Make your holiday gatherings and gift giving more special with unique and delicious finds from Ilustrado Restaurant.
Ilustrado’s Holiday Tienda offers something for everyone. The cheese lover will surely love homemade cheese wheels in Boursin, Pimiento (a sure kids’ favourite!), Spicy Cheese – Edam with garlic and spices, varieties. You cannot go wrong with bottled Atsara, Bagoong, Moringga Pesto, Gourmet Tuyo and Chimichurri.
Tea Cookies come in boxes of 12 cookies in flavors of Double Chocolate, Coconut, Matcha Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Snickerdoodles. Brownies come in boxes of 4 bars with Cashew, S’mores, Salted Caramel, Pretzel and Cream Cheese flavors. Ready to serve for a party are Cake Squares in a box with these delectable selections – Baked Cheesecake, Chocolate Fudge and Sans Rival. Cheese Pimiento Wreath and Quezo de Bola Ensaimada Tree are both unique, festive and appetizing.
A new addition to their lineup are fun Artisan Holiday Boxes dubbed “Christmas Morning” – a selection of cookies, brownies, loose leaf tea and tablea chocolate while “Holiday Cheer” is a Graze Box with Jamon Serrano, Chorizo, Stuffed Lychee with Roquefort and Pistachio, Chorizo Puffs, Spicy Cheeseball, Boursin Cheeseball, Chocolate Dipped Dried Mangoes, Crostini and Pretzels, Mandarin Oranges, Marinated Tomatoes and Olives. These are the perfect hostess gifts to bring to a party or as gifts in themselves to those you hold dear.
To spruce up your Noche Buena table, choose from a long list of mouthwatering selections: the stellar Twice Cooked Angus Beef Short Plate is a must order along with Adobong Bagnet with Taba ng Talangka, Callos Madrilena, Kalderetang Kambing, Lengua con Setas, Hamon de Hacienda, Stuffed Chicken Ilustrado (ala Relleno), Pineapple Glazed Leg of Ham and U.S. Prime Rib.
Your meal will not be complete without Ilustrado’s Signature Paella. Choose from Paella Ilustrado (Meat and Seafood), Paella Marinara (All Seafood), Paella Negra (Squid Ink)or Paella Bacalao.
Those who like pasta and noodles can pick from Classic Carbonara, Espanyola (Spanish Sardines, sun-dried tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil) Filipino Spaghetti, Ilustrado (Shrimp, olive oil, Paprika) Machito (Tenderloin Bits and Mushroom) Palabok with Bagnet and Pata Pancit.
To know more offerings and other details visit Ilustrado at 744 General Luna Road, Intramuros, Manila (527-3674, 527-2345); Café Ilustrado, 4th Level SM Makati (818-6760) or Pasteleria Ilustrado, 2nd level, Alabang Town Center (0919-845-9503) or email caterings@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph or log on to www.facebook.com/ilustradorestaurant/.
Disclosure: Menu details and images provided by Ilustrado Restaurant in a recent press release.
Check out my previous post about Ilustrado Restaurant’s Degustation Menu here.
Chef Jessie Sincioco, Hotel Intercontinental Manila’s very first Filipina pastry chef and recipient of multiple international awards and recognitions in her field, never dreamed of having her own building.
The renowned restaurateur behind culinary brands such as Top of the Citi by Chef Jessie and Chef Jessie Rockwell Club, now has another feather in her cap (or toque blanche, to be consistent with her profession): a newly constructed building set within one of the Makati suburbs surrounding the Central Business District.
The structure is designed to house, not just Chef Jessie’s corporate offices, but various dining choices that showcase the chef’s culinary creations as well.
At the ground floor, which will house a bakeshop and a coffee shop, diners can relax and unwind with their favorite brew and Chef Jessie’s signature pastries.
The mezzanine will be the home of a restaurant that features intercontinal fare, while the third floor will be made available for rentals and events as a function hall that can cater to small groups or large gatherings (or the oft-maligned tita conferences :-)).
The upper floors will house the corporate offices of JCS Gastronomie, Inc., the company that manages her culinary establishments.
