greenhills – Jellybeans in the City

A Night of Excellent Chows and Laughter Unlocked at Vault, Greenhills

Ever fancied being part of a clandestine rendezvous, sipping exquisite cocktails in a prohibition-era inspired speakeasy? Look no further than Vault, the secret bar attached to Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew in Greenhills.

So why don’t we unravel this hidden gem?

A Well-Kept Secret

Step into the shadows and venture into Vault, a well-guarded secret kept only for the worthy few. Passing through the metal door transports you into a world reminiscent of the prohibition era with its air exclusivity and excitement, enticing you to delve deeper into this covert adventure.

Clearly, Vault isn’t your run-of-the-mill bar; it’s a journey back in time. The ambiance exudes the essence of a bygone era, featuring leather seating and granite tables that transport you to the days of the Roaring Twenties. This carefully curated decor, reminiscent of clandestine watering holes of yesteryears, sets the perfect stage for your exclusive night out.

The Perfect Pairing: Bar Chow and Drinks

No visit to Vault is complete without indulging in their tantalizing bar chow.

Crispy Onions (Php250). Crunch meets flavor in this delightful appetizer. Imagine deep-fried, thinly sliced onions tossed in a secret spice mix, served with a creamy Mexican crema sauce.

Truffle Parmesan Fries (Php275). House-made fries that have been transformed into a gourmet delight. Tossed in a tantalizing spice mix and showered with truffle parmesan snow, these fries are accompanied by a luscious aioli sauce.

Crispy Pork Sisig (P305). Crispy Pork Sisig at Vault is a crispy masterpiece—pork mask, onions, and egg sautéed in a special sisig sauce.

Grilled Angus Skewers (Php150/stick). Juicy Angus cubes marinated in a delectable barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection.

Of course, no clandestine rendezvous is complete without the perfect libations. Vault proudly presents a beverage selection that complements the mystique of its ambiance. Apart from its signature cocktails and a wide array of liquors, you can cross-order beverages from their sister-restaurant, Tittos, ensuring that your glass is never empty.

Laughter in the Vault: Writers Block Comedy Show

Adding to the allure of Vault is its recent collaboration with Comedy Manila, a production house pioneering the comedy revolution in the Philippines.

The Writers Block Stand-Up Showcase held last Thursday was an evening of laughter with the country’s top and up-and-coming stand-up comedians and comedy writers.

Be a Part of the Vault Experience

Want to get in the Vault? Keep an eye out for promos and events that add an extra layer of excitement to your clandestine visit. Don’t be shy—share your Vault experience on social media and let the world know about this hidden treasure. Just remember to tag them using #FindTheVault.

Unlock the Vault. Discover the secret. #FindTheVault.

Vault is located inside Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew at Ground Floor, O Square 2, Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 5pm to 1am. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 917 8848867.

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

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this establishment. Food and drinks were served at no cost to the attendees in exchange for honest feedback.

Manam Comfort Filipino, Greenhills: A cozy culinary journey through Filipino comfort food

One of the things I look forward to every weekend is Sunday brunch with the fam. After attending mass, we usually enjoy a meal at restaurant that gives us a welcome break from our usual lutong-bahay viands and fast-food delivery fare.

One particular Sunday gave me the chance to revisit Manam Comfort Filipino. During my pre-pandemic era, I enjoyed a HappyLunch at its Trinoma branch with my officemates but I was unable to repeat the experience afterwards.

Until now.

A Warm Embrace of Filipino Comfort

Manam Comfort Filipino is a culinary gem founded by friends Abba Napa, Eliza Antonino, and Jon Syjuco. This homegrown concept by The Moment Group pays homage to the founders’ cherished childhood memories and culinary adventures. With a menu that beautifully marries tradition and innovation, Manam offers a dining experience that subtly challenges the taste of Filipino classics while remaining relatable and comforting to the contemporary Filipino palate.

Comfort Beyond Taste: The Cozy Atmosphere of Manam

For this particular Sunday brunch, I enjoyed the meal with my family at Manam’s Greenhills branch. Here, we were enveloped by an inviting and cozy ambiance. The spacious interiors, adorned with light-colored furnishings and walls adorned with vibrant artwork, create an atmosphere that feels like home. It’s the kind of place where families and friends gather, creating lasting memories while enjoying the comforting flavors of Filipino cuisine.

Unfolding Hominess: A Taste of Manam’s Filipino Soul

Manam is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of heartily delicious Filipino cuisine. The name itself, derived from the Filipino word “malinamnam,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of Manam’s brand—a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to unfold hominess to all who enter. The founders’ vision was simple yet innovative: to present Filipino comfort food in a way that satisfies the modern diner’s cravings while preserving the nostalgia of beloved childhood dishes.

