Dessert cafes abound in the metro, but how many of them do you see touting our very own tsokolate – the Pinoy version of hot chocolate?
Would you believe I first heard of this delicacy back in high school while studying Noli Me Tangere? Jose Rizal’s literary masterpiece features a scene wherein the characters assign social status to the thickness of the hot chocolate served.
During a social gathering, Padre Salvi (one of the more nefarious characters in the novel), serves tsokolate eh (from espresso, meaning thick, due to the richness of the hot chocolate served) for Spanish visitors and dignitaries, while tsokolate ah (from aguado, meaning watered down) was served to the locals, which is probably why this is sometimes referred to as the native hot chocolate.
(Aside: being a racist and a snob are the least of Padre Salvi’s character flaws.)
The latter variant is available at Tsoko.Nut Batirol, a small cafe located in Quezon City’s Tomas Morato Area. The batirol in the cafe’s name refers to the implement used in mixing the hot chocolate to make sure that the tablea (chocolate tablets) are dissolved and well-incorporated into the drink.
The cafe has an Old World feel to it, with furniture and interiors that harken back to ancestral homes in the provinces. It also makes use of its own signature mug for its hot beverages which adds to its quaint appeal.
Together with my office buddies, I went here for some dessert which included:
Tsokolate Ah Batirol (Php88 regular | Php98 large). The aforementioned native hot chocolate is no longer a comment on one’s station. Instead, this is an indulgent treat for any chocolate lover. Made in the traditional way: using chocolate tablea, milk and ground peanuts, this drink will take you back in time.
Mini Chocolate Cake (Php110). A rich and chocolatey confection of moist cake and thick chocolate icing.
Mango Torte (Php99). A frozen cheesecake topped with artfully arranged mango slices on on a crust of graham cracker crumbs. It’s so pretty, we almost didn’t want to eat it. Well, almost. 🤪
I’d love to spend a more leisurely afternoon here, just enjoying my sweets and my cup of native hot choco. I wonder when that would be…
This Tsoko.Nut Batirol branch is located near the corner of Scout Reyes Street and Mother Ignacia Avenue, Bgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 3979939.
Other branches are located at:
Food Court, Third Floor, Eastwood Cybermall, Libis, Quezon City
Upper Ground Floor, Worldwide Corporate Center, Shaw Boulevard, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
Ground Floor, Telus Building, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
Third Floor, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati City
From August 13-16, buy 1 dish and get another at 50 per cent off at Tres located on the 2nd Level, The Annex, SM North EDSA and along Rufino Street corner Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati.
The offer includes all the menu items and is available all day everyday from August 13-16 only. The discounted dish must be equal or of a lesser value than the 1st dish. Only 1 redemption is allowed per single transaction. No minimum purchase is required. The offer is good only for dine in and cannot be used with other existing promos, discount and gift check.
Tres is home to good old home Filipino cooking serving the original dishes and those inspired by the late culinary figure Chef Ed Quimzon.
Some of the bestsellers include Kare-Kare-Kare served 4 ways – Classic Beef with flank steak and tripe; Seafood with prawns, squid, fish, shellfish, and clams; Crispy Beef Tadyang, Crispy Pata and Crispy which is a combination of chuck, flank steak, and tripe. The Kare-Kare-Kare Platter is a big order of beef ribs, pork knuckles, prawns and vegetables.
TRES coined the term Kare-Kare-Kare because they give you extra sauce to pour, peanuts to top, and the original TRES bagoong as an accompaniment.
The TRES Crispy Pata is another bestseller. It is soaked in a secret marinade and fried twice for that double delicious crispy crackling goodness. The meat is tender and steeped with flavor. It is served with thinly sliced sweet potato crisps and a sweet and spicy soy sauce and vinegar dip.
Binagoongang Lechon Kawali combines the crispiness of lechon and the spiciness of the Bicol Express sauce. Sizzling Crispy Beef Tadyang is simmered in soy sauce with garlic, onion, laurel leaf and pepper.
For dishes with Spanish and English influence, there is Lengua con Setas, Hickory Baby Back Ribs and Lamb Adobo. Roast Iberian Chicken is the Spanish version of the more familiar roast chicken but this time, the whole chicken is slow roasted in olive oil and spices. There is also Gambas Al Ajillo with fresh prawns sautéed in garlic, green peppers and olive oil. Classic Beef Salpicao is beef tenderloin sautéed in olive oil, chili, roasted minced garlic and then grilled to coax the natural sweet flavor of the meat to come out.
