tomas morato – Jellybeans in the City

A taste of authentic Indian cuisine at Annapoorna, Quezon City

For a long time, I thought that Indian food is not for me. Having grown up with an aversion to spicy viands, as well as a strong bias towards my mom’s Pinoy home cooking combined with Western fare courtesy of movies and TV shows, South Asian cuisine to me was as exotic and almost alien as food can get.

Thankfully, I later developed a more adventurous palate, thanks largely to my husband who, over the years, took the necessary pains to introduce me to food items that have a little more kick to them.

It just so happens that one of his favorite cuisines is Indian food.

So when Annapoorna opened its branch right across my office building, I was more than ready to give it a try.

Indian cuisine is a celebration of diversity, with each region boasting its own unique culinary traditions and signature dishes. Fortunately, when Annapoorna serves up these diverse options, it makes them fresh upon order so that spice levels can be customized. This way, aside from bringing an authentic taste of home to its loyal clientele of Indian nationals residing nearby, it also allows us Pinoys who are unfamiliar with Indian food to easily expand our culinary horizons with its offerings.

Curious on delicious dishes that await at Annapoorna? Check these out:

viber_image_2024-04-26_22-05-30-557 — A sumptuous array of flavors at your fingertips at Annapoorna!

From personal experience, exploring new and unfamiliar cuisines may seem daunting at first, but, if my foray into Indian cuisine at Annapoorna is anything to go by, the delicious discoveries you’re bound to make are definitely well worth the effort!

Here are some tips to prime you up for this extraordinary gustatory experience and make your dining journey at Annapoorna even more memorable:

Start mild. Indian food may be known for its myriad of spices but it does include milder dishes like Butter Chicken and Malai Chicken tikka to get you started. Ask the staff for recommendations or request for milder versions of the spicier dishes.
Use your hands. Annapoorna’s naans are great for scooping up meats and dipping into flavorful sauces.
Enjoy the accompaniments. You’ll notice that most of the dishes are accompanied by dips and sauces that add a whole new dimension of flavors to the dishes.
Bring your friends and fam along. Most of Annapoorna’s dishes are good for two to three people so go ahead and share the experience with your loved ones.

Head over to Annapoorna’s branches for a taste of delicious and authentic Indian cooking, open for dine-in and orders from 11am to 1am:

Unit 4, Gateway Regency, Robinsons Pioneer, Mandaluyong (Tel: +63 966 1443154; Follow on Facebook and Instagram)
Mother Ignacia Avenue across ELJ Communication Center, Quezon City (Tel: +63 977 0642263; Follow on Facebook and Instagram)

Photo Credit: Selected individual food shots courtesy of Glenn of The Adventures of Jogpen.

A Spanish-inspired Feast from Chef Tatung at Azadore

Indulging in a delightful lunch with my officemates at Azadore, Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou’s newest restaurant in the Tomas Morato area, was a culinary adventure that transported us harried office workers to a world of international flavors with a touch of homegrown flair. There, we were able to experience Chef Tatung’s passion for food and sense of nostalgia which resulted to a memorable dining experience.

Romancing the Grill: Chef Tatung’s Concept

Drawing inspiration from his cherished memories of backyard barbecue parties and family gatherings, Chef Tatung crafted Azadore as an international grill with a heartwarming touch of home. The name itself, a playful fusion of “asador,” meaning “fire pit or grill” in South American countries, and “adore,” symbolizing love and cherish, perfectly captures the essence of this culinary haven.

A Journey Back in Time: The Converted Ancestral Home

As we stepped into Azadore, housed in a converted ancestral home on Scout Fernandez Street in Quezon City, we were instantly captivated by its timeless charm. The mid-century post American-era family home, transformed into a beautiful dining destination, enveloped us in a nostalgic embrace inspired by Chef Tatung’s childhood memories of grilling in his Cebu garden and his grandmother’s dining table.

Converting an almost 80-year-old home into a 300-seater restaurant was no small feat, but with the expertise of interior designer Ivy Almario, the team infused their unique style into the space while preserving its classic allure. The original footprint of the house was respected, paying homage to its architectural bones. Original materials and flooring were retained, gracefully blending the past with a modern twist. Azadore embodies the idea that we can embrace the present and future while staying connected to our roots and cherished traditions.

