RSS
 

Splendid Lunch at Lolo Dad’s Cafe

29 Nov

I normally don’t splurge on expensive food unless it’s free or company sponsored so When I was given a complimentary luxury dinner for 2 by my company, I chose to spend it at Lolo Dad’s Café – with my lucky friend.

DSC_0805

Lolo Dad’s Café by Chef Ariel Manuel is a secret fine dining gem in Malate. It’s located along the busy Quirino avenue beside a tapsilogan / carinderia. As they say, don’t judge a restaurant by its location.Tee-hee…

DSC_0808

The restaurant used to be the old house of the owner’s grandfather and yes Lolo Dad is what the owner calls the grandfather. What’s more exciting is that the menu contains all the favorite foods of Lolo Dad. Talk about a very gourmet Lolo!

DSC_0787

I am no food connoisseur so I just ordered the 4 Course Tasting Menu (Php 2,200), no regrets, I had one of the best the meals of my life.

To start the meal, we had the Soy and Vinegar marinated Duck Foie gras terrine and
Sous vide of Goose breast, Guava jelly and Mesclun salad. Foie gras is the restaurant’s specialty and I have to say that it’s the best foie gras I’ve had.

DSC_0788

Because I love Soft Shell Crabs, I ordered an additional appetizer: Soft shell crab Parmigiana with Keta caviar aioli, Blue Crab & Cucumber Salad (Php 570). Aaaah… the second best appetizer in the menu indeed! One can never go wrong with soft shell crabs.

DSC_0794

For our 2nd Course, we had the Seared Fillet of Black Seabass and Poached Lobster Tail, Sweet Corn Flan and Oyster Cream. If seabass weren’t expensive, I would eat it everyday. This course is actually my most favorite because I love seafood and sweet corn flan is just divine!

DSC_0791

To cleanse our palate, we had the Calamansi Sorbet – I wish they serve a big cup of this! Haha.

DSC_0796

And for the main course, Roast Rack of Lamb and Stewed Sheep Leg, Soft Potatoes and market vegetables – the lamb was cooked to perfection, so tender, and the potatoes – the best I’ve had ever!

DSC_0799

I am practically floating in heaven – If I could just savor each bite forever …

DSC_0801

Last but not the least, our dessert: White Valrhona Chocolate Flan, Fresh Berries and Salted Vanilla Ice Quenelle with Olive Oil. The chocolate flan is so rich & wicked and the ice cream – who would think that salt and olive oil can make the best ice cream in the world? :)

DSC_0802

Amazing Plating right?

DSC_0803

My Lolo Dad’s dining experience is surely a meal to cherish. Food is really an art. Seriously, the price is so worth it (worth my company’s money) hehe.. . Thank you to Chef Ariel for concocting divine cuisine. Till my next visit – hopefully!

Lolo Dad’s Cafe: 899 President Quirino Avenue corner Leon Guinto, Malate, Manila
Tel. No. 524-2295. Open from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Mondays); 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for dinner (Tuesdays to Saturdays)

 
1 Comment

Posted in Manila, Yummy Pilipinas

 

Lunch at Hanichi

22 Nov

My friend bought a Deal Dozen voucher for Hanaichi Authentic Japanese Cuisine: A Deal Dozen Feast for 2-3 People. She invited me to join her and considering our appetite, it’s equivalent to a 1.5 Person.

IMG_0322

The “feast” includes Spicy Tuna Maki – loved the generous serving of spicy tuna.

IMG_0317

Unagi Kabayaki – I will love always unagi no matter how it’s cooked

IMG_0320

5 Pc Ebi Tempura – not really a fan of tempura and nothing to rave about.

IMG_0319

US Beef Sukiyaki –The beef is so tender and the broth is just perfect (yum, yum, yum)!

IMG_0321

Coffe Jelly  – not included in the voucher but I needed my caffeine fix. It was good by the way!

