Tag: steak

Steak lunch with the kiddos at Mad Mark’s, Kapitolyo

I took my kids to Mad Mark’s in Pioneer Center, Kapitolyo last Monday for lunch before we run our errands for the day.

I remember that we used to have our weekend dinners at its former branch in East Capitol Drive several years ago.  That was when Kapitolyo was the only foodie area in our radar.  We stopped going around the time when we discovered other food communities as well as other Mad Mark’s that were more conveniently situated in malls.

This new branch in Kapitolyo is definitely an improvement over their old one.  For one thing, it has twice the floor area and can accommodate more people.  Secondly, being located in the Pioneer Center compound, there are a lot more parking space.

This branch is definitely more spacious, allowing the resto to play around with a few minimalist decor and furnishings that give homage to its artisanal beginnings.

Mad Mark’s, Kapitolyo

Mad Mark’s, Kapitolyo

Mad Mark’s, Kapitolyo

Mad Mark’s, Kapitolyo

I guess my major beef with this Mad Mark’s branch is how undermanned it is.  At 11.30am, the time when most restaurants expect an influx of customers, it only has one person manning the store and most probably one cook in the kitchen.  This resulted to long waits for our orders and requests, as well as the unavailability of some items in the menu.

When we were getting ready to order, we were informed that only the “Grill Works” – the steaks, ribs and grilled chickens – were the only viands available.  Furthermore, of the seven side dishes on the menu, only plain rice, Garden Grains (Mad Mark’s version of fried rice), corn and carrots and smashed potatoes can be ordered.

We didn’t mind given that we just wanted to order the Signature Steaks (Php330), 150g premium USDA flat-iron steaks served medium-well accompanied by our choice of cream sauce.  We were lucky enough that our favorite side dishes were also available. The steaks and sides served to us did not disappoint: the meat was cooked as per our requested doneness and the sides and our chosen sauce complemented the steaks very well.

Mad Mark’s, Kapitolyo

Mad Mark’s, Kapitolyo

Mad Mark’s, Kapitolyo

We also ordered Mad Mark’s own Home-Brewed Iced Tea (Php49) – which I found a bit too sweet – to wash the steaks down.

Mad Mark’s, Kapitolyo

And, of course, a visit to Mad Mark’s will not be complete without ordering dessert.  Today, we decided to try the Liquid Cheesecake (Php160): it consisted of two pie pockets filled with a gooey custard topped by a scoop of Mad Mark’s Half-Baked Madagascar Ice Cream and drizzled over with thick chocolate fudge.  I don’t get why this dessert is named Liquid Cheesecake (and I really don’t care; my kids and I liked it!).

Mad Mark’s, Kapitolyo

Mad Mark’s, Kapitolyo

Mad Mark’s, Kapitolyo

 

This Mad Mark’s Creamery and Good Eats is located at Pioneer Center Supermart, 8006 Pioneer Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

 

Check out my review of other Mad Mark’s outlets:

Quick and Yummy Steak Lunch at Mad Mark’s, UP Town Center

I was happy to learn that a Mad Mark’s Creamery and Good Eats branch opened its doors at UP Town Center. While the resto is known for its artisanal ice cream flavors, it caught my heart with its Signature Steaks. At Php330 per serving, you get a 150g USDA flat iron steak (which gives you great flavor because of its marbling), and your choice of two side dishes and sauce.

During my lunch date with my daughter, both of us ordered this dish. My medium-well done steak was accompanied by Garden Grains (Mad Mark’s flavorful version of fried rice) and Corn and Carrots, while hers came with Garden Grains and Smashed Potato. We both opted for the savory Cream Sauce to serve as our gravy.

Both us ordered a glass of Mad Mark’s Homebrewed Iced Tea (Php49/glass) which we found a bit too sweet so we ended up diluting it with some water.

Mad Marks, UP Town Center

Mad Marks, UP Town Center

Mad Marks, UP Town Center

Mad Marks, UP Town Center

It was a good meal in a great location, with bright and colorful homey decor that made us feel right at home.