A Haven for Gatherings: Azadore’s Unique Spaces

Azadore offers a haven for both large and intimate gatherings. With an indoor seating capacity of 113 and the Breezeway Terrace, an al fresco area accommodating 180 people, the restaurant provides an ideal setting for various occasions. Whether it’s a family reunion, a milestone celebration like a birthday or anniversary, or even corporate events such as product launches or seminars, Azadore can caters to various large group functions. Former bedrooms have been transformed into private dining rooms, offering a more intimate ambiance for special gatherings.

A Spanish-Inspired Respite: Our Flavorful Escape

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our busy workday, we found respite in Azadore’s Spanish-inspired dishes. Chef Tatung’s vision of serving Spanish fare the way we Filipinos know and love them truly came alive in our lunch experience. Here are the highlights of our delectable feast:

Dinner rolls and butter

This much appreciated complimentary dish helped to tide us over while waiting for our orders to be served.

Paella Negra (Php1,350)

A captivating dish featuring rice flavored with squid ink, adorned with succulent octopus, shrimp, and clams. The flavors mingled harmoniously, creating a medley that pleased both the eyes and the taste buds. It is served with a side of creamy aioli but I preferred the rice dish without it.

Salpicao (Php690)

Tender cubes of beef tenderloin sautéed to perfection in garlic, butter, and wine. This may be a little “sauce-ier” than my usual preference for salpicao but it went well with our paella.

Gambas con Chorizo (Php950)

A mouthwatering combination of prawns, garlic, homemade smoked chorizo, parsley butter, and a hint of lemon juice. The flavors danced on our tongues, showcasing the skillful fusion of Spanish and Filipino influences.

These dishes were served in portions that suited our group of four quite well, resulting in well-satisfied foodies who can happily go back to being corporate drones.

In addition to savoring the sumptuous dishes, we couldn’t resist capturing the moment with some delightful photo opportunities. Azadore’s charming ambiance and visually appealing presentations provided the perfect backdrop for our Instagram-worthy snapshots.

A Culinary Adventure Awaits at Azadore

Azadore, Chef Tatung’s newest restaurant, has undoubtedly become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a delightful blend of international and local flavors. The passion and expertise poured into every aspect of this culinary gem, from its nostalgic concept to its converted ancestral home, make it a truly exceptional dining experience. Whether you’re planning a gathering with loved ones or simply seeking a delectable respite from the everyday, Azadore promises a journey that will satisfy both your palate and your heart.

Embark on your own gastronomic adventure and discover the warmth and flavors of Azadore, where the love for food and cherished memories come together in perfect harmony.

Azadore is located at 111 Scout Fernandez Street, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 917 101 0070.

Stay updated on its menu and offers by following Azadore on Facebook and Instagram.

Indulge in delicious comfort food at Borro Manila

During the pre-pandemic era, the Tomas Morato and Scout areas in Quezon City have the distinction of being local foodie havens.

In these relatively quiet and mostly residential areas have popped up a diverse collection of dining choices offering a wide array of cuisines.

While the pandemic and its resulting lockdowns have slowed down this once vibrant food scene, it has slowly but surely shown signs of recovery.

This is evidenced by the opening of a new and exciting dining destination in the area last December: Borro Manila.

A new trendy spot for foodies

Taking its name from the street where it is located, Borro certainly seems all set to be a popular establishment among the metro’s food fans.

Upon arriving here with my officemates for one of our much-anticipated happy lunches, I was at first daunted by the seeming lack of parking space in front of the building. I was happy to discover that the restaurant offers free valet service so parking turned out not to be a problem.

It boasts of a welcoming facade, where stairs led up to the first floor al fresco and indoor dining areas. Another set of stairs to the side led up to similar areas on the second floor.

These expansive and airy spaces are marked by well-appointed furnishings and chic yet homey decor, made all the more welcoming by an abundance of natural light streaming from floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

All of these add up to making Borro a very Instagrammable spot for foodies to capture moments and memories with their favorite comfort food.

International and Filipino comfort food

At Borro Manila, my officemates and I were happy to discover a diverse menu featuring both international and Filipino comfort food favorites.

Borro’s complimentary freshly baked bread and butter started our meal off right while its Watermelon Shake (₱140) was a refreshing treat.

