nachos – Jellybeans in the City

Ombu Kusina ushers in the season of feasting with 4 flavors of its Thrice-Cooked Crispy Pata

There’s no doubt that for most people, the most wonderful time of the year is defined by feasting and merry-making. Of course, a great part of any festivity is the food served.

Filipino holiday parties always have that centerpiece dish: a show-stopping viand that excites guests and hosts alike.

And just in time for this season of feasting, Ombu Kusina re-introduces its Thrice-Cooked Crispy Pata, now with four flavors to titillate the taste buds of true-blue Pinoy food lovers!

The destination for modern Filipino cuisine

For quite some time, Ombu Kusina has been championing “modern Filipino cuisine.” It takes the flavors that we have grown up with, then breaks the rules in preparation and cooking, even incorporating foreign influences, resulting to new and exciting experiences with tastes and textures that are quite familiar to us.

Having discovered for myself Ombu Kusina’s tasty offerings five years ago, I found myself returning time and again to enjoy new ways to enjoy Filipino food. Whether I’m with my coworkers, family or foodie friends, I know that a meal shared at Ombu Kusina will always be memorable.

Ombu Kusina, Tomas Morato — Foodie Friends

Thrice-Cooked Crispy Pata in Four Flavors

Crispy Pata holds a special place in many a Pinoy’s heart (and taste buds!), wouldn’t you agree?

Seeing this flavorful dish on a party spread ensures a happy and festive meal that can be thoroughly enjoyed by everyone at the table. After all, with its crispy skin giving way to tender and savory meat, accompanied by dipping sauces that allow diners to customize every bite, Crispy Pata can be counted on to bring people together while sharing their favorite Pinoy flavors.

Ombu Kusina takes this much-loved Filipino dish to the next level by marinating then deep-frying the succulent pork leg three times, locking in the meat’s rich flavors and creating that perfect crunchy texture on the skin.

This holiday season, Ombu Kusina showcases new facets to this dish by offering it in four flavors:

Whether you prefer to stick to the classic or venture to new flavors, you can be sure that Crispy Pata will always be a welcome addition to your table.

Want to bring its flavorful and crispy goodness to your home or office parties? the good news is that it’s available for delivery and pick-up. Ombu Kusina’s Thrice-Cooked Crispy Pata comes in a specially designed packaging that seals in its flavors and freshness and makes it handy to carry to your shindig. The box also includes easy-to-follow reheating instructions so you can enjoy your crispy pata hot and delicious. Adding a show-stopping dish to your potluck has never been easier, right?

Make any of its variants a part of your holiday meal for just Php895!

A celebration of Pinoy flavors

At Ombu Kusina, you can enjoy an array of Filipino flavors, all lovingly prepared with your enjoyment in mind. Whether you’re game for a quick snack, meeting up for a meal or gathering for a big celebration, you can sate your appetite for Pinoy food here.

With such a mouthwatering celebration of the myriad possibilities inherent in Filipino cuisine available here, is it any wonder that it has remained among my favorite restaurants for the past few years?

So celebrate the great flavors of Pinoy food at Ombu Kusina. Don’t miss the chance to experience the goodness of modern Filipino cuisine with your family and friends through intimate meals or large, boisterous gatherings.

Ombu Kusina is located at Ground Floor, Sequioa Hotel, 91-93 Mother Ignacia Street, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 9pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 84410518 or +63 969 5972249, or email omburestaurant@yahoo.com.

Disclosure: Together with other food content creators, I attended a food tasting event held at this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare in exchange for honest feedback.

Check out my previous posts about Ombu Kusina:

Modern Filipino Cuisine at Ombu Kusina, Tomas Morato

Say hello to a great summer with Ombu Kusina’s Flavored Ice Halo-Halo

Revitalizing the #ReturnToOffice day with lunch at Ombu Kusina

Casa Crawford’s flavorful Tex-Mex creations delivered to your doorstep

If there’s one thing that unites food lovers around the world, it’s the sheer joy of indulging in comfort food. For Filipino television host and singer Billy Crawford and his wife, fellow host Coleen Garcia, this passion for comfort led them to embark on a flavorful journey in the world of Tex-Mex cuisine.