Given Chef Jessie’s religious bent, a small but beautiful chapel which will hold masses every Friday is also given pride of place in the building.
Anticipating that ample parking space will be a major consideration for her diners, she acquired another lot near the building to serve as a parking lot.
The new building, Chef’s Jessie’s Place is something that the chef can consider all her own, a significant portion of her solo ventures. She credits the acquisition and construction of the building to a special blessing, along with the honor of being tasked to prepare all of His Holiness Pope Francis’ meals during his celebrated visit to the country in 2015. This same year was coincidentally the year when the lot on which the building was erected became available.
Chef Jessie has definitely come a long way. From joining and winning the Great Maya Cookfest in 1983 with her now iconic mango cake recipe, to getting hired immediately after the competition by a top honcho of Intercon, to launching Le Souffle with expat partners, to now being the name behind top restaurants, she has proven, time and again, her strength, culinary genius and her mettle.
And with all that’s in store with the highly anticipated grand opening of Chef Jessie’s Place, slated to be in early 2019, we can look forward to more exciting things from Chef Jessie.
Chef Jessie’s Place is located at the corner of Pililia and Obrero Streets in Tanay, Makati City.
Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to an exclusive sneak peek of Chef Jessie’s Place prior to its official opening.
Lately, restaurants touting “modern Filipino cuisine” have sprouted up all over the metro.
But what is modern Filipino cuisine?
Simply put: it is the flavors you grew up with but broken free of traditions surrounding them, even incorporating foreign influences. It is composed of tastes and textures familiar to you but applied and presented in exciting and novel ways. In short, this is not your grandma’s cooking.
Unless your dear Lola is part of the visionary team behind Ombu Kusina, of course.
Ombu is a modern Filipino restaurant located along Mother Ignacia Street in Quezon City. Having recently revamped its interiors, it also recently launched its special holiday dishes. And your friendly neighborhood Jellybeans is among the lucky foodies who were able to attend its exclusive food tasting event.
Ombu’s newly renovated premises are simply impressive. White subway tiles serve as an elegant backdrop for light-colored plush seats, darkwood tables and the feast laid out for us.
And said feast consisted of Ombu’s signature dishes such as:
Dilis Rice (Php80 per cup: Php170 for sharing). Your favorite sinangag (garlic fried rice), lightly flavored and topped with salty crispy fried dilis (anchovies).
Salted Egg Spaghettini (Php260). Al dente spaghettini noodles tossed in a sauce of salted egg yolks, sprinkled with tomatoes, diced cucumber and salted egg whites. The salted egg sauce was evenly spread throughout the noodles and the cucumber provided a fresh contrast to the sauce with every bite.
Sisig Pizza (Php520). The classic pork sisig and egg tops a thin-crust pizza drizzled with garlic sauce.
Binagoongang Talong (Php300). Fresh eggplant and lechon kawali served with a thick bagoong (shrimp paste) sauce. While I found the sauce a little too thick for my taste but the crispy fried pork belly is just yummy and went well with the Dilis Rice.
Seafood Mix Laing (Php290). Taro leaves wrapped around a mix of shrimp, crab meat, onion and lemon grass, slowly cooked in light coconut milk.
Also part of the feast are Ombu’s seasonal dishes such as:
Adobochon (Php440). Flavorful roasted pig with tender meat and crispy skin served with adobo sauce on the side.
Flaming Chicken (Php340). Tender and juicy chicken flambed right before our eyes.
For dessert, we had Frozen Brazo de Mercedes (Php180). Delightful layers of frozen soft meringue alternating custard filling, ice cream and graham cracker crust.
The dishes were expertly prepared and given a fresh twist by Ombu Kusina’s chefs.
So for a great taste of modern Filipino cuisine, check out Ombu Kusina.
Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a 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.
Ombu Kusina is located at Ground Floor, Sequioa Hotel, Mother Ignacia Street, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 6.30am to 10pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 4411789 or +63 922 8149086, or email omburestaurant@yahoo.com.
Soldier, diplomat, statesman and journalist Carlos P. Romulo loomed large in Philippine history and more so in the lives of his descendants. Today, they operate a restaurant chain named after him that recalls the highlights of his prestigious career through photographs. Romulo Cafe also serves heirloom dishes which include those served by his wife, Virginia, during their Philippine embassy dinners in the United States where he marshaled for full Philippine independence.
