Manna Korea Garden

This time we tried Manna Korea Garden this is located near Min Sok Restaurant. Its also another 'hole-in-the-wall" Korean restaurant.

What I like about discovering hole-in-the-wall restaurants, it makes your trip worth it. Most often the owners personally assist you. The one seen on the photo is actually the owner. She speaks little English, but she smiles and smiles as she nods her head.

I can't remember the names of the dishes we ordered. Aside from the fact the menu was in Korean, I just let my friends to do the ordering since I was sooo hungry already at that time.  Again, thankful to their refillable appetizers, it was served fast. 

What I find interesting about Korean cuisine is it has a lot of condiments / side dish then the idea of cooking your own meats. In that way, you don't have to blame the chef of cooking your meat too long or too raw.  Though this becomes a disadvantage if you are already hungry, seeing your food cook in front of you makes the cooking longer than you think. hee hee. Overall, I still love the idea.

Manna Korea Garden is located at 5650 Don Pedro Street, Makati City. Tel Nos (63-2) 897.8552, (63-2) 897.6799, (63-917) 525.6150. To get there, from Rockwell Powerplant's main street, turn right to Kalayaan. From Kalayaan, turn right on Don Pedro Street. The landmark of knowing which Don Pedro Street is when you see Ministop store. (Its after Grilla restaurant. If you reached the traffic light, you've passed it already). From Don Pedro Street, go straight until you see Manna Garden signage on your left.

Min Sok Restaurant

We discovered Min Sok Restaurant when I was craving for Korean food. I just googled on the net which Korean resto to go to around Makati. With the knowledge that there are a lot of Korean restos around P.Burgos / Makati Avenue area, we picked Min Sok.  It was even challenging to reach this place. Definitely a hole-in-a-wall restaurant!

A typical me when I visit an unfamiliar cuisine, I ask what the locals eat. The waitress recommended to us Bossam Jeiongsik and a noodle Nakji Myeon. When our orders came -- Whoa! the Bossam Jeiongsik  was a big serving. All the small bites (appetizers) are even refillable, even the veggies but am not sure about the pork. Even the soup was included.  We noticed in 2 other tables, this is the only thing they ordered plus beer.  

For the Nakji Myeon noodle order, the spicy level of it was just too much for us. Recommended only for high-level spicy taste buds.

A plus for this place is the Korean owner personally showed us how to go about in mixing and eating the food.  Basically get the leafy veggie, add in the pork, the paste, and any of the small dishes. Wrap it like a bun, then bite.

I enjoyed experimenting, for every leaf,  mixing and matching.  Each taste would come out differently combining the spices and the small bites. I realized the paste makes up for everything.

Minsok Restuarant is located at 5655 Don Pedro 23 Street corner Jacobo Street, Poblacion Makati. Tel No: (632) 895.95.86. Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm.  To get there, from Rockwell Powerplant's main street, turn right to Kalayaan. From Kalayaan, turn right on Don Pedro Street. The landmark of knowing which Don Pedro street is, when you see Ministop store. (Its after Grilla restaurant. If you reached the traffic light, you've passed it already). From Don Pedro Street, go straight until you see Min Sok signage. The Min Sok is located at the corner.

Marcia Adams' Restaurant, Tagaytay

What makes Marcia Adams' restaurant different is its Tuscany-inspired theme. I have never been to Italy but the bright yellow-orange cement walls, old stones on cement walls, antique cement floor tiles, old-wooden furniture, stained glass windows, wooden door arches and surrounding wild garden made the place picturesque. As I verbally shared to the couple, in every corner of your restaurant, there is an artistic touch. 

The place is run by Neil and Marcia Adams.  Who were both very hospitable and chatty.  I came to know that Marcia is the one cooking and the one who made the flower arrangements. While Neil is the one who is well-versed with the plants & flowers in their garden. The furnitures they are using were also made from within. There is a carpentry shop in the garden. They use old furniture and create a new furniture. They produce on a by order basis.

I am impressed that from the gate entrance we were welcomed by one of their attendants and upon leaving we were accompanied to the gate by the couple themselves.  It gave me the warm-feeling that is like I visited a friend's house.

Even though, personally I think the food is just ok, its the relaxing ambiance especially the warm service by the couple made my dining experience delightful and unforgettable.  Its definitely a place to unwind, relax and bond with your loved ones.  Looking forward to their future expansion and making the restaurant a Bed and Breakfast venue.

Their menu prices ranges from Php700.00 to Php900.00. It includes appetizer, dessert and non-alcoholic drink.  Plus the 10% service charge.  Cash payment only.  Reservations is a must. Contact (63-917) 801.1456

How to get there:  Drive all the way to Tagaytay. Turn right at the Tagaytay Rotonda. Go all the way to Alfonso, Cavite. You will pass Petron, Mushroom Burger, Shell gas station, Total gas station. As you see Residence Inn on your left and the Tagaytay arch with Pineapples with the "Thank You Come Again” (turn right). 

