nachos – Jellybeans in the City

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.

Check out my reviews of other burger joints in the metro:

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.

Download the Grab App and get a discount on your first food order when you use my code: GRABJELLYBEANS.

Download the LalaFood App and get a free delivery coupon when you use my code: BEINGJMR53.

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

Check out my posts on other chicken places in the metro:

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

Download the Grab App on the App Store or Google Play. Get a discount on your first food order when you use my code: GRABJELLYBEANS.

Use this link to download the FoodPanda app and get Php100 off your first order.

Download the LalaFood App and get a free delivery coupon when you use my code: BEINGJMR53.

If you can’t find Buffalo Wings N’ Things on your food delivery apps, you can course your order through this order form a day in a advance.

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

Check out my posts on other chicken places in the metro:

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.

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

The Jelly List: Healthy Eats in QC

Healthy eating helps promote overall health and wellness by ensuring that we get the necessary nutrients our bodies need.

Well within Quezon City, there is an abundance of wholesome and nourishing, yet also tasty eats.

Check them out:

Salmon Sriracha Poke Bowl (Php230 for regular bowl| Php150 for junior bowl) at Poke Shack

Poke (pronounced as POKE-KAY) bowls originate from Hawaii, where pieces of fresh fish are chopped into small pieces, marinated in flavorful sauces and served on top of freshly steamed rice along with chopped fresh vegetables, nuts and other toppings that add flavor and texture to the dish. This Salmon Sriracha Poke Bowl, for instance, is made with tempura flour mix, ebiko, furikake, sesame seed with sriracha mayo.

Poke Shack is located at Ground Floor, Tera Tower, Bridgetowne Business Center, Ortigas Avenue Extension corner E. Rodriguez Jr Avenue, Libis, Quezon City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 10pm, Fridays from 10am to 11pm and Saturdays from 11am to 8pm. For inquiries, call +63 926 0718992 or +63 929 3173857.

Comfort food elevated at ALTA by Relik, San Juan

Weekend brunches have grown popular lately, with many establishments offering hearty comfort dishes that can be leisurely enjoyed by diners.

At ALTA by Relik at Santolan Town Plaza, families can enjoy the flavorful comfort food amidst vibrant and colorful surroundings.

The restaurant is an offshoot of the popular BGC restaurant Relik. Restaurant owner Gen Mortel and Chef Jam Laboriente collaborated on a Filipino-Spanish menu to provide an elevated dining experience to San Juan’s foodies.

Last weekend I had brunch together with my fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH at ALTA by Relik where we had a taste of its comfort food elevated with fresh twists such as:

Relik’s Nachos (Php350). Homemade tortilla chips topped with meat sauce, crisp lettuce, tomato and cucumber relish, cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Chilean Mussels Croquettes (Php495). Chilean mussels topped with thick bechamel sauce and bread crumbs and served a with a lemon slice.

Pulled Pork Quesadilla (Php235). Tender pulled pork, cheddar, mozzarella, corn kernels, lettuce and source cream encased in homemade flour tortillas.

Watermelon and Kesong Puti Salad (Php265). Mixed greens, arugula, watermelon cubes, bits of kesong puti and candied walnuts tossed with balsamic reduction.

Longanisa Flatbread with Salted Egg Cream (Php375). Crisp flatbread topped with sweet pork longganisa, tomato salsa and salted egg dressing.

Seafood Chowder (Php295). Shrimp, squid and herbs incorporated in a flavorful cream soup and garnished with croutons and parsley.

Bagnet Sinigang (Php395). The classic sinigang dish deconstructed into pieces of bagnet and vegetables served with a broth made of fresh sampaloc dialed up to its asim-est level.

Lamb Pares (Php355). Slow-cooked shoulders of grass-fed New Zealand lambs in garlic soy sauce served with garlic rice.

Sizzling Bulalo Steak (Php489). Tender beef shank with its decadent bone marrow served sizzling in a garlic bulalo gravy together with fried potatoes, green beans and garlic bits.