Mad Marks, UP Town Center

This Mad Mark’s branch is located at UP Town Center, 216 Katipunan Ave, Pausol, Quezon City.

Sizzle’s here at Sizzlin’ Steak, SM East Ortigas

Similar to its sister store, my first visit at this Sizzlin’ Steak branch was less than spectacular. The place was newly opened and the service team was still ironing out a lot kinks in the system as well as dealing with the deluge of diners eager to try out its offerings. (Yeah, yeah. I should have been more understanding). Anyway, that experience was documented here.

I was surprised that as a response to my comments, I was invited back to this branch (actually, to its sister store Teriyaki Boy) for a free meal. I took it up on its offer, of course, and took my family there for lunch that weekend. 🙂

As I’ve said in my post about the much-improved experience in Teriyaki Boy, the team went all out to show my family a good time. Our requests were quickly addressed and even anticipated: glasses of water were promptly refilled and our orders were quickly served.

Hubby and I ordered the same steaks we did during our first visit: Australian Marbled Steak (Php675). This cut of beef is characterized by its marbling, the intermingling of fat with the lean muscle. The greater the marbling, the juicier and tastier the meat.

The steaks were cooked to medium doneness: when you cut through the beef, you will see a pale pink center. The manager on duty, Acee, advised us to turn the steak over on the hot plate after a while so that the other side will also have some caramelization which adds to the flavor. She also advised to use the garlic butter provided and to sprinkle a bit of lemon juice to further bring out the taste of the steak.

I also had a Turtle Cheesecake (Php196) for dessert. It’s a rich cheesecake confection topped with sliced almonds and caramel sauce.

The week following this visit, Hubby and I returned and ordered a US Rib Eye Steak (Php575). This steak cut is also known of its luscious marbling.

So… I guess we have a new go-to place when we want to satisfy our steak cravings.

By the way, with the Max’s Group’s All You Can Wednesdays Promo, you can eat all the Beef Belly Strips you want at Sizzlin’ Steak from 2pm to closing time for only Php349, available all the Wednesdays in June.  More details are available in this blog post.

Sizzlin' Steak Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Soul Food Feast at Morganfield’s, Ayala the 30th

The fam recently met up with the in-laws for a birthday celebration at Morganfield’s at Ayala The 30th.

Morganfield’s is a casual dining restaurant specializing in “good ole’ fashioned barbecued pork ribs with an extra dose of Southern hospitality” – the tenets of cooking what has come to be known as soul food.

Its signature dish – Sticky Bones – is made of slow-cooked and hickory smoked tender prime pork ribs, which are then basted with the home-made tomato/based sweet-and-sour mopping sauce, resulting to the “sticky bones” left when diners are done with the meal.

This and more were feasted on when the fam ordered Rib Sampler (Php3,295) sharing platter. It’s basically a humongous serving of 3 Flavors of Barbecued Ribs, loads of sausages, garden salad, corn on the cob, corn bread and french fries. For added meat, we also ordered a 300g Rib-eye (Php1,325), a juicy medium-done US rib-eye steak accompanied by a special garlic butter, baked potato and crisp garden vegetables. To represent the fruits of the sea, a serving of Beer-Battered Fish Fillets (Php395) was ordered. And, as if all that was not enough, we munched on some Onion Rings (Php155).

There was a wide range of hearty flavors and textures that made for a filling meal, albeit quite an expensive one as well.

The place had a fun and casual family-friendly vibe, helped by cheery and helpful wait staff.

This Morganfield’s branch is located at the 2nd Floor, Ayala Malls The 30th, 30 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. For reservations, call +6327213502.

Morganfield's Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Steak Lunch at Sizzlin’ Steak, SM East Ortigas

I was initially excited when I saw that Sizzlin’ Steak opened a branch at SM East Ortigas.  Being a confirmed carnivore, I decided to take the fam out to lunch here one Saturday.

The place was packed when we got there (the resto being newly opened and all) but there were still some unoccupied tables at the back, which, curiously, the servers weren’t ushering us to.  After some minutes of awkward waiting, we were finally seated.

We crossed-ordered some items from Teriyaki Boy next door (read about that here) but Hubby and I decided to get twin orders of Australian Marbled Steak (Php675 each) for ourselves.  These were served on sizzling plates with plain rice and some veggies; the gravy, of course, was poured over the steaks for that sizzle.

Given the price of this dish, I wish there was more I could say about it.  Sadly, I had to sprinkle some salt on my steak to get a little more flavor out of it.

The service was also slow. Aside from not being quick to usher us to our seats, the staff also neglected to refill our water glasses (I ended up having to stand up and get the water pitcher myself).  Lastly, they forgot to give us the official receipt I requested for.

Oh, well. Maybe next time, I’ll have a better experience here.

 

All-day Brunch at AM:PM Brunch. Bar. Cafe. in Tomas Morato

A new resto just opened along Sgt. Esguerra Street – AM:PM Brunch Bar. Bar. Cafe.

Brunch, a portmanteau of breakfast and lunch, is a meal usually eaten late in the morning to early afternoon, sometimes with some alcoholic beverages.

AM:PM’s menu includes of All Day Brunch items, main dishes, pizza, sandwiches, as well as coffee- and non-coffee-based beverages. It also offers beers, and liquors by the shot or by the bottle. It recently started offering budget meals ranging from Php120 to Php145.

I went here a couple of times with some coworkers for lunch and I was able to sample some of its offerings:

Homemade Bacon Slab (Php260), served with garlic rice, fried egg and iced tea. While a filling meal, I was a bit disappointed with its portioning. I was expecting a huge slab of bacon but what I got was more like bacon strips. It could also use some more salt.

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Crispy Chicken Skin (Php90), not a wise choice after eating bacon, but, you know, #YOLO. 🙂

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T-bone Steak (Php400), served with fried egg and mashed potato. The portion was quite sizeable. I split my order into two: I ate one half over lunch and the other half later at dinner and still felt full. I’m not too crazy about the mashed potato’s balsamic dressing, though.

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I’m still open to eating here for lunch but I might be opting for the budget meals.

AM:PM Brunch. Bar. Cafe. is located at The Ignacia Place, Sgt. Esguerra St. cor Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City.

Steak indulgence at Melo’s

My love for steak is well-known.  Well-documented, even. Consider the steak escapes I blogged about here: Mad Mark’s in Glorietta, Mad Mark’s in BGC, Artsy Cafe and the steak spread at Marriott Cafe buffet.  I even ask my relatives coming home from the States to bring home slabs of Stateside beef to be grilled here.

You can definitely consider me a carnivore.  This is why I was over the moon when a credit card promo entitled me to up to 67% discount on selected steak sets at Melo’s.

And wouldn’t you know it: the stars aligned.  I have officemates who are also certified steak fanatics and a Melo’s branch is right across the street from our office!

So I made a quick call to reserve our table (originally for just four but grew to seven), then we all trooped to Melo’s for lunch.  We all ordered the Angus Lunch Set (regularly priced at Php1,500 but promotionally priced at only Php599; more than half off the price!).

The meal started with the bread, butter and soup. We all chose a creamy soup to go with our meal but the real star of the pre-steak lunching were those freshly-baked bread rolls!   (And there we were, singing praises about bread.)  We just had to request for some more. (And it’s a good thing our requests for seconds were granted).

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Then came our steak plates which consisted of a thick slice of juicy and flavorful Angus beef, grilled medium-well, served with small servings of vegetables which let us savor our steaks with minimal distractions to our palates.

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I heard that the promo is ongoing until end of December this year.  Looks like I’ll be going back there!

