restaurant review – Page 50 – Jellybeans in the City

Feasts with a vintage feel at 1950 Restaurant, Valencia

The 1950s were a simpler time, a peaceful and prosperous decade wherein family, friendship and food were intertwined. During this time, tasty home-cooked meals were the paramount expression of love, with heirloom dishes taking center-stage at the family’s hapag-kainan during special dinners, get-togethers and holiday feasts.

It was during this time when the two-storey American contemporary-style home in Valencia, Quezon City was built by the Santaromana family, fruit of their matriarch’s ingenuous enterprise selling garments in the local market and the eldest son’s generous contribution.

Today, that Big House has been transformed into 1950 Restaurant which makes full use of the house’s vintage homey and welcoming ambiance while upgrading home-cooked meals into modern interpretations of classic and international dishes by the restaurant’s celebrated chefs headlined by Chef Robby Goco and Chef Chester Velas.

Together with fellow Zomato foodies and food bloggers from #WeLoveToEatPH, I attended 1950 Restaurant’s Media Event wherein we were treated to a sampling of its signature dishes, which include:

Soups

Lobster Bisque (Php600). Maine lobster and crab meat cooked into a soup flavored with terragon cream and brandy.

Seafood Chowder (Php240). Thick and creamy chowder served with double smoked bacon inside a sourdough bread bowl.

Sinigang na Lechon (Php375). Pork belly roulade and tomato sofrito in a caramelized pineapple and tamarind broth.

Salads.

Ceasar Salad (Php400). Grilled romaine lettuce, Ceasar dressing with cured egg yolk and crispy bacon bits.

Fennel Confit (Php340). Burrata cheese, aburi orange, watercress and torn bread.

Appetizers.

Roasted Bone Marrow (Php380). Onion jam, portobello and sourdough toast.

Roasted Cauliflower (Php260). Cauliflower heads coated with whipped cheese, honey butter emulsion and black olives.

Gambas na Hipon (Php375). White leg shrimp in garlic confit flavored with smoked paprika.

Foie Gras Brulee (Php430). Pieces of tuile wafer to be dipped into goose liver in blackberry compote and candied beets.

Grilled Octopus (Php320). Tender grilled octopus served with purple potato confit, pomegranates, foam and squid ink tuile wafers.

Mains.

Angus Prime Ribeye Burnt Ends (Php400). Rice bowl topped with sauteed pieces of Angus prime ribeye in housemade barbecue sauce accompanied by seasonal pickles and a sunny-side-up egg.

Roasted Duck Breast (Php600). Slices of roasted duck breast in a berry reduction served with squash and kale, drizzled with Bordelaise sauce.

Adobo Classics (Php350). Four interpretations of adobo – adobo strips, bangus belly adobo sa gata, chicken adobo Tagalog and we pork belly adobo sa dilaw

Shellfish Curry (Php650). Clams, mussels, scallops and crispy egg in burnt coconut cream flavored with curry.

Tori Kuwayaki (Php250). Rice bowl topped with Japanese-style fried chicken in kansai sauce.

Prime Rib Au Jus (Php1,500 for 200g | Php2,300 for 300g | Php3,500 for 500g). Prime rib served in light gravy made from its own drippings along with creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Kale Soba Noodles (Php400). Green tea soba, cashew cream alfredo sauce and wild mushroom.

Baked Hipon and Laing (Php280). Garlic roasted shrimp in taro and toasted coconut cream.

Sablefish Aburi (Php725). Soft-textured and mildly flavored flame-seared white fish served with roasted cauliflower puree, fennel confit and crispy bacon.

Desserts.

Molten Chocolate Cake (Php280). Chocolate soil with molten chocolate lava topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel popcorn on the side.

Toasted Ensaymada (Php280). The Pinoy version of the Mallorcan ensaimada, lightly toasted and served with hot chocolate and candied bacon.

Baked Alaska (Php280). Cream and cake topped with browned meringue and served with strawberry ice cream and chocolate crumble.

Bavarian Cake (Php280). Chiffon cake covered in icing made of thickened milk and accompanied by milk crumbs, peanut brittle and strawberry ice cream.

White Chocolate Blondie (Php280). Freshly baked chocolate chip cookie topped with a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream and creamy milk sauce.

Cocktails.

Aperol Spritz (Php350). Made with cava, vodka and orange.

