iced tea – 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.

Discover Puebla La Cantina: Mexican-inspired flavors to be enjoyed atop AutoBites Carwash x Chill

Nestled in the heart of Mandaluyong City, Puebla La Cantina is a Latin-American restaurant that promises a delightful fusion of flavors, a lively ambiance, and a unique twist that sets it apart from similar eateries in the metro.

Located atop the popular AutoBites Carwash x Chill, this vibrant culinary gem offers foodies the opportunity to indulge in Mexican-inspired cuisine while pampering their beloved vehicles.

Ambiance and Atmosphere

Puebla La Cantina is an unassuming but charming eatery with a casual and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant boasts an industrial feel, perfectly complemented by colorful and festive Latin American decor. The open kitchen concept allows guests to witness the preparation of mouthwatering dishes from scratch.

For those seeking an al fresco experience, the restaurant offers a charming outdoor dining area, ideal for summer nights or a leisurely gathering with good friends while enjoying good food.

Mexican-Inspired Culinary Delights

Puebla La Cantina’s menu showcases a diverse range of Mexican-inspired dishes tailored to suit the discerning Pinoy palate. Let your taste buds dance with delight with these delectable offerings.

Quesadilla (Php180). Tortilla warmed on a griddle with chedar cheese, chopped onions and roasted red peppers

Pollo Taco (Php170). Shredded grilled chicken served in two warm tortillas, topped with salsa, housemade Puebla sauce and cilantro.

Carnitas Taco (Php190). Shredded roasted pork served in two warm tortillas, topped with salsa, housemade Puebla sauce and cilantro

Nacho Puebla (Php350). Fresh and crispy nacho chips loaded with Carne Asada, shredded grilled chicken, beans, cilantro and onions, topped with housemade smokey cheese sauce with a sie of salsa and garlic sauce.

Birria Quesa Taco (Php300). Beef slow-cooked in Ancho, Guajilla and Arbol Chile served with mozzarella in a soft tortilla topped with mozzarella, onions and cilantro, then partnered with consomme.

Chili con Carne Bowl (Php280). Ground beef slow-cooked in Mexican spices served with Nacho chips and tortilla.

Buffalo Chicken (Php350). Crunchy chicken wings and pieces tossed in classic tangy buffalo sauce.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Php350). Crunchy chicken wings and pieces tossed in parmesan cheese, garlic and Italian herbs.

Umbria Pasta (Php250). Thick and creamy linguini tossed with Mexican sausage and herb, topped with grilled chicken.

Shrimp Diablo (Php295). Pasta tossed with spicy and buttery shrimp in tomato cream sauce.

Pork Burrito Platter (Php260). Tortilla-less version of the burrito with smokey grilled pork over Mexican rice topped with tangy salsa.

Easy Chops (Php280). Boneless pork loin marinated in special herbs then pan-grilled to perfection and served on a bed of Mexican rice with a side of gravy.

With an array of flavorsome choices, Puebla La Cantina ensures that there’s something for everyone.

Refreshing Drinks to Complement Your Meal

No dining experience is complete without delightful beverages, and Puebla La Cantina has you covered. Pair your Mexican-inspired feast with their refreshing House Blend Iced Tea, a perfectly balanced and invigorating beverage that complements the bold flavors of the cuisine.

And of course, what’s a visit to a Mexican restaurant without enjoying a classic Margarita? Sip on this, and let the vibrant flavors transport you to the sunny beaches of Mexico.

Affordability and Value

One of the highlights of Puebla La Cantina is its commitment to providing affordable dining options without compromising on quality and taste. With reasonable prices, visitors can savor an authentic Mexican culinary experience without breaking the bank.

Puebla La Cantina also loves to delight its customers with special promotions and events. Currently, they are running an exciting contest where five lucky winners have a chance to win P1,000 worth of gift certificates. By liking their Facebook page, following their Instagram account, and participating in the contest, guests can become a part of the Puebla La Cantina experience and potentially enjoy a free dining adventure. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore their flavors!

A Story of Passion and Identity

Puebla La Cantina is the brainchild of husband and wife team RJ and Wel Guanlao. Passionate about delivering an exceptional dining experience, they decided to rebrand their previous establishment, Ole Nacho Bar, and give it a distinct Latin American identity. Through their culinary expertise and unwavering dedication, they have successfully transformed Puebla La Cantina into a vibrant and beloved dining destination.