Classics and Twists: An All-Filipino Menu to Savor and Discover

At Manam, the menu is thoughtfully divided into two categories: classics (homestyle cooking like our lolas used to make) and twists (creative versions of our favorite ulams). Serving sizes include small, medium and large, accommodating diners ranging from solo and intimate groups to family-size parties. This unique menu concept takes diners on an exciting culinary journey, indulging in a feast of comfort dishes, including both new and familiar flavors.

From the Classics:

House Crispy Sisig (Php190 small | Php340 medium | Php570). A sizzling plate with crispy pork jowl and cheek, onions, and chilis—a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors.

Beef Salpicao and Garlic (Php265 small | Php495 medium | Php895). Tender beef cubes marinated and braised in a flavorful garlic sauce.

Sizzling Bulalo Steak (Php350 small | Php635 medium | Php1,135). Beef shank, succulent and tender, bathed in savory gravy, served on a sizzling plate to add an enticing touch.

From the Twists:

House Tofu Sisig (Php175 small | Php295 medium | Php485). Crispy fried tofu cubes, drenched in Manam’s vegetarian house sisig sauce, accompanied by fried okra, scallions, and fresh green chilis—a vegetarian twist on a beloved classic.

Caramelized Patis Wings (Php190 small | Php465 medium | Php915). Succulent chicken wings coated in a sweet, tangy and savory caramelized patis glaze, delivering a delightful fusion of flavors.

Crispy Pancit Palabok (Php225 small | Php440 medium | Php725). Crunchy glass noodles adorned with chicharon, crispy garlic, shrimp, squid, and tinapa flakes, bathed in a savory shrimp sauce—a delightful textural journey through the flavors of the Philippines.

To complement our comforting feast, we cooled down with refreshing Mango Pomelo Sago (Php175), their smooth and citrusy sweetness adding a delightful touch to our culinary adventure.

Manam Comfort Filipino in Greenhills has truly mastered the art of comfort dining, blending tradition and innovation to create a culinary experience that warms both the heart and the palate. From the inviting ambiance to the carefully crafted classics and inventive twists, Manam offers a delightful taste of Filipino soul food. Whether you’re seeking a cozy family gathering or a comforting meal for one, Manam is the place where Filipino comfort takes center stage, reminding us of the flavors that define us and the memories that bind us.

This Manam Comfort Filipino branch is located at OSquare 2, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 9pm and Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 10pm.

Other Metro Manila branches are located at:

Makati: Greenbelt 2
Mandaluyong: SM Mega Fashion Hall
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
Muntinlupa: Festival Supermall Expansion Wing, Molito Lifestyle Center
Paranaque: Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
Quezon City: Ayala Malls Trinoma, SM City North EDSA, SM Fairview, Robinsons Magnolia, Gateway Mall
Taguig: Uptown Mall, Net Park

Check out my previous post about Manam Comfort Filipino:

Explosion of colors and flavors at Sala Thai Kitchen, Greenhills

Thai food remains one of the world most popular and influential cuisines in the world. From the humble street food that can be enjoyed in Thailand’s marketplaces to the Thai-inspired dishes served by high profile chefs, Thai food continues to entice, titillate and satisfy the imagination and taste buds of foodies throughout the globe.

Its appeal can be attributed to its wide range of flavors and textures – combining fresh and crisp veggies, bold spices, sweet coconut and earthy savory peanuts. Aside from incorporating many nutritious ingredients and employing mostly healthy cooking methods, Thai food also offers a lot of delicious options for people with dietary restrictions and preferences.

This is why the opening of a new Thai restaurant in one of the metro’s busiest shopping areas is happy news to me and my foodie friends.

Sala Thai Kitchen welcomes its guests with a chill yet elegant vibe which also integrates elements of Thai culture and aesthetics from its backdrop of knick-knacks to its delicately designed tableware.

We immersed ourselves in a delicious flavor journey with these scrumptious dishes:

Starters

Crispy Spring Rolls (Php195). Also known as paw pia tod, these are flavorful rolls made with chopped veggies, ground pork and glass noodles encased in translucent rice paper wrappers then deep-fried to a crispy golden brown and served with chili sauce for dipping.

Pomelo Salad (Php220). Also known as yam som o, this is a bright and fresh mix of green leafy veggies, aromatics and chunks of pomelo tossed in citrusy dressing along with ground peanuts and garnished with mint leaves.

Rice & Noodles

Shrimp & Pineapple Fried Rice (Php370). The Thai put a special spin on fried rice through the use of shrimp, stock, seasonings and pineapple bits. This dish is also as khao pad.