Then, we warmed our tummies with a deliciously hearty helping of Polonchay Soup (₱480) made with spinach, shrimp and eggs.

We also dove into the Super Nachos (₱390), a heaping pile of crispy tortilla chips topped in meat, bell peppers, jalapenos, onion, olives and marinara sauce, then smothered in torched cheese.

The Creamy Truffle Pasta (₱580), a rich and decadent dish made with cream, white wine, garlic and truffle oil did fit the bill for something more indulgent.

The Boneless Fried Chicken (₱540), on the other hand, which was served with homemade gravy, came in servings large enough for the whole group to share.

The Lechon Kawali (₱530) consisted of deep-fried pork belly and crispy chicharon and a serving of rice.

Lastly, Borro’s Bagnet Kare-Kare (₱550) brings a taste of Ilocos with deep-fried bagnet on a bed of peanut sauce and veggies with bagoong on the side.

Reviving Tomas Morato’s Food Scene

Borro Manila proved to be a welcome addition to the Tomas Morato area, which has long been a hub for foodies in Quezon City. With its stylish yet welcoming decor, diverse menu, and prime location, the restaurant is a perfect venue for family and friends to come together over good food.

It’s surely doing its bit inhelping to revitalize the neighborhood’s food scene and attract a new generation of diners.

Borro Manila is located at No. 10 Scout Borromeo corner Scout Tobias Streets, Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 966 9331841.

Stay updated on its menu and offers by following Borro Manila on Facebook and Instagram.

Culinary journey at Pandan Asian Cafe, Tomas Morato

Part of the fun of traveling is the eating the local food. By tasting the signature dishes of the locale – see what flavors the people savor, how they use available ingredients and more – you get to learn much about their culture and history.

Sadly, I haven’t been able to travel to our neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, as other priorities got in the way. However, there is a way to get a taste of Southeast Asian flavors, thanks to Pandan Asian Cafe.

One of the recent ventures by Chef Mike Sarthou (or more widely known as Chef Tatung), Pandan Asian Cafe brings iconic Southeast Asian dishes to Quezon City’s dining public.

The resto is situated where Lazat Fil-Asian Restaurant & Bar used to be. It maximized the place’s open and airy layout, adding vibrant greens from decor and plants, which add to the feeling of freshness.

Before the pandemic made itself known, I had lunch here with my officemates. Our Southeast Asian meal consisted of:

Nasi Goreng (Php285). The Malay version of fried rice with chicken, eggs and vegetables and distinctly flavored with sweet soy sauce called kecap manis.

Orange Chicken (Php450). A variation of General Tso’s chicken wherein battered chicken is served drenched in fruity orange sauce.

Salt and Pepper Squid (Php340). The Chinese version of fried calamari wherein squid pieces are covered in light batter, then deep-fried to become crispy on the outside, tender and chewy on the inside.

Sticky Rice (Php210). Traditional Thai dessert of sticky rice in coconut cream sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with mango slices.

Iced Vietnamese Coffee (Php160). Also known as ca phe da, it is made by allowing hot water to drip through medium to coarse-ground dark-roasted Vietnamese-grown coffee beans into condensed milk then stirring with crushed ice.

I’m glad with the break from the usual lunch fare that Pandan Asian Cafe provided our group. I just found the portions a little small.

During the ECQ, the resto temporarily halted its operations but re-opened last July. It also expanded its offers to include party platters of its best-selling dishes for takeout or delivery.

So if you feel like expanding your culinary horizons, drop by or order a food tray to go.

Pandan Asian Cafe is located at 76 Scout Limbaga Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 11pm. For inquiries, reservations or delivery requests, call +63 2 83550998, +63 2 83515279 or +63 917 7748999.

Lunch break adventure at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

Before the enhanced community quarantine, when the foremost non-work concern on my mind was where to venture of to lunch with my officemates, we decided on trying out the newly opened branch of Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken along Tomas Morato.

Peri-peri, also known as bird’s eye chili, is a type of chili grown in Southeastern Africa whose cultivation and culinary use was spread by the Portuguese to their colonial territories.

Today, it has defined a special way of preparing grilled chicken.

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken brings about its famed dish by marinating a whole chicken overnight in a special mixture of peri-peri chili, herbs and spices, then charcoal-grilling it to a gloriously golden hue.