Classico Mojito (Php200). Made with white rhum, sugar, lime, mint and soda water.

Mocktails.

Red Carpet (Php150). Made with apple juice, sour mix, honey, muddled fresh strawberries and topped with thin apple slices.

Dreaming Apple (Php150). Made with apple juice lime and cinnamon, topped with thin apple slices.

Pina Colada (Php150). Made with pineapple juice and coconut cream, garnished with pineapple chunks.

With such novel and imaginative takes on familiar dishes, dining here feels like both an adventure and a homecoming. I can imagine families and friends coming together at 1950 Restaurant for grand celebrations or intimate gatherings.

Many thanks to Chef Robby, Chef Chester and the crew of 1950 Restaurant for the warm welcome and the tasty dishes, and to EJ Bunag of I Love to Eat PH for extending the invitation!

1950 Restaurant is located at 14 Castilla Street, Bgy. Valencia, Quezon City.

Disclosure: Together with fellow food bloggers, I attended this restaurant’s media event. Food items mentioned here were served to enable us to sample the fare to facilitate honest reviews and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Crema & Cream Bistro + Coffee Lab, Tomas Morato

Coffee culture is steadily gaining ground in the metro, with cafes and coffee shops offering high quality and specialty brews. Coffee has evolved from being just another beverage to a social lubricant.

In the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area in QC, for instance, a new coffee establishment has sprung up, ready to elevate the coffee experience of local foodies while paving the way for friends and family to get together over their favorite coffee blends.

Crema & Cream Bistro + Coffee Lab started as a specialty coffee roaster not just supplying aficionados with coffee beans especially roasted to highlight their unique flavors, but also providing training and consultations to budding coffee experts.

Early this year, it opened its flagship store along Timog Avenue where it not only serves its quality brews but also a well-curated menu of dishes that will appeal to the metro’s epicures. It also features an inviting space for coffee lovers to work or hang out in solitude or dine together with like-minded companions.

Together with my officemates, I ventured out to Crema and Cream to experience it first-hand. Our lunch repast included:

Asian Chicken Salad (Php325). Honey-soy-and-garlic glazed fried chicken cutlets tossed into seasonal greens doused with wasabi mayo dressing and topped with fried wonton, mango, toasted almonds, corn, red radish, pickled red onion, edamame, nori, bonito flakes and toasted sesame seeds.

Mushroom Trio Toast (Php225). Mushroom jam served over arugula, tomato, feta cheese and topped with a poached egg over a slice of sourdough toast.

Chicken Waffle (Php325). Fried chicken cutlet served with a rosemary and cheese waffle topped with a fried egg and drizzled with a honey brown butter sauce.

Sausage and Egg Toast (Php255). Diced sausage and scrambled eggs served with caramelized onions, tomatoes and cheese on sourdough toast.

Pan-seared Salmon (Php565). Pan-seared salmon fillet served with French beans, cherry tomatoes, diced vegetables, herb pesto mashed potato with lemon butter cream sauce.

We also enjoyed some of Crema & Cream’s signature brews together with our meal. This included:

Hot Chocolate (Php140).

Mango and Peach Black Tea (Php120).

Flat White (Php150).

Cappuccino (Php140).

While the viands are not as hearty as we would like our lunch meal to be, the flavors presented are new and exciting. I wouldn’t mind returning to taste more of Crema & Cream’s offerings.

Crema and Cream Cafe Bistro + Coffee Lab is located at 116-B Timog Avenue corner 11th Jamboree Street, Bgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City, open Tuesdays to Thursdays and Sundays from 8am to 11pm, and Fridays to Saturdays from 8am to 12 midnight. For inquiries or reservations, call +63 2 7130662.

An authentic taste of Japanese cuisine in Cainta: Fukurou Nihonryori

I have lived in the East for most of my life… in the Far East, it sometimes feels like, because of all these horrendous traffic jams! Sometimes, the hassle of going to places far north to Quezon City or down south to Muntinlupa, for instance, can be quite daunting.

Well, it’s a good thing then that the East is starting to become even more interesting with all the food destinations it offers. That way, Eastern foodies like me won’t have to travel far for gastronomic adventures.

One such destination is Fukurou Nihonryori, located along Marcos Highway in Barangay San Isidro, Cainta. I admit: I have often overlooked this area when I go looking for new food places. I usually gravitate towards the places nearer my home in Pasig, or skip on to Marikina or Antipolo.

