Eat – Page 118 – Jellybeans in the City

Lunchtime Sojourn at Lazat Fil-Asian Resto-Bar, Tomas Morato

As I’ve said, time and again, taking a lunch break is crucial for my continued sanity. 🙂

Every once in a while, when our schedules permit it, my coworkers and I come together on culinary adventure to explore the gastronomic possibilities offered by the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area.

One such place is Lazat Fil-Asian Resto-Bar. Recently rebranded from its former name Cerchio, the restaurant offers a fusion of Filipino and Asian flavors to be enjoyed in a modern, well-appointed and relaxing place. “Lazat” means “delicious” in Malay, which, I think, sums up the synergy of all these elements.

Some in our group have dined here before and were raving about the Crispy Tadyang (beef ribs), so, of course, the rest just have to all go there to taste it for ourselves.

Even before tasting its food, I was impressed with Lazat’s interiors. A spacious floor space, high ceilings and large windows that let in lots of natural light make the space seem expansive and airy. The combination of sleek, black-and-white furniture with green elements such as large potted plants and hanging greens added a feeling of freshness to the place.

Upstairs are function rooms that can serve as venues for private parties, corporate events or grand family reunions.

Given the size of our group, we ordered a feast from among Lazat’s offerings:

Pakbet (Php265)

Chunks of grilled bangus (milkfish) belly are added to this classic Ilocano vegetable stew.

Spicy Kangkong (Php185)

Water spinach is sauteed in garlic and chilis.

Thai Spring Rolls (Php165)

These Thai vegetable rolls are served with sweet chili and Thai fish sauces.

Crispy Tadyang (Php495)

Crispy on the outside, fork tender on the inside, this beef rib dish is served with Pinakurat (spiced coconut vinegar).

Beef Kare-Kare (Php525)

This signature Filipino dish made of oxtripe and tail stewed in rich peanut sauce and served with Lazat’s house-made bagoong (shrimp paste).

To cap off our meal, we had a cup of Coffee Jelly (Php165), a Chocolate Dome Cake (Pho280) and a Mini Sans Rival (Php200), along with Cafe Americano (Php90) and Cafe Latte (Php100).

Lazat’s food and decor make it a great place for a relaxing, re-energizing weekday lunch or a festive Sunday family brunch.

Lazat Fil-Asian Resto-Bar is located at 76 Scout Limbaga Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 3515279 or email lazatqc@gmail.com.

Did you know that Lazat provides free valet parking? No need to stress yourself trying to find parking space just to enjoy great food.

World’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant Hawker Chan opens 2nd PH branch in SM North EDSA

When we think of Michelin-star restaurants, what comes to mind are posh establishments and stiff dining etiquette.

That couldn’t be farther from Hawker Chan.

The internationally acclaimed Singapore-based restaurant, famous for its Soya Chicken Rice, has opened a store at SM Mall of Asia earlier this year and is now opening its second branch in the country in SM North EDSA.

Founded by Malaysian chef Chan Hong Meng in 2009 as a small store in the largest hawker center in Singapore serving soya sauce rice, Hawker Chan has since been recognized by Michelin’s Singapore Guide when it debuted in 2016 and every year since, making it the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant in the world.

Hawker Chan was brought to the Philippines by Foodee Global Concepts, which currently manages fourteen food brands in the country.

Together with fellow foodies and other selected guests, I attended a pre-opening dinner at Hawker Chan SM North EDSA.

Among the dishes we sampled are:

Combination Platter of Char Siew, Roasted Pork and Pork Rib (Php270). Served with either plain rice or Hawker Chan’s signature noodles freshly made daily, it is a hearty meal for meat lovers.

Chicken Platter (Php299 for half | Php598 for whole). Juicy, succulent chicken with that flavorful skin, it just makes you want to get more and more.

Thai Style Tofu (Php160). Our wait staff Ian called it the healthier option among the items served but I’m calling it an addition to the items on my plate (Yep, an addition, not an option. I’m having all of them and who’s to stop me? :-)) It adds a contrast in texture and spiciness to the other dishes.

I don’t know about you, but I’m hoping they open another branch nearer to my place soon so I can enjoy a great, affordable hawker meal!

