attentive service – Jellybeans in the City

Indulge in homecooked bliss at The Frazzled Cook, Tomas Morato

There’s a charming little gem nestled along Scout Gandia Street in the vibrant Tomas Morato area of Quezon City. It is said that in this modest house resides a quirky chef who could instill home-cooked yumminess into any dish, and who prioritizes the comfort that food brings above all else. In this homey yet eclectic abode, delicious international cuisines are served with a quirky, home-cooked style.

Together with my officemates on a lunch outing, I embarked on a culinary adventure filled with comfort food delights and a charming ambiance at The Frazzled Cook.

A Home Away from Home

Who is The Frazzled Cook? LeeChoaChengCo Inc., the brilliant minds behind this culinary haven, set out to create a place that would stand out from the rest. Their mission was to provide a comfortable and relaxing dining experience with a homecook-style Western-Italian menu, all set within a cozy and eclectic atmosphere. The mismatched furniture, dim lighting, and quirky decors collected from around the world all contributed to the comfy and homey feel of the place.

Comfort Food Galore

The Frazzled Cook specializes in homecook-style Western-Italian cuisine, offering a tantalizing array of dishes that cater to busy office folks craving for comfort food such as:

Squid Salad (Php415 single | Php725 family). A refreshing blend of crisp greens, slivered prunes, walnuts, homemade croutons, and sweet peppery squid tossed in a basil vinaigrette.

Truffle Pasta (Php395 single | Php645 family). This dish was a pasta lover’s dream come true. The mixed pasta was perfectly al dente, complemented by sautéed Portobello mushrooms and a luscious homemade white truffle sauce. The earthy aroma of truffles wafting from the plate made each forkful pure bliss.

Pork BBQ Ribs (Php595 single | Php1195 family). The succulent ribs, simmered for four hours and glazed with homemade BBQ sauce, is tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky flavors.

Wagyu Salpicao (Php595). The Waygu beef cubes sautéed with sliced garlic and mushrooms showcased the restaurant’s mastery of flavors and was both comforting and indulgent.

Lengua with Mushroom and Corn (Php425). The stewed ox tongue, drizzled in a creamy white sauce and served with mushrooms, sweet corn, and buttered vegetables, was a comforting classic elevated to new heights.

Fish and Fries (Php325). Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with a delectable aioli dip, the breaded fish fillet and fries satisfied our seafood cravings perfectly.

To accompany our feast, we slaked our thirst with a double pitcher of their refreshing Cucumber Lemonade (Php395), a cool and tangy concoction that complemented the flavors of the dishes.

Stellar Service and Parting Thoughts

The attentive and friendly service at The Frazzled Cook added an extra layer of enjoyment to our experience. Our large group was seated in a semi-private room, and thanks to a convenient call button on the table, we could easily summon our server whenever we needed assistance. The staff promptly served our food, ensuring that our lunch flowed smoothly.

Before we bid adieu to The Frazzled Cook, it’s worth mentioning that reservations are highly recommended, especially during busy lunch periods. Additionally, parking can be limited, so arriving early is advisable to secure a spot.

For foodies seeking a place to indulge in comforting and delicious cuisine, The Frazzled Cook is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its warm and welcoming ambiance, impeccable service, and a menu filled with mouthwatering homecook-style Western-Italian dishes, this restaurant is an ideal destination for leisurely meals with loved ones.

So, gather your friends and family, and allow The Frazzled Cook to whisk you away on a culinary journey that will leave you satiated yet craving for more.

The Frazzled Cook is located at 78 Scout Gandia Street, Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Know more about its menu and offers by visiting its website or following it on Facebook and Instagram.

A perfect lunch retreat: Tablo Kitchen x Cafe’s blend of creativity, community and comfort

In the bustling metropolis of Metro Manila, where foodies seek not only delectable dishes but also a place of creativity and community, Tablo Kitchen x Cafe stands out as a haven of comfort. With its inviting ambiance, generous servings of hearty cuisine, and a commitment to fostering connections, Tablo Kitchen x Cafe offers an exceptional lunch experience worth savoring.