IMG_0323

I have never been to Japan so I don’t know what’s an authentic Japanese cuisine so I cant say if Hanaichi is authentic or not, but they serve good food. So, who cares? :)

 
No Comments

Posted in Taguig, Yummy Pilipinas

 

A Happy, Milky & Sunny Breakfast for Dinner

21 Nov

After watching Happy Feet 2 which was super fun & cute (yes, we traded penguins over vampires), we decided to have dinner at Milky & Sunny in Kapitolyo. I’ve been reading blog reviews about this place and of course breakfast for dinner? Who doesn’t want that?

IMG_0307

Upon entering Milky & Sunny, we already knew we were in for a nice treat, white walls with blue borders, cute & artsy paintings and a very homey ambience!

IMG_0312

We were greeted by the owner (I think his name is Bernard) and gave us his recommendations.

C got a Breakfast Big Plate: Bacon, Spam, Sausage, Hash Potatoes, Sunny Side Up (Php 250)…

IMG_0310

and Bacon & Spam Pasta (Php 180) for us to share.
IMG_0308

We agreed that was enough.

And then we were seeing the other tables getting their orders…

So we ordered the Bangus Meal (Php 160)

IMG_0309

and the Strawberry & Cream Cheese Pancakes (Php 140). We told ourselves, we can bring it home for breakfast tomorrow.

IMG_0311

Guess What? We finished it all.

My personal favorite is the Bacon & Spam Pasta (so yummy but I hope they had big bacons instead) and the Strawbery & Cream Cheese Pancakes (the pancakes are so fluffy I could die!).

As for the Breakfast Big plate, it’s a bit expensive considering that they are just fried processed food. For the Bangus, the serving is huge but the fish is not marinated well.

Anyway, food is still great and the place is cozy-oh-so cozy, we loved it! We’ll surely visit again and try their other specialties – I heard the tapa & omelette are awesome too.

Overall, It was indeed a Happy breakfast for dinner at Milky & Sunny.

Milky & Sunny. 9 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

 
No Comments

Posted in Pasig, Wonderful Pilipinas

 

Bicolano Pizza

16 Nov

Dios Maray na Aga Saindo. I am currently here in Naga City, my beloved hometown! The most beautiful & happiest city in the Philippines, wait, in the World!

I am here to attend the 22nd Ad Congress – Change the Game.

Right now, I’m in the Cam Sur Watersports Complex Clubhouse enjoying my super yummy Bicolano Pizza and Mango Banana Shake.

IMG_0290

I have to tell you that this is the best & weirdest pizza in the world! Who said that you can only eat laing & bicol express with rice only?!

To all tourists visiting naga city, pls try this stomach blowing pizza!

And enjoy the activities at CWC!

IMG_0294

Ta-Ta!

 
No Comments

Posted in Naga City, Yummy Pilipinas

 

Ba Noi’s

26 Jul

I’ve been working in Makati for 4 years already and I have to say I’d rather work from home or somewhere in the QC area, the traffic & congested streets = Major stress.
But there’s something that takes my stress away, it’s the quaint restaurants which serves awesome dishes in the streets of Makati.

A few blocks from my office is a hidden gem popular among foodies for its Vietnamese cuisine. Ba Noi’s – the fresh flavors of Vietnam, was my stress reliever for the day.
And for my de-stress meals…

IMG_0033

Pho Bo (Php 225): The classic Beef Noodle Soup is For the win.

IMG_0031

The meat is very tender & the broth is very refreshing. Not a hint of Sebo/Oil or MSG. This is a far cry from the noodle soups in commercialized Vietnamese restaurants. This is definitely the best I’ve tasted in Manila. I have never been to Vietnam but I’ve tried a quite yummy Pho Bo in Jakarta & in Reno (my most memorable Pho Bo because I was freezing to death after sightseeing in Reno)

Goi Buo Tom Thit (Php 175): I would always try Shrimp and Pomelo Salad in every Vietnamese resto because of its Nuoc Nam (special fish sauce).