This flavorful and juicy grilled chicken is best enjoyed with one or a combination of the restaurant’s eight signature sauces representing various gastronomic destinations, ranging from mildly sweet (Cajun Remoulade, Hoisin Sesame and Sweet Soy), medium spiciness (Garlic Brew, Spiced Vinegar and Mesquite BBQ) and hot (Chili Peppa and Harissa Exotica).

Our group decided on a Chicken Group Meal (Php799) which consisted of a whole Peri-Peri Chicken, four cups of Java Rice and four side dishes (we chose two mashed potatoes, a mac ‘n cheese and a coleslaw).

One of us was worried that the group meal won’t be enough for the whole group so he ordered a plate of Patatas Bravas (Php100).

As we finished our meal, our server gave us a taste of Peri Natas (Php140/box of four | Php199/box of six | Php360 box of 12). These are small egg custard tartlets that are popular in Portuguese colonies (I had my first taste of these in Macau).

What an adventurous yet filling meal for our group!

Want a taste of peri-peri chicken but can’t leave home? You’ll be happy to know that during the enhanced community quarantine, selected Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken branches in the metro remain open for takeout and delivery via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

UPS 2: Call +63 926 0645790 or +63 905 271 0224
Capitol Commons: Call +63 2 86566470 or +63 915 2718479
Banawe: Call +63 2 77990428 or +63 995 3202180
Uptown Parade: Call +63 2 77174408 or +63 915 3878028
Tomas Morato: Call +63 956 6944834

This Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken is located at Tomas Morato Avenue corner Scout Rallos Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City.

Sourdough Cafe + Deli, Tomas Morato

Sourdough bread is a new food trend that gaining traction in the metro. It is made by fermenting dough using naturally occurring lactobacilli and yeast producing a sour taste compared to breads made with baker’s yeast. It also keeps longer, owing to the lactic acid produced by the lactobacilli.

For the health-conscious, sourdough may be used to improve the quality of gluten-free breads by enhancing their texture, aroma and shelf-life. Its glycemic index is lower than other types of bread which is good news for people watching their sugar intake.

It’s a good thing, then, that a cafe specializing in sourdough recently opened near my workplace.

With such an exciting item in its menu (in fact, the central item in it!) as well poshly designed yet comfy interiors ideal for quiet lunches or intimate dinners tucked away in an office building along Tomas Morato, Sourdough held an irresistible appeal to titas like me.

This is why during one of our lunchbreaks prior to the Christmas break, my co-titas in the office and I decided to have our meal at Sourdough Cafe + Deli.

This tita meal consisted of:

Complimentary Flatbread Slices. Dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar with some parmesan cheese, these gave our tastebuds a good preview of Sourdough’s offerings.

Prosciutto Arugula Flatbread (Php345). Sourdough flatbread topped with marinara sauce, mozarella, arugula leaves and bits of prosciutto.

Pasta Carbonara (Php395). Al dente noodles tossed in a creamy sauce made with eggs, pecorino cheese, parmegianno reggiano, guanciale (Italian cured meat made from pork jowl) and pancetta (Italian salt-cured pork belly).

Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Php295). Four cheeses – gouda, yellow cheddar, mozzarella and grana padano – sandwiched between sourdough bread slices lightly spread with mayo.

Basque Burnt Cheesecake (Php195). Also a trending food item, this cheesecake is an offshoot of Spain’s tarta de queso. Its top appears toasted but the center has a soft custard-y texture. Combined the top’s buttery taste to the tanginess of the cheesecake filling, and you have a winning dessert you would want to taste again and again.

After lunch, we also treated ourselves to Sourdough Cafe’s handcrafted coffee.

Not bad for a bunch of titas out for lunch.

By the way, since wine and titas go together so well, you might want to check out Sourdough Cafe’s unli wine at Php599 per person.

Sourdough Cafe + Deli is located at Ground Floor, JSB Building, 104 Tomas Morato Avenue corner Scout Delagado Street, Tomas Morato, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 11pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 85259463 or +64 917 1889463.

A tonkatsu lunch at Fumizen, Tomas Morato

It’s the first working day of the year!

And do you know what I’ve been looking forward to since the day started?

A #happylunch with my office buddies, that’s what!

For today’s foodie adventure, we decided to give the newly opened Japanese restaurant along Sgt. Esguerra Street a try!