At the invitation of the restaurant’s general manager, Gilbert Caras, my friends and I recently made our way to Romulo Cafe’s original branch in the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area.
The place has an elegant and relaxed vibe to it. It has cozy and private spaces as well as wide open areas both indoors and outdoors. Its decor combines old-world nostalgia from the black-and-white photographs and a fresh aesthetic with the modern furniture and green accents.
We were treated to an array of Filipino comfort food that took us back in time:
Boneless Crispy Pata Binagoongan (Php698). A pork leg boiled until fork-tender then deboned and deep-fried to a golden crisp served with the restaurant’s own eggplant and tomato bagoong sauce.
Tito Greg’s Kare-Kare (Php510). Oxtail and tripe stew in peanut sauce served in house-made shrimp paste.
Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno (Php698). Roasted half-chicken stuffed with ground pork, raisins, peas and chorizo.
Suman sa Latik (Php70). So simple yet so decadently delicious, sticky suman made from glutinous rice and coconut milk is fried to attain that light golden crisp then served in a shot glass in a bed of coconut caramel sauce.
Cool as Cucumber Mocktail (Php160). A refreshing concoction of fresh lime and cucumber wit mint leaves.
It was feast of Filipino comfort food – with familiar flavors yet a fresh take in presentation or combination – enjoyed in a stylish and well-appointed restaurant: an experience we won’t soon forget.
This Romulo Cafe branch is located at 32 Scout Tuazon Corner Scout Lazcano Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily from 11pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 3327273, + 63 2 3327275 or +63
Planning your office Christmas party or family reunion? Romulo Cafe can prepare a sumptuous buffet for you and your guests in its lovely function rooms. Its buffet options include:
Set Menu A at Php695/head:
Appetizer: Chicharon and Tinapa Roll
Soup: choose between Monggo or Molo Soup
Noodles: choose between Pancit Puti or Sotanghon Guisado
Beef: choose between Tito Greg’s Kare Kare or Beef Caldereta
Chicken: choose among Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno, General’s Chicken or Bacolod Chicken
Fish: choose among Bangus Al Ajillo, Guinataang Hipon sa Kamias or Crispy Catfish
Vegetables: choose among Bagnet Pinakbet, Guinataang Sigarillas, Laing with Adobo Flakes or Gising-gising
Pork: choose among Lechon Kawali, Honey Garlic Spareribs or Crispy Pork Binagoongan
Dessert: Suman sa Latik
Set Menu B at Php795/head:
Appetizer: choose three among Pinoy Nachos, Cheese and Vigan Longganisa Dumplings, Crispy Crablets, Tinapa Roll, Chicharon, Smoked Bangus Plate
Soup: choose among Molo Soup, Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso, Sinigang na Liempo, or Beef Bulalo
Noodles: choose among Pancit Puti, Sotanghon Guisado, Penne Carbonara with Vigan Longganisa, Linguini Puttanesca with Tuyo or Pasta Filipino
Beef: choose among Tito Greg’s Kare Kare Beef Caldereta or Lengua
Chicken: choose among Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno, General’s Chicken or Bacolod Chicken
Fish: choose among Flying Tilapia, Bangus Al Ajillo, Guinataang Hipon sa Kamias or Crispy Catfish
Vegetables: choose among Bagnet Pinakbet, Guinataang Sigarillas, Laing with Adobo Flakes or Gising-gising
Pork: choose among Lechon Kawali, Honey Garlic Spareribs or Crispy Pork Binagoongan
Dessert: choose between Suman sa Latik or Assorted Mini Cakes
Want to serve the star of all Filipino celebrations – the Lechon – during your buffet feast? A 3-kg lechon roll is available for Php2,800++ (6-kg for Php5,600++). You can add Cebu lechon to your food items for Php8,000 (small), Php9,000 (medium) and Php10,000 (large).