I experienced it myself together with my officemates when we set out to explore the foodie possibilities in the Tomas Morato area during our lunch break.

An ambiance of openness and warmth

Tablo Kitchen x Cafe welcomed me and my companions with its open and airy atmosphere. The restaurant boasts a thoughtful blend of al fresco and indoor seating options, allowing guests to enjoy their meals amidst the natural light that floods the space. Recycled wood and metal furniture, accompanied by cozy throw pillows, create a welcoming environment that encourages relaxation and conversation.

However, do note that parking can be limited, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot before the lunchtime rush. (I learned this the hard way.)

A culinary journey through comfort food

Tablo Kitchen x Cafe specializes in satisfying comfort food that is perfect for sharing with friends, family, or colleagues during a leisurely lunch. Our dining experience included a feast of flavors, featuring standout dishes from their menu.

We started with complimentary Prawn Crackers, accompanied by a tangy Vinegar dip, which set the tone for the meal ahead.

The Tablo Meat Platter (Php2,640), a generous serving of Tablo’s grilled meat specialties meant for eight or more, impressed us with its mouthwatering variety. It showcased Half Texas BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Roast Beef Slices, Peri Peri Pork Chop, Salt & Pepper Pork Steak, Chicken Chops, Corn, Buttered Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes, Side Salad, Garlic Rice, and Garlic Bread—a true feast for the senses.

Another standout dish was the Roast Beef Adobo Cream (Php640), featuring tender slices of roast beef and potatoes and French beans, all brought together with a delightful soy-vinegar marinade and coconut cream.

These comforting flavors were perfectly complemented and made more filling by our Pinoy staples Plain Rice (Php64/cup) and Garlic Fried Rice (Php80/cup).

Attentive service and memorable experiences

At Tablo Kitchen x Cafe, the service and staff add an extra touch of hospitality to the dining experience. The attentive and competent staff ensure that guests are well taken care of, catering to their needs and providing helpful recommendations. Moreover, the friendly servers are always ready to capture those Instagrammable moments, making sure your memories of the meal are captured in the best possible way.

Convenient locations for Metro Manila foodies

Tablo Kitchen x Cafe boasts multiple branches across Metro Manila, making it accessible to a wider audience of food enthusiasts. The branch we visited is located at 14A Scout Borromeo St., South Triangle, Quezon City. For inquiries and reservations, you can contact it at +63 912 4330580.

If you find yourself in other parts of Metro Manila, Tablo Kitchen x Cafe has branches in BF Resort (Tel:+63 925 3372789), BF Homes (+63 956 4805696), and South Las Pinas (Tel: +63 927 0190919), offering the same delightful culinary experience.

As my workmates and I discovered, Tablo Kitchen x Cafe stands as a testament to the power of creativity, community, and comfort food coming together in a delightful culinary experience, thanks to its inviting ambiance, generous servings of hearty cuisine, attentive staff, and accessible locations. Whether you’re looking for a place to gather with family and friends or simply indulge in comforting dishes, Tablo Kitchen x Cafe is sure to provide a haven of creativity, community, and delectable comfort food that will leave you longing for more.

Know more about its menu and offers by visiting its website or following Tablo Kitchen x Cafe on Facebook and Instagram.

A flavorful family experience at Yabu House of Katsu, SM Megamall

Every Sunday is Family Day. Part of my family’s Sunday routine is to have lunch together after attending mass. We usually opt for either old favorites or new restaurants we want to try. For this instance, we opted for Yabu House of Katsu since we already know that we love the food there.