Thidin Pad Thai (Php330). One of Thailand’s most well-known dishes made with stir-fried noodles and chicken bits in a sweet-savory-sour sauce garnished with an omelette, crushed peanuts and cilantro.

Siam Chicken Noodles (Php340). Noodles flavored with a coconut turmeric sauce topped with black pepper chicken.

Meat

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce (Php320). Grilled boneless chicken breast marinated in coconut milk and seasonings and served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce.

PatPong Wings (Php320). Crispy fried chicken wings covered with a sweet-and-savory glaze and garnished with chilis, chopped green onions and cilantro.

Beef Green Curry (Php380). Tender strips of beef and eggplant braised in Thai green curry paste and coconut milk. This dish is also known as gaeng keow wan.

Dessert

Creme Flan (Php140). The Thai version of the creme caramel which incorporates coconut cream.

Mango Sticky Rice (Php160). Also known as khao neeo mamuang, this is a popular Thai dessert made with glutinous rice mixed with sweetened coconut milk, topped with slices of fresh mangoes and drizzled with a coconut milk sauce before being garnished with toasted sesame seeds.

Drinks

Thai Milk Tea (Php120). An earthy and nutty take on the milk tea made with strong assam black tea sweetened with condensed milk.

Thai Coffee (Php120). Coffee sweetened with condensed milk and flavored with spices. Available hot or iced.

With these beautifully presented and delectable offerings, you can be sure that your meal at Sala Thai Kitchen is a feast for the senses.

So drop by while you take a break from your shopping spree or make this new restaurant your prime destination for a wonderful flavor journey to Thailand without having to leave the metro.

Sala Thai Kitchen is located at Ground Floor, O Square 2, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan, open daily from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries, reservations and delivery orders, call +63 977 2186165 or +63 919 2836155.

It also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

To stay updated on its promos and offers, follow Sala Thai Kitchen on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant where food items were served at no cost to the attendees.

Hanako’s newest branch at Promenade Mall Greenhills now on soft opening

Got a hankering for Japanese food in between bouts of retail therapy?

Don’t worry because you can now feast on #HandsDownGoodFood at Hanako’s newest branch at the Promenade Mall in Greenhills Shopping Center!

Long known for its easy-on-the-pocket Japanese dishes, Hanako is now serving its signature authentic cuisine to both shoppers and foodies who frequent one of the metro’s busiest shopping districts.

So be sure to take a break from your shopping binge and indulge yourself with your favorite Japanese food and explore new ones to enjoy!

Sashimi and Sushi

Tuna Sashimi (Php259).

Salmon Sashimi (Php299).

Torched Cheese and Salmon (Php329). Fresh salmon topped with cream cheese and Japanese mayo on sushi rice and drizzled with teriyaki sauce.

California Gunkan (Php239). Sushi rice, kani and cucumber wrapped in nori and topped with tamago, ebiko, mango and fried salmon skin.

Ultimate Dynamite Roll (Php309). Sushi roll made with tuna, salmon, kami, togarashi and topped with crunchy tempura flakes.

Hanako’s Best (Php1,419). A platter full of sushi favorites from Hanako: eight pcs California Maki, eight pcs Spicy Tuna Crunch, eight pcs Philadelphia Roll, eight pcs Tuna Sashimi and eight pcs Salmon Sashimi.

Starters

Miso Soup (Php74). Hot broth falvored with miso paste, leeks, tofu and wakame.

Gyoza Sampler (Php199). Includes two pieces each of the classic pork, beef and chicken versions of the Japanese potsticker gyoza.

Kani Salad (Php269). Cucumber sticks, kani, mango slices, ebiko and nori strips dressed with creamy Japanese mayo.

Chicken Karaage (Php284). Japanese-style fried chicken served with mayo on the side.

Beef Sukiyaki (Php274). Beef strips, sotanghon noodles, carrots, onions, cabbage and egg in a sweet-savory donburi sauce.

Donburi

Beef Gyudon (Php329). Filling rice bowl topped with slices of high-grade beef, white onions, leeks, shibazuke and egg flavored with a mildly sweet sauce.

Chicken Teriyakidon (Php309). Japanese rice bowl topped with strips of grilled chicken breast marinated in house-made teriyaki sauce along with leeks, bean sprouts, shibazuke and sesame seeds.

Pork Belly Don (Php229). Strips of pork belly on a rice bowl flavored with gyudon sauce and topped with pickled radish.

Salmon Teriyaki Don (Php334). Grilled salmon on a rice bowl topped with leeks, pickled cucumber and sesame seeds flavored with teriyaki sauce.

Entrees

Beef Omurice (Php229). Beef strips and rice wrapped in a delicate omelette.