This just makes my first dining experience here even more special. Imagine: a treasure trove of Japanese dishes available all this time, right under my nose!

Together with fellow food bloggers from #WeLoveToEatPH, I attended a foodie meetup here and quickly got myself acquainted to a new favorite place for Japanese cuisine in my neck of the woods.

In Japanese, “fukurou” translates to “owl,” while “nihonryori” translates to “from Japan.” The Japanese regard the owl symbol as a lucky charm; in the restaurant, the owl emblem can be seen in the menus and paper placemats.

Inside, the place is simple and welcoming yet elegantly designed, perfect for gatherings of small groups or intimate dinners for two. Pinewood furniture complement the beige interiors highlighted with Japanese watercolors of nature. Light installations add some warm illumination to the room for a relaxing atmosphere and to showcase the meticulously prepared and beautifully presented food. The resto also has a well-stocked bar for those who also want to indulge in some spirits along with their meal.

Our meal of tasty and authentic Japanese dishes consisted of:

Vegetable Fried Rice (Php110). A type of yakimeshi (Japanese fried rice) that complements the other Japanese dishes.

Saba Shioyaki (Php325). Grilled mackerel with a crispy skin and tender meat that’s just so flavorful.

Tebasaki (Php125). A yakitori (skewered meat dish) made of bone-in chicken wings (“tebasaki” translates to “wing tips”) which is seasoned after frying.

Sashimi Moriawase (Php695). A sampler of various sashimi (fresh and thinly sliced fish) which include yummy morsels of salmon, tuna, mackerel and squid.

Tempura Moriawase (Php398). A basket of shrimp and vegetables all coated in light batter and deep-fried, accompanied by a tempura dipping sauce.

Yaki Samon Mayo (Php135). Two hefty slices of salmon draped over balls of Japanese rice and complemented with Japanese mayo and fish roe.

Fried Maki (Php265). Rolled sushi of mango, kani (crabstick) and ebi (shrimp) which is also deep-fried before slicing which gives each piece a crispy texture unlike other maki.

Sukiyaki (Php350 for half | Php650 for full). One of the resto’s nabemono (hot pot dishes), it is made of beef slices, tofu, noodles and veggies cooked in shoyu and Japanese wine giving the broth a sweet-savory taste.

Miso Ramen (Php328). Chashu pork slices, tamago (soft-boiled egg), carrots, wakame (seaweed), leeks and nori in a bowl of slightly spicy miso-based broth.

Zaru Soba (Php220). Chilled buckwheat noodles served with mentsuyu (sauce made from sake, mirin, soy sauce, kombi and dried bonito flakes) for dipping.

Japanese Cheesecake (Php198). Fluffy cheesecake made in the traditional Japanese way drizzled with dulce de leche.

Kinako Korumitsu Mochi Ice Cream (Php158). Vanilla-flavored mochi ice cream topped with soybean powder and syrup.

We also chased our thirst away with some house-brewed iced tea.

These dishes – some already familiar to me and my companions, some not – served as a sampling of the sheer breadth and variety inherent in Japanese cuisine.

I’d love to come back and discover more of it. But that’s an adventure for anothef day.

Thanks to Chelsea Tuazon and the staff of Fukurou Nihonryori for the warm welcome and the fabulous Japanese food feast, and to Alfred Pineda for extending the invitation.

Fukurou Nihonryori is located at Ground Floor, The Pinnacle Plaza, Marikina-Infanta Highway, Bgy. San Isidro, Cainta, Rizal, open Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 10pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 917 1336302.

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.

Seafood Feast at Dampa Seafood Grill, Tomas Morato

There’s something about feasting on the ocean’s bounty that seems so special, especially to us Pinoys. Living in an archipelago, we are surrounded by water teeming with fish, crustaceans and all other seafood that we have found numerous ways to cook and enjoy.

A recently opened restaurant in the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area is poised to answer the cravings of the QC denizens for fresh, tasty and beautifully prepared seafood.

Dampa Seafood Grill originally opened in Dubai and later expanded to Abu Dhabi, soon gaining popularity among the Filipinos and foreigners working in the Middle East due to its happy and laid-back atmosphere, that signature warm Filipino hospitality, and, of course, great-tasting food.

With the opening of its first store in the country, we can say that the brand has finally come home.