If you are looking for hot delicious soup, there is Beef Bulalo, slow cooked beef marrow until its almost fall-off the bone tender and made more flavorful with corn, green beans, cabbage and potatoes.
The Sinigang comes in 4 variants. Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso, Sinigang na Spareribs, Sinigang na Bangus and Sinigang na Hipon.
There is more. Sugpo at Aligue is fresh prawns sautéed in crab roe, garlic and chili. TRES Bagnet Sampler comes with 3 slices each of Classic, Kare-Kare-Kare and Mantecado with matching sauces. Sizzling Adobo Belly, Lumpiang Shanghai, Bangus ala Pobre, Calamares, Crispy Tilapia, Crispy Ginataang Hito are some of the other choices.
For vegetable dishes, the Gising-Gising is a crowd favorite with ground pork sautéed with Baguio beans, chili and coconut milk. You decide if you want it real spicy. Pinakbet is more decadent with Bagnet, Ampalaya Ensalada has no bitter taste with crispy dried shrimp and a light dressing. Ensaladang Talong, Laing and Monggo round up the choices.
Of course a Filipino table will not be complete without rice. There is the standard Pandan Rice with an aromatic smell, Kalkag Rice with crispy dried shrimp and Lechon Rice with crispy lechon skin and sauce.
There is Halo-Halo that is super thick and creamy and overflowing with macapuno, beans, milk, leche flan, ube and grated ice. For more desserts, try the Ube Macapuno Royale Cake Chocolate Lava Cake, Leche Flan, Biko and Banana-Ube Turon.
For reservations, catering and other inquiries, visit TRES on the 2nd floor, The Annex, SM City North EDSA or call 352-7032 or 0917-529-0837; and TRES on the ground floor of Keyland Ayala SLC Building, Rufino near the corner of Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati or call 0927-791-5489. You may also visit facebook.com/trescuisineph.
Salamangka translates to “sleight of hand” in Tagalog. It is a word wrapped in magic and mystery, calling to mind enchantment and wonder.
The restaurant and bar in Eastwood Citywalk that bears that name lives up to it by offering coffee, cocktails and craft beer, as well as its own reimagining of Filipino food, against a welcoming backdrop laden with a hefty dose of mystical appeal.
Together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I stepped inside Salamangka’s doors for a taste of magic.
In the late morning, Salamangka is awash with light, the black murals of mythical creatures and the balete tree on the wall wonderfully offset by the clean white background. Furniture made with native materials and a huge table and bench set made from solid pieces of wood provide ample seating for the diners.
Salamangka’s menu consists of its own take of classic Filipino dishes, such as:
Kamote Chips (Php199). Crispy deep-fried slices of of sweet potatoes that go so well with its dip of condensed milk reduction.
Piknik (Php199). Crispy hand-cut potato slivers served with three different sauces (but they’re ok without the sauce as evidenced by the way I keep popping them into my mouth, hehehe!)
Coca Cola Wings (Php259). Fried chicken wings simmered in a Coca Cola reduction and served with piknik.
Itlog na Maalat Wings (Php349). Fried chicken wings covered in a sauce of salted eggs and served with piknik.
Vegan Nachos (Php199). Toasted pita chips topped with ground tofu and drizzled with a mixture of Yummza pesto hummus, lemon and oil. Live a little and add Php20 for additional topping of grated cheese.
Tinapa (Php189). A bowl of smokey tinapa flakes on top of garlic rice and paired with salted egg, a side of tomatoes and burong mangga.
Bawang na Bangus (Php189). Fried bangus marinated in garlic served on top of garlic rice with salted egg and atsara.
Sinigang sa Manggang Hilaw (Php279). Beef sinigang with a sour sauce instead of broth on top of steamed rice and served with sour mango and bagoong.
Once you’ve eaten your fill, how about lettin’ loose and sampling Salamangka’s much celebrated alcholic concoctions? Impress your friends with your knowledge of native folklore when you identify the entities that give their name to these intense spirits.
Wakwak (Php99 per glass | Php349 per pitcher). Named after a vampiric bird-like creature that makes the noise “wak-wak” as it flaps its wings, this cocktail is mixture of rum, lime juice, mango puree and mint leaves.
Mambabarang(Php99 per glass | Php349 per pitcher). Made with gin, lime juice, cucumber slices and mint leaves, this cocktail got its name from the warlock or sorceress that cast malevolent hexes on people
Ibong Adarna (Php99 per glass | Php349 per pitcher). Named after the mythical bird whose song has healing qualities, this drink is made with tequila, pineapple, calamansi and chili placed in a salt-rimmed glass. A sip of this drink is multi-layered: you get the citrus flavor from the calamansi, the spiciness from the chili, the saltiness from the rimmed glass and the fire of the tequila as it travels down your throat.
