OMAKASE

I discovered Omakase japanese cuisine from my friends who lives in the South. The place seems popular even though you have to find your way to get there.

I don't really know how to assess Japanese cuisine like knowing whether if its authentic or not. But what I can share is every time I visit this restaurant, I order something new.  I have visited Omakase 3 times and  I never had any negative reviews.  I like the idea that they have a wide-range of menu and it does encourage me to order a japanese item that is not familiar to me.

Omakase Japanese Cuisine is located at Casa Susana, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City. Tel Nos. (02) 771-1443

(Top photo: Spider Maki P230. Below: Unagi Kabayaki P295, Fried rice P60, Zaru Soba P185, Chirashi P270, Oyster Sashimi P240, Agedashi Tofu P110)

HOLY COW CHOPHOUSE

I seldom go to Trinoma Mall due to its distance.  So when I go there, I try to dine to restaurants that doesn't have a branch in Makati / Alabang.

Ordered Boneless US Beef Ribs Barbecue Php340.00. I actually liked my order. The ribs were sweetly marinated, cooked just right, tender and tasty.

They just need to add in their menu refillable drinks. An order of ice tea costs 85.00 no refill.  Even though its a huge glass you'll be tempted to compare it to its neighboring joint - Jack's loft fish bowl ice tea is at 110.00.  The drink is maybe at least triple in volume - one will definitely be tempted to order from the other side.

Anyway, hope they will consider adding a refillable drink in their menu, anyhow other American food chains here in Manila offers them.  

Me and my friend hanged around for at least 2 hours and the attendants never shooed us nor bugged that we need to order more.   Overall am content with the food and the service.

Holy Cow Chophouse is located at the 4th floor of the Trinoma Mall, North EDSA, Quezon City

Grilled US beef Brochetta Php395.00








Breads are free appetizers

KENNY ROGERS ROASTERS

Its been awhile since I last ate in Kenny Rogers  (I think its been at least 2 years since I last ate there)... I can say due to their AD promotions lately -- (they have a billboard along SLEX), Kenny Rogers became on top of my mind again.

We dined in Kenny Rogers that's located  in one of the gasoline stations in NLEX.  Kenny Rogers is famous for its Roasted Chicken (its very peppery in taste).  For me, my favorite in Kenny Rogers is their corn muffins. But I think I am the only one who loves their muffins. ha ha.  I love buying and eating their corn muffins since I was in college - hmmm that was maybe at least 15 years ago

We ordered the group meal - Php575.00. It comes with whole chicken, rice, 4 side dish, 4 muffins and a pitcher of ice tea.  I think this was really a good deal.

I can say that over the years, Kenny Rogers has been consistent on its taste and quality.

Kenny Rogers website: http:www.kennys.com.ph

RALI'S GRILL AND BAR

Rali's Grill and Bar isn't located in the busy-area of Subic.  We bumped into it since the restaurant is near our lodging during the Ad Congress (Forest View) - we would pass by it everyday.  They display different colored flags in front of their restaurant - one will not miss it.  But looks like it doesn't have much customers.  Though when we finally dined here on our last day in Subic (Sunday lunch)  there were other customers.

What I like about the place is its overlooking the water (its actually near the port).  You can choose between al fresco dining or air-conditioned.  We chose to dine outside to enjoy the cool breeze.

We were quite impressed on how the meals were served.  but we joked maybe that's the reason why it took awhile before they served our orders. (we waited around 15 to 20 mins).

I ordered Salisbury steak. Its good, though I wished I ordered something different since I am not into (burger type of meats). Next time I'll try to order their steaks.  I love their side dish. First time I tasted a side dish that's sweet and crispy. 

Rali's Grill and Bar is located along Malawaan Park Argonaut Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. You'll pass by it if you are going in out of Forest View.  They also serve breakfast

Photo shown above: bacon cheese burger 225, photos shown below: baby back ribs 260, beef steak 295, salisbury 235, mango crepe 85.

 

 

 

MEAT PLUS CAFE

MEAT PLUS by its name you'd know it means - STEAKS.  If you are a meat lover, you don't wanna miss leaving Subic without dining in this resto since their steak meals are very reasonable.  They even have a refrigerator wherein it says "Choose your own steak. We'll cook it for you" - cooking charge is additional Php100.00

They also have combo meals that ranges from 145 to 200. Its inclusive of soup, side dish, rice/mashed potato and drink. 