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In 2021, in the midst of the global pandemic, they introduced Casa Crawford, a cloud kitchen that brings the heartwarming flavors of Mexican comfort food directly to your doorstep.

Casa Crawford’s Tex-Mex Creations

Casa Crawford’s dedication to flavor is matched by the comfort its creations bring to Tex-Mex food lovers. These include:

Nachos (Php249). Who would say no to a plate piled high with crispy flour tortilla chips, generously topped with succulent pork carnitas, velvety cheese sauce, zesty pico de gallo, and a hint of pickles for that perfect tang? These nachos are more than just an appetizer; they’re a symphony of textures and flavors that turn any gathering into a fiesta. It’s perfect for game day gatherings – adding a burst of flavor to the thrill of the game – or for virtual gatherings – a sure crowd-pleaser when your family and friends come together to catch up over good food.

Quesa-Birria Rice Bowl (Php399). When comfort meets creativity, you get Casa Crawford’s Quesa-Birria Rice Bowl. Bolzico Beef Birria meat, slow-cooked to tender perfection, is paired with a lavish serving of cheese sauce, all atop aromatic Mexican rice. It’s a dish that wraps you in a warm embrace, offering not only a satisfying meal but also a reminder of the power of comfort food. Reach for this bowl when you’ve got late-night cravings or when you want to treat yourself to something new and tasty.

Taco Pork Sisig (Php239). Prepare for a delightful fusion of cultures with Casa Crawford’s Taco Pork Sisig. This innovative creation combines the beloved Filipino dish pork sisig—featuring crunchy sisg bits topped with fresh veggies with a squeeze of tangy calamansi encased in soft tortilla. The result? A tantalizing marriage of savory and spicy flavors that takes your taste buds on a global journey. Make your weeknight dinners extra-special with this fantastic twist to a classic ulam.

The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Convenience

At the heart of Casa Crawford’s success lies their commitment to providing comfort and convenience. Billy and Coleen share a vision of offering reasonably-priced, flavorful food that effortlessly bridges the gap between nostalgia and innovation.

In a world that’s constantly evolving, one thing remains unchanged—the universal love for delectable comfort food. With Casa Crawford, you don’t need to venture far to savor the authentic flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine.

From nachos that elevate your gatherings to the Quesa-Birria Rice Bowl that wraps you in comfort, and the Taco Pork Sisig that explores new culinary horizons, Casa Crawford’s offerings are designed to cater to your cravings, one delectable bite at a time.

To get your hands on these Tex-Mex delicacies, simply course your order through GrabFood or FoodPanda.

Stay updated on Casa Crawford’s menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature story.

Weekend lunch at Mexicali SM Megamall: Why this Mexican restaurant is a must-try

Mexican cuisine has gained immense popularity in the Philippines. This is hardly surprising, given the many cultural links between Mexico and the Philippines (both being end ports of the Spanish Galleon Trade) and the appeal of the bold and spicy flavors of Mexican food to Pinoy taste buds.

For the past thirty years, Mexicali has been the go-to Mexican food place for Filipinos. I used to enjoy Happy Lunches with my officemates at its SM Megamall branch back when our office was located in Tektite. Later on, during the quarantine lockdowns, Hubby would order his favorite burrito from the same branch for delivery.

Now that quarantine restrictions have considerably eased and the family can move around more freely, the fam can now have our family lunch here during weekends.

Let me give you five reasons why lunch at Mexicali in SM Megamall is a great choice for the fam.

Casual and Relaxed Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Mexicali is casual and relaxed, making it the perfect place to unwind during our family lunch hour. The colorful decor and lively music add to the festive vibe.

