margarita – Jellybeans in the City

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.

Bar chows and chill drinks at After Hours, Tomas Morato

After hours is that precious time when the day’s work is done and we can finally sit back to relax and spend time with friends.

After Hours is also the name of a newly opened bar in foodie haven Tomas Morato. This is where my foodie friends and I, shortly before the Covid-19 and the ECQ came down upon all of us, were able to enjoy a few hours chillin’ in each other’s company while discovering all the fun to be had after hours.

1) The buzzy welcoming vibe

You would think that Tomas Morato would already have its fill of concept bars but there’s definitely room for more, especially this one.

With its ample parking space, trendy decor, comfy furnishings, a playlist made up of 80s and 90s hits (which my friends and I sang along with!), excellent chows and a well-stocked bar, After Hours is a haven for those looking for some well-deserved R ‘n R.

2) Chill drinks

According to co-owner Rey Trillana, the focus of After Hours are on cocktails, whiskey and a bit of wine, drinks to chill with after work. Each cocktail is handcrafted (no pre-mixes). For whiskey connoisseurs, the bar also boasts of a well-curated whisky collection. Guests even have the option of getting the bartender to craft something Out of the Blue, based on their favorite liquor and taste profile.

During our visit, my foodie friends and I were able to sample:

Jack Estate’s Pink Moscato. A fresh and fruity wine from Australia.

Perfect Pear. A fruity non-alcoholic mocktail for lightweights like me.

Smoked Old Fashioned. The classic mix of bourbon, simple syrup and Angostura bitters, served with a bit of smoke and flair.

Red Sangria Spritzer. Handcrafted sangria made with wine, brandy, mixed berries, chamomile honey, calamansi and soda.

After Six. Gin mixed with elderflower liquor, lavender syrup, egg white and lemon juice.

Punch Drunk Love. After Hours’ signature cocktail made with spiced rum, chai pandan syrup, lemon and pineapple juice, Angostura bitters and clarified milk, served with a dehydrated pineapple.

3) Tasty bar chows

Of course, we needed some chows to go with those drinks, and After Hours has a very good kitchen going managed by Chef Miggy. He and his crew whipped up some tasty bar chows to complement our drinks, such as:

Beef Salpicao. Tender USDA beef tenderloin sauteed in a garlic butter sauce, definitely a favorite among tipplers and foodies.

Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers. Spicy, salty and slightly sweet bite-sized chicken breasts.

BBQ Beef Pockets. Crispy wonton pockets stuffed with ground beef doused with bourbon BBQ sauce and cheese.

Four Cheese Pizza. Mozzarella, feta, parmigiano reggiano and gorgonzala, all the good stuff on a thin-crust pizza.

All-Meat Pizzadilla. Gooey mozzarella sandwiched in two flour tortillas and topped with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, BBQ sauce and even more cheese.

Pork Binagoongan Pasta. Spaghetti with crispy-fried pork cubes tossed in shrimp paste.

Bacon Mushroom Truffle Pasta. Creamy truffle spaghetti topped with crunchy bacon.

Oh, such a happy time! There were good food, good drinks and good company.

But then, the community quarantine came and, sadly, After Hours had to close its doors for a while.

It seemed like the entire bar industry had been severely affected by the community quarantine.

However, a few weeks ago, I had the pleasant surprise of finding out that it had resumed operations to enable its loyal customers to get that After Hours experience even while at home through Buy One Take One offers on its wines, its signature cocktails by the bottle, as well as a selection of its bar chows, all available for delivery or pickup!

Thanks to Rey Trillana and the rest of the management and staff of After Hours Bar for having us and congratulations for succeasfully pivoting your business to operate in The New Normal.

So until the next time I can visit After Hours again, I can enjoy my after hours at home.

After Hours is located at 125 Don A. Roces Avenue, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City. To order its bar chows, wines and cocktails for pick up or delivery, fill up this form, send a message over Instagram or call +63 917 1767383.

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I attended a foodie meet-up held in this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare to facilitate honest reviews and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other bars and watering holes in the Metro:

Fiery Fiesta at Chichario, Molito Lifestyle Center

Foodies down South in Alabang have another place to discover: the new Chichario Peri Peri Chicken and Cocktail Bar.

Opened in late 2018 by the tandem of Moira and Marco, Chichario sprung out of their love for peri-peri chicken and boisterously vibrant fiesta culture of Brazil. Located amidst wine bars, family-centric eateries and cafes, Chichario offers the young adults – millennials, if you will – in the area a place where they can hang out with their friends and have a few drinks while enjoying good food and good music.

The restaurant’s name is a combination of the words of “Chicha” (from “chicheria,” the Pinoy slang for finger-food) and “Rio” (from the Brazilian capital Rio de Janeiro).

Upon entering its doors into its first floor dining area, you would get the impression that its a family-friendly barbecued chicken resto, but when you go up to its tropical-themed second floor bar area, aptly called “Chicha’s Hideout,” that’s where the party’s at.

Well, Chichario really did throw a party for me and my fellow foodies where we enjoyed a sampling of its fiery yet comforting Southern American home-cooking.

Nacho Carnitas. Crunchy nacho chips flavored with sour cream powder and generously topped with flavorful chipotle pulled pork, cilantro salsa and torched mozzarella and cheddar.

Soft Taco Carnitas. Two open-faced tortilla wraps stuffed with chipotle pulled pork, cilantro salsa and garlic aioli dip.