I ordered the topsirloin steak and I was happy with my order :-).  I didn't expect I'll be able to finish the whole cut (well I shared a few bites to my colleagues for them to taste my order).  They cooked it nicely, just right even the sauce was just right.  I also like the Cheesecake. Though its quite hard to eat dessert if you just ate a big chunk of steak.  Definitely I'll go back and dine here the next time I visit Subic.

Meat Plus is located in Building 65, Sampson Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongap. Its beside Royal Subic Duty Free.  I also recommend you to go and shop in Royal Subic Duty Free

Photo above: topsirloin steak 270. photo below: grilled pork spareribs 200 and grilled chicken 185

XTREMELY XPRESSO CAFE

Xtremely Xpresso Cafe is located in Subic. The last time I was there it was 5 years ago, at that time the place was just new. I was surprised and happy seeing that the place has boomed and even had an expansion.

This time we had dinner and ordered their BIG BEN extreme size pizza (22 inch). We were 5 people and we didn't even had a few pizza left for take-out.

Most of all, they serve Lavazza coffee! - this is actually one of my favorite coffee brands.

Xtremely Xpresso Cafe is located along Dewey Avenue, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo

website: http://www.xtremelyxpresso.com

 

ARISTOCRAT RESTAURANT

Ever since I was a kid, there will be occasions when my papa would bring us to Aristocrat Restaurant located aloing Roxas Blvd.

I noticed that the place always have customers even if you visit wee hours of the morning. Hee hee, well, we usually go there during those hours.  I also noticed that they usually have diners who are Balikbayans. 

We have been going back to that branch for more than 20 years. For me, its taste has never been changed over the years. There are days that I would crave for its barbecue chicken PLUS its java rice and java sauce.  Just like when I recently attended the Ad Congress in Subic, upon seeing the signage of Aristocrat, I told my colleagues we really need to dine there since I am now craving for it.  Which we did! :-)  (this photo was taken in Aristocrat Restaurant in Subic)

I browsed and they have a website -- http://www.aristocrat.com.ph though if you want to see their updated menu, you can view it in http://food.clickthecity.com

FIGARO COFFEE

Figaro Coffee is my all-time-favorite coffee.

Knowing that Figaro is an all-filipino-owned company, the more I want to support.  They run a foundation catering to provide training and support to coffee farmers from various provinces around the Philippines (http://www.figarocoffee.com/csr_farmers.html)  

There was actually a period in my life that I would crave for Figaro's blueberry muffin. When I feel sungit for the day, I would step out of the office and buy myself a blueberry muffin.  I love its sweetness and softness and they serve it warm (I wasnt able to take a photo -- will take a photo next time).

One thing I noticed, when they serve your coffee in a cup, they create a design on the foam.  I would look forward to seeing what design it would be next time I order a cup of coffee.

Figaro coffee outlets are WIFI hotspots.  Some outlets requires minimum purchase in order for you to have internet access.

Mocha Espresso Praline - P125

Little Oscar - P105

CAFE JUANITA

I've heard of Cafe Juanita through a friend and read it from OAP's blog.  Today,  I had a chance to try their new restaurant located in Burgos Circle, Fort.  This is actually its 2nd branch.  When we chatted with the waiters - they said that the owner of the first branch (located in Kapitolyo Pasig) is a part-owner of this branch.

I love its ambiance!  I love its shabby-chic concept! Cozy and relaxing. I think I can sit there for hours and chat... chat... chat... :).  The food is good too!  We tried the filipino dishes - they recommended the Bagnet and Kare-kare. 

I also noticed that there are price tags on some of its decors.. When I peeked on the price of one of the shawls hanging it showed Php3,000 --yikes! Well it has a unique craftsmanship :). It definitely targets the upper market. :)

This is the restaurant that I'll definitely visit again :)

Cafe Juanita is located in Burgos Circle, Forbestown Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. (From Rizal Drive, you turn at 29th street)

Cafe Juanita menu (hand painted). Vietnamese Spring rolls P220 (7 pcs)

Bagnet Salad P310. Cafe Juanita Ceasar Salad P275.  Kare-kare P495. Steamed Rice P45/cup. Ice Tea - bottomless P67. SMB Pilsen Light P65.

DUNKIN DONUTS CAFE

I practically grew up eating Dunkin Donuts.  I remember this is the snack being served after our Sunday school + zesto drink :). For me when you say "donuts" its "Dunkin Donuts".

I was quite impressed when I saw "Dunkin Donuts Cafe" around Fort Bonifacio.  It has its new look - ambiance.  They now serve meals - salad, sandwiches, pasta, different types of coffee drink + there is still a glass counter showing all the donuts that dunkin donut offers.