Wide Variety of Mexican Food Options

Mexicali offers a wide variety of menu options to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste buds. They have burritos, tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, and more, all made with fresh and authentic ingredients and in portions great for sharing.

Carne Asada Burrito (₱369). A monster sized roll made with a large soft taco filled with grilled steak, beans, Mexican rice, fresh tomatoes, onions, cheese, sour cream and guacamole. Hubby’s favorite that my son #ExhibitB has been developing a liking for, too!

El Chupacabra Pollo Asado (₱173) and Carnitas (₱193) Street Tacos. Authentic Mexican street tacos filled with grilled chicken and roast pork popularized by the Poblacion establishment El Chupacabra.

Grilled Chicken (₱323) and Arroz Ala Cubana (₱293) Dinner Plates. Grilled chicken and salsa, and seasoned ground beef and grilled plantains, served with hefty servings of Mexican rice.

Chili con Carne (₱409). A tasty stew made with beef, beans, tomatoes and aromatics generously seasoned with chili. This goes so well as an appetizer with nacho chips or as a side dish to the dinner plate or burrito.

They also have vegetarian options, so diners can opt for healthier meal alternatives (but it just so happens that this family consists of omnivores!).

While fresh fruit shakes and beers were available, we instead opted for Sodas in Cans (₱105) for our drinks.

Generous Portions

Mexicali is known for its generous portions, so you can be sure the fam won’t leave feeling hungry. The burritos and dinner plates were particularly filling, while the tacos are perfect for a lighter lunch and the nacho chips and chili con carne are perfect for sharing.

Affordable Prices

Despite the generous portions and quality ingredients, Mexicali’s prices are affordable, making it a great option for our lunch on a budget. We were able to enjoy a delicious and filling meal without breaking the bank.

Convenient Location

Mexicali is conveniently located in SM Megamall, making it easily accessible for after Sunday Mass or during our weekend errands.

If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a leisurely weekend lunch for the fam, Mexicali is a great choice.

This Mexicali branch is located at Upper Ground Floor, SM Megamall Building A, 1550 Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 9pm and Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries, call +63 977 0313054 or +63 2 82566074.

Other branches are located at:

Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Ayala Avenue, Makati City (Tel: +63 905 3652309 or +63 2 88945354)
Recess Food Alley, 19-B General Vicente Lim, San Juan City (Tel: +63 995 8237493)

Mexicali also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Mexicali Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Antipolo Resto: Yellow Bird Cafe x Kitchen

Up in the suburbs of Antipolo is a refreshing and delicious escape from the urban jungle called Yellow Bird Cafe x Kitchen.

I discovered this when I took my parental units out on an Antipolo joyride (!) as my advanced birthday treat for my dad.

To be honest, I was supposed to take my parents to another cafe in Antipolo but had to make a last-minute change of plans upon finding out that the other cafe’s premises might not be suitable for seniors.

With only minutes to spare, I scanned my Facebook feed for a place where the parental units would be more comfortable and I came upon Yellow Bird Cafe x Kitchen.

So, together with my daughter #ExhibitA, I picked up the seniors and off we went to this Antipolo resto which is luckily a mere twenty-minute drive away from our homes in Pasig.

The cafe is a welcome surprise that will greet your eyes as you turn from the busy highway and take your pick among the available parking spaces around the bend. From outside, the lush greenery surrounding the glass-walled structure looks both picturesque and inviting.

Since the restaurant is operating only on a fraction of its original capacity, there is already a queue of people waiting to be seated by the time we got there, despite the considerable seating spaces in both the ground and upper floors, as well as in the al fresco area.

As I have seniors in my party, we were seated at the al fresco area on the other side of street from the main dining hall. While this dining space may be quite hot during the early afternoon of our visit, the discomfort is somewhat eased by the presence of plants artfully arranged around the place.