Seafood Paella (Php995). Rich saffron-infused medium-grain rice with white shrimp, squid, Chilean mussels and roasted bell peppers served in a special paellera pan that helps it develop a nice toasty crust at the bottom. (Fun fact: that flavorful toasty crust is called socarrat in Catalan. Paella connoisseurs consider this the key to paella’s fabulous flavor).

Mango Tapioca Trifle (Php215). Fresh sliced mangoes, caramel,sauce and tapioca pearls top a layer of lady fingers.

Milo Dinosaur Cheesecake (Php195). A chocolatey frozen cheesecake flavored with Milo and garnished with sprinkled with Milo powder.

So if you feel like enjoying an elevated brunch experience or dine on an excellent selection of Filipino-Spanish fusion dishes, drop by at Santolan Town Plaza to experience ALTA by Relik!

Many thanks to Gen, Jam and the staff of ALTA by Relik for the warm welcome and the fabulous food!

ALTA by Relik is located at Santolan Town Plaza, Col. Bonny Serrano Avenue, Little Baguio, San Juan City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 8am to 12 midnight and Fridays to Saturdays from 8am to 2am. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 917 3172582.

Here are more reasons to head to ALTA by Relik:

DJ Nights every Thursday night at 8pm.
Live music every Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
All-You-Can-Eat buffet breakfast every Sunday from 8am to 11.30am.

Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held here. 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 blog posts on breakfast joints around the metro:

#TasteMagic at Salamangka, Eastwood City

Salamangka translates to “sleight of hand” in Tagalog. It is a word wrapped in magic and mystery, calling to mind enchantment and wonder.

The restaurant and bar in Eastwood Citywalk that bears that name lives up to it by offering coffee, cocktails and craft beer, as well as its own reimagining of Filipino food, against a welcoming backdrop laden with a hefty dose of mystical appeal.

Together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I stepped inside Salamangka’s doors for a taste of magic.

In the late morning, Salamangka is awash with light, the black murals of mythical creatures and the balete tree on the wall wonderfully offset by the clean white background. Furniture made with native materials and a huge table and bench set made from solid pieces of wood provide ample seating for the diners.

Salamangka’s menu consists of its own take of classic Filipino dishes, such as:

Kamote Chips (Php199). Crispy deep-fried slices of of sweet potatoes that go so well with its dip of condensed milk reduction.

Piknik (Php199). Crispy hand-cut potato slivers served with three different sauces (but they’re ok without the sauce as evidenced by the way I keep popping them into my mouth, hehehe!)

Coca Cola Wings (Php259). Fried chicken wings simmered in a Coca Cola reduction and served with piknik.

Itlog na Maalat Wings (Php349). Fried chicken wings covered in a sauce of salted eggs and served with piknik.

Vegan Nachos (Php199). Toasted pita chips topped with ground tofu and drizzled with a mixture of Yummza pesto hummus, lemon and oil. Live a little and add Php20 for additional topping of grated cheese.

Tinapa (Php189). A bowl of smokey tinapa flakes on top of garlic rice and paired with salted egg, a side of tomatoes and burong mangga.

Bawang na Bangus (Php189). Fried bangus marinated in garlic served on top of garlic rice with salted egg and atsara.

Sinigang sa Manggang Hilaw (Php279). Beef sinigang with a sour sauce instead of broth on top of steamed rice and served with sour mango and bagoong.

Once you’ve eaten your fill, how about lettin’ loose and sampling Salamangka’s much celebrated alcholic concoctions? Impress your friends with your knowledge of native folklore when you identify the entities that give their name to these intense spirits.

Wakwak (Php99 per glass | Php349 per pitcher). Named after a vampiric bird-like creature that makes the noise “wak-wak” as it flaps its wings, this cocktail is mixture of rum, lime juice, mango puree and mint leaves.