The place boasts of sprawling premises where a large number of people can dine comfortably, both indoors and al fresco. The ambiance is casual and fun, with neon signs and artwork that serve as points of interest or backdrops for the photo opps. While it already has quite a sizeable parking space, it apparently was not enough given the number of people who dine here. Fortunately, two people are assigned to help car owners park or bring out their vehicles.

However, the main draw here is the food. Together with my fellow food bloggers, I feasted on the sea’s bounty and more during a recent Blogger Event held here. These included:

Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid (Php275). Crunchy and crispy, and with a bit of heat, this version of calamari is a great meal starter.

Grilled Squid (Php329). Marinated squid grilled to tasty perfection.

Baked Mussel (Php230). Melted cheese and garlic top these mussels which disappeared as soon as we started eating. Go figure.

Kinilaw na Isda (Php219). The Pinoy version of the ceviche, this is a staple in many gatherings and drinking sessions.

Crispy Tilapia (Php199). Battered slices of tilapia fillet fried to a crispy golden brown. Goes well with the aoili dip. Yum!

Liempo Two-Way (Php348). There’s more than one way to enjoy pork belly: with this dish, you can have grilled or deep-fried. The best of both worlds, IMHO.

Grilled Panga ng Tuna (Php499). One of my childhood favorites: a portion of the giant tuna’s jaw is marinated and grilled. I love digging into the bones for the flavorful meat!

Ultimate Crispy Pata (Php498). Falling-off-the-bone tender (I broke of pieces using just one hand!) and juicy pata (pig knuckles), deep-fried for that flavorfully crispy skin. Something I’m willing to risk “putok-batok” for!

The piece de resistance of any dining experience at Dampa Seafood Grill is the Dump @ Seafest. For only Php1,599, your group of up to 3 people can feast on the days freshest catch – shrimps, clams, crabs, mussels and corn – as these are dumped along with all the rice you can eat onto your table for a messy but happy boodle fight meal. Choose from among 6 flavors for your feast which you can dial up or down in spiciness levels: Mardi Gras (lemon and herb), El Mexico (Mexican spiciness), Salted Eggsperience (salted egg in white sauce), Thai Curry or Cajun (a mix of salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic and chili, just the way the Louisiana Cajuns like their food).

When we sat down to eat, it was perfectly understandable that we would be “galit-galit muna;” we definitely wouldn’t be focusing on social niceties while we’re wolfing down the food. #SorryNotSorry

I especially enjoyed dousing my rice in the salted egg white sauce. Mmmm, yummy!

Each Dump @ Seafest also comes with free two liters of non-alcoholic Fishbowl Mocktails (also available ala carte for Php198/liter). Take your pick among six refreshing flavors: Sex Appeal (brewed iced tea with lemon and grenadine), Green Minded (green apple with lemon), Blue Jobs (pineapple juice with blue curacao), Lindsay Lohan (passion fruit, pineapple and soda), Amaretto Sunset (amaretto flavor, mango, four seasons and fresh lemon), and Incredible Hulk (mojito flavor with cucumber).

Feeling adventurous? Get a colorful cocktail to go with your meal. Ask the friendly bartender for his recommendation.

Needless to say, my fellow foodies and I ate our fill of fresh and yummy seafood and more at Dampa Seafood Grill!

Many thanks to Kristine and the staff of Dampa Seafood Grill for the warm welcome and the wonderful seafood feast and to Aileen of AileenL Loves to Eat for extending the invitation!

Experience Oktoberfest at Dampa Seafood Grill with Buy 1 Get 1 deals on local beers everyday, from opening to closing, this October. This promo is available on Red Horse (Php80), San Miguel Pale Pilsen (Php70) and San Mig Light (Php70).

Dampa Seafood Grill is located at 71 Scout Limbaga Street, Bgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily from 12 noon to 2am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 916 105 2421.

Disclosure: Together with fellow foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare in exchange for honest reviews and were not paid for by the attendees including myself.

#HeyStranger, get yourself to Hey Brew, Greenhills

Metro Manila denizens are probably not strangers to Greenhills Shopping Center. A veritable shopping mecca, it is where you go for clothes, accessories and gadgets.

However, it is also a food mecca with many fast-food chains and concept restaurants establishing their presence within the complex and the surrounding areas.