Our light and delicious afternoon repast included:

Potato Wedges (Php130). Thick, deep-fried wedges of potatoes lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.

YB Nachos (Php210). Crisp toasted nachos drizzled with melted cheese and topped with sauteed beef, tomatoes, green onions and parmesan.

Club Sandwich (Php195). Two layers of sliced ham and chicken, lettuce and tomato in creamy dressing in between slices of toasted homemade bread, and served with a side of YB Nachos.

Wagyu Cheeseburger (Php365). Thick grilled patty of Wagyu beef topped with melted cheese and sandwiched together with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and burger sauce in between lightly toasted and buttered homemade burger buns, served with a side of YB Nachos.

Grandma’s Chocolate Cake (Php155). Decadent chocolatey treat made with chocolate sponge cake covered in rich milk chocolate icing and topped with dark chocolate shavings with thin layers of caramel filling inside.

Sans Rival (Php165). Alternating layers of buttercream, meringue and chopped cashews made even more special with the addition of white chocolate.

Despite the nearing holiday season, it was quite a hot and humid afternoon, so we ordered these drinks to cool down.

In between delicious bites, my daughter and I were able to catch up with the news from my mom and dad.

Dad also seemed happy with his birthday blowout!

If you want to have a quick escape from the metro for a foodie adventure, do check this place out!

Yellow Bird Cafe x Kitchen is located at Lot 3 Blk 2, Mission Hills Blvd., Mission Hills Subd., San Roque, Antipolo, Rizal. It is open weekdays from 9am to 8pm and weekends from 7am to 8pm.

Call +63 925 7155287 for inquiries, and follow Yellow Bird on Facebook and Instagram to get updates.

Get the best of both worlds with Zark’s Pizza x Burger series

Among us foodies, some would say that their food of choice are burgers while some would make a beeline for the nearest pizza joint when the hunger pangs strike.

For those that can go either way, Zark’s Burger has a special treat for you: its Pizza x Burger series!

Zark’s Burgers made its name by introducing burger innovations: fresh, crazy and sometimes over-the-top takes on the all-time favorite burger, and its newest line of burger creations is no exception.

For just Php229 per burger, your inner glutton can indulge in not one, but two (!) of your food cravings with these creations.

These filling burgers all consist of meaty and juicy char-grilled quarter-pound hunks of pure beef on a bed of seasoned fries sandwiched in fluffy and freshly baked brioche buns which are then topped with a tangy and savory pizza sauce, oodles of mozzarella and your favorite pizza toppings.

Check them out:

Pepperoni Overload.

Four Cheese.

Bacon and Mushroom.

Each pizza x burger would be more than enough to sate your cravings.

Still, for us foodies, we go big or we go home, right? So how about giving in to your super-sized appetite and adding these munchies to your order:

Hall of Fame Nachos (Php179).

Chicken Wings: Classic Buffalo (Php289) and Honey BBQ (Php289).

Those savory and spicy appetizers will sure work up quite a thirst so be sure to add a refreshing cup of Iced Tea (Php49) or Blue Lemonade (Php49) to your order.

So if you want to enjoy both of your food faves – pizzas and burgers – at one go, head to the nearest Zark’s Burgers!

This Zark’s Burger branch is located at Eastwood Citywalk 2, Eastwood City Mall, Libis.

Other branches are located at:

Pasig: SM City East Ortigas
Quezon City: Robinsons Galleria, Shopwise Araneta, SM City Santa Mesa, Fisher Mall, SM City North EDSA, SM City Fairview
Taguig: Food District Signatures on 5th BGC
Makati: Glorietta
Marikina: SM Marikina
Manila: SM City Manila, SM City San Lazaro
Pasay: Mall of Asia
Caloocan: South Caloocan
Valenzuela: SM City Valenzuela
Las Pinas: SM Southmall
Paranaque: SM City BF Homes

Zark’s Burger delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Say hello to satisfying paella at Hola Paella, SM Megamall

I’ve always had a soft spot for paella. As one of the most well-known Spanish dishes with a long history, it enjoys great visibility, not just in Spanish restaurants but also in Pinoy fiestas.