Mambabarang (Php99 per glass | Php349 per pitcher). Made with gin, lime juice, cucumber slices and mint leaves, this cocktail got its name from the warlock or sorceress that cast malevolent hexes on people

Ibong Adarna (Php99 per glass | Php349 per pitcher). Named after the mythical bird whose song has healing qualities, this drink is made with tequila, pineapple, calamansi and chili placed in a salt-rimmed glass. A sip of this drink is multi-layered: you get the citrus flavor from the calamansi, the spiciness from the chili, the saltiness from the rimmed glass and the fire of the tequila as it travels down your throat.

What really got me excited was Pitong Elemento (Php350). A flight of seven intense native infusions inspired by legendary elementals, this consists of seven shot glasses of flavored spirits that pack quite a punch.

Duwende (dried mango rhum – named after the mischievous house spirit)

Sigbin (orange vodka – named after the mythical creature that suck its victims’ blood from the shadows)

Kibaan (raisin gin – named after the mythical creature that lead travelers astray with its backward feet)

Tiyanak (Thai chili tequila – named after the creature that takes the form of a crying baby to attack folks who pick it up)

Undin (roasted bell pepper vodka – named after the water sprite that drown people who disturb it)

Santelmo (lemon vodka – named after St. Elmo’s Fire, balls of fire that appear as portents of doom)

Nuno sa Punso (spearmint chocolate vodka – named after the dwarf-like creature that dwell in mounds of earth).

You can also opt to get these infusions individually by the shot glass at Php50 each, except for Nuno sa Punso which is at Php99.

(Note: I only attempted to try Nuno sa Punso and, really, a few sips were more than enough for a lightweight like me.)

Fans of the local craft beer Engkanto would really go for a Beer Flight (Php249) a four variant sampler consisting of lager, pale ale, IPA and double IPA.

Salamangka also prides itself on its Single Origin local coffees at Php99/cup such as those from Bukidnon and Batangas. These are freshly ground upon order and then brewed using pour over cups. Until August 31, get a Buy 1 Get 1 deal on these local coffees from 7am to 10am, thanks to Salamangka’s ongoing Hiwaga ng Umaga promo.

Salamangka’s Bulletproof Coffee (Php190), which is made with brewed coffee, coconut oil and unsalted butter, would probably be great for chasing away a hangover given the coffee’s touted properties for enhancing alertness. I would just prefer the residual flavor from the coconut oil to be tempered down a little bit more so that the creaminess and the slight sweetness from the butter would be more pronounced.

So if you want a great time with your friends tinged with magic and mystery, head on to Salamangka.

Thanks to Darryl, Issa, Veni and Kevin of Salamangka for having us!

Join Salamangka’s Hocus Focus Facebook contest by posting a picture of you posing in one of Salamanka’s Kreature Kutouts. Make sure your post is public, tag @salamangkamnl, use the hashtags #IsangTaongHiwaga and #TasteMagic, for a chance to get a freebie.

Feel like pitting your knowledge against other Salamangka guests? Join the Gabi ng Pagsusulit, a quiz night held at Salamangka every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

Salamangka is located at Eastwood Citywalk 1, Libis, Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 3am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 5518557.

Did you know you can buy two drinks and get the same two drinks for free at Salamangka through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks. All you have to do is sign up for a Zomato Gold membership here. Use my code JELLYB to get 20% off the membership fee.

Disclosure: Together with my fellow 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:

A new foodie haven: Shizuka Cafe, Little Baguio

With all the frenetic activity at work and at home, don’t you sometimes for a place where you can just relax and enjoy your time alone or with a few close friends?

Well, look no further than this relatively new cafe located a few minutes’ ride away from Greenhills.

From the outside, Shizuka Cafe may blend in among the many dining establishments in Little Baguio, but inside is a welcoming and cozy haven. Muted lighting and artfully displayed Japanese-themed bric-a-bracs make it a comfy and relaxing place, in line with the meaning of its name – shizuka, which means calm, peaceful, silent and quiet.