One new entrant to Greenhills’ foodie scene is Hey Brew Eatery + Bar, which offers a playfully creative selection of bar chow, mains and drinks for the discerning yet fun-loving foodie.

Together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH, I attended Hey Brew’s media event prior to its soft opening where we were treated to sneak peeks (and tastes!) of Hey Brew’s would-be signature dishes, masterfully prepared by Chef Nino Laus.

Baked Smoked Mussel (Php180/3 pieces). Delectable New Zealand mussels flavored with garlic and cheddar on an edible shell made of potato starch and squid ink.

Granita Oysters (Php120/piece). Watermelon, konbu (a type of edible kelp) and cucumber granita, pickled konbu and craft hot sauce.

Foie Gras Chawanmushi (Php350). A savory egg custard topped with uni (sea urchin) and ebiko (shrimp roe).

Ox Tongue Skewers (Php190). Grilled ox tongue drizzled with citrusy ponzu sauce.

Beef Tongue Sandwich (Php380). Ox tongue that’s been braised for 72 hours and drizzled with salted egg sauce and topped with pickled red cabbage in a fluffy toasted brioche.

Duck Leg Confit (Php450). Roasted duck leg served with roasted marinated carrots and orange, along with French beans and drizzled with cranberry duck jus.

Braised Lamb Shank (Php830). Falling-off-the-bone tender hoisin-braised lamb shank served with pumpkin seeds, roasted baby squash and and fried pumpkin blossom.

Desserts. Thankfully, sugar addicts like me can cap off the meal with sweet treats such as Strawberry Shortcake, Carrot Cake and Pistachio Sans Rival.

Aside from such gorgeously presented food, we were also treated to concoctions from master mixologist Kalel Demetrio:

Gin and Tonic. A highball cocktail made with gin, which changes color during preparation with the addition tonic water. Herbs and spices add flavor and flair to the drink.

Hari ng Kanto. A blend of Kanto rum, salted caramel, soda water and lemon juice.

Beautiful Mistake. Watermelon, red bell pepper, carrot juice, lemon juice and rosemary spritz make for a pretty and fruity drink.

Brown Sodium Milkshake. Hey Brew’s hyped up version of a salted caramel milkshake.

Engkanto Lager. Made by local craft brewery Engkanto, it is a subtle and lightly bitter beer with low alcohol content.

House Iced Tea. A refreshing take on the ubiquitous iced tea that goes well with practically all the viands here, one of the choices available for people who don’t want to imbibe alcohol.

So, hey, don’t be a stranger. Get to know more of the food and drinks that you can enjoy with your friends at Hey Brew.

Many thanks to Chef Nino Laus, mixologist Kalel Demetrio and the crew of Hey Brew for that thrillingly tasty repast and to EJ Bunag of I Love To Eat PH for extending the invitation!

Hey Brew Eatery + Bar is located at Ground Floor, Theater Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan, open Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 12 midnight, and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 2am.

Disclosure: Together with fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH, I attended a media event hosted by this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare for an honest review and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Great eats at GoGo Kitchen, Seascape Village

Out with friends or family?

How about treating yourself and your companions to a meal at GoGo Kitchen at Seascape Village in Pasay City?

GoGo Kitchen boasts of a modern black-white-green decor that still exudes a homey vibe. Here, small groups to entire families can enjoy its own versions of Chinese and Filipino dishes ala carte or have fresh seafood and other items purchased at Seascape Village’s wet market cooked by the resto’s chefs.

Together with fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I attended a food crawl organized by Seascape Village, the second stop of which was at this restaurant. Here, we tasted some of its signature dishes which included:

GoGo Fried Chicken (Php280 for small | Php380 for medium | Php480 for large). Tender and juicy chicken pieces coated with GoGo Kitchen’s housemade breading.

Fried Pampano in Black Bean Chili (Php350 for small | Php450 for medium | Php550 for large). The mildly flavored pampano fish is enhanced by the tausi chili sauce.

Grilled Liempo (Php320 for small | Php420 for medium | Php520 for large). Thick slabs of marinated pork belly, grilled for that wonderfully smokey taste and juicy texture.

Black Pepper Beef (Php450 for small | Php550 for medium | Php650 for large). Beef slices braised in a spicy black pepper sauce.

Salted Egg Shrimp (Php480 for small | Php580 for medium | Php680 for large). Succulent fresh shrimp cooked Singaporean-style in salted egg yolk, milk and spices.