What really got me excited was Pitong Elemento (Php350). A flight of seven intense native infusions inspired by legendary elementals, this consists of seven shot glasses of flavored spirits that pack quite a punch.
Duwende (dried mango rhum – named after the mischievous house spirit)
Sigbin (orange vodka – named after the mythical creature that suck its victims’ blood from the shadows)
Kibaan (raisin gin – named after the mythical creature that lead travelers astray with its backward feet)
Tiyanak (Thai chili tequila – named after the creature that takes the form of a crying baby to attack folks who pick it up)
Undin (roasted bell pepper vodka – named after the water sprite that drown people who disturb it)
Santelmo (lemon vodka – named after St. Elmo’s Fire, balls of fire that appear as portents of doom)
Nuno sa Punso (spearmint chocolate vodka – named after the dwarf-like creature that dwell in mounds of earth).
You can also opt to get these infusions individually by the shot glass at Php50 each, except for Nuno sa Punso which is at Php99.
(Note: I only attempted to try Nuno sa Punso and, really, a few sips were more than enough for a lightweight like me.)
Fans of the local craft beer Engkanto would really go for a Beer Flight (Php249) a four variant sampler consisting of lager, pale ale, IPA and double IPA.
Salamangka also prides itself on its Single Origin local coffees at Php99/cup such as those from Bukidnon and Batangas. These are freshly ground upon order and then brewed using pour over cups. Until August 31, get a Buy 1 Get 1 deal on these local coffees from 7am to 10am, thanks to Salamangka’s ongoing Hiwaga ng Umaga promo.
Salamangka’s Bulletproof Coffee (Php190), which is made with brewed coffee, coconut oil and unsalted butter, would probably be great for chasing away a hangover given the coffee’s touted properties for enhancing alertness. I would just prefer the residual flavor from the coconut oil to be tempered down a little bit more so that the creaminess and the slight sweetness from the butter would be more pronounced.
So if you want a great time with your friends tinged with magic and mystery, head on to Salamangka.
Thanks to Darryl, Issa, Veni and Kevin of Salamangka for having us!
Join Salamangka’s Hocus Focus Facebook contest by posting a picture of you posing in one of Salamanka’s Kreature Kutouts. Make sure your post is public, tag @salamangkamnl, use the hashtags #IsangTaongHiwaga and #TasteMagic, for a chance to get a freebie.
Feel like pitting your knowledge against other Salamangka guests? Join the Gabi ng Pagsusulit, a quiz night held at Salamangka every second and fourth Thursday of the month.
Salamangka is located at Eastwood Citywalk 1, Libis, Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 3am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 5518557.
Did you know you can buy two drinks and get the same two drinks for free at Salamangka through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks.
Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at 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.
I’ve gotten used to traveling all over the metro to try out new places to dine in that I sometimes get surprised when an interesting resto pops up right in my neck of the woods.
During my recent (harrowingly traffic-jammed) drives going to work, a newly opened cafe just outside my subdivision caught my eye. From the outside, it seemed like a clean and quiet place to hang out in. I admit: it seemed as if during the time I was stuck in mind-numbing traffic, that little cafe called to me, promising peace, quiet and respite.
So when my friend Sasha of Sashimakes (do check out her handcrafted stuff!) invited me to meet up with her at Loraine’s Coffee and Pastry Shop, I jumped at the chance to check the place out while catching up with her.
Upon entering the cafe, I was amazed at the nature-themed decor. Dark wood chairs, tables and shelves frame the lovely potted plants scattered all over the cafe. The overall effect is one of serenity: here, you can grab a bite or sip on your favorite brew in peace, as you watch the urban madness outside the door.
Feeling a bit adventurous, we decided to split between ourselves the cafe’s Pinangat Pasta (Php180). The dish combined elements from two of Bicol’s classic dishes: Pinangat, basically laing, and Adobong Bicol, also known as “adobo sa asin.” I like the complex flavors of the dish – garlicky, savory and a bit spicy – as it is a welcome deviation from the usual pasta dishes that are usually included in the menu of other cafes.
And wouldn’t you know it, the dish has a rice meal version at Php150! I will be definitely trying that the next time I’m here.
We enjoyed our pasta dish with our handcrafted drinks: a Passion Fruit Smoothie (Php120 for 16oz | Php135 for 22oz), a zesty ice-blended drink made from fresh passionfruit, and a mug of off-menu, made-by-request Hot Chocolate.