IMG_0030

I really love how the shrimp, pomelo, seafood bits & fish crackers dipped in nuoc nam creates a burst of flavor in my mouth. We were supposed to order the Fresh Spring Rolls but it was already out of stock… damn…

After finishing every bit of shrimp & pomelo and slurping my last bit of noodle soup, Stress seems like a foreign feeling to me. I would definitely go back to and hopefully I can try their fresh spring rolls. Another thing to love about Ba Noi is its chic asian ambiance, It’s a nice place to hang out with girlfriends on a busy Friday night – if you want to shy away from the congested restos in Makati.

IMG_0032

Ba Noi’s. The Fresh Flavors of Vietnam is located in G/F Greenbelt Mansions, 106 Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati. A 5-10 minute walk from Greenbelt. It’s open form Monday-Saturday, 11am-9pm.

Hope you can have a taste of the fresh flavors of Ba Noi’s! :)

 
No Comments

Posted in Makati, Yummy Pilipinas

 

what’s Up Mr Jones?

21 Jul

My Kain Dami Buddy knows that i hate eating in mall restaurants. Seriously, i’ll drive all the way to Maginhawa village from Makati at 8PM so I can have a decent yet affordable meal. Resto food in malls are severely overpriced and commercialized. But of course there are instances when I have to endure eating at mall restaurants and let’s just say my aversion will stay that way.

My parents came to visit and I was planning to bring them to a foodie gem in QC. But mom suddenly had a dinner meeting in Greenbelt. So Dad & I brought her there, since we didnt join her dinner meeting, we decided to have an early dinner at Mr Jones, Greenbelt 5. My dad was craving for American food and we liked the diner ambiance of Mr Jones.

IMG_3252

i have read about Mr Jones in blogs and the dish that I remembered was the U.S. Beef Ribcap Tapa & Garlic Overload (Php 295).

IMG_3253

The waiter also recommended the dish and the other guests in the resto also ordered it, so I was thinking, this better be good! But. Uhm. it wasnt that good. the beef was really tender, the most tender tapa I’ve had. but the marinade is just not what i’m expecting / what i would like. it was sweet/salty/ very nakakasawa. seriously, i like tapa rodic’s tapa better! perhaps i was looking for a more soy sauce with chili  taste tapa… My dad didnt like it either.  On a side note, the serving was huge, 2 females can share it and the Scrambled eggs was yummy. LOL!

My dad was craving for a big fat burger so he ordered the Homemade Char-Grilled 100% US Beef “Superman” Burger (Php 420).

IMG_3257

I am not a fan of burgers – I’m a rice lover so it’s just another slab of beef patty for me. Good thing, my dad liked it. The beef was really good and the big serving was indeed for Superman! I also love the bucket of French fries that comes with it.

Overall, I wasn’t disappointed, well, because I wasn’t really expecting the food to be that great. So-So lang. but I have to say that the service was impeccable and the place has a cutesy diner vibe. But I don’t think I would come back again unless the food is free. Tee –hee…

 
No Comments

Posted in Makati, Yummy Pilipinas

 

What a RUB-derful Day!

10 Jul

It was a gloomy Sunday morning and while waiting for KDB to pick me up at home & watch a movie (Pls don’t watch Monte Carlo), I came upon http://dapattylaurel.blogspot.com/ and her GO Ahead RUB it in entry. KDB is a Meat lover and will surely go into a state of gastronomic euphoria with a plate of Baby back ribs. So we dropped by RUB Ribs & BBQ – which turned out to be one of the best & affordable rib meal we had.

DSC_0495

For starters, we ordered the Pepperoni Melt (Php 170) Pepperoni + Hot Cheese Sauce + Toast.

DSC_0490

I actually don’t like Pepperoni but KDB likes pepperoni and Patty Laurel said it’s her favorite dish. Verdict: It’s now my favorite dish and I am actually drooling while blogging this. It’s spicy, cheesy, yummy and just the best – I have to say I’m liking Pepperoni now! Make sure to order the Mild Sauce because it’s already spicy. Although I think they should serve it with more toast because we ate the rest of it with Rice but it goes really well with the toast.