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php280 for small | Php380 for medium | Php480 for large). A staple in any Asian restaurant, this special kind of fried rice made of cooked rice, bits of pork and aromatics serve as a perfect complement to the dishes served.

Buchi. Known in China as jian dui and more commonly as sesame balls, this is a favorite dessert after a Chinese meal made of glutinous rice studded with sesame seeds and filled with a lotus paste.

My friends and I had our fill of yummy food and laughter which just goes to show: good food and good company make for a great time!

Thanks to Mica and the crew of GoGo Kitchen for the warm welcome and the fantastic eats, and to Jen and Louie of Seascape Village for inviting us!

Enjoy free dishes at GoGo Kitchen when you unlock your Zomato Gold privilege. Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 (Buy 1 Get 1) deals on food or 2+2 (Buy 2 Get 2) deals on drinks. All you have to do is sign up for a Zomato Gold membership at here. Use my code JELLYB to get 10% off the membership fee.

Get up to 50% off the buffet rates when you book your table via Eatigo, restaurant reservation app that offers time-based discounts everyday in its 2,000 partner restaurants. Use this link when you register and get rewards points that you can redeem for gift vouchers and restaurant freebies.

GoGo Kitchen is located at Seascape Village, Atang dela Rama Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City (beside Sofitel Philippine Plaza), open daily from 11am to 10pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 915 5401181.

Disclosure: Together with fellow foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare in exchange for an honest review and were not paid for by the attendees including myself.

Salud to the weekend at Latino Cocktail Bar, Poblacion

What to do after a hectic week of meetings, reports and presentations?

If you find yourself in the Poblacion area, you might want to check out the newly opened Latino Cocktail Bar along P. Burgos.

Here, you can bid goodbye to the workweek partying the night away enjoying the hot Latin vibes from the music, the drinks and the people (mostly from the local Latino community) who are sure to frequent the place.

Together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH, I attendee its Grand Opening, where we enjoyed some of its celebrated cocktails:

Mojito. A traditional Cuban highball of white rhum, lime juice, sugar, mint, ice and soda water which makes for a sweet, herby and citrusy drink.

Amaretto Sour. A drink made with the Italian almond-based liqueur amaretto as well as citrusy juices, simple syrup and orange liqeuer.

Cosmopolitan. Popularized in the TV series Sex and the City as Carrie Bradshaw’s drink of choice, this concoction is made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and sweetened lime juice.

Frozen margarita. A cocktail made with tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice shaken then frozen to create flavored shaved ice served in a salt-rimmed glass.

Together with these cocktails, we also nibbled on some of Latino’s bar chow:

Empanadas. A baked pastry turnover filled with beef, chicken on cheese.

Desitos de Queso. A popular Venezuelan snack made of fried and breaded cheese sticks.

Nuggets and Fries. If you’re wondering what these fun-shaped chicken nuggets and stick fries are doing in a Latin-American style bar, well, I’m wondering about that myself.

So go ahead and add Latino Cocktail Bar among your Poblacion haunts when you want to say salud to the weekend!

Thanks to the owner and crew of Latino Cocktail Bar and to Jonylle Pineda of #WeLoveToEatPH for extending the invite!

Latino Cocktail Bar is located at 5739 P. Burgos corner San Lucas Street, Poblacion Makati (beside Gogi Korean Barbecue and Gangnam Style). For inquiries and reservations, call +63 956 4630866.

Disclosure: Together with fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH, I attended the restaurant’s grand opening wherein the food items mentioned above were served to allow us to sample the fare in exchange for honest reviews.

A taste of Asia at Asian Taste, Seascape Village

Asia is home to many countries with varied geography, climes and cultures, giving rise to richly diverse cuisines.

At Asian Taste Seafood Restaurant, located at the foodie haven Seascape Village in Pasay City, this diversity is showcased and celebrated.

While the dining area at the ground floor is set up like a typical Chinese restaurant – complete with 10-seater round tables, each with a lazy susan so people can eat family style – the second floor VIP rooms add a stunning view of Manila Bay. Despite Seascape Village being a “paluto” area – where diners can buy their fish and other seafood from the wet market within the complex and have them cooked by the restaurant, Asian Taste added some fine dining elements to their diners’ experience with well-appointed surroundings and accommodating wait staff.