Other Romulo Cafe branches are located at:
148 Jupiter Corner Comet Street, Bel-Air, Makati City, open daily from 11pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm (Tel. No: +63 2 8220286)
Azumi Boutique Hotel, 2205 Market Street, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, open daily from 11pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm (Tel. No: +63 2 5561443)
Disclosure: Our lunch was hosted by Romulo Cafe. The food items mentioned here were served for us to sample the fare and were not paid for by our group.
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.
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 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.
That’s the way the cookie crumbles at Fika, the restaurant located in the out-of-the-way Capitol Greenstreet Commercial Center up Capitol Hills in Quezon City.
Head chef and CEO Mats Loo hails from Sweden where the word “fika” means “having coffee and talks with friends.” Having long dreamed of having a restaurant name Fika, he made his dream a reality right up Capitol Hills in Quezon City.
Diners of Fika are treated, not just to fine Filipino food, but also to a stunning view of the city. Being located in the Capitol Greenstreet Commercial Center, near Capitol Hills Golf and Country Club and Celebrity Sports Club, it is surrounded by lush greenery with a view of Quezon City all the way to Antipolo.
Also housed in the same building is the top culinary school First Gourmet Academy. It trains aspiring chefs in various courses that will prepare them for jobs in both local establishments and those abroad. Its working kitchen is also where the fantastic dishes in Fika’s breakfast and all-day menus are prepared and cooked.
I recently joined a foodie meetup held at Fika where, together with fellow foodies, I was able to sample delectable dishes from Fika’s all-day menu. These include:
Chicken Inasal (Php255). A popular Ilonggo dish, it is grilled chicken marinated in a special sauce that gave it its distinct color.
Laing (Php135). Dried taro leaves, coconut milk and chili peppers make this a winner among lovers of spicy food.
Pancit Luglog (Php195). Thick noodles sauteed in a rich savory sauced and topped with hard-boiled eggs and chicharon. A party favorite!
Pinakbet with Bagnet (Php265). A classic Ilocano dish, it’s made of stewed vegetables seasoned with bagoong and topped with crispy bagnet.
Fika Fried Rice (Php135). A recipe that came from Chef Mats’ mom, it’s a great breakfast fried rice made with chopped Chinese sausages, scrambled eggs, pork bits and various chopped veggies.
Binagoongan Rice (Php135). A flavorful dish made of rice, pork bits and kangkong sauteed in bagoong paste then topped with salted egg and ensalada.
Bangus Steak (Php285). The fish version of Bistek Tagalog, it features boneless bangus marinated in soy sauce and calamansi and served with lightly sauteed white onion rings.
Dinakdakan (Php140). An Ilocano dish made of various pork parts such as cheeks, liver, ears and tongue.
Sisig (Php150). Chopped pork parts are deep fried and seasoned with calamansi, mayonnaise, soy sauce and chilis.
We washed down our meal with ice blended drinks such as Choco Frappe (Php165) and Green Tea Frappe (Php175).
And since any meal wouldn’t be complete without dessert, we indulged ourselves in some freshly baked cakes, all at Php110 each:
Tres Leches
Ube Queso
Chocolate Cake
Chocnut Cheesecake
Clear winners for me are the Pinakbet with Bagnet, Fika Rice and – dare I say – all the cakes!
These Fika food sure are Fika good! Do check them out!
Fika is located at the Ground Floor, Capitol Greenstreet Commercial Center, Capitol Hills Drive, Old Balara, Quezon City, open Sundays to Thursdays at 6.45am to 10.30pm and Fridays to Saturdays at 6.45am to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call + 63 917 7006588, +63 2 3553132 or +63 2 5142480.
Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a foodie meet-up held in 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.
Hidden away in New Manila is a haven for lovers of coffee and comfort food.
Renovated from one of the previously worn-down houses along Broadway Avenue, Little Owl Cafe is nestled among lush greenery. Started as a coffee shop but now a full service cafe, it serves food that features a fusion of Italian and Asian cuisines that professionals working in the area or families residing nearby can enjoy.
I was recently invited to a Blogger’s Dinner at this restaurant where I was able to sample some of its delectable offerings:
Omelette Chorizo Rice (Php270). Part of the resto’s All-Day Breakfast Menu, it consists of homemade longganisa rice, delicately wrapped in a thin omelette and topped with onion gravy and aioli.