We capped off our snack with a slice of Strawberry Roll (Php65) and an Almond Bar (Php45). I would have liked the roll better if it used a lighter chiffon cake, though.
By the way, I also took home Cookies ‘n Cream, Vanilla and Red Velvet flavors for my babies at home.
On my next visit, I’d like to try out the other desserts that incorporate pili nuts.
And if all the mention of pinangat and pili nuts got you wondering, the cafe’s owner, Sly Natividad, was raised in Legazpi, Albay and wanted to feature some of the flavors he grew up with in his cafe.
He even gave us some salted pili nuts and mazapan de pili!
So the next time you’re traversing the traffic-jammed Ortigas Avenue Extension, ask yourself if the place you’re going to is worth letting the opportunity for respite and relaxation with handcrafted drinks and savory dishes and desserts that feature regional flavors at Loraine’s Coffee and Pastry Shop pass you by.
Loraine’s Coffee and Pastry Shop is located at Ground Floor, Choice Market Ortigas, 58 Ortigas Ave, Pasig, 1600 Metro Manila. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 7157635.
During my recent staycation with my mom and my daughter at Hotel Benilde, we had our meals at Cafe Romancon.
Our staycation at Hotel Benilde was extra special as my daughter, #ExhibitA, and I were looking forward to spending some quality time with my mom. For some time, Mommy has also been requesting for an outing where “three generations” – her, me and my daughter – can just be together.
So, #ExhibitA and I definitely took advantage of the opportunities to catch up on the goings-on with my mom that the staycation provided, especially when we sit down together to eat at Cafe Romancon.
Named after its patron saint, St. Benilde Romancon, it is a sprawling yet cozy coffee shop located at the ground floor of Hotel Benilde, a 4-star property situated in the bustling Malate area. It serves as the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant that offers its diners with a well-curated intercontinental menu in casual and modern setting.
For our dinner on the first day of our stay, we were treated to a sumptuous feast that included:
Gambas Al Ajillo (Php280). Succulent prawns sauteed in a garlic, tomatoes, onions and chilis. A perfect start to our meal.
Mushrooms Ala Pobre (Php180). Plump champignon mushrooms sauteed in olive oil, garlic and herbs.
Cream of Butternut Squash (Php130). A creamy soup of pureed squash and other vegetables topped with bacon.
Kani Mango Salad (Php190). Shredded crabsticks and dried mango bits top mixed greens and crunchy vermicelli noodles and drizzled with Japanese mango dressing.
Seafood Linguini (Php280). Shrimp calamari, mussels and fish sauteed in olive oil, garlic, onions and tomatoes tossed into pasta.
Norwegian Salmon (Php390). Pan-fried salmon with creamy leek sauce and garden vegetables served with mashed potatoes.
Gloucester Supreme (Php370). Two juicy and flavorful pieces of grilled marinated beef patties served with a rich mushroom gravy, mixed vegetables and steamed rice.
We were quite impressed with the quality of the food – the Norwegian Salmon, the Gloucester Supreme and the Gambas Al Ajillo we clear favorites! – as well as the superb service provided by the wait staff.
By the next morning, while my baby girl was enjoying her sleep, my mom and I had our breakfast at Cafe Romancon as well. The breakfast offerings are a bit limited we didn’t mind as we like our starting meal for the day to be light and fuss-free.
My mom helped herself to the fruits and beef tapa available in the buffet stations while I took advantage of the wide array of savory cheeses and sweet jams at the bread station.
These luxurious meals gave us the much-needed time to catch up on each other’s news, exchange chismis (hahaha!) and just enjoy each others’ company, definitely one of life’s priceless experiences.
Many thanks to the wonderful folks of Cafe Romancon and Hotel Benilde for the wonderful bonding mealtime moments that three generations of women in our family enjoyed!
Cafe Romancon is located at the Ground Floor, Hotel Benilde, Arellano Avenue corner Estrada Street, Malate, Manila, open daily from 6am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 2305230.
Disclosure: Dinner and breakfast were included in our complimentary overnight stay at Hotel Benilde in exchange for an honest review.
Along Quezon City’s Scout Rallos Street, quite some distance from the busy hustle and bustle of Tomas Morato Avenue, is a hidden haven for food and drink lovers.
It’s quite appropriately named, too: HidN Lounge. From the outside, apart from its subtle signage, it looks like any normal house. Step inside, though, and you will find a well-appointed space suited for getting together with friends for dinner or after-work beers, or for enjoying your solitude along with your choice of bar chow and cocktails while being serenaded by the mellow tunes of an acoustic band.