As explained by restaurant manager, Ryan Uy, Asian Taste’s menu spans several Asian cuisines, including Chinese (of course!), Japanese, Thai, Malaysian and more (even Filipino!), giving its diners a literal taste of Asia. To this end, the restaurant employs two chefs from Hong Kong who bring their flair and expertise in cooking up tasty Asian dishes.

Together with fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I attended a food crawl organized by Seascape Village, the first stop of which was at this restaurant. Here, we tasted some of its signature dishes which included:

3 Cups Chicken. Also called sanbeiji, this Taiwanese braised poultry dish got its name from the traditional use of 1 cup each of soy sauce, sesame oil and rice wine. Basil, ginger, garlic and spring onions are added to flavor the dish. Legend has it that a sympathetic prison warden prepared this dish (using these limited number of ingredients) for the Chinese poet and patriot Wen Tianxiang prior to his execution ordered by Kublai Khan.

Pompano in Tausi. This mildly-flavored fish is fried instead of steamed, giving its skin a slight crispy texture which contrasts well with the black bean sauce.

Salt and Pepper Liempo. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly simple preparation of this dish: juicy pork belly seasoned with salt and pepper then stir-fried to a golden brown and topped with chilis and garlic make for a flavorful viand.

Mango Lapu. This Singaporean dish is made of lightly-battered and fried lapu-lapu, topped with strips of green and yellow mango that added sweet and tart elements as well as contrasts in texture to the dish.

Golden Beans. Crisp French beans lightly coated with salted egg yolk batter, another culinary influence from Singapore.

Prawn Tempura. Large juicy tiger prawns covered in golden crispy batter. These have an extra layer of bubble-like batter for added crunch.

Asian Taste is clearly the place to be for a taste of Asia – different facets of a cuisine rich in stories and traditions, expressed in every dish.

Many thanks to Ryan and the staff of Asian Taste Seafood Restaurant for the warm welcome and the wonderful meal and to Jen and Louie of Seascape Village for inviting us.

Asian Taste Seafood Restaurant is located at Seascape Village, Atang dela Rama, CCP Complex, Pasay City (near Sofitel and Manila Film Center), open daily from 11am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 8520877 or +63 917 8557926.

Chocoholics’ delight at Tsokolateria, Tomas Morato

Being a chocoholic, I get all excited whenever I see chocolate bars or chocolate-based desserts.

However, chocolate can be so much more than desserts.

At Tsokolateria, for example, chocolate in the form of tablea (cacao tablets) or variations thereof, infuses almost every dish from salads, soups, kakanin (local rice delicacies), breads and main dishes, as well as, of course, desserts.

The cacao or cocoa plant made its way to the Philippines from Mexico in the 1700s by way of the Galleon Trade. Today, the Philippines cocoa industry is the primary producer of cocoa beans in Southeast Asia and boasts of its own rich chocolate culinary traditions.

Here in my neck of the woods, the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area, Tsokolateria co-locates within the same premises as Pamana and Hawaiian BBQ. All three restaurants are part of the Happy Concept Group, the company owned and operated by third-generation restaurateur Happy Ongpauco-Tiu.

At Tsokolateria, Ongpauco-Tiu showcases the versatility of native chocolate as it serves as a main ingredient or as an add-on to various dishes – whether sweet or savory – and drinks.

I’ve visited this branch twice this week in my eagerness to sample as much of its offerings as I can. Check out what I’ve been able to try so far:

Oh My Gulay (Php200). Tsokolateria’s Bruschetta Pan de Sal topped by mushrooms, cherry tomatoes,spinach and quezong puti crumbles served with sugared kamote (sweet potato) fries and flavorful bulalo broth which was the soup of the day. For me, this is already a complete – though relatively light – meal!

Tablea Champorado (Php220 for solo | Php395 for double). This is not your normal champorado from a store-bought box. Nope, this is made the old-fashioned way: using mountain rice cooked in native tablea and served simmering-hot with adobo flakes, chicharon and crispy fish chips on the side for interesting contrasts of tastes and textures.

Palitaw at Tablea Syrup (Php130). This flat rice cake made from ground malagkit rice got its name from the way it pops up (“litaw”) to the surface of the boiling water once it’s done cooking. The rich, dark chocolatey tablea syrup adds another dimension of taste to this classic Pinoy merienda dish.

Churros Waffles with Strawberry Overload (Php230, good for two). Waffles made from churros batter accompanied by strawberry halves, native honey and tablea syrup.

Tsokolate ah (Php190, good for two). Hand-made hot chocolate drink made from native tablea, diluted (the “ah” comes from “aguado” which means “watery or thin”) by the addition of water and milk.

Tsokolate eh (Php190, good for two). Rich hot chocolate also made from native tablea which, because it is undiluted, is thick (the “eh” comes from the Spanish word “espeso” which translates to “thick”), has an earthier and pleasantly bitter taste and is generally considered the more authentic iteration of the native hot chocolate when compared with tsokolate ah.

Tsokolateria Signature Mocha (Php150). Native chocolate with milk and a shot of native coffee and served with a Choc Nut candy for added sweetness.

Tsokolateria more than establishes its creativity in crafting a menu permeated with chocolate. I think there’s a lot more to discover here and I look forward to the opportunity to taste more of its dishes.

That said, the resto should work on its queuing: on my second visit, my orders took too long to be served that my lunch break was over by the time they reached me.

Tsokolateria is located along Mother Ignacia Avenue, Bgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 3743798.

Another branch is located at The Boutique Bed and Breakfast, 45 Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, open daily from 9am to 9.30pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 46 4131798 or +63 46 4131885.

Wyld Kitchen x Bar introduces lunch offering: “Wyld Bowls”

Science confirmed what we corporate drones have known deep inside all along: that precious hour that we call our lunch break is actually good for our health.

Taking regular breaks from work helps prevent a mid-afternoon slump as we regain focus and energy after stepping away from our desks. These breaks also allow us to recharge and destress, as well as give our creativity a boost.

Yes, we should really savor that well-earned lunch break. And what better way to enjoy it than to take your officemates out to the “wyld” side as Wyld Kitchen x Bar now serves up lunch through its new menu items: the #WyldBowls.

One of the welcome additions to the Tomas Morato food scene, Wyld started out as a bar that brought together the freshness and wildness of nature into its food and drinks. (Check out my earlier blog post about Wyld.)

Now, in partnership with BGC’s Alegria Conzinha Moderna & Sangria Bar, Wyld branches out into new territory: lunch bowls.

Called #Wyldbowls, these five hearty bowls feature viands cooked and served the “wyld” way on top of soy ginger rice with a bit of spicy gochujang slaw and sprinkled with fried garlic bits and chopped spring onions for added color and flavor. At only Php249, each bowl already comes with a glass of Wyld’s house-made camote (sweet potato) tops iced tea.

Check them out:

Grilled Pineapple Beer-Brined Pork. Tender pork slices marinated in beer and pineapple and accompanied by a sous vide egg and Chilean pebre sauce.

Smoked Chorizo Cataluna. Specially-made smoked chorizo also accompanied by a sous vide egg and Chilean pebre sauce.

Grilled Cajun Chicken. Smokey and flavorful slices of grilled chicken breast also accompanied by a sous vide egg and Chilean pebre sauce.

Mango Labuyo Glazed Chicken Wings. Juicy fried chicken wings lightly covered with a spicy and fruity glaze.

Buffalo Fried Calamari. Squid rings coated with a spicy and crispy breading.

Each bowl is carefully assembled and prettily served, with lots of elements to make each serving visually appealing. The soy ginger rice has a mild savory taste that complements the viands.

I would prefer more choices for sauces and dips for variety and to counter some of the spiciness such as aioli for the calamari, ranch dressing for the chicken wings or some chimichurri for the Cajun chicken. That said, I found each bowl flavorful and filling.

These lunch bowls offer Wyld’s diners with a welcome break from the usual.

So take advantage of your precious lunch hours to grab some #WyldBowl with your friends. Get into the “wyld” side of lunching out. Who knows? You might bring some of that wildness back to your office with some renewed energy or fresh ideas.

#WyldBowls are available everyday from 11am to 3pm.

Thanks to Ken Gonzales and the Wyld crew for the warm welcome, the stories and the yummy eats, and to Lerizze Dizon of Zomato for extending the invitation!

Wyld Kitchen x Bar is located at Second Floor, The Grandia Place, 143 Mother Ignacia Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City, extending its hours Sundays to Wednesdays from 11am to 1am and Thursdays to Saturdays from 11am to 3am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 919 9908805.

Disclosure: Together with other Zomato food bloggers, I attended a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. The food items mentioned here were served to allow is to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.