Sisig Tacos (Php210). Three pieces of soft-shell tacos topped with crispy sisig and a savory liver aioli sauce. A great start to the meal!
Glazed Cauliflower (Php210). Cauliflower covered in a sweet and spicy soy glaze then deep-fried to crispiness. A great way to get the kids to eat their veggies!
Truffle Mushroom Pasta (Php350). Al dente noodles tossed in a rich homemade mushroom sauce made with three different kinds of mushrooms – shiitake, enoki and shimeji – topped with fried enoki and drizzled with truffle oil.
Shrimp & Aligue Pasta (Php330). Pasta noodles tossed in a creamy tomato sauce incorporating shrimp aligue and served with plump grilled shrimps.
Beef Tapa & Cheese Sandwich (Php295). A Pinoy take on the Philly Cheesesteak which showcases savory slivers of beef tapa, it is accompanied by a hefty serving of crisp shoestring fries.
Chicken & Waffle (Php270). Chicken thighs covered in batter then fried to a crisp then served with sriracha coleslaw over cheddar waffles.
Lechon Kawali Bibimbap (Php320). The classic sweet-spicy Korean fried rice served with sauteed mushrooms and spinach accompanied by deep fried pork belly and fried egg. A great combination of Pinoy and Korean flavors!
Chicken Satay (Php280). A bowl of Indonesian- inspired fried rice served with grilled chicken thigh and its trademark peanut sauce.
Beef Rendang (Php420). Tenderchuck slow-cooked in aromatic spices and coconut cream. A little too spicy for me but a sure winner for those who like their food with lots of kick!
Kimchi Salmon Sinigang (Php420). Salmon belly and loin seared then served in a spicy and sour soup.
Iced Mocha (Php170). A rich yet refreshing blend of chocolate and coffee flavors, it is among the Toby’s Estate beverages served in this restaurant.
Pink Owl (Php180). A fruity cocktail of vodka, lychee, watermelon and mint. A suitable drink to chase away the workday stress.
Little Owl Cafe’s food offerings provide its diners with an adventurous break from the everyday meals but with enough familiar flavors to make them appealing to those with more conservative tastebuds.
Its premises are well-appointed, tastefully furnished and prettily lit, great backgrounds for foodie shots and group photos.
Since this resto is conveniently located a short distance from my workplace, I definitely can drop by again for dinner with friends after office hours.
Little Owl Cafe is located at 65 Broadway Avenue, New Manila, Quezon City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 10pm and Sundays from 8am to 9pm. For inquiries, call + 63 917 8181468 or +63 2 5012036.
Little Owl also accepts bookings for special events such as weddings, birthdays, holiday parties, press conferences and more, with function rooms that can be reserved for a minimum consumable amount.
Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a foodie meet-up held in 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.
San Fernando, Pampanga is only about two hours ride from Manila. It is usually a place my family and I pass by on the way to our hometown of Bataan. While I may have visited the city once or twice over the past years (and usually on business), I have never thought of it as a foodie destination. (I admit now that this notion is a bit odd, considering that Kapampangans are known for their culinary skills.)
Fortunately, I recently took part in the Giant Lantern Festival Bloggers Tour organized by the city’s Tourism Promotion and Caravan Sub-Committee, YALLA Book of Coupons and the Giant Lantern Festival Foundation, Inc. Together with fellow bloggers, I toured San Fernando’s heritage sites and learned about the city’s thriving Christmas lantern industry and annual competition. Plus, our group was treated to an EPIC seven-stop food crawl of the city’s top restaurants.
I can hardly keep myself from talking about all the great foodie finds discovered during the tour, so I wrote a curated list of the “absolute must-trys” that represent the various cuisines available in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Check them out and try to include these restos in your itinerary on your next visit to the area.
Baked Goods: The Original Cheesebread at L.A. Bake Shop
L.A. Bakeshop prides itself on being the “Home of the Original Cheesebread.” And, oh, its artisan cheesebread is really worth boasting about! When served while still warm from the oven, it emits a sweet cheese-y smell that has you salivating. Bite into it and the soft fluffy sweet bread gives in to the explosion of cheese flavor in your mouth. Enjoy it for breakfast together with L.A. Bakeshop’s Spanish Bread and Tsokolateng Batirol for a truly indulgent start to your day.