This Hawker Chan branch is located at the Upper Ground Level, City Center at SM North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City. With a seating capacity of 56 people, it is open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Did you know that there’s a possibility that you can enjoy Hawker Chan’s Soya Chicken Rice for a year at this branch? Simply be among the first ten customers when this branch opens on December 4 and 5. The 11th to the 20th customer will get 6 months supply, the 21st to the 50th will get 3 months supply and the 51st to the 100th customer will get a month’s supply. Remember: you found out about it here (and maybe treat me to one of those free Soya Chicken Rice, maybe? Hehehe!)

And with Christmas just around the corner, you can treat your fam-bam to a family-sized platter of Hawker Chan’s mouthwatering roasts – Char Siew, Roasted Pork and Soya Chicken – good for six to ten people.

Hawker Chan’s other branch is located at Ground Floor, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a Pre-opening Event held in this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

A bounty of sweetness: Sugarhouse’ 2018 Christmas Catalogue

With the holidays almost upon us, it is definitely the time for sharing the gifts of the season to our loved ones: good cheer, warm wishes and, of course, sweetness.

And since we’re talking about sweetness, if you find yourself at a Sugarhouse store, you’re at the right place.

Sugarhouse has been around since the 80s, opening a small cake store at Anza Street in Makati. Today, Sugarhouse has four full dine-in outlets serving full meals along with cakes and pastries; two semi-dine-in stores serving selected menu items along with baked goodies, and a kiosk dedicated to cakes and pastries.

Sugarhouse recently launched its 2018 Christmas Catalog, giving us a bounty of options to spread sweetness during the holidays.

During a Blogger Event hosted by Sugarhouse Marketing Consultant Jeffrey De Real Rusios at the Sugarhouse outlet in Glorietta, I checked out the goodies included in the catalog together with fellow bloggers and got some ideas for spreading smiles and satisfied tummies this Christmas:

Bring a light and fluffy Taisan (Php180 whole loaf), a hearty Banana Loaf (Php180/midi loaf; Php400/big loaf), or a zesty Orange Raisin Loaf (Php210/midi loaf; Php500/big loaf) to share during family gatherings and celebrations.

Contribute a box of Food for the Gods (Php240/box of 4 bars; Php480/box of 8 bars) to the office potluck and help chase away the office blues of your workmates.

Chillaxin’ at home over the holiday break? Enjoy a cup of of your favorite espresso brew paired with a sweet-salty Quezo de Bola Ensaimada (Php68/pc) with your special someone.

The Noche Buena feast may be alredy quite filling but there should always be room for dessert! Cap it with a decadently creamy Leche Flan (Php130) or a piece of the perennial Christmas favorite: Fruitcake (Php450/loaf).

And when the kiddies knock on your door on Christmas morning, treat them to some Polvoron (Php180/box of 6; Php350/box of 12) or Salted Caramel Chocolate Popcorn (Php90/pack; Php215/jar).

These sweet treats are sure to be a hit among those who are near-and-dear to you this Christmas. Do check them out at your nearest Sugarhouse outlet!

This Sugarhouse branch is located at 3rd Floor, Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Makati City. For inquiries, call +63 2 2457180 or +63 923 2717732. In fact, if you want to customize a holiday gift pack, just ask Store Head Liza Oafericua to help you put together a winning combo of goodies.

Other Sugarhouse branches are located at Santolan Town Plaza and at Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, at Dela Rosa Carpark 1 and at Powerplant Mall in Makati, at SM San Lazaro in Manila and at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a Blogger Event held in this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Three things to discover at Tittos, Kapitolyo

Kapitolyo is considered to be the foodie haven of Pasig, the city’s answer to QC’s Maginhawa Street and Marikina’s Lilac Street.

Kapitolyo is the place to be if you want imaginative and extraordinary dining experiences, in establishments that veer off the beaten path when it comes to restaurant concept, menu items or decor.

One such restaurant is Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew.

The brainchild of a group of friends who consider themselves “titos” already (hence the restaurant name), Tittos has a relaxed yet vibrant vibe that appeals to the titos and titas in all of us. From the huge colorful murals, its spacious indoor and al fresco dining areas, its friendly and accommodating wait staff to its huge servings of Latin American comfort food that appeals to the Pinoy palate, Tittos is the place to be for gastronomic adventures and fun times with friends.