With the help of her parents, owner Kat Kierulf transformed her grandmother’s house into a cozy and comfy watering hole where Quezon City’s denizens can lounge about to relax and have fun, two activities so highly prized given today’s hectic lifestyle. Dim lights, eclectic decor and comfortable furniture form areas where you can have some privacy and stay hidden.
Together with my foodie buddies from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I visited HidN Lounge (and passed it by as I was driving, because it is, you know, hidden) to see and taste what it had to offer.
These included:
Roti Canai with Curry Sauce (Php140). I’m not a fan of curry but I liked dipping the warm, chewy bread in the mildly sweet curry sauce.
Spicy Tofu (Php165). Tofu cubes stir-fried in a sweet and spicy sauce. Another dish that had me reaching for the bowl again and again.
HidN’s Caldereta (Php395). An old family recipe of Kat’s mom, Ina, this features tender beef pieces stewed in a rich tomato sauce with potatoes and bell peppers, topped with cheese.
Kare Kare Bagnet (Php395). Crispy slices of bagnet from Ilocos on a bed of rich and savory kare kare peanut sauce and accompanied by succulent lightly boiled greens.
Sinuglaw (Php395). The marriage of sinugbo and kinilaw led to this ceviche-type dish made with with grilled pork belly and fresh tuna made drenched in spiced vinegar and topped with salted egg. A great palate cleanser to nibble on in between richer dishes.
Gambas (Php425). Succulent whole shrimp in sauteed in garlic and olive oil. Great by itself as an appetizer or paired with rice. Personally, I was half-tempted to ask for more bread so I can scrape every bit of that flavorful garlicky olive oil from the cast-iron pan.
Lengua Salpicao (Php395). Ox tongue cooked to absolute tenderness and marinated in garlic served with olive oil. A definite winner for me.
Classic Pork Sisig (Php235). A staple among practically all Filipino restaurants, the pork sisig makes it appearance here accompanied by a sunny-side-up fried egg and some chopped liver.
Crispy Adobong Kambing (Php390). Goat meat tenderized, marinated adobo-style, deep-fried for crispiness and accompanied by garlic flakes. Not a bad intro to goat-based viands.
HidN Agenda (Php330). Ten different spirits combined together in a large goblet and set aflame right before your eyes. This is definitely not for lightweights: with just a little sip, you can feel the drink warm its way down your throat. I couldn’t finish my itty-bitty shot glass of this drink. If you’re a seasoned drinker and you’re feeling adventurous, give this drink a try.
21st State Cocktail (Php260). A dessert cocktail made with cognac and coffee liqueur and sprinkled with shaved chocolate on top, this drink is sweet and with a mild buzz. Definitely my kind of drink!
Having uncovered this hidden gem just a little distance from my workplace, I’m already thinking of after-work get-togethers and office celebrations that can be held here. It’s such nifty place to hide away in.
Many thanks to Kat and Ina Kierulf, as well as the wonderful staff of Hidn Lounge, for the great food and drinks, and the warm welcome!
HidN Lounge is located at 21 Scout Rallos Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 6pm to 2am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 9824422, +63 917 8592355 or +63 917 8850718.
Did you know you can buy two drinks and get the same two drinks for free at HidN Lounge through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks.
Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at 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.
For every single-receipt transaction of P2,300, get a whole Crispy Pata for only Php133 from the regular menu price of Php753 at TRES. The offering runs whole day, everyday at TRES on the 2nd floor of SM City North Annex and TRES along Rufino Street near corner Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati.
Crispy Pata, one of the bestsellers of TRES, is soaked in a secret marinade and fried twice for that double delicious crispy crackling goodness. The meat is tender and steeped with flavor. It is served with thinly sliced sweet potato crisps and a sweet and spicy soy sauce and vinegar dip.
TRES is also known for its signature Kare-Kare-Kare that comes in Classic Beef with flank steak and tripe; Seafood with prawns, squid, fish, shellfish, and clams; Crispy Beef Tadyang and Crispy Pata.
The Kare-Kare-Kare tag refers to the restaurant giving patrons three signature condiments to pair with the dish – extra sauce to pour, diced peanuts to top and the famous TRES bagoong guisado as a dip. All three are on tabletops so patrons can even use them on any dish.
The extensive menu also offers Bagnet, Roast Iberian Chicken, Lamb Adobo, Lengua con Setas, Bulalo, Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso, Binagoongang Lechon Kawali, Crispy Sisig, Gising-Gising and more plus appetizers and desserts.