Shizuka’s Chef Paul Tan and his partners introduced quite a lot of innovations and advocacies to the local dining scene which include Shitzuka’s drives for artisanship (by carefully crafting its food and beverage offering), sustainability (through minimizing the use of plastic in its operations), local commerce (by sourcing its ingredients for its homey Japanese cuisine and finely craft coffee beverages from local merchants) and diversity (by employing differently abled staff).

Together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I was able to sample some of the well-crafted dishes that Shizuka brings to the table. Check them out:

Onion Tempura (Php125). Onions coated in tempura batter then deep-friend and served with wasabi aioli. I love how texture of the onions and the flavor complexity that the wasabi aioli adds to the dish.

Pork Gyoza (Php150). Five pieces of the popular pork and vegetable pot stickers. In contrast to the usual gyoza from other restaurants, these come in pretty square shapes.

Nachos (Pho180). Crispy wonton wrappers doused with a sauce made from three cheeses and topped with soy Bolognese and parmesan cheese. I found myself reaching into this bowl and popping those nachos into my mouth again and again.

Tori Tebasaki (Php155). Tender chicken wings glazed with a sambal sauce, an exotic take on the chicken wings dish.

Tori Salad (Php180). Mixed greens with grilled chicken and miso balsamic vinaigrette.

Katsu Sando (Php190). Breaded ground pork katsu sandwiches coated with house-made tonkatsu sauce.

Tori Pesto (Php165). Sandwich with freshly grilled chicken and shiitake tossed in pesto sauce.

Nori Mac and Cheese (Php190). Shell macaroni in a cream sauce made of mozzarella, cheddar and parmesan served a crispy nori. I tried this hearty pasta dish with both with a touch of seven spices and without and I like it better without the spice.

Gyu Salpicao (Php290). Flavorful tenderloin in garlicky salpicao sauce over rice served with a sous vide egg. Salpicao is oftentimes a hit or miss with me: any excess in salty, sweet or spicy flavors tends to detract from my enjoyment. I’m happy to discover that this version of the dish is very well-balanced with added richness from the sous vide egg.

Tori HBS (Php210). Crispy fried chicken tossed in honey butter glaze over rice, also served with sous vide egg. What makes the Gyu Salpicao a standout also applies in this dish.

Big Breakfast (Php230). Imagine waking up to a hearty breakfast of hefty pancakes smothered in premium butter, generous slices of Italian sausage and fluffy scrambled eggs. Heck, fill yourself up with this meal any time of the day.

The Nursery (Php115). Peanut butter cream cheese with chocolate soil. A real treat for a sweet tooth like me.

Better than Doughnuts (Php100). My first taste of freshly made Southern American-style beignets more than met my expectations. Fluffy and chewy and perfectly complemented by matcha or chocolate ganache, this serves as a wonderful cap to the meal.

Shizuka Cafe also brings imaginatively crafted beverages to the table. These include:

White Genmaicha Cha (Php108 for 16oz | Php128 for 22oz). One of the Flaky Sea Salt and Cheese series, this features a not-too-sweet earthy rice and green tea flavor. I would have loved it sweeter but this would be good for those who are managing their sugar intake.

Strawberry Milk (Php118 for 16oz | Php138 for 22oz). Fresh strawberries blended with milk and also topped with Flaky Sea Salt and Cheese. I wish it could have maintained its consistency (we took a long time taking pictures) but it is sweetly refreshing just the same.

Cold Brew Latte (Php108 for 16oz | Php128 for 22oz). The more caffeinated among the Flaky Sea Salt and Cheese series, this is good for those looking for a pick-me-up.

Strawberry Chamomile (Php145). Refreshing loose-leaf chamomile tea and strawberries.

Sparkling Yuzu Mojito (Php220). This refreshing citrusy drink is made with yuzu and lime fruit juice, tonic water and white rhum.

Strawberry Sakerita (Php230). Loose-leaf chamomile tea blended with fresh strawberries and sake served in a glass with salted rim. A sweeter and milder Japanese version of the margarita, one I can imagine myself enjoying again and again.