Convenient Location and Unforgettable Experiences

Strategically situated on top of AutoBites Carwash x Chill, Puebla La Cantina offers a unique advantage to its customers. Guests can treat themselves to mouthwatering dishes while simultaneously pampering their vehicles. As you relish the vibrant flavors of Mexico, take a moment to admire the bustling carwash below, creating a dynamic experience that merges the worlds of gastronomy and automotive care.

Puebla La Cantina is still culinary gem but promises an unforgettable dining adventure. Embrace the flavors and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, and make memories with your friends and family here.

Puebla La Cantina is located at 732 Sgt. Bumatay Street, Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City, open Sundays, Tuesdays to Thursdays from 4pm to 12 midnight and Fridays to Saturdays from 4pm to 2am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 5660619.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant with my fellow foodies. Food items mentioned here were served at no cost to the attendees in exchange for honest reviews.

Revenge dining with friends at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, BGC

Ah yes!

The holiday season is finally here, and it comes in the wake of pandemic panics and crazy quarantines.

After feeling isolated and restricted for almost three years, the metro’s denizens are now beginning to feel some semblance of freedom, particularly when it comes to dining out.

It’s time for some “revenge dining,” wouldn’t you say?

As we step out of our homes and into the outside world, we are rediscovering our appetite for dining out: the hunt for an erstwhile undiscovered location, the thrill of tasting new dishes, and, of course, the sheer fun of sharing these experiences with our friends.

That’s what I did recently at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar in Uptown Parade, BGC. Together with my friend, Tina, who’s home for the holidays from Singapore, I went on a revenge dining spree.

Thanks to Peri-Peri’s Holiday Epic Feast Chicken and Pasta Grupo, Tina and I indulged ourselves on a delicious selection of classic and fresh flavors from this restaurant.

At just Php1,399, this group meal is packed full of dishes that make for a filling meal for up to five persons. Super-sulit, right?

Want to know what you can enjoy with this meal package? Check these out:

One Whole Chicken.

Peri-Peri brings about this famous dish by marinating a whole chicken overnight in a special mixture of peri-peri (bird’s eye) chili, herbs and spices, then charcoal-grilling it to a gloriously golden hue.

This flavorful and juicy grilled chicken dish is best enjoyed with one or a combination of the restaurant’s eight signature sauces representing various gastronomic destinations, ranging from mildly sweet (Cajun Remoulade, Hoisin Sesame and Sweet Soy), medium spiciness (Garlic Brew, Spiced Vinegar and Mesquite BBQ) and hot (Chili Peppa and Harissa Exotica).

Four Side Dishes. The group meal also comes with your choice of four side dishes to accompany the Peri-Peri Chicken and add new flavor dimensions to the meal.

Four Java Rice. The package also comes with the preferred rice dish for grilled or barbecued dishes.

One Pasta to Share. As if the previous inclusions are not gut-bustingly filling enough, the meal also includes a platter of your choice between creamy Pasta Carbonara or savory Chorizo Bolognese.

One Liter Drink. A liter of house-made iced tea or lemonade completes the meal.

While exploring the wonders of Peri-Peri’s delightful dishes, Tina and I were able to catch up on each other’s news. There’s nothing like a good meal to spur good conversation, right?

You, too, can #LetYourFlavorBegin by taking your pals to Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar for some flavorful revenge dining.

Happy and delicious eating!

This Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar is located at Ground Floor Uptown Parade, Bonifacio Global, Taguig City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 10pm, Fridays from 10am to 1am and Saturdays from 10am to 11pm.

Other Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar outlets are located at:

Las Pinas: Evia Lifestyle Center
Makati: Ayala North Exchange, Greenbelt 3
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
Marikina: SM City Marikina, Gil Fernando Avenue
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center
Paranaque: Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Pasay: Resorts World Manila
Pasig: SM City East Ortigas, Ayala Malls Feliz, Capitol Commons, Robinsons Galleria
Quezon City: Gateway Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Trinoma Mall, Banawe, Brittany Square, Eastwood Mall
San Juan: Promenade Greenhills
Taguig: Market! Market BGC, Venice Grand Mall

To enjoy this feast at home, order from Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s delivery website or call +63 2 73747374 for Metro Manila orders and +63 917 7747374 for provincial orders.

To know more about Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, browse through its website , or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts on Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken:

Peri Peri Chicken, SM East — Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, SM City East Ortigas

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Capitol Commons

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, Gil Fernando Marikina

Delish family dine-in with Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s Hearty Flavor Feast

Holiday Epic Feast for the fam at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, Eastwood Mall

Hooray for the holidays!

We’re now at the final stretch of the year and it’s time to slow down and spend time with the people we love.

If we’ve been too busy hustlin’ and bustlin’ over the course of this year to catch up with our folks over a good meal, this period gives us the perfect opportunity to do so.