TRES along with M Catering are the last culinary projects of the late Chef Ed Quimzon. A number of the menu offerings are either his original creations or inspired by his initial concepts.
For reservations, catering and other inquiries, visit TRES on the 2nd floor, The Annex, SM City North EDSA or call +63 2 3527032 or +63 917 5290837; and TRES on the ground floor of Keyland Ayala SLC Building, Rufino near the corner of Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati or call +63 927 7915489. You may also visit Facebook. TRES is also available through Food Panda.
Restaurant and menu details as well as product image provided by TRES in a recent press release.
Look back on your favorite homespun food, the ones that your mom or lola used to cook for the family during special occasions.
Now imagine them with a fresh twist, a little change that makes them keep the nostalgia that you harbor for them but, at the same time, gives them a new dimension that gets you so giddy with excitement for a taste of something new.
That is what Chef Jehrad Dolino achieved when he unveiled his latest creations of reimagined Filipino food for Moonshine PUB.
Moonshine PUB is a cozy public urban bar situated in the hip and happenin’ Sapphire Bloc in Ortigas Center. It has a relaxing atmosphere with muted lights, dark leather furniture and brick decor reminiscent of 1920s underground speakeasies.
This is where Ortigas-based yuppies can go and unwind, enjoying the pub’s signature drinks which include these cocktails:
Calamansi Gin Smash (Php335). A refresing gin-based cocktail made with muddled sugar, cucumber and basil leaves and flavored with calamansi.
Smoked Old Fashioned (Php310). A whiskey-based cocktail made with muddled sugar and bitters accented by a lemon peel. It is smoked then covered for full effect.
Whiskey Sour (Php310). A whiskey-based cocktail made with lemon juice and sugar.
Chef Dolino’s new set of #FilipinoReimagined dishes take advantage of locally-sourced ingredients that are in season and allows Moonshine to continue to provide fresh takes on classic Pinoy cuisines. These include:
Chori Burger (Php395). Made from scratch by the chef and his team using vinegar and a lot of garlic and allowed to marinate in the chiller for two weeks, the chorizo patties give the burgers an exotic taste and feel. Each burger is served in a brioche bun with the house slaw and a sunny side up, plus some fries on the side.
Crispy Palabok with Crablets (Php350). Crispy glass noodles drenched in made-from-scratch palabok sauce made even heartier with the crablets and chicharon bulaklak.
Pizza Margarito (Php465). Chef Dolino’s twist on the Pizza Margherita, adding some house-made longganisa to the toasty pizza. This dish was inspired the chef and his wife’s trips to Italy.
Longganisa Shanghai (Php280). Also incorporating the house-made longganisa, this is the chef’s take on the classic Lumpiang Shanghai.
Laing with Chicharon (Php240). Inspired by the traditional family of one of the chef’s long-time cooks who hails from Bicol, this dish is not the blow-your-socks-off spicy kind of laing but, especially with the addition of crunchy chicharon, it is well-suited for a Manileno palate.
Spicy Sardine Pasta (Php320). The chef and his staff make the resto’s sardines from scratch using fresh, locally sourced fish. Added to some al dente pasta, these make for quite a filling dish.
Prawn Pakbet (Php380). Made with traditional bagoong, the vegetables here are prepared by blanching them in boiling water then shocking them in iced water, allowing them to retain their crispy texture and vibrant color. And seeing how the shrimp is mostly treated as an add-on in the usual pakbet dishes, he made it the star of the show with the addition of large grilled prawns in his version of the dish.
Salt and Pepper Prawns (Php700). Also inspired by his memories of meals at his lola’s seaside home, this seemingly simple dish pan-fried prawns accompanied by a refreshing cucumber salad presents a lot of pleasing complex flavors.
Angus Beef Adobo (Php540). Taking advantage of the resto’s abundance in tender and flavorful Angus beef, the chef applied classic adobo preparation for this dish with the addition of pan-fried potatoes for added texture like his grandma used to make, and some soft-boiled quail eggs for added richness, as inspired by his tita’s version of the dish.
Langka and Mango Biko (Php190). The classic kakanin (rice delicacy) is given the added twist of mango ang langka (jackfruit) bits, making this reminiscent of the Mango Sticky Rice dish from Thailand.
These new creations highlight the variety and versatility of Filipino cuisine.
Now, if you’re one Moonshine’s loyal patrons and have already developed your favorites among the items in its menu, don’t fret. These new dishes are additions, not replacements. You can still indulge yourself with your old favorites.