They area open 24/7!  With FREE WIFI access. (I also noticed there are electrical outlets)

Dunkin Donuts Cafe is located along 31st street corner 1st avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

 

KIDO MANGA

Their Kido Punch Tea (like a red tea) has a unique taste. The burger is quite ok. but the Takoyaki which seems to be highly advertised- i really didnt like it. i think the ones i tasted in Sunday Legaspi market tasted better :-)  
Classic Cheese burger with 16 oz drink and fries - 120.00; Takoyaki (special) 3 pcs - 40.00

Kido Manga is located at Robinsons Place, Malate, Manila

MAKANSUTRA

 

I have been hearing about Makansutra so around September 2009, we finally got to try the place. Hmmm... the concept is really nice. Its like the food courts in Singapore - I can relate it with Food Republic. With that in mind and hearing that its really owned by a Singaporean, I was expecting the food will also taste the same. Sad to say it didn't appeal much to my taste. Maybe we just ordered the wrong ones? or maybe they adjusted the food to filipino taste.  The only thing I enjoyed among all our orders was their Barley drink.

I hope they can improve, since I really like the concept.  Having different kinds of Asian cuisine in one place. And prices are reasonable.  I will give it few more months and will try to go back again and order other viands..

Roti prata 90.00; Prawn mee soup 130.00, Mee rebus 90.00

 

Aside from not being content with my orders, I don't like my excess food go to waste so I requested for a take out bag -- then I was told its Php5.00 per container. What??!! First  time I've encountered a food outlet that charges take out containers. yikes!

Makansutra Asian Food Village is located at Manila Ocean Park's second floor. Behind Quirino Grandstand

Luneta Park, Manila. website: http://www.makansutra.com

MAGPANTAY'S CATERING

I never get disappointed with Magpantay's catering. The catering is owned and run by Mr. Alvin Magpantay. Even though the owner is my kumpare (his wife - Carol is a very good friend of mine back from our Ayala Life days), I admire his cooking skills. As a matter of fact, he never had any formal training in cooking - its all talent and hobby.

We threw a despedida party for "some" of my team members who are leaving the company. Since me and my boss is sponsoring, this gave me the opportunity to order from Alvin :-).  We were actually ordering last minute - he doesn't want to accept orders anymore.  But when Alvin learned it was me ordering, he accommodated us :-).  * grin * grin *

They provide full-catering set-up to parties and events around Metro Manila. Though they also accept orders even just for lunch deliveries. Alvin Magpantay Catering: 831.6346; 0920.294.9234. Email: magpantayab@yahoo.com.ph

Photos: Grilled Chicken Terriyaki 30 pcs. 1,300.00; Pandan puto cake 7.00 each; Pansit Bihon (good for 20 -25 pax) 820.00 - the pansit bihon was quite a size. I think its actually good for 45 to 50 pax.  Chicken Fingers 800.00 (good for 12-16 pax), Spaghetti Bolognese 600.00, Fettucini Carbonara 580.00


03.05.2010: Posting more photos... this time we tried chicken fingers, fettucini carbonara, spaghetti bolognese, and garlic bread

ALEXANDRE

September 2009, I finally dropped by Alexandre. The place looks very posh (hi-end). When I went in I was warmly welcomed by a gentleman (I think he is the owner) then by the attendants at the counter.  I bought 2 kinds of croissant : butter and almond.  I wasn't able to take a photo of the buttered croissant since I was hungry and it looks soo appetizing I ate it immediately.  Well it tasted really soft and good. a piece can be 2-3 bites.  i preferred the buttered than the almond.

Definitely good but it came with a price. Almond croissant 90.00.

Alexandre bakery and pastry is located at 31st street corner 1st Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
website:  http://alexandre.ph/

NIHONBASHI TEI

It was my immediate boss in the office who brought us in Nihonbashi Tei. She has tried it before and she said the prices are reasonable especially if you are in groups. 

We made reservations before going.  I was surprised that we were given a room without any extra fees :-). we were just unlucky on the attendant / waitress that was assigned to us. She lacks PR. She basically just took our orders - didn't smile and quite sungit when my colleagues asked further questions about the menu.  Towards the end of our meal, another attendant who has good PR, assisted her which made things better. She even apologized on the attitude of her co-worker.

Among all our orders I liked the sushi platter and the salad. Well the rest is also good and edible.  

Nihonbanshi Tei is located along 806 Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road),Makati City. (02) 818-8893