So when you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to unwind in a relaxing and welcoming environment, head off to Shizuka Cafe. Bring your friends with you for an extra good time!

Shizuka Cafe is located at 709 Jose Abad Santos Corner F. Calderon, Little Baguio, San Juan City, open daily from 8am to 10pm. For inquiries, reservations and pick up arrangements, call +63 926 0792964.

No time to drop by Shizuka Cafe? Order what your craving for via Grab Food and have it delivered right to your doorstep.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, 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 and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other Japanese restaurants:

Three reasons why Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar, Tomas Morato is your next favorite hangout spot

So you’ve just clocked out but are not yet in the mood to face the long commute home. What can you do and where can you hang out to while away the rush hour?

If you’re near the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area, you’re in luck. Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar located along Scout Rallos Street, as my fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH and I have recently discovered, may just be your next favorite hangout spot.

Here are the reasons why:

1) Luxurious ambiance with a vintage charm.

Stepping into Tiyo’s interiors is akin to entering a time portal to the era of Old Manila where elegance and comfort take center stage from the Escolta-themed mural, muted lighting to the white marble tabletops.

2) Pinoy artistry in food and drink preparation.

Tiyo serves a thoughtfully curated menu of local fare which takes the best representations of Philippine regional cuisine and painstakingly uses traditional ingredients and cooking methods, and yet has reinvented and served these dishes with a modern flair.

During our fun-filled foodie meetup, we were presented with viands that are familiar yet decidedly different from our usual fare, and definitely a lot more exciting to dig in to.

Manila Ensalada (Php180). Crispy and golden-brown okoy (deep-fried shrimp fritters popular in the Ilocos region) served with green mango, unripe papaya and assorted greens.

Lengua Kaldereta Nachos (Php380). The ubiquitous Mexican bar chow has been upgraded with the addition of tenderized and finely chopped ox tongue and generous dollops of kaldereta sauce and kesong puti sauce, flavored by salsa and malunggay chimichurri.

Inihaw na Liempo Sinigang (Php420). Take your inihaw na liempo (grilled pork belly) and sinigang na baboy (pork in sour tamarind broth), put them together and you have this delightfully deconstructed dish. Take the pork belly and tamarind gravy together with the sour broth or separately, it doesn’t matter. Both iterations are equally good.

Corned Beef Caldereta (Php460). Here’s a new and leveled-up spin to the breakfast classic, corned beef! Combine fork-tender house-made corned beef with tomato puree, liver and grilled veggies and you’ve got yourself a filling and flavorful dish!

Dagupan Bangus Bistek (Php290). Deboned milkfish in soy calamansi sauce and garnished with red onion, suitable for those who want to eat light.

Maranao Piyanggang Manok (Php390). Chicken pieces served with sakurab – a vegetable mainstay in Maranao cuisine – along with coconut cream, lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, onion and ginger. Each bite is an explosion of flavor.

Palitaw Mochi (Php185). Instead of the usual flat kakanin (glutinous rice delicacy), these are cute dessert balls served with latik and bits of cashew crumble and coconut. Each bite is a surprise as your palitaw could be filled with either Malagos chocolate, Dulce de Leche or Ube (purple yam).

Turron ala Mode (Php195). My dad’s home province of Bataan produces one of the most iconic sweets of the region: gabi (taro) ice cream. That regional delicacy tops the turron (banana fritters) and caramel drizzle of this dream dessert.

And the craftsmanship does not stop with the food. Tiyo’s bartenders also whip up exciting craft cocktails for the thirsty but exacting diner. These concoctions are designed around local spirits, highlighting their unique flavors while demonstrating their versatility.

Pedro’s Uprising (basi, lemongrass, brandy and mint). It is named after the leader of the 1807 Basi Revolt which came about when the Spanish colonial government banned the private manufacture of this fermented sugar cane beverage. This just goes to show that you can’t keep the Pinoy spirit down!