And for our main course, what KDB has been waiting & drooling for: Super Duo (Php 350) 1 Whole Slab + 2 Sides. I only ate ¼ of the slab, the rest was devoured by KBD! It was really yummy.

DSC_0491

The meat was tender enough & the marinade was just what I’ve been craving for, more of spicy than sweet. What made this meal more appetizing are the side dishes that came with it: Bacon & Potato Salad + Grilled Spinach with Mushroom. I liked the grilled spinach with mushroom more which was a perfect taste bud neutralizer – it really goes well with the ribs. We were actually deconstructing it for KDB to cook because it’s really a perfect side dish.

Our meal is actually good for 3 Persons. Well, 3 Hungry females, as Corrected by KDB. So we were super full after we finished the meal. Yeah, we finished it, we didn’t leave a single meat off our plates!

It was already raining hard after we finished our meal so while waiting for the rain to stop, Picture-Picture first! It’s a cool hangout place with red interiors and artsy photographs.

DSC_0497

It’s 2 floor establishment – very small though. I think it can only accommodate 20-25 pax at a time.

DSC_0499

The waitress said it can get very crowded on Friday-Saturday nights or if someone reserves the whole place so she told me to call in advance for reservations.

KBD already told me that we are definitely eating again at RUB. LOL! Since KBD might be biased because meat is always good food for him. I really have to say that RUB is a resto to dine, even if you’re not a ribs or pepperoni lover, you will love it, I tell you… and it’s really affordable! Really looking forward to our next visit, I heard the Buffalo Wings is also a Best Seller…

For RUB’s menu, check out their Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/RUBRibsBBQ

Truly, RUB made our day RUB –derful, even after watching the most boring chick flick filmed: Monte Carlo.

DSC_0496

RUB Ribs & BBQ. 64 Scout Rallos, Quezon City, Philippines. Open Daily 10am-1am.

 
No Comments

Posted in Quezon City, Yummy Pilipinas

 

PINO -rrific!

02 Jul

Because Maginhawa Village is just a 10 minute drive from my house and there are really a lot of yummy hole in the wall restaurants in the area, I plan to conquer all of the restaurants there.

My Kain Dami Buddy decided to try Pino Resto Bar – a resto serving Filipino Food with a twist, a little bit on the gourmet side.

IMG_3250

Foodie Bloggers would always rave about the Kare Kareng Bagnet (Php 240) – It’s crispylicious bagnet with Kare Kare sauce served with Bagoong Rice. I love bagnet, I love Kare Kare. Combine it – Heaven!

IMG_3249

KDB tried the Crispy Tenderloin Tapsilog (Php 210)- fried & Juicy beefy tenderloin coated in crispy breading with gravy sauce. It’s served with egg & garlic rice. I actually don’t get the concept but it’s yummy anyway. Most of all, KDB loves it!

IMG_3251

We were planning to order dessert but we already full from our yummy Pino meal. Pino Resto Bar has a very relaxing & chic atmosphere, a place to have a catch up lunch with friends. I just don’t know at night because it has a bar at the back of the resto.

Overall, It was indeed a PINO – rrific meal and will surely go back to PINO – I heard the Adobong Tadyang is also a winner.

*Pino shares the same establishment with Pipino – a vegetarian restaurant – will try that next time.

Pino Resto Bar. 39 Malingap, Teachers Vill, Quezon City. Tel No: +632 441 17 73
Budget: PHP 250 – 400 per person

 
No Comments

Posted in Quezon City, Yummy Pilipinas

 

Dim Sum @ Federal Palace

30 Jun

It’s our first day in Hong Kong. Dad and I were already hungry and he was telling me if we could eat in Mcdo! What the? He said he’s scared to try exotic food. Daddy, we are in Hong Kong, not in Mongolia. Daddy is really getting old. Tsk tsk… Good thing, my cousin brought us to Federal Palace, a classy dimsum resto in City Gate Mall, Tung Chung .