You should see a sign leading to Ville Sommet and other signage there. On that street, look for stone wall with wooden gate (its on the left side of the road)  

Follow them in Facebook  Marcia Adams' Restaurant

Lan Zhou La Mien

Steamed Dumpling Beef Lamien

Sze-Chuan House, Aloha Hotel

Dining at Sze-Chuan House, Aloha Hotel has been part of our childhood memories. I remember, every year we would eat here during the Holidays all because the owner of this establishment is my brother's Ninong.  This year we decided to dine here again to relive the memories plus my sister is here visiting from the US, and today is my birthday.  This time, as a paying customer - though they still gave us discount :-) 

It is from this restaurant where I discovered  about Sze Chuan shrimps and the Fried String Beans.  Which became my all-time-favorite. I even have this notion that they are the only one who can best cook these 2 viands. Well I think they are not the best, after being exposed to other Sze Chuan type of cooking, but I still use them as my benchmark. :-)

We also LOVE the silver roll  fried bread. Well its supposed to match with pork knuckles but we aren't fond of it, so we didn't order it anymore.

They are the chinese restaurant who have Small, Medium, Large servings in their menu. This is good for small or big diners. Our orders were all SMALL and it was just enough.

The photos shown are: Spinach Cream with Seafood Soup Php330, Stir Fried Beef Tenderloin (chinese style) Php250, Fried String Beans Php160, Stuffed Tofu with Brown Sauce Php180, Stir Fried Shrimp with Hot Pepper 240, Silver Roll - Fried Bread 75

Sze-Chuan House, Aloha Hotel is located along 2150 Roxas Boulevard cor Quirino Avenue, Malate, Manila.  Tel Nos +632.526.80.88.  http://www.alohahotel.net.ph

Felix

I enjoyed my dining experience at Felix. Felix is another restaurant by Chef Florabel.  Its a restaurant I am willing to go back.  Though between Salmon and St Pierre, the St Pierre is a better choice.

As for the dessert, it looks very appealing, though the sweets are "too sweet" for my palette. We had an experience wherein my friends' juice drink tasted bland. We called their attention, and they automatically changed it. Then the server went back to ask if we find it ok already. For me, that is good service.

The photos shown are: St Pierre (Dory) PHp425, Samurai -Kabutoni Style (Salmon) Php499, Marion Php195, Isamu (Crepe Samurai) Php160. 

 

Felix is located at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati. Tel Nos. +632.729.90.62

Tender Bob's

This month, Tender Bob's is offering 10% discount as they celebrate their 10th year.  One of my FB friends got tagged on their anniversary flyer. This encouraged me to grab the offer and try the new branch at Greenbelt 2, Makati.

I am sooo satisfied with my order (US short ribs). Sooo tender and tasty. Perfectly yummy! :-)  Just recalling and writing about it is making me crave and I want to go back and eat again :-)   

Tender Bob's branches:  Greenbelt 2 (632) 501.3717, Greenhills Promenade (632) 726.2328, Shangrila Mall 6th Level, (632) 638.7161 and SM North Edsa The Block (632) 442.0129.  For Deliveries: Just dial 2121212

Ginzadon: Japanese and Korean Restaurant

this is a new Japanese/Korean restaurant in Maxims Hotel beside the Resorts World casino. we went there specifically to try the food. 

we tried the following; Maguro Sashimi Php390, Shake Sashimi Php420, Cali Ura Maki 150, Japchae 350, quite peppery, Dak Kang Jung 400 - sweet and sour chicken. I liked this one. Nak Ji Bok Keum 550 - this is the one with baby squid, its soooooo spicy!   Prices here don't include the Service charge, 12% vat and local tax. There is a local tax since it's inside a hotel.

I wasn't able to look at the menu as I was so hungry. I simply ate what my friends ordered. they made the observation that there were more Korean than Japanese dishes on the menu.

I enjoyed my meal.  I liked both Japanese and Korean dishes are being served. it's a good mix. This place is seemingly targeted to people who go to the Casino which  is visible from the restaurant. as you exit, you enter the Casino.


Ginzadon is located at the 2nd Floor, Maxims Hotel, 10 Newport Boulevard,Newport City Complex, Pasay City. Tel No: 988.99.99

Chef Laudico Bistro Filipino

I've heard about this place for years.  Finally, I experienced dining in Chef Laudico Bistro Filipino ;-)   My friends, Schel and Janzen, celebrated their son’s baptism there.

We had the brunch buffet which  is offered on weekends.  The set-up is you order from the menu and they’ll prepare it for you. They serve it fine-dining style (just look at my photos).  It's best to order 3-5 dishes from the start so that they are served one after the other.  Be careful, as the policy is clean-plate and no sharing.