Yabu’s Unique Katsu Experience

Yabu House of Katsu stands out among other restaurants for several reasons, making it a unique and beloved destination for katsu enthusiasts. The first thing that struck us was their commitment to authenticity. Yabu prides itself on offering an authentic Japanese katsu experience. They adhere to traditional Japanese cooking techniques and use high-quality ingredients to ensure the utmost authenticity in their dishes. From the breading to the frying method, Yabu pays attention to every detail to create a truly authentic katsu. One ritual that we particularly enjoyed was preparing the katsu sauce by grinding the toasted sesame seeds in a textured bowl before pouring and mixing in the prepared katsu sauce.

Customization and variety are also key features of Yabu’s menu. They offer a wide range of katsu options to cater to various tastes. Whether you prefer pork, chicken, seafood, or even vegetarian katsu, Yabu has got you covered. This level of customization allows diners to enjoy their favorite type of katsu in their preferred style. The attention to detail is evident in the little extras they provide, such as unlimited servings of cabbage salad and various dipping sauces to complement the katsu. The miso soup is carefully crafted, and the rice is perfectly cooked, further enhancing the overall meal.

Delicious Katsu Selections at Yabu

We know that we couldn’t go wrong with the katsu sets, which consist of a special cut of katsu served with refillable soup, rice, cabbage, and fruit. I opted for the Rosu (Pork Loin) Set (P390/80g | P430/120g | P490/180g) since the fat trimming adds a lot of flavor to the meat.

My husband and daughter, both more fitness-conscious, opted for the Hire (Pork Tenderloin) Set (P415/80g | P450/120g), which has no fat.

My son, being a cheese-lover, went for the Menchi Katsu Set (P430) made with a mixture of minced beef and pork mixed together with Yabu’s special spices and stuffed with creamy cheese.

Of course, the kids insisted on an order of Mozzarella Katsu Sticks (P320), sticks of mozzarella coated in golden panko tossed with Yabu’s special furikake blend and served with spicy aioli dip.

Meanwhile, my husband wanted to munch on an order of Agedashi Tofu (P265), panko-crusted Japanese tofu topped with shredded bonito flakes and grated radish, and served on a bed of soy-dashi sauce, while waiting for our katsu sets.

The pricing of these items is just right for a weekend family meal. It feels like something special and tasty that we can look forward to without breaking the bank.

Inviting Ambiance at Yabu SM Megamall

The ambiance at the SM Megamall branch of Yabu is inviting and comfortable, creating a pleasant dining experience for guests. The modern and stylish decor with sleek lines and contemporary furniture adds a touch of sophistication to the restaurant’s overall atmosphere. The warm lighting, with its soft and warm-toned lights, sets a relaxed and intimate mood, making it a perfect place to enjoy a meal with family and loved ones.

The seating arrangements at Yabu SM Megamall are thoughtfully designed to accommodate both small and large groups comfortably. Whether you’re dining as a couple or with a larger party, you’ll find seating arrangements that cater to your needs. The staff at Yabu SM Megamall are very welcoming and attentive, and quite prompt when we needed rice and cabbage refills. From the moment we entered the restaurant, we were greeted with a warm welcome and provided with any assistance or guidance we needed throughout our dining experience.

The vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the SM Megamall branch adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall dining experience. The restaurant is often bustling with activity, creating a lively ambiance that makes it a great place for friends and families to gather and enjoy a meal together.

I can say that Yabu House of Katsu does deserve its position as one of the fam’s favorite restaurants

This Yabu branch is located at Bldg B, SM Mega Mall, 202 EDSA corner Dona Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 9pm.

Other Yabu branches are located at:

Las Pinas: SM Southmall
Makati: Glorietta 2, Rockwell Powerplant
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
Pasig: Ayala Malls the 30th, Ayala Malls Feliz
Quezon City: UP Town Center, SM North EDSA, Robinsons Magnolia, Ayala Vertis North, Robinsons Galleria
Taguig: SM Aura

Yabu House of Katsu also delivers via GrabFood.

Know more about its menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Yabu House of Katsu: