Deliciously affordable food adventure at StrEATs in ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

Looking for a food adventure that’s deliciously varied yet affordable? Then ibis Styles Manila Araneta’s all-day dining restuarant, StrEATs, should be right up your alley.

ibis Styles Manila Araneta City is the first ibis brand of the Accor Hotels Group in the country. The economy hotel chain characterized by creativity and playfulness pays tribute to the vibrancy and energy of its location through callbacks to cultural milestones.

StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

For instance, the newly opened hotel’s interior is peppered with photo spots that harken back to the Thrilla in Manila, the legendary fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier held at the Araneta Colisuem. Hotel guests and visitors can then take their photos for ‘gram in these themed spots.

StrEATs leads the way to awesome food adventures

StrEATs serves as a pathway towards various international culinary journeys, with a rotating menu carefully curated by Executive Chef Massimiliano Pauletto. While enjoying StrEATs’ well-appointed setting and frenetic energy, foodies can look forward to flavorful discoveries with appetizing stations that include:

StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
Say Cheese. A decadent selection of gourmet cheeses and premium cold cuts, perfectly paired for a savory delight.
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
Tossed to a Good Life. Create your perfect salad with a vibrant array of greens, veggies, and flavorful dressings
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
Savor Asia. Dim sum, noodles and aromatic spices to fuel your Oriental food quest
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
Cravings & Carvings. Succulent, expertly carved meats served with rich gravies and savory sides to satisfy carnivorous cravings
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
La Dolce Vita. Authentic Italian pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and delectable Mediterranean flavors to give you a taste of the sweet life
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
All You Knead Is Love. Warm, freshly baked breads and an assortment of spreads and condiments to complement any dish
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
Sugar Rush. Decadent desserts and pastries, from creamy cakes to delicate puffs to satisfy your sweet tooth
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
Kids Corner. Tasty treats and fun finger foods for the kids and the kids at heart

Plus, you can always request for freshly made Baked Oysters and creamy gelato from Novotel’s Indulge at their respective stations.

StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

Make the most out of your StrEATs experience!

Whether you find the prospect of an all-you-can-eat buffet daunting or you’re a seasoned buffet diner, here are a few tips to make sure that you maximize your time there:

  • Start small. Sample small portions of a variety of dishes. This allows you to taste everything without getting full too quickly.
  • Prioritize. If you’re a carnivore like me, go for the higher-cost items (like seafood, meats, and specialty dishes) if you want to get the best value.
  • Mix It Up. Alternate between different types of food (proteins, vegetables, carbs) to keep your palate interested and avoid flavor fatigue.
  • Pace Yourself. Eat slowly and take breaks. This helps with digestion and allows you to enjoy the meal longer without feeling uncomfortably full.
  • Post-Meal Activity. If possible, take a walk after your meal. It aids digestion and can help you feel less bloated. Fortunately, Gateway Mall is just a few steps away!
StrEATS ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
StrEATs ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

StrEATs daily serves breakfast from 6am to 10am at Php999/person, lunch from 12pm to 2pm at Php1,299/person and dinner from 6pm to 9pm at Php1,499/person.

StrEATs is located at Fifth Floor, ibis Styles Manila Araneta, General Roxas Avenue, Araneta City, Quezon City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 8248 8444 or email IbisStyles.ManilaAranetaCity.Restaurants@accor.com.

Know more about ibis Styles Manila Araneta by visiting its website, or by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my posts about Accor Hotels and Restaurants:

Enjoy delish Filipino hotplate your way at Butter Grill, The Landmark

Who would have thought that dining at a mall food court would give you such a superb dining experience?

Sure, food courts have their own appeal due to a variety of reasons: the variety of cuisines offered at affordable prices, easy accessibility, fast service and liveliness and bustle of the crowd.

However, the entrance of a brand new concept stall at The Landmark’s Supermart Foodcenter presents an exciting possibility for diners: personalization!

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Butter Grill offers sizzling plates classic Filipino dishes and foodcourt faves but with a fresh twist: the diner can mix and match various items on the menu to craft a hotplate according to their specifications.

Here’s how:

First, choose your meat among Butter Sliced Pork (Php159), Butter Sliced Beef (Php249), Mixed Seafood (Php285), Peppered Bangus (Php298), Angus Burger Steak (Php315) and Beef Tendon (Php345).

Second, choose a free sauce to complement your meat: Pares Sauce, Bicol Express Gravy, Kare-Kare Gravy, Honey Binagoongan Gravy, Steakhouse Gravy, Sinigang Gravy, Kaldereta Gravy and Salted Egg Gravy.

Lastly, choose a free side to complete your meal: Butter Rice, Pancit and Sourdough Pan de Sal.

Combining items from this menu produces tasty hotplates such as:

Butter Sliced Beef in Kare-Kare Sauce with Buttered Rice

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Angus Burger Steak in Steak House Gravy with Buttered Rice: my absolute fave!

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Sliced Pork in Kaldereta Sauce and Pancit

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Beef Tendon in Honey Binagoongan Gravy and Buttered Rice

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Beef Tendon in Sinigang Gravy and Buttered Rice

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcourt

With the Lenten Season coming in, you’d be happy to know that Buttergrill’s got your back for Meatless Fridays with a Buy 1 Get 1 Offer on its seafood hotplates for just Php298. Promo is available every Friday from February 24 to April 7, 2023.

Peppered Bangus in Salted Egg Sauce with Buttered Rice

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Mixed Seafood in Pares Sauce with Pancit

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Mix things up a bit and try some of the dishes with Butter Grill’s Sourdough Pan De Sal!

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Cap your meal with something sweet and refreshing: Buttergrill’s Clear Gulaman available in Bulilit (Php49) and Giant (Php99) sizes!

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Bulilit Gulaman
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Giant Gulaman, good for sharing!

Here are some tips to further enhance your Buttergrill experience:

  • Unsure of which combination to try? Ask the servers for their recommendations!
  • Mix the hotplate contents well to distribute the flavors from the sauces evenly.
  • Allow some of the rice and gravy to caramelize (forming a flavorful tutong I’m you’ll love!)
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter
Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

So if you fancy a fresh take on your favorite Pinoy dishes and more, be sure to drop by Butter Grill!

Butter Grill is located at the Supermart Foodcenter of The Landmark, Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Butter Grill on Facebook and Instagram.

Raintree’s #ValentineFoodCrawl: Chicken in Love Set at Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

Love is in the air, and it’s even more prevalent in Bonifacio High Street where Raintree restaurants have unveiled their Valentine’s Day promo and deals.

Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

Raintree Hospitality Group brings fresh and exciting hospitality concepts, including hotels, food courts and restaurants. The newest among the innovative restaurant concepts it developed is Pak! Pak! Chicken.

Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

At Pak! Pak! Chicken, you can expect crispy fried chicken pieces in strong delicious tastes, you’d feel like you’re being slapped with flavor… Pak! Pak!

Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

Check out some of its fried chicken variants:

Crispy Original + Gravy (Php260/6pcs | Php450/12pcs),

Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

Sweet Soy Garlic (Php260/6pcs | Php450/12pcs),

Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

Garlic Herb Parmesan (Php295/6pcs | Php540/12pcs),

Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

Old Skool Buffalo (Php335/6pcs | Php595/12pcs).

Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

Other variants include: Takoyaki, Smokey Hickory BBQ, Singaporean Style Black Pepper, Po’s Orange Chicken and Korean Fire Pepper.

You can also enjoy these flavors in chicken wings.

Want to make a complete meal? Pair your Pak! Pak! Chicken with sides:

Japanese Chahan Fried Rice (Php140 solo | Php350 family).

Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

Garlic Herb Yakisoba (Php135 solo | Php275 family).

Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

Creamy Kimchi Coleslaw (Php175).

Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

Pak! Pak! Chicken also has a special treat for its customers this month of hearts: it’s Chicken in Love Set! A special set of your choice of two chicken flavors plus Kimchi Coleslaw, Garlic Noodles or Chahan Fried Rice for just Php775, it’s great for sharing for two people.

Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

So go ahead and plan your Valentine date at Pak! Pak! Chicken! This offer is available within February only.

Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC
Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

Pak! Pak! Chicken is located inside Motto Motto, Ground Floor, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, open for takeout on weekdays and for dine-in on weekends. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8440219 or send a message via Facebook or Instagram. Payments via cash, GCash, credit and debit cards are accepted.

Pak! Pak! Chicken also delivers via FoodPanda.

A Marugame Udon Power Lunch, thanks to GrabFood

Just to be clear: I’m a firm believer of the #HappyLunch, the practice of taking your precious lunch break by going out to eat at one of your favorite restaurants or trying out a new place together with your officemates. This is a great way to decompress and bond with your workmates after a busy morning at work.

Lately, though, this can’t always be possible, especially as we’re all encouraged to practice social distancing and avoid crowded areas.

So how can we office-based foodies enjoy the food we love when we can’t go out of the safety of the workplace?

Thankfully, the largest udon noodles restaurant chain in the world, Marugame Udon, delivers via GrabFood!

Marugame Udon is dedicated to provide Japanese authentic made-to-order Udon noodles which are freshly kneaded, boiled and cooked every day. These noodles are made according to the practices in Sanuki, a region in the Kagawa prefecture known for the quality of its udon. The noodles’ flavors and textures are further enhanced by the broths made by the restaurant in small batches to maintain quality.

Marugame Udon, Fisher Mall

Marugame Udon, Fisher Mall

My officemates and I all placed our orders for two of Marugame’s popular udon dishes thirty minutes before lunchtime (that’s how long the delivery will take).

They arrived hot and steaming, totally appetizing!

Beef Ontama Bukkake Udon (Php210 regular | Php260 large). Made with marinated gyudon beef strips, Japanese poached egg, and mildly sweet bukkake soup.

Marugame Udon, Fisher Mall

Chicken Paitan Udon (Php200 regular | Php250 large). Made with sauteed chicken, a soft boiled egg, and creamy chicken soup that calls to mind your favorite chicken sopas.

Marugame Udon, Fisher Mall

Marugame Udon, Fisher Mall

With their plentiful broth and thick and chewy noodles, these udon bowls are very filling and helped fuel our work for the remains of the workday. I certainly didn’t mind my desk lunch too much!

Marugame Udon, Fisher Mall

This meal was ordered from the Marugame Udon branch located at the Lower Ground Floor, Fisher Mall, Quezon Avenue, Del Monte, Quezon City via GrabFood. 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.

Other branches in the metro are located at:

  • Upper Ground Floor, Main Building, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City
  • Ground Floor, Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
  • Upper Ground Floor, Main Building, SM City Fairview, Novaliches, Quezon City
  • Ground Floor, SM City Marikina, Marcos ighway, Calumpang, Marikina City
  • Third Floor, Building A, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
  • Second Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
  • Ground Floor, Main Mall, Ayala Malls Circuit, Carmona, Makati City
  • Third Floor, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City
  • Ground Floor, Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
  • B7, Bonifacio High Street, Lane P, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Marugame Udon Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Winner winner, chicken dinner at Bad Bird, SM Megamall

Just when you thought fried chicken is already “gasgas” (tired) as a food concept, here comes Bad Bird with its own bold statement: the umami fried chicken.

While many restos would tout the absence of MSG (monosodium glutamate) in their dishes, Bad Bird goes all out with it, using this ingredient in its natural and processed forms: dashi, mushroom powder, furikake, miso, and more!

Bad Bird, SM Megamall

Through trial and error, it has developed its proprietary fried chicken seasoning, the one that produces that umami taste, the inherent savoriness of fried chicken brought about to tickle and delight our taste buds.

On our way to another food adventure, fellow foodies Jen of SandUnderMyFeet, Nix of IEatAndIWander and I decided to sate our hunger at Bad Bird by pooling our GCs (the currency of the blogger microeconomy, hehehe). Our winning repast included:

Torched Corn & Cheese Chicken Plate (Php375). A huge piece of Bad Bird’s badass umami fried chicken – all crispy and juicy ready for our tummies – with our new favorite side dish, the torched corn kernels in cream cheese.

Bad Bird, SM Megamall
Bad Bird, SM Megamall

We added Bad Bird’s refreshing citrusy Homebrew Iced Tea to this meal set for just Php69 and upgraded the set’s original steamed rice to Dirty Rice (fried rice with bits of bacon, kimchi, liver and tamago) for just Php89.

Bad Bird, SM Megamall

Mango Rice Milk (Php170). A sweet and slightly tart shake made with fresh mango and Korean rice milk.

Bad Bird, SM Megamall

Garlic and Butter Crispy 2-Fry Wings (Php275). Six pieces of chicken wings tossed in the fragrant and flavorful garlic and butter sauce.

Bad Bird, SM Megamall

Rich Pork Noodles (Php265). One of Bad Bird’s filling noodle dishes where every noodle is bursting with umami.

Bad Bird, SM Megamall

By introducing new flavors to the classic fried chicken, Bad Bird has certainly revived the dish and remade it into something new to enjoy.

Bad Bird, SM Megamall
Bad Bird, SM Megamall

Did you know that if you and a friend ordered two drinks at Bad Bird, you can get the same two drinks free when you unlock your Zomato Gold privilege?

This Bad Bird branch is located at Third Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 77539729.

Other branches may be found at:

  • Ground Floor, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
  • Hole in the Wall, Fourth Floor, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City
  • Ground Floor, Pedro Gil Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila

Bro-recommended Sincerity Cafe & Restaurant, Banawe

I belong to a family of foodies, albeit I’m the only one who’s online all the time!

While I have a knack for finding places to get great desserts, my brother, on the hand, has a gift for finding tasty quick and cheap eats.

The restos he usually recommends are no-frills but are known to have paticularly delish specialties.

Take for example Sincerity Cafe & Restaurant in Banawe.

While we were running errands in the area together with my mom, we realized that we needed to go somewhere we can eat and run. He suggested this resto because of its famous fried chicken.

This resto does have a no-frills look and feel typical of Chinese eateries. Its color scheme is composed of reds, oranges and yellow. The furniture used are a bit aged but still functional.

The wait staff are present on the floor but getting their attention for orders or requests may take some time.

Sincerity Cafe, Banawe
Sincerity Cafe, Banawe
Sincerity Cafe, Banawe

We went with my brother’s recommended dishes as well.

Spinach with Garlic (Php225 for small)

Sincerity Cafe, Banawe

Sincerity Fried Chicken (Php180 for half)

Sincerity Cafe, Banawe

Sincerity Chami (Php120 for small)

Sincerity Cafe, Banawe

Makot Bola Bola Soup (Php140 for small)

Sincerity Cafe, Banawe

The Sincerity Fried Chicken was quite tasty and it went well with the very flavorful Sincerity Chami noodles.

Sincerity Cafe, Banawe

Since I unlocked my Zomato Gold Privilege in this resto, we got the Chami for FREE. (Note: we were informed by the wait staff that Sincerity Fried Chicken is not included among the Zomato Gold perks.)

Want to score a similar discount? 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.

This Sincerity Cafe & Restaurant branch is located at Second Floor, RBL Building, Banawe Street, Santo Domingo, Quezon City, open daily from 9.30am to 9.30pm.

Other branches are located at:

  • 497 E.T. Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila
  • Ground Floor, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo, Manila
  • Food Court, Lower Ground Floor, Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon City
  • Food Court, Level 1, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas, Ortigas, Quezon City

Delicious Holiday Food Finds at Ilustrado

Make your holiday gatherings and gift giving more special with unique and delicious finds from Ilustrado Restaurant.

Ilustrado’s Holiday Tienda offers something for everyone. The cheese lover will surely love homemade cheese wheels in Boursin, Pimiento (a sure kids’ favourite!), Spicy Cheese – Edam with garlic and spices, varieties. You cannot go wrong with bottled Atsara, Bagoong, Moringga Pesto, Gourmet Tuyo and Chimichurri.

Ilustrado Holiday

Ilustrado Holiday

Ilustrado Holiday

Tea Cookies come in boxes of 12 cookies in flavors of Double Chocolate, Coconut, Matcha Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Snickerdoodles. Brownies come in boxes of 4 bars with Cashew, S’mores, Salted Caramel, Pretzel and Cream Cheese flavors. Ready to serve for a party are Cake Squares in a box with these delectable selections – Baked Cheesecake, Chocolate Fudge and Sans Rival. Cheese Pimiento Wreath and Quezo de Bola Ensaimada Tree are both unique, festive and appetizing.

Ilustrado Holiday

Ilustrado Holiday

A new addition to their lineup are fun Artisan Holiday Boxes dubbed “Christmas Morning” – a selection of cookies, brownies, loose leaf tea and tablea chocolate while “Holiday Cheer” is a Graze Box with Jamon Serrano, Chorizo, Stuffed Lychee with Roquefort and Pistachio, Chorizo Puffs, Spicy Cheeseball, Boursin Cheeseball, Chocolate Dipped Dried Mangoes, Crostini and Pretzels, Mandarin Oranges, Marinated Tomatoes and Olives. These are the perfect hostess gifts to bring to a party or as gifts in themselves to those you hold dear.

Ilustrado Holiday

To spruce up your Noche Buena table, choose from a long list of mouthwatering selections: the stellar Twice Cooked Angus Beef Short Plate is a must order along with Adobong Bagnet with Taba ng Talangka, Callos Madrilena, Kalderetang Kambing, Lengua con Setas, Hamon de Hacienda, Stuffed Chicken Ilustrado (ala Relleno), Pineapple Glazed Leg of Ham and U.S. Prime Rib.

Ilustrado Holiday

Your meal will not be complete without Ilustrado’s Signature Paella. Choose from Paella Ilustrado (Meat and Seafood), Paella Marinara (All Seafood), Paella Negra (Squid Ink)or Paella Bacalao.

Ilustrado Holiday

Those who like pasta and noodles can pick from Classic Carbonara, Espanyola (Spanish Sardines, sun-dried tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil) Filipino Spaghetti, Ilustrado (Shrimp, olive oil, Paprika) Machito (Tenderloin Bits and Mushroom) Palabok with Bagnet and Pata Pancit.

Ilustrado Holiday

To know more offerings and other details visit Ilustrado at ‪744 General Luna Road‬, Intramuros, Manila (‪527-3674‬, ‪527-2345‬); Café Ilustrado, 4th Level SM Makati (‪818-6760‬) or Pasteleria Ilustrado, 2nd level, Alabang Town Center (‪0919-845-9503‬) or email caterings@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph or log on to www.facebook.com/ilustradorestaurant/.

Disclosure: Menu details and images provided by Ilustrado Restaurant in a recent press release.

Check out my previous post about Ilustrado Restaurant’s Degustation Menu here.

Accidental Vegetarian Lunch at Wabi Sabi, Tomas Morato

Hidden in a nondescript building along Scout Madrinan in Quezon City is a small noodle house called Wabi Sabi.

Wabi-Sabi, Tomas Morato

Wabi-Sabi, Tomas Morato

Named after the Japanese worldview of finding beauty in impermanence and imperfection, this cozy restaurant embodies “wisdom in natural simplicity.”

A friend and I chanced upon this eatery during one of our more adventurous lunchtime forays. Wanting a change of scenery (as well as food choices), we veered away from our usual haunts and found ourselves at this unusual joint.

My friend and I didn’t realize that it was a vegetarian restaurant at first and by the time we did, I didn’t want to walk back out in the heat of the sun wearing my impractical wedge shoes looking for another place to eat in.

Well, I’m glad we stayed. 🙂

The dining space occupies a small area; it can accommodate around fifteen people. The menu is written in the big chalkboard above the counter. The menu items may seem familiar but they’re all vegetarian and contain no meat.

Wabi-Sabi, Tomas Morato

Wabi-Sabi, Tomas Morato

Wabi-Sabi, Tomas Morato

As this was out first visit, my friend and I decided to try dishes that are a bit more familar to us. She ordered the Tantanmen (Php220) while I got the Shio Ramen (Php200).

Wabi-Sabi, Tomas Morato

Wabi-Sabi, Tomas Morato

Inspired by the Dan dan Noodles of Sichuan cuisine, Tantanmen is characterized by its rich slightly spicy peanut-flavored broth, made richer and thicker by miso paste. Here, the traditionally used ground pork and chicken stock are substituted with veggie meat and vegetable stock, and sesame seeds are used to flavor the slightly sweetish sauce instead of peanuts.

Wabi-Sabi, Tomas Morato

The Shio Ramen, on the other hand, also features a meat substitute for the traditional chashu pork slice and the broth is clearer than what I’m used to.

Wabi-Sabi, Tomas Morato

From a taste of Japan, I went for a taste of Vietnam with my post-lunch drink: Kaphe Suada (Php75). Boiling water is poured over Vietnam-grown ground coffee beans into a bed of condensed milk, stirred then poured into a tall glass with ice, resulting into a sweet and invigorating beverage.

Wabi-Sabi, Tomas Morato

Wabi-Sabi, Tomas Morato

Wabi Sabi is a welcome and lucky discovery for me and I don’t mind returning to sample its other healthy offerings.

Wabi Sabi is located at Ground Floor, POS Building, Scout Mandriñan Street Corner Tomas Morato, South Triangle, Quezon City. For inquiries, call +63 918 9622935.

Wabi-Sabi Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Family’s Intro to Fat Fook at Robinsons Galleria

When you’re planning where to eat for the family’s Saturdate, and you consider the varied tastes and preferences of your family members, sometimes you just need to put your foot down, dictate where you want to eat and hope it pays off.

And sometimes, it does.

The fam’s lunch took place at the newly opened Fat Fook at Robinsons Galleria. It’s one of two existing branches in the Metro Manila, with the other one located in SM City North EDSA.

This branch is situated in the recently renovated wing of Robinsons Galleria, where a lot of new and trendy restos are expected to open.

ZZ Blog Revisit

The place is quite spacious, warmly lit and can accommodate 40 or so people.  Similar to its SM North branch, it features porcelain bowls as part of its decor: this time, the bowls cover one wall, adding a quirky yet elegant Asian element to the resto’s interior.

Fat Fook offers authentic Taiwanese food. The dishes we sampled include:

Tofu with Century Egg and Pork Floss (Php198). The soft-chilled tofu was creamy and mild, and together with the century egg, the pork floss and the sweet-salty sauce, it brings a nice contrast of flavors and textures.

ZZ Blog Revisit

Taiwan Style Fried Rice (Php258). Served in a small pan, the rice is fried with a salty brown sauce and accompanied by bits of green onion and lots of savory-sweet chorizo pieces.  It provides an interesting complement to the other dishes we ordered.

ZZ Blog Revisit

Taiwan Beef Noodles (Php258).  Tender braised beef slices accompanied by hand-pulled noodles in a sour-and-slightly-spicy broth.

ZZ Blog Revisit

Fat Fook Chicken Chop (Php238). Juicy and tender chicken breasts coated with batter and breading, a quick hit with my baby boy!

ZZ Blog Revisit

Garlic Pork Spare Ribs (Php298). A safe bet, given that the fam has tasted this before in Chinese restos.