I really loved the food! I tried the 3 kinds of mango salad (which is my favorite), Sisig basket, Prito Trio, Angus Roast Beef with Tomato Salsa Pandeninis, Paella Stuffed Squid, Wagyu and Lengua Estofado, Calamari with Crab Roe, US Angus Beef Karekare. Next time I think I’ll skip the pandeninis  so I can try other dishes.  The bread  came in  4 pcs (quite heavy). And for dessert, Banana Q Tart and Deconstructed Sans Rival.  I was sad  as they ran out of Maja Blanca cheesecake as I was about to have some. ;-(  Next time.





The taste is distinctive. I am not a cook so I really can’t tell exactly. It tastes somewhat like sampalok or calamansi? The brunch buffet is perfect for people like me who love to eat and eat in style. Ha, ha. Definitely I would love to go back.  I recommend the 3-mango salad.   It’s best to make a reservation.

Chef Laudico Bistro Filipino is located at Ground Floor net 2 Building, 3rd Avenue, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. (You’ll see Siemens sign on top of the building).Tel Nos. 856.06.34 or 856.05.41.  Mobile 0917800CHEF (2433). Website http://www.cheflaudico.com.ph

Mr. Jones

I noticed that Mr. Jones is always packed that's why it got me curious to try the restaurant. From the outside it shows "Diner" concept.  That's why at first I was hesitant to try.  Thinking of Diner, to me means 'big servings', 'american food'.  

Our orders were kinda mixed.  I find it hard to mix and match their food (appetizer, main course, sidings). We initially ordered the appetizer-  and the tapa meal.  But this wasn't sufficient for us so we ordered the fries.  Yet I was still hungry, then we ordered the French Toast.  Now it became too much.

Among all our orders, I like the French Toast (but I think its quite rich for dinner - hee hee).  Just looking at the photo - there is syrup, cream, there is actually chocolate and jelly in between toast. Plus the sweetened banana.  But it tasted soooo good :-) Though I scrapped out some of the chocolate filling since I find it too sweet already and I am not really fond of chocolate.

Well since its a Diner, ofcourse FLOATS and SHAKES are in their menu. And they have various flavors ;-)

I find this cute... while we were waiting for our table. You'd see transparent bottles at the counter. Inside it are top (turumpo), jackstones, stress balls, etc.  The attendant shared it with us... its basically for guests who are waiting for their table - to keep them occupied. Nice idea :-)

I would definitely go back again ;-)

Mr. Jones is located at the Ground level, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City. Tel No (02) 501.36.82 to 83

(photos in slideshow: Banana Cream Shake Php175, Rootbee Float Php150,  Tapa overload Php295, Shrimp Scampi P250, French Fries P125, French Toast P295)

6404 Camia Street: You Jie Xiao Chao 游姐小炒

I can say this is an AUTHENTIC chinese resto in Makati City. 

But don't expect too much. The ambiance is very very simple.  Its like the dimsum places/chinese fast food you'd see in Binondo. But I think the interiors are pretty clean compared to some outlets in Binondo. Well plus the fact you don't need to travel down town in order to taste a good chinese cooking.

If you love chinese food then this is the place to go. Its owned by a married couple who came from China (well you can really see that they are from China). They don't talk to customers unless you are one of them--- or can speak their language). Good thing they have 2 types of menu.  One in all chinese, and another menu that have pictures and english titles.  Don't worry because they also have filipina waitress who will take your orders, but the billing / payment will be done by the Chinese owners.

Food:  I liked all our orders. The string beans, the beef was good too but too spicy for my taste, and I really liked the shrimps! PLUS eat-all-you-can RICE. But this wasn't informed to us, they'll  just tell you to go and get your rice directly to the rice cooker.

The way I see it, its like a typical home cooking for a chinese household. Its the sauces that they put that's why it tastes very chinese :-)  

Hmmm am not sure if its just coincidental, but out of our 3 orders, 2 of them are spicy.  I think their cooking style is really spicy. So warning for the non-spicy eaters.

Try not leave tips for the waiters/waitress...

How to spot the resto:  There is really NO SIGNAGE in front NOR A HOUSE NUMBER.  When we went there, we passed it so we have to turn around and go back. So when going there try to allocate extra time to locate the place :-)

When you are along Camia Street, just focus on your right.  When you see a row of 2-story white houses slow down. Its beside "Coznuts Salon". That can be your landmark.  The house that has a white gate and Koppel air condition is the restaurant.

You Jie Xiao Chao 游姐小炒 is located at #6404 Camia Street, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City.  Tel Nos. 0915.4252972,  0927.7876999

very chinese... spare"rips" :-)

Chinese Menu :-)

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

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

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.