However, there is more to Tittos than meets the eye which I found out when I attended a foodie meet up held there. And since I like to blab about my discoveries, here are things about Tittos that will make you hie yourself off to Kapitolyo stat.

One: It recently launched some new appetizing menu items.

Imagine sharing a meal with your crew that includes gastronomic delights such as:

Tapas de Chipa (Php295). Soft puff pastries served tapas-style with cream cheese, smoked salmon and truffle honey.

Tuna Tirataki (Php275). A Brazilian take on the Japanese tataki, sashimi-grade tuna is seared and served with a tangy spice mix, fried garlic, and garnished with a delicate black coral tuile.

La Lucha Salad (Php320). A very healthy salad that mixes in the trendy ingredient quinoa with mixed salad greens, corn, candied cashews, tempura-style oyster mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and crumbled white cheese drizzled with a honey balsamic dressing.

El Cesar’s Salad Burrito (Php320). In this Latin American deconstruction of the classic Ceasar Salad, lava-grilled chicken mojo is wrapped in flour tortilla together with mixed lettuce, soft-boiled eggs, garlic croutons, fresh parmesan, cherry tomatoes and Tittos’ own house-made Ceasar salad dressing, and served with some potato fries on the side.

Chiquittos (Php155). Fried chicken taco done as a deep-fried roll accented by white cheese and Mexican crema.

Garlic Shrimp BBQ Pizza (Php325) and Truffle Pork Pizza (Php345). Substituting the normal pizza dough with a flour tortilla, these pizzas give you maximo satisfaction through either the spicy garlicky barbecued shrimp toppings or the strips of pork belly over bechamel sauce together with melted cheeses.

Pasta Negra con Gambas (Php375). Squid ink linguine tossed with stir-fried prawns marinated in citrus and garlic bits.

Blackened Tuna Jaw (Php745). Lava-roasted tuna jaw rubbed with Latin spices served with grilled lime and honey chipotle sauce.

El Puerco ala Brasa (Php395). Tender slices of pork belly rubbed with dried red chilis then lava-grilled and topped with mole verde sauce.

Tittos Signature Steak (Ribeye: Php1,750/400g, T-bone: Php1,450/500g, Striploin: Php950/350g)

Pan-seared angus steaks served with torched sofrito butter, crispy beef bits, Peruvian pink peppercorn, lime and Latin gravy.

Now, with these new inclusions to the Tittos menu, all the titos and titas have great reasons to come together and grab a bite!

Two: You can look forward to cool events and exciting promos come December

On December 2 from 7pm to 10pm, you can enjoy a Sunday Chill Night with acoustic music artist Tiara Shaye, along with five bottles of local beer and a plate of Nacho El Gigante for only Php399 or unli wine with a serving of Batata Frita for only Php499.

On December 4 – Taco Tuesday- get a Buy 1 Take 1 deal on all street tacos – Chiquittos, Chicharrones, Salted Egg, Shrimp, Beef Barbacoa, Baja Tuna and Venduras.

Visit Tittos’ Facebook Page to get updated on upcoming promos and events.

Three: It has a secret bar.

Shhh!

If you’ve ever been at Tittos and wondered what the “Ask for the secret” sign was all about, it’s the bread crumb that will lead you to a secret bar: Rm 16.

If you titos and titas ever want to disappear for a while to enjoy a drink (or two… or three…), check it out by seeking the big red vending machine, which, similar the closet to Narnia, leads you to a vastly different place: a speakeasy with subdued lighting in contrast to Tittos’ vibrant lights, and that serves cocktails and drinks with some Latin flair.

Curious about Tittos yet? Come on over to 16 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Call +63 2 5323414 for reservations. Tittos is open Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm, Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 1am and Sundays from 10am to 10pm.

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I was invited to attend a foodie meetup held in this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Four reasons to gather and celebrate at Food Exchange Manila, Novotel Manila Araneta

Yes, the holiday season is definitely upon us. Throughout the metro, families are planning their Christmas merriments and get-togethers.