This Moonshine branch is located at The Sapphire Bloc, Sapphire corner Onyx corner Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 3am and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 4am. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 927 8000920.
Planning a trip to Moonshine soon? Drop by between 2pm to 8pm from Sundays to Thursdays for Happy Hour:
Get Php1,000 off on Black Label, Grey Goose and Hendricks
Buy 1 Take 1 on Superdry, Cerveza Negra, Brew Kettle and San Miguel Premium
Buy 1 Take 1 on wine (Php350 per glass)
Buy 1 and get 50% off on Signature Cocktails
San Mig Light and Pale Pilsen at Php50
Drop by from 6pm to 10pm every Saturday to Go Hard or Go Home:
Get Php1,000 off on Jack Daniel, Black Label, Grey Goose, Hendricks and Botanist
Buy 1 Take 1 on Jose Cuervo and Jagermeister
Did you know you can buy two drinks and get the same two drinks for free at Moonshine through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks.
Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at 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.
They say that great stories are told over good food.
Well, at the Cafe Tribu branch at the Victoria de Morato building along Scout Borromeo Street, the food items themselves have their own stories to tell, as I’ve recently discovered together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH.
Care to know ’em?
Opened in March 2019 by former Starbucks Coffee Master Marychris delos Santos, this Cafe Tribu branch has evolved into a showcase for her coffee mastery and her favorite dishes. Having her own business was also her motivation when she was dealing with some personal problems.
Here, you can find a nice and chill haven to hide out in away from the sun or rain. You can also take advantage of the free WiFi while working or studying, or amuse yourself and your buddies with boardgames you can borrow at the counter.
Here, you can refresh yourself with some of Marychris’ signature concoctions such as the Strawberry (Ph85) or the Kiwi Lychee (Php85) Green Tea coolers; or treat yourself to something more decadent such as the Caramel Creme (Php95) or the Java Oreo Berry (Php100) frappes.
So what are the stories behind this Cafe Tribu’s food offerings?
Well, let’s start with the all-day breakfast items which are served with garlic rice, fried egg, atchara and saba:
The German Cheesy (Php130), for starters, features plump homemade cheese-filled sausages which are popular among the denizens of the area near UST where Marychris studied.
The Boneless Bangus (Php130), on the other hand, came all the way from Dagupan, where Marychris’ family hails from. Together with its sweet-sour sukang atchara, it’s a sure-fire winner!
Have you ever tasted baboy ramo (wild boar) before? Order the Pork Tapa (Php165), and you will. I was actually surprised to find this meat imported from Nueva Ecija to be quite tender to the bite.
If you want something more American, have a Ham and Egg Sandwich (Php135). Together with the parmesan-dusted fries, it will fill you up for a day’s work or studying.
Since there’s always room for dessert, check out this Cafe Tribu’s sweet treats:
French Toast (Php95). A sweet confection of Marychris’ own recipe, which became her way to her man’s heart.
Banana Muffins (Php20 each). These yummy cuppies were Marychris’ mom’s way to her dad’s heart.
(There must be something in the way women in her family prepare desserts.) 😍
So if you’re ever in the Tomas Morato area, drop by this Cafe Tribu branch and chat up with Marychris over some good food and refreshing drinks.
Many thanks to Marychris of Cafe Tribu – Victoria de Morato for the warm welcome, the stories and of course, for the yummy food!
This Cafe Tribu branch is located at Ground Floor, Victoria De Morato, Scout Borromeo Street, South Triangle, Quezon City, open weekdays from 10am to 7pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 921 5411885.
Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held here wherein food and drink items were served to allow us to sample the fare. These were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.
So you’ve just clocked out but are not yet in the mood to face the long commute home. What can you do and where can you hang out to while away the rush hour?
If you’re near the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area, you’re in luck. Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar located along Scout Rallos Street, as my fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH and I have recently discovered, may just be your next favorite hangout spot.
Here are the reasons why:
1) Luxurious ambiance with a vintage charm.
Stepping into Tiyo’s interiors is akin to entering a time portal to the era of Old Manila where elegance and comfort take center stage from the Escolta-themed mural, muted lighting to the white marble tabletops.
2) Pinoy artistry in food and drink preparation.
Tiyo serves a thoughtfully curated menu of local fare which takes the best representations of Philippine regional cuisine and painstakingly uses traditional ingredients and cooking methods, and yet has reinvented and served these dishes with a modern flair.
During our fun-filled foodie meetup, we were presented with viands that are familiar yet decidedly different from our usual fare, and definitely a lot more exciting to dig in to.