My cousin ordered a lot dishes, she just kept on checking dishes from the order menu. Check out the dimsum spread: Siu Mai, Fried Radish Cake, Crispy Fried Squid, Shrimp Dumpling, BBQ Pork Buns, Lor Mai Gai, Steamed Spare Ribs, Noodles, etc…! Yeah, that’s for 3 Pax.

DSC_0003

DSC_0001

Obviously, we didn’t finish the food but it was really good. Dad even said that it’s delicious and that it doesn’t taste exotic. When was Dim Sum exotic? LOL. I love dimsum and I was really hungry so I wasn’t able to take pictures If you ever visit City Gate Mall, Hong Kong’s first outlet mall, drop by Federal Palace for your dimsum fix.

Federal Palace. Shop 226, 2/F Citygate Outlets. 20 Tat Tung Road. Lantau, Hong Kong. Tel. +85 2 2626 0181

 
1 Comment

Posted in Hong Kong

 

Ngong Ping Village

30 Jun

Ngong Ping Village is set on a 1.5 hectare site on Lantau Island, adjacent to Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue. This amazing cultural themed village has been architecturally designed and landscaped to reflect the cultural and spiritual integrity of the Ngong Ping area. It boasts several major attractions – Walking with Buddha and the Monkey’s Tale Theatre – as well as a diverse array of retail, dining and entertainment experiences.

DSC_0126

Ngong Ping Village is Hong Kong’s newest tourist attraction and it’s not a common itinerary because tourists opt to go to Disneyland instead. My cousin who lives in Tung Chung hasn’t been there but I’ve been read blogs that the place is worth the visit.

DSC_0174

You can go there riding the Crystal Cabin – a glass cable car so you would be able to see the island at 360 degrees. I’m super scared of heights but I wanted to try for the sake of Adventure & Blogging. LOL. But my Daddy will probably have a heart attack riding it. He was already scared going up the The Peak’s escalator – what more a cable car ride?

For those scared of heights or accompanying old & scaredy cat parents (just kidding), you can take Bus 23 from Tung Chung Station. It’s a 45 minute bus ride, don’t worry, you’ll enjoy the view also :)

As we got off the bus, I already had a great view of the Tian Tian Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha – a large bronze statue of a Buddha, completed in 1993.. The statue is located near Po Lin Monastery and symbolises the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and religion.

DSC_0085

The village probably doesn’t have a historical significance but the architecture is quite interesting. Take a lot at the gates.

DSC_0089

Inside the village…

DSC_0101

Big Buddha is actually elevated, you have to climb 268 steps.

DSC_0127

Of course my lazy oldie dad just had a picture at the bottom of the steps. well, at the tenth step :(

DSC_0161

I climbed the 268 steps alone :(

DSC_0159

But it’s worth the climb, Tian Tian Buddha is a sight to behold!

DSC_0138

The Worshippers :)
DSC_0139

After that, we went to the Po Lin Monastery – some areas are under construction, we could hear the loud construction noises.

DSC_0112

Inside the temple…

DSC_0114

Tian Tian Buddha is sort of looking after the Monastery

DSC_0116

After that, we went to Ngong Pong Village – there were so many shops & restaurants. We didn’t have much time so we just took pictures.

DSC_0168

Of course, with the cable car…

DSC_0170

There’s still a lot of things to do but no more time. We really need to make a 2nd visit :)

DSC_0165

To all those planning to go to Hong Kong & sick of Disneyland or broke from shopping, the Ngong Ping Village is worth the visit.

For more info, Please check the site: http://www.np360.com.hk/

*On our way home, I saw this big white complex… I think it’s HK’s prison complex. Cool :)
DSC_0180

Related Posts with Thumbnails
 
No Comments

Posted in Hong Kong

 
« Older Entries