L.A. Bakeshop is located along MacArthur Hi-way, Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, open daily from 7am to 9pm. For inquiries, call +63 045 4360153 or +63 916 2623098.
Italian: Shrimp Bisque Fusili at Parmisano’s
An exciting take on the Pancit Luglog, this dish features al dente fusilli pasta tossed in a creamy shrimp sauce, topped with onion leeks, plump shrimp, soft-boiled egg and bits of savory chicharon. What a fun way to enjoy a local classic!
Price: Php286
Parmisano’s is located at KM 78, San Agustin, City of San Fernando, Pampanga (across Vista Mall), open Tuesdays to Sundays from 12nn to 9pm. For inquiries, call +63 045 4027639.
American: Grilled Beef Steak at Meats and Match
For the true-blue carnevore like me, there is nothing like the taste of freshly grilled steak. Sourced from local farms, cooked to medium doneness and served on a sizzling plate together with mashed potatoes and buttered corn and carrots, the meat is tender, juicy and oozing with flavor. I love it when its accompanying gravy has caramelized a bit below the steak, adding a more intense flavor to every bite.
Price: Php194
Meats and Match is located along McArthur Highway, Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. For inquiries, call +63 998 9888917.
American: Double Smoky Mushroom & Cheese Burger at Roberto’s
Two juicy flame-grilled meat patties topped with a flavorful mushroom sauce and accompanied by crisp greens inside a warm burger bun. Crispy battered onion rings and tartar dip are served on the side.
Price: Php450
Roberto’s is located in Dolores (beside the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital), City of San Fernando, Pampanga, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries, call +63 998 9888914.
Seafood: Bag of Fresh Catch at Orange Bucket
Steamed or boiled crabs, shrimps and mussels in a savory-spicy Cajun-style sauce. It’s best eaten by hand and you can expect to be messy so take advantage of the disposable gloves and bib provided by the resto (it’s a lot more fun that way anyway).
Price: minimum order of 300g
Crab: Php540
Shrimp: Php450
Mussel: Php270
Clam: Php60
The Orange Bucket is located at the Erazone Square, Kalahi Business Road, Bgy San Isidro, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, open daily from 11am to 11pm. For inquiries, call +63 045 4022611, +63 906 2468000 or +63 998 8597750.
Filipino: Sizzling Sisig at 4MD’s Manukan at Ihaw Ihaw
Since Pampanga is the birthplace of the sisig, a Pampanga food crawl would hardly be complete without it. This dish is made in the traditional way: boiled and chopped pig ears and cheeks, seasoned with vinegar, and served on a hot plate with roughly chopped onions. I found this version dryer than other sisig I’ve tasted (which usually incorporate mayonnaise), but it did not detract from the taste.
Price: Php175
4MD’s Manukan at Ihaw Ihaw is located along MacArthur Hi-way, Dolores, City of Pampanga, open daily from 11am to 11pm. For inquries, call +63 045 9633283.
Dessert: Chiffonelle at Cafe Noelle
Made from the recipe crafted by the chef’s family matriarch, this dessert treat is composed of classic chiffon cake with a decadent yema custard filling and butter icing. It’s simple and light on the tastebuds but absolutely wonderful.
Price: Php140/slice; Php 980/whole cake
Cafe Noelle is located at the Greenfields Square along MacArthur Hi-way, Sindalan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, open daily from 10am to 10pm.
The #PampangaFoodCrawl helped to open my eyes to the many gustatory delights available in the city of San Fernando and I look forward to my future trips up north so I can explore more of the city’s dining possibilities.
Planning a trip up north? Check out these restos and be sure to head out and experience more of what makes the city of San Fernando, Pampanga unique. Check out my previous blog posts on the city:
Disclosure: Together with other bloggers, I participated in a tour and food crawl sponsored by the city government of San Fernando, Pampanga. The experiences provided and food served were not paid for by the attendees including myself.
Jellybeans in the City 