Jai Alai (basil, white rum, brandy-infused cinnamon, tea, calamansi and honey). Named after the pastime of my own tiyo when I was growing up, this drink is sweet and heady, just like nostalgia.

Blame It on the Barako (coffee liquer, cream, coconut rum, syrup and orange wedge). If you find yourself lying awake at night, dreaming of the next time you’ll get a sip of this cocktail, you can always #BlameItOnTheBarako.

With its nine-tap craft beer system and the biggest collection of craft beer in the city, there is something from the seasoned brew connoisseur to a newbie. Opt for a Sampler Flight (Php150) of three sample glasses of different craft beers and discover your new favorite brew.

Not into alcohol? Don’t sweat it because Tiyo’s Houce Iced Tea (Php85) is drink that quenches your thirst and soothes your soul. And that straw is actually edible! It’s made of rice and tapioca so after finishing your drink, take a bite out of the straw.

3) It’s exciting promos and events.

Knowing the Pinoy penchant for spotting and pursuing a good deal, Tiyo has promos that lets its guests enjoy more for less.

Until the end of July, enjoy Buy 1 Take 1 deals on all craft cocktails.

Get 3 Gin & Tonic drinks for only Php280.

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, get all the wine you can drink for only Php799.

During Ladies Night Wednesdays, all ladies get a free craft cocktail drink of their choice.

Every Tuesday and Saturday night, groove along with live musical entertainment.

With all these elements coming together, it’s easy to see how Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar is #TailoredToGoodTaste. So make a stopover at Tiyo tonight. You’ll be glad you did.

Many thanks to Michelle and Mik de Guzman and Ed Salvador of Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar for hosting this foodie meetup.

Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar is located at Second Floor, CKB Centre, Tomas Morato Avenue Corner Scout Rallos Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open Sundays to Mondays from 4pm to 1am, Tuesdays to Thursdays from 4pm to 2am and Fridays to Saturdays from 4pm to 3 am. For inquiries or reservations, call +63 932 8642593.

Did you know you can buy two drinks and get the same two drinks for free at Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks. All you have to do is sign up for a Zomato Gold membership here. Use my code JELLYB to get 20% off the membership fee.

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

There’s something for everyone’s craving at Pob Stacion Food Park

For quite a while now, the Poblacion area has been reinventing itself from its previous incarnation as Makati’s red-light district and re-establishing itself as its foodie-friendly haven. Here, foodies can explore various options in food and drink spanning various cuisines and concepts.

If you were to pool some of those eateries together and concentrate them into one easily accessible place, you would have the Pob Stacion Food Park. Located at B. Valdez Street, Barangay Poblacion in Makati, a ten-minute walk from A Venue or Century City Mall, the newly opened multi-storey Pob Stacion houses a variety of concept food stalls that give the park’s visitors wondrous choices for their gastronomic adventure or to soothe their food cravings.

Recently, together with my fellow foodies, I had a taste of what Pob Stacion’s food outlets have to offer. Read on and check out my top picks.

Above Sea Level (Seafood)

As the home of the Giant Butterfly Squid (Php180 with 1 Java rice | Php250 with 2 Java rice | Php350 with 3 Java rice | Php450 with 4 Java rice), they really do serve it up big-time. Lightly battered, well-seasoned and fried to a golden-brown, each enormous squid by itself is good for two people and is best enjoyed with the resto’s vinegar dipping sauce.

If you’re feeling extra hungry or adventurous, add the Seafood Festival (Php380) to your order and bite into mouthwatering crab, shrimps, mussels and corn on a bed of Java rice doused with a buttery crab fat sauce, or the Spicy Squid Sisig (Php180) for a seafood take on the Pampanga delicacy.

Rib Pop (Pinoy-Korean Fusion)

With the Korean food craze firmly entrenched in the Philippine culinary scene, it’s hardly surprising that the two cuisines would mesh together at some point. That point is here at Rib Pop where the best of the two cuisines is highlighted in its Ribpop Sampler (Php400) which consists of its signature dishes: Black Ink Chicken Wings – squid ink bettered fried chicken pieces with spicy tangy sauce, Ribpop Bowl – your choice of rice topped with beef short ribs, and an assortment of banchan – small plates of Korean appetizers.