Why not have your holiday feast with family and friends at the Novotel’s buffet restaurant Food Exchange Manila?

Food Exchange is the hotel’s premiere buffet restaurant, a culinary theater where talented and renowned chefs demonstrate their skills in frenetic activities across six bountiful and interactive cooking stations: Japanese, Chinese, Indian, grill, international favorites and desserts.

You and your near-and-dears will find many to love and enjoy at Food Exchange, especially during the Christmas season, such as:

One: Its Christmas Carnival theme.

Christmas is all about fun and festivities, and nothing embodies those holiday moods better than a Christmas Carnival. Check out the fun decor that will surely get you in a festive mood.

Two: Its Holiday Cooler.

Specifically for the season, a new non-alcoholic (thank heavens!) mocktail was crafted by the hotel’s mixologists. Dubbed the Holiday Cooler, it is a refreshing mix of fruity and candy flavors. For me, it’s a glass of pure holiday joy.

Three: Its Holiday Buffets

Its Noche Buena Feast on December 24, which starts from 6pm to 9pm, includes Novotel’s special lechon cooked with white wine, Cranberry Glazed Ham, Canadian Style Herb Crusted Prime Rib and Herb Stuffed Roasted Turkey for only Php2,588++ per adult. Food Exchange’s Midnight Christmas Buffet, which starts from 11pm to 1am, is available for only Php1,988++ per adult, while Christmas Day Lunch, which starts from 12 noon to 3pm, is available for only Php2,588++ per adult.

https://flic.kr/p/2c3L8gW

Four: It’s gift kiosk.

At a loss as to what to give your loved ones for Christmas? Check out the kiosk near the restaurant’s entrance which offers specially made Christmas goodies and hampers.

Choose from among its sweet treats: Novotel Chocolate Crinkles at Php50/pc, Chocolate Chip Cookies at Php60/pc, Ham Ensaymada at Php90/pc, Cinnamon Roll at Php100/pc, Food for the Gods at Php120/pc, Pannetone at Php200/pc, Banana Chocolate Spice Cake at Php650/loaf and Stollen at Php750/loaf.

You can also opt for a hamper of holiday goodies at Php2,990/box which contains: Candidato Compranillo Red Wine, 160g Manchego Cheese, 100g sliced Jamon Serrano, 100g sliced Noco Jamones Salchichon, Nanay Luisa’s Queso de Bola Spread, 125g Iberian Pork Liver Pate, 150g Knackebrot Crackers, 120g Green Olives with Chili and Novotel Christmas Crinkles.

Novotel’s Food Exchange Manila makes it easier for you to enjoy fun and festivities with family and friends.

And if all those reasons are not enough to get you and your family rushing to Food Exchange Manila, here’s another one: Get up to 50% off the buffet rates when you book your table via Eatigo. Use this link when you register and get rewards points that you can redeem for gift vouchers and restaurant freebies.

Food Exchange Manila is located at Novotel Manila Araneta Center, General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. For reservations, call +63 2 990 7888.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers and press representatives, I was invited to attend the launch of Novotel’s Christmas offerings. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Need some tips to maximize your eat-all-you-can experience? Read my buffet survival guide.

Filipino food favorites with a twist at Sartin, Summit Ridge Tagaytay

Three powerhouses of Philippine cuisine join together at Tagaytay restaurant Sartin. Dining here will present you with choice dishes from Quezon, Tarlac and Bacolod, culinary influences behind the same family that brought us Josiah’s Catering and Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse.

Located inside the swanky hotel, Summit Ridge Tagaytay, Sartin’s tasteful and elegant decor makes an elegant backdrop for family brunches or romantic dinners. The fresh chilly breezes and the wide expanses of greenery and blue sky just outside the window will get diners in the mood for homegrown dishes that warm both the heart and tummy.

The restaurant got its name from the traditional enamel-plated tin plates that used to be ubiquitous in many Filipino homes. Sartin dinnerware currently hold pride of place in the restaurant’s display area.

Together with other foodies, I was invited to a sojourn in Tagaytay to sample some of Sartin’s signature dishes, which include:

Kalabasa, Kamote at Kesong Puti Salad (Php405). Roasted kalabasa (pumpkin) and kamote (yellow sweet potato) tossed with grilled local white cheese in Sartin’s house dressing.

