardrobe (or the lack of it…), the unabashed love of human frailty and outright feminism. CW whispers to me and tells me, like a parent lecturing a little child, “don’t emulate them okay?” Haha. I heard real concern in his voice –for himself.

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I’ve always loved the snappy, verbal sparring between the girls and their men. Laughed often through the wacky behaviors of each lady and loved a few shed-a-tear moments. I was especially moved by the drama when Carrie got out of the car and ran to Big. I felt so much for her and felt so much for Charlotte as a friend. Charlotte moved me in that scene.

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Similar to any great night out with girlfriends, our 6-year loved series cum movie is drenched with so much love and reality that it lingers long after the last Cosmopolitan runs dry. It is hands down the sassiest movie of the summer that gives us fabulous, fun frolic, sometimes weak, but big heart moments.

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6 Comments Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: Mall of Asia, Manila, Manolo Blahniks, Movie, Premiere, Sarah Jessica Parker, SATC, Sex and the City, SJP, SM, South, Vivienne Westwood

Café Verbena @ Discovery Country Suites, Tagaytay

March 5, 2008 by Janey

I called Café Verbena to reserve a table for two on January 5, 2008. It was my birthday dinner treat for Bubba. Saturday traffic at the South Expressway almost dampened our mood, but a relaxing vibe embraces you as you walk in the 80-seat restaurant of Café Verbena. Decorated in soft Tuscan tones and elegant drapery, Café Verbena maintained that Discovery Suites’ sophisticated look. Our reserved table was located at their enclosed veranda, where one can feel the soft whimper of the night breeze.

Bread, Butter and In-house Salsa -Free

A good opening to what was going to be a very delightful dinner.

Soup of the Day PHP 110++

The soup of that night was pumpkin soup, which is one of our favorite flavors of liquefied starter course. We had to ask the waiter to split into two, which he courteously obliged to. The pumpkin flavor was evident in the soup with a dollop of cream to enhance the flavor.

Organic Mozzarella Cheese Pot PHP 240++

Since we are such cheese lovers, we had to order this. Served ‘fondue-style” in an earthy pot, the cheese serving wasn’t bad at all. Spicy tomato relish and fresh Tagaytay herbs were added to the cheese mixture. It was served with warm focaccia. We had to ask for extra since we finished the bread first before the cheese.

Verbena’s Sampler Plate PHP 650++

We are so ecstatic to try everything on the menu since we traveled all the way from Manila just for dinner. Instead of ordering too many dishes that we might just not finish, we ordered the sampler plate with three small samplings of Verbena’s top entrées. We shared the dish and the price was well worth it.

BBQ Lamb Baby Back Ribs

Nothing too extraordinary. Lamb ribs basted with sweet and spicy barbeque paste. This was served with Polenta fries. I think Polenta is some type of corn mush, which was also eaten as staple by Survivor Africa contestants. Polenta is also used in cornbreads as partner to Chili Con Carne.

Grilled Norwegian Salmon with Arugula-Mushroom Salad

I personally enjoyed the salmon among the rest because the salmon was tasty and juicy. Plus the crispy skin of the salmon is unforgettable –I want to order this again if only for the salty crackling skin. I wanted to steal Bubba’s share of the salmon skin but restrained myself.

U.S. Beef Short Ribs “Goulash”

Short ribs slowly cooked with roasted onion and caraway sauce. This was served with potato puree, which is something similar to mashed potato.

Black Pepper Fettuccini PHP 260++

This was the dish we were least happy about. It almost ruined the whole experience. Since I love black pepper (Bubba even teases me that my food looks like it has sand on it every time I put fresh ground pepper –yes, I put that much pepper), I was intrigued by how this dish will turn out. This pasta dish was served with smoked bacon, roasted garlic and portabello mushrooms. However, the other ingredients failed to integrate and the pasta didn’t have a unified taste.

Overall, the dinner was exquisitely enjoyed. Café Verbena is one of the classiest restaurants in the hills of Tagaytay, which is a definite place for romantic ambience. Hats off to Executive Chef David Pardo de Ayala for bringing his cooking expertise learned from the Culinary Institute of America to Discovery Country Suites

Cafe Verbena Album

Café Verbena

Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay

300 Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay

683 8222

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