The paella got its name from the shallow frying pan in which it is cooked and even served. Originating from the Valencia region in Spain, it combines both the Roman and Arab culinary traditions. Most iterations of this dish is characterized by its vibrant yellow color owing to the generous use of saffron which also contributes to its unique taste. One of the exceptions here is the Paella Negra which gets its color and flavor from the squid ink mixed in with the rice.

Having been colonized by Spain for three centuries, it is hardly surprising that the Philippines would develop a love for this dish, even making our own version – the arroz ala valenciana – which uses glutinous rice with chicken and longganisa or chorizo.

Well, the good news for us paella lovers is that we don’t have to travel far nor wait for a fiesta to get a taste of our favorite dish.

At the newly opened stall at SM Megamall’s Eatogether Food Hall, we can get this flavorful rice dish and pick the toppings we want to go with it.

Together with my fellow foodies, I was able to sample some of its solo servings.

Check them out:

Roasted Chicken Paella (Php235).

Pork Belly Paella (Php215).

Seafood Paella (Php185).

Paella Negra (Php290).

Aside from its many paella iterations, Hola Paella also serves appetizers such as:

Chicken Burrito (Php250).

Nachos with Pulled Pork (Php160).

It’s great to see that one of my favorite dishes is so readily available.

In fact, I brought home a Paella de Carne (Php710) for the fam’s dinner the next day. All I had to do was reheat the rice (with a little bit of stirring at first) in a large cast iron skillet and leave it alone on the stove for a few minutes to form a little bit of soccarat – the toasted and caramelized rice crust that forms at the bottom of skillet which gives the dish a whole new dimension of flavor.

Hola Paella is located at Eatogether Food Hall, Second Floor SM Megamall Building A, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

If you want to have your paella at home, you can order from Hola Paella via GrabFood, FoodPanda or Poodtrip.

For more info on Hola Paella and its latest offers, follow it on Facebook or Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food-tasting here together with fellow foodies. All food items mentioned here were served for us to sample the fare and elicit our honest feedback.

Check out my posts on other stalls at Eatogether Food Hall:

Get ’em big and hawt at Howl Chicken

Got an appetite for tender and juicy chicken that’s also big and hawt, hawt, hawt?

Howl Chicken will soon be howlin’ right in your neighborhood servin’ up oversized nuggets and hearty chicken sandwiches.

Inspired by places in the US with distinct takes on fried chicken, Howl brings big flavorful servings for big appetites in four delish flavors.

Curious yet? Check these out:

Southern Classic. A Southern California favorite which consists of crispy fried chicken with sesame seeds and served with a side of honey.

Howlin’ Chicken on Waffles (Php199)
Howlin’ Chicken (Php169 for 4 pcs | Php319 for 8 pcs)
On rice (Php189) | On sandwich (Php189)

Queens. Named after largest borough, this fried chicken variant is crispy and flavored with honey barbecue sauce, topped with a healthy helping of ‘shrooms and served with garlic ranch sauce.

Howlin’ Chicken on Sandwich (Php189)
Howlin’ Chicken (Php169 for 4 pcs | Php319 for 8 pcs)
On rice (Php189) | On waffles (Php199)

Nashville. With the home of country music as its namesake, this fried chicken is extra hot with its jalapeno topping plus its hefty dose of cheese sauce.

Howlin’ Chicken on Rice (Php189)
Howlin’ Chicken (Php169 for 4 pcs | Php319 for 8 pcs)
On sandwich (Php189) | On waffles (Php199)

New Orleans. Get a taste of the Big Easy with this hot and crispy chicken served with Cajun sauce and topped with bacon bits.