Batchoy (Php305). This classic dish from Iloilo features a rich broth with fermented shrimp paste called guinamos, egg noodles, pork and beef slices, shredded chicken topped with pork chicharon bits and roasted bone marrow.

Kansi (Php655). Bulalo places are scattered all across Tagaytay but Sartin one-ups all of them with this dish made with bulalo beef shank simmered in broth flavored with souring ingredient batwan, along with langka (jackfruit) and tanglad (lemongrass).

Pesang Isda (Php295). A new take on the pesa dish wherein the sauce of rice, ginger, cabbage and pechay replaces the usual broth.

Kilayin Kapampangan (Php325). Chopped pork lungs, liver, pork belly and garlic, slow-cooked in vinegar and broth.

Callos (Php449). Beef knuckles, tripe and meat simmered in tomato sauce with garbanzos, chorizo and peppers.

Laswa (Php295). A light vegetable stew of kalabasa, okra, sitaw, saluyot and shrimps.

Kalkag Rice (Php215). Fried rice with dried shrimp, chives and garlic.

Valenciana (Php495). Glutinous rice cooked in broth with turmeric topped with Chinese chorizo, pork mussels, shrimps, squid, peppers, peas and hard-boiled egg.

Grilled Pork in Coconut Aligue Sauce (Php485). Pork cooked sous vide then grilled drizzled with a coconut and crab fat sauce, over tortang talong (eggplant) and topped with crispy kangkong (water spinach).

Kalderetang Kambing (Php650). Goat meat stewed in rich tomato sauce, a variation of the meat stews from the Iberian peninsula brought to the country by the Spanish colonizers.

Tibok-tibok (Php245). Kapampangan flan made of carabao’s milk that got its name from the way the mixture approximates heartbeats while being cooked. It is similar to a maja blanca, only creamier.

Leche Flan (Php175). The classic caramel egg custard flan but made even more compact and bursting with creamy sweetness with every bite.

Among the dishes served, the most memorable for me are the Kalderetang Kambing (one of this month’s specials), the Callos and the Tibok-Tibok. I look forward to returning here with my family during on of our Tagaytay trips for a great meal of our favorite Filipino food.

Sartin is located at Summit Ridge Hotel, KM 58 General Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West, Tagaytay City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 2406816.

Celebrating your birthday anytime soon? Until January 31, 2019, birthday celebrants get Php500 off their food bill (with a minimum single receipt purchase of Php2,499). This offer can be availed of any day within their birth month.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to foodie meetup held at this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

The first 3D buffet experience in the Philippines: SIX Doors BBQ Buffet

Here comes a new buffet dining concept that’s sure to appeal to foodie adventurers: a 3D dining experience!

Managed by Kungfu Master Cooking Group, Inc., SIX Doors BBQ Buffet is the first buffet restaurant in the country with 3D element features: a 3D-inspired stage, 3D reception, table mapping projections at the VIP rooms, and a whole gamut of 3D experiences that will give diners an extraordinary experience.

Recently, my daughter #ExhibitA and I joined other foodies, bloggers and media reps when SIX Doors BBQ Buffet held its Media Launch prior to its grand opening on December 5.

SIX Doors has an open dining area that can accommodate over 200 people and function rooms that can seat anywhere from 10 to 40. With a showcase of European, Asian and Brazilian dishes, including a BBQ and churrasco grilling station, a sushi bar, a beverage and filling station, pastry chillers with artfully presented confections and cakes, a hotpot area and an extensive collection of wines and beers, SIX Doors is ready to be the newest buffet dining destination.

However, the restaurant’s claim to fame is its 3D dining which can be experienced at the VIP Rooms. It immerses diners in another world through images projected on the tables and all throughout the room.

Dining in the VIP Rooms also affords patrons with butler-style service and an exclusive premium menu selection.