That’s exactly what I did with my extended fam at the Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar branch at Eastwood Mall in Libis, Quezon City.

Here, my folks and I enjoyed a laid-back and comfy setting in which we can let loose and go on a fabulous flavor adventure together.

And with its Holiday Epic Feast Chicken & Riblet Grupo, a delicious curation of the restaurant’s best-selling specialties, there’s something for every family member to discover and love.

Of course, the star of this feast is the restaurant’s very own speciality: the Peri-Peri Chicken. This dish originates all the way from Africa, where peri-peri, the pepper which lends the dish its name is cultivated. Together with other spices and herbs, this pepper flavors the special mixture where a whole chicken is marinated overnight, then charcoal-grilled to a gloriously golden hue prior to serving, accompanied slices of lime.

The restaurant is also known as a sauce bar, and rightly so, given that it carries eight signature sauces, all made with natural ingredients, to add new dimensions of flavor to its signature chicken dish. Representing various international flavor profiles, the sauces range from mildly sweet, to medium spiciness and hot. Diners can choose any of these sauces (or mix and match them!) to tailor-fit their meal to their palate.

Well, the flavor adventure doesn’t stop there. The feast also features hefty hunks of BBQ Bourbon Riblets, tender and meaty barbecued ribs glazed in smokey bourbon infused sauce.

Being a lightly-spiced rice dish, Java Rice is the perfect companion to grilled and barbecued dishes. This feast brings eight cups of them, guaranteeing a filling meal for the whole fam!

Here’s a confession: half the pleasure of eating grilled meat is wolfing it down between bites of one’s favorite side dish. For the eight regular side dishes included in the Holiday Epic Feast, I opted to include the fam’s all-time go-to side dishes: Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese, Coleslaw, Fries and Mashed Potatoes.

Completing the meal are a liter each of the restaurant’s refreshing house-blend drinks: Iced Tea and Lemonade.

Would you believe that you too could treat the fam to such a deliciously filling Holiday Epic Feast for just Php1,999, saving you Php620? This meal is good for eight to ten persons, giving you the perfect opportunity to gather your nears-and-dears and enjoy a lovely meal.

Planning a more intimate get-together with the barkada? You can opt for the Holiday Epic Feast Chicken & Pasta Grupo, good for four to five persons for Php1,399 (which saves you Php255). This meal includes one whole chicken, one pasta to share, four cups of Java Rice, four regular side dishes and one liter of houseblend drink.

This Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar is located at the Second Floor, Eastwood Mall, 116 Eastwood Avenue, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 11pm, Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 12am and Sundays from 10am to 11pm.

Other Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar outlets are located at:

Las Pinas: Evia Lifestyle Center
Makati: Ayala North Exchange, Greenbelt 3
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
Marikina: SM City Marikina, Gil Fernando Avenue
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center
Paranaque: Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Pasay: Resorts World Manila
Pasig: SM City East Ortigas, Ayala Malls Feliz, Capitol Commons, Robinsons Galleria
Quezon City: Gateway Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Trinoma Mall, Banawe, Brittany Square
San Juan: Promenade Greenhills
Taguig: Uptown Parade BGC, Market! Market BGC, Venice Grand Mall

To enjoy this feast at home, order from Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s delivery website or call +63 2 73747374 for Metro Manila orders and +63 917 7747374 for provincial orders.

To know more about Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, browse through its website , or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts on Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken:

Burger + Burrito Group Meal delivery from Army Navy

Hubby’s go-to delivery resto to get his bite of burrito is Army Navy.

It is a fast food restaurant chain that specializes in freshly made and premium burgers and burritos. What makes it stand out is its military theme, which probably also explains the store’s appeal to Hubby.

While browsing through his Grab app, looking for something to snack on in between Slack meetings, he happened upon Army Navy’s Burger + Burrito Holiday Group Meal. He immediately placed an order to share the snack bundle with the fam. This group meal consists of:

Two Classic Burgers. Quarter-pound beef patties served with lettuce, onion and tomato in sesame seed buns. Quite filling for a snack.

Two Burritos. Hubby opted for steak burritos which consist of beef pieces, Spanish rice, frijoles, lettuce and cilantro wrapped in flour tortilla. I wish this had more meat in it. Other burrito variants available are chicken, pork carnitas and vegetable.

Two Orders of Freedom Fries. Thin-cut and seasoned fries with a zesty and crispy exterior.

Four Jars of Libertea Iced Tea. Army Navy’s house-brewed iced tea. These are not much on sweetness and they have an aftertaste that doesn’t appeal to me. I love the reusable jars these are served in, though.