Ebi Fry (Php204). Breaded shrimp with toasted sesame and katsu sauce on the side, served on a bed of rice.

Shrimp Tempura (Php219/3pcs | Php319/5pcs). Deep-fried battered shrimp served with tempura sauce.

Mixed Tempura (Php179). Deep-fried battered shrimp, kani and vegetables served with tempura sauce.

Drinks

Thirsty? Hanako’s got house-made drinks to refresh you.

Now you know that whenever you’re in the Greenhills area and you #CraveHanako, there’s a branch here ready to serve you!

Plus, here’s some good news: Hanako is bringing back its Tempura-All-You-Can promo to welcome diners to this store. Enjoy unlimited Ebi Tempura all weekdays of December when you dine at Hanako Greenhills.

This newest Hanako branch is located at the Food Court, Ground Floor, Promenade Mall, Annapolis Street corner Missouri Street, Greenshills Shopping Center, San Juan, open daily from 10am to 8pm.

Other branches are located at:

4th Floor, East Wing, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City
30 Doña Soledad Ave., Better Living Subd., Brgy. Don Bosco, Parañaque City
83 B Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City (beside Car Doctor)
131-C Armstrong Ave., Brgy. Moonwalk, Parañaque City
GF, SM Center Pasig, Ortigas East, Pasig City
2nd Floor, The Rock, Holy Spirit Drive, Brgy. Don Antonio, Quezon City
Robinsons Townville Regalado Ext Ciudad Verde, Quezon City

You may also order online at cravehanako.ph.

To stay updated on Hanako’s offers and promos, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant where food items were served at no cost to the attendees.

Check out my previous posts on Hanako:

Hanako, Katipunan — Sate your Japanese food cravings at Hanako, Regis Katipunan

Dining indulgence at Cowrie Grill

Sometimes, the occasion calls for you to indulge in the finer things in life – and what better to splurge on than an unforgettable meal? Paying homage to its former home with old world opulence, The Manila Hotel-managed Cowrie Grill delights guests by offering the choicest selection of meats and seafood.

Fine dining goes one step further at Cowrie Grill. It is a gem of a restaurant located at Promenade 3 Mall, Greenhills on Missouri Street. It is upscale and impressive, coupled with warm service reserved for VIP guests like you. Explore our distinctively flavored steaks handcrafted by our chefs, as well as tantalizing menu that includes main entrees, appetizers, healthy greens, and desserts!

As a start, go for the French Onion Soup, or try the Maitre D’ Caesar Salad – freshly prepared greens with crunch from romaine lettuce, croutons, generously drizzled in olive oil, cheese and bacon complemented by the sweet and zesty Caesar salad dressing. Pair it with the flavorful pan-seared scallops on mushroom risotto.

Menu standouts here are the Surf and Turf set duo of Pitik Lobster Thermidor [fresh slipper lobster] and US Angus Beef Tenderloin with baked garlic and garden vegetables. Go for US Angus Beef Rib or the US Angus Chateaubriand that are seasoned and grilled to perfection. Complement this with any of Cowrie Grill’s fine selection of red wines. You also have a choice of a generous serving of certified Angus Beef Tomahawk [best shared by two].

When it comes to the food, Cowrie Grill is a great place to go for variety. Aside from meat cooked to perfection, the seafood is much more than an afterthought. Pescatarians will enjoy our mouth-watering sweet and silky Chilean Sea Bass, or the Grilled Norwegian Salmon Steak.

You must also try other good choices like the Symphony of Scallops, Baked Oysters, Iberico pork loin, and Angus Beef Burger.
An excellent ending to your hearty meal is our Chuao Chocolate Gateau, a rich four-layered cake served with Crème Anglaise.

Then, there’s the crowd favorite, Baked Alaska, with its perfectly browned meringue, flambéed with brandy, mouthwatering moist sponge cake with strawberry ice cream in the middle, and layers of different textures and flavors all in one bite.

With scrumptious food and impeccable service, Cowrie Grill’s guaranteed to impress. For table reservations, please call (02) 84631993 or email r.cowriegrill@themanilahotel.com.
Cowrie Grill may also be booked for exclusive functions for up to 30 guests.

About Cowrie Grill

Cowrie Grill used to be an in-house restaurant in The Manila Hotel but had to be transferred to San Juan in 1993 to give way to the famed Café Ilang-Ilang. With its classic and elegant interior, Cowrie Grill is perfect for celebrating special occasions like Father’s Day. It caters best to families and friends looking for a good intimate fine-dining place to relax and have a good meal after work or shopping. Guests can book the entire restaurant for an exclusive small function in strict compliance to the heath and safety protocols in the guidelines of the IATF.