Located within walking distance from our office is Fumizen which specializes in premium katsu. It is a local franchisee of a long-established Japanese restaurant which was founded over 40 years ago and patronized by Japanese officials and celebrities.

It has a cozy atmosphere and a minimalist aesthetic with polished wood and gray upholsteried furniture set against clean white walls sparsely decorated with silhouettes of bamboo.

Katsu refers to “cutlet” in Japanese. It is usually a piece of meat coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to achieve a bright golden color and a crispy outer layer which gives way to tender. juicy and flavorful meat inside.

At Fumizen, diners can enjoy Katsu Sets which consist of a katsu variant plus unlimited rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage and fruit slices. The katsus may be enjoyed by dipping the pieces in Fumizen’s secret katsu sauce, rock salt or the resto’s signature truffle salt.

Our happy lunch at Fumizen included:

Rosu Loin Tonkatsu Set (Php375). This is the richer cut of pork loin owing to a strip of fat along one side.

Hire Tenderloin Tonkatsu Set (Php405). This is the leaner, less fatty cut of pork.

Fumizen also has ongoing Lunchtime Deals that some of my companions availed of. These deals give significant discounts on selected katsu sets such as:

Chicken Karaage Set Meal (Php199 from Php255). Japanese-style fried chicken best dipped (as we’ve discovered) in Japanese mayo with a bit of wasabi.

Menchi Katsu Set (Php199 from Php350). Patties consisting of two-thirds ground pork and one-third ground beef prepared and cooked katsu-style.

The katsus are well-cooked with the panko-breading adhering well and providing a satisfyingly crunchy texture to the meat. I found dipping the katsu in truffle salt winderfully heightens the flavor.

What could use a bit of work is the rice which could be a little stickier to serve as a foil to the katsu.

The wait staff is polite and accommodating but could use some more training on product knowledge.

Still, with the quality and afforadability of Fumizen’s katsu sets, it sure looks like my officemates and I found a new favorite Japanese resto in our area!

Fumizen is located at 34 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Bgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 77931894

Lunch Buffet at Vanilla Cafe, Tomas Morato

The Tomas Morato area is definitely a foodie haven. At practically every corner is an old and familiar or a new and exciting food destination, something that will spark a foodie’s curiosity and appetite.

One such destination is Vanilla Cafe along Mother Ignacia Avenue. Formerly known as Vanilla Cupcake Bakery, it has expanded its repertoire from cupcakes and pastries to pastas and classic Filipino food.

Enter its doors and you will be taken to a place of fun and cuteness with pastel-printed walls, plush floral couches and dainty chandeliers.

Guess what: come around lunchtime and you can eat your fill at Vanilla Cafe’s Lunch Buffet where you can enjoy a delightful curation of Vanilla Cafe’s food offerings served with delicate country style flair.

Have a sampling of these dishes:

Prettily prepared canapes and veggie dips.

Freshly made pastas.

Binagoongan and Tinapa Rice.

Classic Pinoy Favorites: Sizzling Tofu, Sizzling Sisig, Bagnet, Fish Sarciado, Chop Suey, Chicken Adobo, and of course, Vanilla Cafe’s famous Kare Kare.

And since there’s always room for dessert, have a cupcake (or two… or more!) because, why not!

This buffet is best enjoyed with pals as a barkada lunch date…

Or as part of a festive celebration!

So check it out: the Premium Lunch Buffet is available at Vanilla Cafe Tomas Morato on weekdays from 11am to 2pm for only Php398 per person (+10% service charge).

This branch also has a Boomin’ Breakfast Buffet available everyday from 7am to 10am at Php228 for adults and Php114 for kids ages four to eleven (plus 10% service charge). Kids below four years old eat for free.

This Vanilla Cafe branch is located along Mother Ignacia Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 7.30am to 11pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 7.30pm to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 2 83743783 or +63 918 8264552.

Other branches are located at:

Second Floor, Garden Wing, Trinoma Mall, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City
Second Floor, Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari Road, Almanza, Las Pinas City
20 Villamor Street, Lualhati, Baguio, Benguet

Planning a get-together? Why not order one of Vanilla Cafe’s Party trays? Pastas, entrees, salads and rice trays are available for order at any Metro Manila branch.

Maximize your buffet restaurant visit. Read the tips in my buffet survival guide.