My preferences aside, Hubby continues to be a loyal Army Navy customer. And as long as he shares his snacks to the fam, I won’t be complaining.

This Army Navy branch is located at Hampton Arcade, C. Raymundo Avenue, Maybunga, Pasig City, open daily 24/7 for pickup and delivery. Just call +63 2 83333131 or course your order via GrabFood.

Fun and fresh flavors at the newly opened Yi Fang, Tomas Morato

The Pinoy’s fascination for all kinds of teas is going strong and is showing no signs of waning. Case in point: the proliferation of tea joints all over the metro and beyond.

One such joint is the newly-opened branch of Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea along Tomas Morato. The latest of this chain’s stores to set up shop in Quezon City, its opening day was marked by long lines of customers (including riders from food delivery services).

Taiwan is the birthplace of the milk tea. It was invented in Tainan and Taichung in the 1980s where it was dubbed the boba milk tea. Years later, fruit flavors are incorporated into the drinks, giving rise to fruit teas.

Yi Fang had its roots in the early 20th century Taiwan during the Japanese occupation of the country. Chen-Jen, developed cold drinks from overripe pineapples so that her husband working in the fields will have something to soothe his thirst. Chen-Jen´s nickname is Yi Fang, a name which her grandson adopted as the brand which inherited her fruit tea recipes and methods.

Yi Fang is notable for its brown sugar pearls – tapioca balls cooked and served in brown sugar syrup. These chewy and yummy pearls give the concoctions such as the Brown Sugar Pearl Tea Latte (Php120) a sweet and somewhat toasty taste.

It has also innovated on its tea mixtures through its Yakult series, drinks enriched in both nutrition and flavor with the probiotic milk beverage. The Yakult Pineapple Green Tea (Php120), for example, benefits from an added tanginess and creamy mouthfeel.

Want to skip the hassle and the long lines? Order online and just arrange for a quick pickup anytime from 11am to 11pm. You may also course your order through Honestbee or Grab Food Delivery.

Update: I recently joined my officemates in ordering a Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea (Php120) via Grab Food Delivery. I loved its creamy milk tea and chewy black pearls. Sugar level at 50% is just right because the brown sugar syrup is quite sweet already.

View this post on Instagram

Joined my officemates in ordering some refreshing drinks from @yifangteaph along Tomas Morato via @grabfoodph. Mine is the #brownsugarpearlmilktea, yum! It’s starting to feel like summer! Check out my blog post about this store’s opening day at https://beingjellybeans.com/2019/02/18/fun-and-fresh-flavors-at-the-newly-opened-yi-fang-tomas-morato/ . . . . . #drinkstagram #drinkersofinstagram #drinkpic #drinksmnl #drinksome #drinkstime #drinkspecials #drinksofig #drinkporn #beverageporn #saansaph

A post shared by Jellybeans in the City (@beingjellybeans) on Feb 18, 2019 at 10:02pm PST

This Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea outlet is located at 20 Lansbergh Place Condominium, 170 Tomas Morato Avenue Corner Scout Castor Street, Sacred Heart, Quezon City.

Other Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea outlets in the metro include:

Fourth Floor, Trinoma Mall, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City

M. Paterno Street, Fronting Mango Tree Residences, Greater San Juan, San Juan City
Third Floor, Ayala Malls The 30th, Meralco Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City
Ground Floor, Bonifacio Stopover Corporate Center, 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Ground Floor, Wumaco Building, Bonifacio High Street, 7th Avenue Corner Lane P, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers of #WeLoveToEatPH, I was invited to attend this resto’s grand opening wherein drink items were served to allow us to sample the fare. These were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other milk tea joints:

Quick and Yummy Steak Lunch at Mad Mark’s, UP Town Center

I was happy to learn that a Mad Mark’s Creamery and Good Eats branch opened its doors at UP Town Center. While the resto is known for its artisanal ice cream flavors, it caught my heart with its Signature Steaks. At Php330 per serving, you get a 150g USDA flat iron steak (which gives you great flavor because of its marbling), and your choice of two side dishes and sauce.

During my lunch date with my daughter, both of us ordered this dish. My medium-well done steak was accompanied by Garden Grains (Mad Mark’s flavorful version of fried rice) and Corn and Carrots, while hers came with Garden Grains and Smashed Potato. We both opted for the savory Cream Sauce to serve as our gravy.

Both us ordered a glass of Mad Mark’s Homebrewed Iced Tea (Php49/glass) which we found a bit too sweet so we ended up diluting it with some water.