After its grand opening, SIX Doors will treat its guests to exciting performances and stunts from 7pm onwards, such as:

Jenine Desiderio (December 10)
Bobby Skyz (December 12)
SIX Doors Living Statues with SIX Doors Mascot FIDO (December 15, 18, 19, 22 and 29)
Clark Dizon (December 20)
Selena Marie (December 28 and January 4)
The Bloomfields (January 15 and 20)
Jinky Vidal (January 26)
Joey G. (January 30)

https://flic.kr/p/2amT6B3

SIX Doors BBQ Buffet Rates are (exclusive of service charge):

Weekday Lunch: Php859
Weekday Dinner, Weekend Lunch/Dinner: Php1,390
VIP Room: Php4,500/head

SIX Doors BBQ Buffet is located at 2nd Floor, Uptown Mall, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 918 4843255 or email sixdoors3dbbqbuffet@kfmc.ph.

Photo credits: Images of the 3D Dining Experience in VIP Rooms provided by SIX Doors. All other photos are mine.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers and media representatives, I was invited to join this restaurant’s pre-opening Media Launch. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Young chef overcomes family misfortunes and makes name for himself with novel finishing butters

You would think that multiple misfortunes would keep aspiring chef Carlos Cabigao down.

In the year-and-a-half preceding December 2017, his family experienced several tragedies which include his sister’s involvement in an accident and a brother’s passing. While he did wallow in some sadness, even quitting his job, he decided to pull up his bootstraps (figuratively) by yearend, pooled his resources and started baking in light of the upcoming holidays. However, his family tragedies still haunted him.

“Baking tends to require a lot of love and care,” shares the young chef, “which at that time, I didn’t have.”

Fortunately, a friend suggested that he try his hand at making spreads using butters.

Finishing butter (also known as compound butter or beurre compose) are made of butter whipped with additional ingredients – such as herbs, aromatics or spices – that add flavor to the mixture. The mixture is then reformed, sometimes in plastic wrap or parchment paper, and chilled until it is firm enough to be sliced for serving.

Finishing butters are most often melted on top of meats and vegetables, enhancing the taste of these dishes. These may also be used as a spread for breads and to add to the flavor of sauces and soups.

Carlos’ finishing butters are available in two variants branded under Migu Migu: Tartufo Bianco (White Truffle) (Php320/180g) and Garlic and Fine Herbs (Php250/180g). The butters are packaged in top-sealed mason jars and have shelf life of two weeks if unrefrigerated and 6 months if refrigerated after purchase.

(Jellybeans’ Note: I tried them on pan-grilled lamb, pork chops and steaks and they were delish! The White Truffle Butter appealed to me and my daughter #ExhibitA but since Hubby is not so much into truffle, he’s partial to the Garlic and Fine Herbs variant. My son #ExhibitB will basically eat anything you put in front of him. :-))

Going into business proved to be a blessing for the young entrepreneur. It enabled him to widen his network by later joining the online group Let’s Eat Pare, whose initiatives geared towards educating and encouraging MSMEs such as seminars and gen meets helped bolster Carlos’ confidence and business know-how.

So what can Carlos‘ experience teach us? That setbacks may come but these can spur us to do more than we thought possible… with some help from good people, of course.

He currently sells his Migu-Migu finishing butters at Meals.ph but you might catch him at food fairs in your area soon. Check out Migu Migu’s Facebook Page for more product details.

Read more about Meals.ph’s home cooks here.

Disclosure: Information in this article obtained from email and personal interviews with Carlos Cabigao. Product samples provided by Migu Migu for review purposes.

Family’s Intro to Fat Fook at Robinsons Galleria

When you’re planning where to eat for the family’s Saturdate, and you consider the varied tastes and preferences of your family members, sometimes you just need to put your foot down, dictate where you want to eat and hope it pays off.

And sometimes, it does.

The fam’s lunch took place at the newly opened Fat Fook at Robinsons Galleria. It’s one of two existing branches in the Metro Manila, with the other one located in SM City North EDSA.

This branch is situated in the recently renovated wing of Robinsons Galleria, where a lot of new and trendy restos are expected to open.

The place is quite spacious, warmly lit and can accommodate 40 or so people. Similar to its SM North branch, it features porcelain bowls as part of its decor: this time, the bowls cover one wall, adding a quirky yet elegant Asian element to the resto’s interior.