Howlin’ Chicken on Rice (Php189)
Howlin’ Chicken (Php169 for 4 pcs | Php319 for 8 pcs)
On sandwich (Php189) | On waffles (Php199)

Did you know you can Build Yo’ Own Howl? Here’s how:

Choose your Howl Chicken (Php169 for 4 pcs | Php319 for 8 pcs | Php189 on rice | Php189 on sandwich | Php199 on waffles)
Select your preferred flavor (Original | Honey BBQ | Hot | Hotter)
Pick your sauce (Cheesy | Cajun | Ranch | Honey)
Put your favorite toppings (Bacon | Mushroom | Sesame Seeds | Jalapeno)

That’s not all!

You can also get the party started with some servings of Cheesy Jalapeno (Php119) and Bacon Cheesy Jalapeno (Php139) Nachos, crunchy tortilla chips topped with jalapeno slices and doused with cheese sauce.

All that food will work up quite a thirst so get yo’ self a drink (Howl Brewed Iced Tea | Brewed Coffee | Iced Coffee | Iced Latte) for just Php79.

Get your appetites ready for Howl which will open four branches – Eastwood, Taft, Glorietta and BF Paranaque – for delivery via GrabFood and Lala Food.

This Howl branch is located at Eastwood Citywalk 2, Libis, Quezon City.

Your faves at Buy One Get One at TGI Fridays

Until July 31, customers can enjoy Buy One Get One deals on TGI Fridays’ most popular dishes on their designated days.

Miss eating out and dealing with a monster appetite? Here’s some good news: you can feast on your American comfort food faves twice over at TGI Fridays!

That’s what I did with my friend EJ of ILoveToEatPH this Sunday when we met up at TGI Fridays Boni High Street in BGC.

It’s been a while since we last saw each other, and quite a long while since I last ate out. And what better place to meet up and catch up than at TGI Fridays?

This global restaurant chain started in 1960s New York when Alan Stillman established a bar at the corner of 63rd and First Streets. There, he served big American burgers and beer always available on tap for his guests, making sure that they’re having a great time.

TGI Fridays is where friends and family can come together to eat their favorite American comfort food and enjoy a lively and energetic vibe. Plus, they can dine here confident that the resto is equipped to serve them in the New Normal.

When TGI Fridays re-opened for dine-in service last June 15, it has already adopted protocols and new service processes that help to safeguard the health and safety of its customers. These include:

Reduction of its seating capacity
Requirement of facemasks, temperature checks and use of disinfection mats prior to entry
Provision of hand sanitizers at the takeout, service, cashier and restroom/handwashing areas
Updating of floor plans and table arrangements to enable diners to maintain physical distancing
Adoption of no-contact processes (online via QR codes) for health declarations, menu ordering and payments

And to sweeten the experience of people venturing out to eat after extended home stays, TGI Fridays has extended its Buy One Get One Everyday offer. Until July 31, customers can enjoy BOGO deals on TGI Fridays’ most popular dishes on their designated days:

Mondays: Fridays Signature Burger, Fridays Cheeseburger and Shiitake Truffle Burger
Tuesdays: Baby Back Ribs
Wednesdays: Chicken Fingers
Thursdays: Fridays Liempo
Fridays: Fridays Mozzarella
Saturdays: Three-Meat Platter
Sundays: Seafood Platter

EJ and I munched on two orders of the Seafood Platter for just Php1,450, thanks to this BOGO deal. Each platter contains fried calamari, fish ‘n chips (battered white fish fillet and fries) and battered shrimp, accompanied by marinara and tartar sauce.

We also sipped a couple of refreshing Classic Mojitos (Php385) made with rum, mint and soda (although I asked mine to be made sans the alcohol – don’t drink and drive, folks!) and munched on complimentary nachos while waiting for our orders.

Dining out in the New Normal may involve new protocols that may take some getting used to. But, with great food and the company of great friends, who’s to say the experience won’t be as enjoyable as before?