Melo’s branches participating in the promo are:

  • Melo’s Quezon City: #58 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City (Tel. Nos: 924-9194 or 924-9168)
  • Melo’s Burgos Circle: Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global, City Taguig (Tel. Nos.: 403-5968 or 403-5969)
  • Carmelo’s Greenbelt: Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City (Tel. Nos: 625-5954 or 625-5986)

Advanced booking is required so be sure to call before you go there.

Mad for Steak at Mad Mark’s Creamery and Good Easts, BGC

Mad Mark’s may be the go-to sandwich and ice cream place for some, but for me, it will always be a steak place. I do bless the day I discovered its Signature Steaks.

Oh, those slabs of tender, juicy and flavorful grilled beef! (served medium-well by my request, of course!) When partnered with Garden Grains (fried rice with bits of veggies thrown in), some corn and carrots and some dollops of homemade cream sauce, I already have a meal that I can (and do) look back on fondly.

I enjoyed this excellent repast at Mad Mark’s Creamery & Good Eats in Bonifacio Global City when hubby and I took our son to nearby Kidzania. Both hubby and myself ordered Signature Steaks (Php265 each; 150g USDA flat iron steak served with side dishes and your choice of sauce; he prefers his with plain rice while I like mine with Garden Grains) while the little boy preferred the Fried Yard Bird (Php170; fried chicken served with garden grains).

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This Mad Mark’s branch is located at the 3rd Floor, Central Square, 5th Avenue corner 30th Street, Global City.

Check out my reviews of Mad Mark’s Glorietta and Mad Mark’s UP Town Center.

Steak-time at Artsy Cafe, Maginhawa

It’s been some time since I last visited the famous Maginhawa Street. I like variety in cuisines and dining options available in this strip.

For my Saturdate lunch with my teenage daughter, I took her to Artsy Cafe in Maginhawa. While I’ve never dined there before, I’m familiar with the menu since I’ve eaten at the Artsy Cafe along Panay Avenue which is nearer to my office.

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ZZ Blog Revisit

We arrived at 11am as the place was just opening. I’m happy to find that the place is already clean and ready to accommodate early patrons. The place has both indoor and outdoor dining areas and airy interiors. Its decor has a whimsical quality: you can see this from the colorful lamps hanging from the ceiling, the playful chalk writings on its walls and boards, to its multi-hued chairs.

The staff were friendly and quick to take and served our orders.

I treated myself to a succulent T-bone Steak (Php290), served with rice, sautéed vegetables and a rich buttery gravy. My daughter, on the other hand, ordered a Salisbury Steak (Php225), juicy browned ground beef patties, also served with rice veggies and gravy. As evidenced by our lunch preferences, my daughter and I are both carnivores. We found our food well-seasoned and flavorful.

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ZZ Blog Revisit

We’re both looking forward to coming back and then, we will end our meal by trying some of the desserts that Artsy Cafe offers.

This branch is located at 36 Maginhawa Street, UP Village, Diliman, QC.

A rare steak experience at Vittorio’s

Some small distance from my workplace is a small (but well-known among steak lovers) restaurant called Vittorio’s Steak House. It took some time for me to visit this place because:

  1. It’s hard to find fellow steak lovers among my coworkers.
  2. Pricing in this joint is a bit steep for the ordinary office worker like me.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way, so together with my fellow carnevores, I hied over to Vittorio’s.

I initially found the place a bit dark and hot at first (the aircon took some time to kick in) but the food made up for it. By splitting an order of ribeye steak with a friend, I was able to sample one of Vittorio’s celebrated offerings. It came with steak rice which complemented the steak very well.

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Others in the group also enjoyed their orders of hainanese chicken and rice, buffalo wings, seafood pasta and pork ribs. With my share at over Php700, though, the meal was very very pricey.

I might return to Vittorio’s sometime, but I will recruit fellow steak lovers to share the meal (and split the bill) with.

Vittorio’s Steak House is located at 32 Scout Borromeo Street, South Triangle, Tomas Morato, QC. Parking spaces are limited so you might find it more convenient if you walk or take a cab going here.