ZZ Blog Revisit

With all our orders, the bill amounted to just a little over Php1,500, so our Fat Fook sojourn is definitely among the more affordable of our food adventures.

I found this experience a good way to introduce the kids to new cuisines and food influences, which helps them develop a more adventurous yet discerning palate.  For myself, I welcome any opportunity to go off the beaten path when it comes to food choices.

Given its affordability and fresh tastes offered, Fat Fook is among the restaurants I won’t mind returning to.

Check out my review of Fat Fook’s other branch at SM North EDSA.

Dimsum Treats at Yeah! Yeah! Chinese Cuisine, New Manila

Together with a bunch of officemates, I ventured farther than our usual haunts for our #HappyLunch. I actually recommended Yeah! Yeah! Chinese Cuisine after seeing pic after pic of scrumptious dimsum and rice toppings posted by fellow foodies on Instagram. Also, I wanted to take advantage of the promo by which diners can get the resto’s dimsum offerings, normally priced at Php120 or higher, for only Php95.

So off we went to Hemady Square along E. Rodriguez Avenue. (There is ample parking in the building’s basement but for a minute there I was worried that my officemate’s Ford Everest won’t fit the entrance nor the parking slot.) The building is fairly new but is already home to several business establishments.

Upon entering Yeah! Yeah! Chinese Cuisine’s premises, you will notice the spacious, well-lit and well-appointed dining area which contrasts with other run-off-the-mill Chinese eateries which might seem a bit dingy to almost everyone except their most loyal patrons. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows let in a lot of natural light. The furniture and design elements have muted colors that contribute to a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Yeah Yeah, New Manila
Yeah Yeah, New Manila
Yeah Yeah, New Manila
Yeah Yeah, New Manila

Taking advantage of the Php95/order for their dimsum, our group ordered:

Xiao Long Bao (normally priced at Php130)

Yeah Yeah, New Manila

Crab Roe Siomai (normally priced at Php120)

Yeah Yeah, New Manila

Shrimp Rice Roll (normally priced at Php160)

Yeah Yeah, New Manila

Taro Puffs (normally priced at Php130)

Yeah Yeah, New Manila

The famous Piggy Salted Egg Yolk Bao (normally priced at Php130)

Yeah Yeah, New Manila

Steamed Chicken Feet with Taosi (normally priced at Php130)

Yeah Yeah, New Manila

And since we brought our considerably big appetites with us, we also ordered:

Pork Giblets Congee (Php180)

Yeah Yeah, New Manila

Lechon Macau Rice Topping (Php280)

Yeah Yeah, New Manila

BBQ Pork Rice Topping (Php280)

Yeah Yeah, New Manila

Beef Brisket Noodle Soup (Php260)

Yeah Yeah, New Manila

The Lechon Macau was quite good: the flavorful skin has a nice crackle when you bite into it and the meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender. The serving was quite small, though.

The Xiao Long Bao is quite tasty as well; it was served steaming hot so I can slurp the soup from the bao and savor its meaty and herby flavor.

The Piggy Salted Egg Yolk Bao, on the other hand, was a bit of a let-down. Yes, it’s cute and Instagrammable, but I would have preferred a more pronounced taste of the salted egg yolk.

The dishes were served relatively promptly considering the size of our group and the number of orders. The servers were also attentive and accommodating, although there was some delay with a few of our requests.

I was thankful for the dimsum promo as it helped in convincing my officemates to accompany me in this foodie adventure.

By the way, if you have yet to try out Yeah! Yeah! Chinese Cuisine’s dimsum offerings, you will be glad to know that the dimsum promo has been extended to October 31, 2018. With this promo, you can get all dimsum at only Php95/order, Mondays to Fridays, from 11am to 5pm and 9pm to 11pm.

Yeah! Yeah! Chinese Cuisine is located at the Third Floor, Hemady Square, Dona Hemady Street corner E. Rodriguez Sr Avenue, New Manila, Quezon City. For reservations, call +63 2 9750070.