Manila Ensalada (Php180). Crispy and golden-brown okoy (deep-fried shrimp fritters popular in the Ilocos region) served with green mango, unripe papaya and assorted greens.
Lengua Kaldereta Nachos (Php380). The ubiquitous Mexican bar chow has been upgraded with the addition of tenderized and finely chopped ox tongue and generous dollops of kaldereta sauce and kesong puti sauce, flavored by salsa and malunggay chimichurri.
Inihaw na Liempo Sinigang (Php420). Take your inihaw na liempo (grilled pork belly) and sinigang na baboy (pork in sour tamarind broth), put them together and you have this delightfully deconstructed dish. Take the pork belly and tamarind gravy together with the sour broth or separately, it doesn’t matter. Both iterations are equally good.
Corned Beef Caldereta (Php460). Here’s a new and leveled-up spin to the breakfast classic, corned beef! Combine fork-tender house-made corned beef with tomato puree, liver and grilled veggies and you’ve got yourself a filling and flavorful dish!
Dagupan Bangus Bistek (Php290). Deboned milkfish in soy calamansi sauce and garnished with red onion, suitable for those who want to eat light.
Maranao Piyanggang Manok (Php390). Chicken pieces served with sakurab – a vegetable mainstay in Maranao cuisine – along with coconut cream, lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, onion and ginger. Each bite is an explosion of flavor.
Palitaw Mochi (Php185). Instead of the usual flat kakanin (glutinous rice delicacy), these are cute dessert balls served with latik and bits of cashew crumble and coconut. Each bite is a surprise as your palitaw could be filled with either Malagos chocolate, Dulce de Leche or Ube (purple yam).
Turron ala Mode (Php195). My dad’s home province of Bataan produces one of the most iconic sweets of the region: gabi (taro) ice cream. That regional delicacy tops the turron (banana fritters) and caramel drizzle of this dream dessert.
And the craftsmanship does not stop with the food. Tiyo’s bartenders also whip up exciting craft cocktails for the thirsty but exacting diner. These concoctions are designed around local spirits, highlighting their unique flavors while demonstrating their versatility.
Pedro’s Uprising (basi, lemongrass, brandy and mint). It is named after the leader of the 1807 Basi Revolt which came about when the Spanish colonial government banned the private manufacture of this fermented sugar cane beverage. This just goes to show that you can’t keep the Pinoy spirit down!
Jai Alai (basil, white rum, brandy-infused cinnamon, tea, calamansi and honey). Named after the pastime of my own tiyo when I was growing up, this drink is sweet and heady, just like nostalgia.
Blame It on the Barako (coffee liquer, cream, coconut rum, syrup and orange wedge). If you find yourself lying awake at night, dreaming of the next time you’ll get a sip of this cocktail, you can always #BlameItOnTheBarako.
With its nine-tap craft beer system and the biggest collection of craft beer in the city, there is something from the seasoned brew connoisseur to a newbie. Opt for a Sampler Flight (Php150) of three sample glasses of different craft beers and discover your new favorite brew.
Not into alcohol? Don’t sweat it because Tiyo’s Houce Iced Tea (Php85) is drink that quenches your thirst and soothes your soul. And that straw is actually edible! It’s made of rice and tapioca so after finishing your drink, take a bite out of the straw.
3) It’s exciting promos and events.
Knowing the Pinoy penchant for spotting and pursuing a good deal, Tiyo has promos that lets its guests enjoy more for less.
Until the end of July, enjoy Buy 1 Take 1 deals on all craft cocktails.
Get 3 Gin & Tonic drinks for only Php280.
Every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, get all the wine you can drink for only Php799.
During Ladies Night Wednesdays, all ladies get a free craft cocktail drink of their choice.
Every Tuesday and Saturday night, groove along with live musical entertainment.
With all these elements coming together, it’s easy to see how Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar is #TailoredToGoodTaste. So make a stopover at Tiyo tonight. You’ll be glad you did.
Many thanks to Michelle and Mik de Guzman and Ed Salvador of Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar for hosting this foodie meetup.
Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar is located at Second Floor, CKB Centre, Tomas Morato Avenue Corner Scout Rallos Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open Sundays to Mondays from 4pm to 1am, Tuesdays to Thursdays from 4pm to 2am and Fridays to Saturdays from 4pm to 3 am. For inquiries or reservations, call +63 932 8642593.
Did you know you can buy two drinks and get the same two drinks for free at Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks.
Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at 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.
Jellybeans in the City 