Oh, and did I say that the Buy One Get One Everyday Promo is available for dine, to-go, pick up and delivery via GrabFood?

Participating stores include:

Bonifacio High Street (+63 2 88562997 | +63 995 4814847 | +63 935 2507044)
Alabang Town Center (+63 2 88429355 | +63 917 9530628 | +63 953 1441147)
Evia Lifestyle Center (+63 2 88693429 | +63 915 0298826 | +63 966 4225015)
SM Mall of Asia (+63 2 88219166 | +63 917 6761358 | +63 977 714 5903)
Glorietta (+63 2 88928910 | +63 936 9912036 | +63 936 8895744)

Thanks to EJ for the treat!

This TGI Fridays branch is located at B4 Bonifacio High Street, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Click here to book your table.

Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, Tomas Morato

If you’re eating lunch with a big group and you all want to stay together in one place, what do you do?

Head straight to Buffalo Wings N’ Things, of course! Here, everyone in the fam and barkada will find something to like.

Deep-frying chicken wings is rooted in Southern cooking but cooking them in peppery sauces started in Buffalo, New York in 1964. A bar owner in the area decided to cook leftover wings in hot sauce as a snack for her son and his friends. Served with celery slices and bleu cheese, it was a hit among the guys and the rest, as they say, is history.

Buffalo Wings N’ Things enriches its buffalo wings by having eleven savory flavors and seven spicy ones for its customers to choose from, along with tasty add-ons that chicken lovers can enjoy along with their Buffalo Wings.

While out on my lunch break with my office buddies (ten people in total!), we decided to maximize our budgets while sating our hunger by getting Grand Slam bundles of Buffalo Wings, and, well, things:

Grand Slam 6 (Php688 Good for 4). 8 pcs Champion Buffalo Wings, 8 pcs Signature Chicken Tenders,Bacon & Cheese Fries, steamed rice (we added Php98 for iced tea.

Grand Slam 4 (Php988 Good for 6). 12 pcs Champion Buffalo Wings, 12 pcs Signature Chicken Tenders, Chili n’ Cheese Nachos, steamed rice (we added Php138 for iced tea.

With these bundles, we were able to enjoy these Buffalo Wings flavors:

Honey BBQ. Southern BBQ flavor blended with sweet honey.

Creamy Salted Egg. Rich and creamy version of the regional favorite.

Chipotle Lime. Creamy smoked Chipotle sauce enhanced with the tanginess of freshly squeezed lime juice.

Garlic Parmesan. A blend of garlic butter sauce and real Parmesan cheese.

New York’s Finest. Medium heat Buffalo Wing sauce.

Thanks to the bundles, our meal amounted to just a little Php200 per person!

How’s that for value for money?

The good news for chicken lovers out there is that you can enjoy these with your family at home during the quarantine by ordering from these Buffalo Wings N’ Things branches now open for takeout or delivery via GrabFood, FoodPanda or LalaFood:

Brixton Kapitolyo, Pasig
Banawe, QC
Calle Bistro , Ever Gotesco Commonwealth
BGC Stopover
SM Manila
Grace Mall, Taguig
SM North EDSA
SMDC Jazz Mall
Southwoods Mall
SM Valenzuela

This Buffalo Wings N’ Things branch is located at M Place, Panay Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City.

San Juan’s newest food and nightlife destination – Varra Restobar

The workday is through and you’ve earned yourself a little bit of a respite, wouldn’t you say?

If you’re looking for a place to meet with friends, enjoy good food and perhaps have a drink or two, then this newly opened and somewhat hidden restobar in San Juan would be just the thing.

A namesake of P. Guevarra Street where it is situated, Varra Restobar offers food lovers new reasons to make Little Baguio in San Juan their next foodie destination.

Together with my foodie friends, I ventured to Little Baguio in San Juan to check this resto out.