Octoboy (Japanese)

Who would have thought that Takoyaki (Php70 for 3 pcs | Php140 for 6 pcs), balls made of batter filled with chopped octopus meat, cooked in a specially shaped griddle and served with those wriggling Bonito flakes, would be such a hit with us Pinoys? If you’re on the lookout for something quick, cheap and yummy, Octoboy’s Takoyaki is your best bet.

Tokyo Tempura (Japanese)

Did you know that tempura, the Japanese method of deep-frying battered seafood and vegetables, was influenced the Portuguese who were residing in Nagasaki in the 16th century? Today, tempura is a mainstay in practically all Japanese restaurants in the country and is even gaining some foothold in Pinoy eateries through localized versions.

Tokyo Tempura’s versions are quick, yummy, easy to enjoy when you’re having a case of the munchies, and with affordably priced options which include Imperial Tempura (Php150 for 12 pcs), Tempura Rice (Php80) and Kani Tempura (Php55 for 6 pcs).

Want some spicy kick to go with your tempura? Add the Chili Cheese Poppers (Php55 for 4 pcs) to your order and take some heat from those tempura battered cheese-filled jalapenos!

Oskar’s Soul Kitchen (American)

If you’re looking for an alternative to your usual fastfood burger, check out Oskar’s Soul Kitchen’s Cheeseburger (Php220) – a quarter pound of ground Wagyu beef patty sandwiched in an oatmeal bun together with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and the resto’s signature sauce.

Still have room for more? Add Angus Beef Hotdog (Php140), Fries Overload (Php160), or the Nachos Overload (Php150) to your order and eat to your heart’s content.

Wing’s Lab (American)

How about Wing’s Lab’s sinful take to your flavored chicken wings? Try its American Wings (Php699 with Nachos and Beef) which hits you with its Jack Daniels flavored sauce.

Want something to quench your thirst after those spicy wings? Take your pick from the resto’s refreshing and conveniently packaged Juices (Php60 – Blue Lemonade, Cucumber Lemonade and Melon with Milk). The best part is that you can easily take these handy juice packs with you all over the park and beyond.

Authentic House of Curry (Indian)

Get yourself a taste of the exotic with the Authentic House of Curry’s spicy Beef Rendang (Php240) and Lobster Scallop Balls (Php180). These dishes provide a nice South Asian flare to your food park fare.

Cha Tuk Chak (Thai Milk Tea)

While boba milk teas abound all over the metro, Thai milk teas are not as visible, which , for me, is a shame if Cha Tuk Chak’s drinks are anything to go by. From the world famous creamy and silky Cha Yen (Php110 regular | Php125 large), the sweeter, fruitier and caffeine free Nom Yen (Php120 regular | Php135 large), the sweet lemon-infused Thai Ruby (Php115 regular | Php130 large), the refreshing Thai tea with real lemon Thai Emerald (Php115 regular | Php130 large), and the gourmet dark chocolate milk tea given a Thai spin Koko Yen (Php110 regular), among others, you’ll have tasty thirst-quenching options as you navigate the food park.

Papa Diddi’s (Ice Cream)

And who can forget about dessert? Papa Diddi’s Hand-crafted Ice Cream (Php75 for 1 scoop | Php110 for 2 scoops | Php145 for 3 scoops) come in such unusual yet localized flavors that pay tribute not just to our Pinoy heritage but also to the farmer communities that supply the brand’s all-natural ingredients. From the fruity Mango Pili, the cheesy Queso Blanco with kesong puti and Cheese Closed with cheddar, the chocolatey Chocolate Lovin and Tsokolate de Cagayan, the sinfully indulgent Tres Leches and the chocolate-meets-spicy Davao Meets Bicol, your dessert gives you a cool, culinary trip across the country.