Fat Fook offers authentic Taiwanese food. The dishes we sampled include:

Tofu with Century Egg and Pork Floss (Php198). The soft-chilled tofu was creamy and mild, and together with the century egg, the pork floss and the sweet-salty sauce, it brings a nice contrast of flavors and textures.

Taiwan Style Fried Rice (Php258). Served in a small pan, the rice is fried with a salty brown sauce and accompanied by bits of green onion and lots of savory-sweet chorizo pieces. It provides an interesting complement to the other dishes we ordered.

Taiwan Beef Noodles (Php258). Tender braised beef slices accompanied by hand-pulled noodles in a sour-and-slightly-spicy broth.

Fat Fook Chicken Chop (Php238). Juicy and tender chicken breasts coated with batter and breading, a quick hit with my baby boy!

Garlic Pork Spare Ribs (Php298). A safe bet, given that the fam has tasted this before in Chinese restos.

With all our orders, the bill amounted to just a little over Php1,500, so our Fat Fook sojourn is definitely among the more affordable of our food adventures.

I found this experience a good way to introduce the kids to new cuisines and food influences, which helps them develop a more adventurous yet discerning palate. For myself, I welcome any opportunity to go off the beaten path when it comes to food choices.

Given its affordability and fresh tastes offered, Fat Fook is among the restaurants I won’t mind returning to.

Check out my review of Fat Fook’s other branch at SM North EDSA.

4 Things to Like About The Pallet, Poblacion

The area of Makati called Poblacion, previously known as the city’s red light district, has evolved into a pretty happening place. It has given rise to concept restaurants, quick chows and bars that offer Makati workers and residents alternative choices for dining, hanging out and entertainment away from the usual malls.

One such place is The Pallet.

A food park located at the corner of Dona Carmen and Jacobo Streets in Poblacion, backroads to Kalayaan Avenue, The Pallet is an off-the-beaten track venue.

For my first-ever Looloo Rendezvoos, I was invited to check this place out and experience the various possibilities it affords to its patrons. I found a lot to like about it so I summarized them down to a list which will hopefully help fellow foodies discover a new favorite place to hang out and dine.

No. 1: Ample parking space and helpful security guard.

Having braved the rush hour all the way from QC, I was relieved I didn’t have to worry about where to park my car. Manong guard was quick to assist me in finding a spot and guiding me while I park.

No. 2: Chill surroundings.

Being located in backstreets away from all the hustle and bustle of Makati’s busy streets and surrounded by a residential area, The Pallet has a chill and relaxed atmosphere that distanced me from the usual stresses of work and traffic.

No. 3: Lots of food choices!

Given its relatively small area, I’m surprised at the number and variety of dining choices available. I’ll blog about them in more detail later but suffice to say that the foodie in me got quite excited with The Pallet’s tenants and their offerings. These include:

Mang Jose’s Ihaw Ihaw – for yummy and fuss-free grilled meats and pulutans

Antojitos – for a taste of Mexico from cheese-filled nachos and quesadillas to filling burritos and more

Asian Hawker – for a taste of Singaporean street food from the Char Kwai Teoh rice dish to the creamy Laksa

Uncle Moe’s Shawarma Hub – for a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine from the flavorful kababs to hefty shawarmas

Takohub – it was my first time to see takoyaki balls this huge!

Heath Burger – because healthy cam be tasty too, especially those mushrooms masquerading as chicken nuggets

Ramen Attack – that Tantanmen was a revelation! And the Steak & Rice got me craving for more!

Creamco Creamery – rolled ice cream that’s as pretty as it was sweet and yummy

Inum Bar – cocktails for that relaxed after-work buzz

No. 4: Live music!

On Wednesday nights this November, enjoy live music from up-and-coming artists such as DJ Aryan (90’s Night) on November 21 and DJ SP (Hiphop Throwback) on November 29.

These are just some of the reasons why The Pallet appeals to me. Check it out and see if it might grow to be your favorite place too!

The Pallet is located at 5804 Dona Carmen corner Jacobo Streets, Poblacion, Makati City. For inquiries, email thepalletpark@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Together with other Looloo users, I was invited to join a Looloo Rendezvoos held at this venue. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.