Getting to the resto is quite easy (it’s already on Waze, peeps!), but finding the entrance may be a challenge. Here’s a tip: go straight to the back of the building (where the car wash is) and climb up the stairs straight to the third floor. And then, you’re there!

Here’s what you can look forward to:

One: A chill place to hang out

The place has a relaxed vibe that is conducive for friendly get-togethers or chillin’ out with your favorite drink and bar chow.

It has a sprawling dining area with an abundance of power outlets. If ever your gadgets are low on battery, you can easily juice up again without having to leave your table.

Want to party in style? Reserve the stately Lounge and hold your celebrations for up to 40 pax for Php35,000 (fully consumable).

Or you can let loose with the gang in privacy and comfort in the VIP Room for just Php20,000 (fully consumable). Aside from the well-appointed interiors, you and your friends can enjoy your own private comfort room and a buzzer to summon the service team for your requests and orders.

Two: Mouthwatering comfort food

Whether you’re after a feast or a snack, Varra offers you a well-curated array of sure-win familiar dishes or fresh twists on the classics.

These include:

Crispy Shrooms (Php130). Deep-fried and crispy oyster and enoki mushrooms that you will want to pop into your mouth again and again.

Spam Chips (Php210). Thin slices of spam deep-fried to crisps accompanied by garlic aioli.

Messy Fries (Php150). Fries served with beef, lots of cheese and garlic aioli. It’s the kind of mess I certainly wouldn’t mind!

Varra’s Nacho Overload (Php350). Crunchy nacho chips doused in cheese sauce and overloaded with beef, tomatoes, onions, peppers and olives. Perfect for munching while chatting with friends.

Soy Garlic Chicken Poppers (Php240). Fried chicken balls served with coleslaw, rice and fried egg.

Beef Tapa (Php240). A classic breakfast staple, this consist of garlicky marinated beef served with salted egg, salsa, rice and fried egg.

Chicken Pesto Marinara (Php380). A tomato-based pasta topped with grilled chicken flavored with pesto sauce.

Classic Carbonara (Php290). A creamy iteration of the carbonara loaded with ham pieces and served with poached egg.

Wings Basket (Php230). Six pieces of juicy and flavorful fried chicken wings flavored with your choice of sauce – Buffalo, Sou Garlic, Garlic Parmesan, Hickory BBQ, Chili Cheese and Honey Sriracha – that go so well with rice. We got two baskets each of Soy Garlic and Garlic Parmesan.

Varra’s Steak Salpicao (Php380). Ooh, this is definitely the star of the show! Tender and flavorful slices of steak sauteed in garlic and oil and served on a sizzling plate.

Three: Refreshing drinks

As you enjoy the tasty viands and bar chow, quench your thirst with Varra’s Signature Cocktails (Php200 each) which include: Blue Cruise (white rum, lemon and triple sec), Rosee el Varra (tequila, sour mix and Hoegaarden Rosee), Varra Mountain (gin, gin de cacao, sour mix and triple sec) and Basil Slush (blended basil leaves, rum, lemonade and sugar).

If you don’t feel like imbibing alcohol ot if you’re the group’s designated driver, you can also opt for non-alcholic drinks such as Varra Iced Tea (Php80), Frozen Peach Iced Tea (Php100) and the cranberry and citrus-y Sunset Spritzer (Php130).

Well, it sure looks like San Juan just got itself a new go-to place for munchies, drinks and chillin’ out!

Many thanks to Ms. Lovely Tan and the crew of Varra Restobar for the invitation!

If you and your gang can’t get enough of wings, take advantage of Varra’s Unli Wings & Rice Promo for only Php359 per person, available from Sundays to Thursdays.

Varra Restobar is located at 333 P. Guevarra Street, Little Baguio, San Juan, open from Sundays to Thursdays from 6pm to 2am, and Fridays to Saturdays from 6pm to 3am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 916 5870345.

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.