Pollo Asado Quesadilla. Tortilla wraps stuffed grilled peri-peri chicken, cheddar, cilantro pesto sauce and salsa. It is best enjoyed with its garlic aoili dip.

Salpicao Escobar. Hanger steak further tenderized via sous vide, then cooked salpicao-style and flavored with South American spices.

Chipotle Sisig. Instead of siling labuyo, this sisig is spiced uo with chipotle peppers.

Half Peri Peri Chicken. Sous vide is again employed to further tenderize these chicken pieces, which are then seasoned with South American soices and grilled to a smokey perfection which makes this dish the star of the show. It is served pre-cut for easy sharing with a trio of house-sauces: chimichurri, pepper sauce and garlic aioli.

And what’s a party without a few drinks?

After downing a couple of glasses of Chichario’s House Ice Tea, our group also had a taste of Chichario’s exotic cocktails.

Mojito de Janeiro. Grilled pineapple infushed rum, white rum, mint leaves and guyabano soda.

El Chichario. A mix of tropical fruits and dark and light rum.

Frozen Margarita and Mango Daiquiri.

Amidst the pulsing music, exotic locale and the fine fiery food of Chichario, my friends and I had a fun fiesta!

Chichario Peri Peri Chicken and Cocktail Bar is located at the Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa, open daily from 11am to 2am.

Watch out: offshoots of Chichario’s might find their way in your hometown. Be on the lookout for “Chicha’s” outlets which will mainly serve ceviches and tacos.

Disclosure: Together with other 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.

Check out my reviews of other bars and watering holes in the Metro:

Credit for the last photo: Eboy M. Donato of #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH

DIY Taco Bar at Encima Roofdeck Restaurant, Makati

The appeal of Tex-Mex cuisine for me is the interplay of the fresh and tangy flavors of citrus, tomatoes and onions with the earthy and hearty fullness of its meat dishes.

Tex-Mex cuisine is front and center at City Garden Hotel’s Encima Roofdeck Restaurant with its first anniversary offering. I was invited, along with fellow bloggers, to experience Encima’s Taco Bar, which will be launched to the public on July 2.

Encima Roofdeck Restaurant has come a long way from its beginnings as a mere alternative to the hotel’s bistro downstairs, carving out its identity, adopting the name Encima (meaning “above”). The roofdeck resto does live up to its name, giving its diners a spectacular view of the Makati skyline and the city lights.

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#Sangria at Sunset. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to do more than taste and look at it because I #dontdrinkanddrive. Remember that, kids! But if you’re not driving and want to while away the #rushhour, hanging out here at #EncimaTacoBar ain’t bad at all. #TitaInMakati

A post shared by Jellybeans in the City (@beingjellybeans) on Jun 28, 2018 at 3:49am PDT

According to City Garden Hotel’s PR and Marketing Manager, Jo Ruales, the roofdeck restaurant’s Tex-Mex Menu was developed by the hotel’s powerhouse chefs: Chefs Mario Basig, J-Ann Fernandez and Dennis Peralta. Rinna Reyes, the hotel’s F&B Manager proudly shared the resto’s Tex-Mex offerings were hailed by the cities of Makati and Manila as one of the best in the country.

The twist to Encima’s Taco Bar is in giving the guests free rein to create their taco however they want. For only Php499, diners can mix and match from the ingredients found in the bar: crisp and soft tacos; a richly-flavored Mexican Rice; beef, pork and chicken filling; grated cheese and cheese sauce, chopped onions and tomatoes, and a host of other ingredients you can add to your heart’s content.

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#ChooseYourOwnAdventure- Craft your own taco creations at #EncimaTacoBar for only Php499. #eatallyoucan tacos and #drinkallyouwant sangria and margarita, available nightly from July 2 to August 5. Thanks to @citygardenhotelmakati for making this available as part of Encima Roofdeck’s first anniversary celebration. Check out my blog post at beingjellybeans.wordpress.com (search: Encima). #foodie #foodporn #foodstagram #foodiegram #foodgasm #nom #nomnom #nomnomnom #igers #igersmanila #delish

A post shared by Jellybeans in the City (@beingjellybeans) on Jun 28, 2018 at 4:23am PDT

This unlimited do-it-yourself taco bar comes with bottomless margarita and sangria, two of the restaurant’s most popular drinks.

For non-drinkers like me, the resto also offers non-alcoholic drinks like the fresh mango shake they served me.

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Because I #dontdrinkanddrive, I’m sipping on my #freshandfruity #mangoshake while enjoying my #DIYTaco at #EncimaTacoBar. Check out my blog post at beingjellybeans.wordpress.com (search: Encima) #foodie #foodporn #foodstagram #foodiegram #foodgasm #nom #nomnom #nomnomnom #igers #igersmanila #delish

A post shared by Jellybeans in the City (@beingjellybeans) on Jun 28, 2018 at 4:33am PDT

The Taco Bar will be open every night from July 2 to August 5.

The restaurant also has a happy hour from 4pm to 8pm wherein shooters are served for only Php50 and cocktails at Php99. Beers are also paired with Tex-Mex sampler plates.

Encima Roofdeck Restaurant is located at City Garden Hotel, 7870 Durban Street corner Makati Avenue, Poblacion, Makati. For reservations, call +63 2 899 1111.

Disclosure: Together with other bloggers, I was invited to attend a Thanksgiving Dinner 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.