So if you’re a denizen of Poblacion, or on a night out with friends in the area, do add a stopover to Pob Stacion Food Park to your evening’s itinerary.

Many thanks to Raina of KonyoQueen.com for extending the invitation!

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I was invited to attend a foodie meetup held in this food park. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

The Tita’s Guide to having a blast at Walrus, Katipunan

Admit it: we women past a certain age do have some limitations on what we can subject our body and our consciousness to on a typical night out.

Gone are the days when we can party until dawn, dance to reverberating music, drink until we’re wasted or whatever the young ‘uns are doing nowadays.

Nope, we #TitasOfManila are happy to sit in comfort in well-lit, well-ventilated restos, sipping our favorite teas or even wines, animatedly chatting with our girls.

You wouldn’t think that us titas will be caught dead hanging out at Walrus, would you?

Walrus Fil-Mex Cantina, that mecca where young college girls and boys can congregate and enjoy affordably priced and imaginatively prepared Mexican-Filipino dishes, is something outside the tita‘s comfort zone.

Or is it?

Read on, dearies. Here’s how you can survive, nay, own a night out at Walrus:

One: Dress light and stay cool.

Leave the blazers at the office and the wool scarves at home. There’s no air-conditioning here so it would be best to dress as light as possible and order a cool drink as soon as you arrive.

Two: Leave the car at home.

Parking is at a premium so save yourself the stress of driving and looking for parking space. Just book yourself a Grab Car going to and from the place. This way, you can indulge in some beers or cocktails with no worries.

Three: Let them hear the song of our people.

Don’t be afraid to request for your favorite songs from the DJ. Whether it be the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe,” Los Lobos’ “Macarena,” or Next’s “Too Close,” feel free to sing or dance along.

Who knows? You might catch some of the young ‘uns singing and dancing along, too. (A testament to remarkable taste in music, if so.)

Four: Forget counting calories.

Both Mexican and Filipino food are heavily influenced by Spanish cuisine, and are known for heartiness and flavor. It would be a shame if your diet will make you miss out on these affordable and tasty treats:

Sisig Nachos Locos (Php130). Heated tortilla chips smothered in melted cheese and spicy sisig.

Walrus Famous Chicken Skin (Php80). Crunchy and savory deep-fried chicken skin. You’ll keep reaching for more.

Chicken and Sisig Thrilla in Quesadilla (Php130 and Php120, respectively). Craving for cheese? Satisfy that hunger with these quesadillas.

Beef and Chicken Tacos of the Town (Php140 and Php130, respectively). Warm tortilla folded over cheese and sauteed beef or chicken.

Kare-Kare Fab-burrito (Php170). This hearty Mexican roll with that meaty and peanut-ty rice filling is all you need to satisfy your hunger.

Five: Quench your thirst.

With these sultry summer nights, you’ll need ice-cold drinks to cool you down. Check out Walrus’ beverage options:

Mad Amigo (Php80). Fruity apple plus rum. How could you go wrong with that?

Strawberry Fields Forever (Php250). A tall pitcher of strawberry and basil with a slight kick.

Horchata (Php60). Not feeling like imbibing alcohol? Try this intriguing concoction made of rice milk and flavored by vanilla and cinnamon.

Six: Have fun with your friends.

Aside from good food, a great time is assured by great company. So make Walrus the venue of your next #TitaConference. Show them young ‘uns how titas get down!

Walrus Fil-Mex Cantina is located at 3rd Floor, 318-A Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 2am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 5931630.

Did you know you can buy two drinks and get the same two drinks for free at Walrus through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks. All you have to do is sign up for a Zomato Gold membership here. Use my code JELLYB to get 20% off the membership fee.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a foodie meetup held in 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 restaurants serving Mexican food:

Vatos Urban Tacos, BGC

BTW Fil-Mex Kitchen, Tomas Morato

Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew

Lo de Alberto, Ugong

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: