Duke's coffee place or palace? I often get confused as the previous is too straightforward yet the latter can be a good way to describe the place. It's quite a big coffee shop with second floor landing and it's well-decorated. But as it turns out, the name of this coffee shop is as direct as it can be. Yes, Duke's Coffee Place.

It was irritatingly jam-packed to Taft. So to ease the annoyance a bit, tried the beckoning coffee place. 

A bit grand it was inside. These lights were like fireflies enlarged. It was relaxing.

The only thing I enjoyed

Carbonara at Php 150 was my choice to fill me up paired with Lemonade at Php 130. The pasta was creamy but too milky. The complimentary bread wasn't even toasted. The lemonade, yes should be healthy but too sour.

Swimming carbonara

Why you gotta be so sour?

I guess I'm paying for the ambiance. Not a place I'd chill again.

<a href="https://www.zomato.com/manila/dukes-coffee-place-malate-manila" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Duke's Coffee Place, Malate and other Restaurants in Metro Manila" target="_blank"><img alt="Duke&#039;s Coffee Place Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/6310989/minilogo" style="border:none;width:104px;height:15px;padding:0px;" /></a> 

Rating: 2.5 

Coffee Place is located at:

C1 G/F, The Grand Towers, 

Pablo Ocampo St, 

Malate, Manila

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Thursday, December 03, 2015

"Where to eat in Cebu?"

Unanimously, Larsian BBQ's always mentioned. It was a cheap find. Perfect for us who just splurged money in Crown Regency's Skywalk Extreme Adventure. And hawker style, we found what ihaw-ihaw we desired.

Inside the big square, there were stalls to choose from. It was confusing at first where to as sellers shout to sell.

In the end, we went at the sides with not so loud tinderas. Though the selection in the store we chose weren't that many (I mean there weren't hotdogs), the ihaw process was  pretty quick.

In the middle of Larsian were rows of grillers. Luckily, our store of choice had their own and they cooked ours inside. So it didn't take long for our food to be served. 

Puso rice

Rice came in weaved in banana leaves called puso. They just put it in the middle and count afterwards, per plate, how many were eaten. Pros of this lovely rice: it was fragrant from the leaves but it's not steaming hot anymore.

My sissy choosing among :)

Saan aabot ang Php 20 mo? Here's a guide:

• Isaw- Php 5.00 per stick
• Small BBQ (without fats)- Php 5.00
• BBQ Regular- Php 20.00
• Cebu Chorizo- Php 20.00
• Longanisa- Php 20.00
• 1/4 Chicken- Php 60.00
• Inihaw na Pusit- Php 90.00
• Inihaw na Bangus- Php 90.00

I forgot how much the Liempo was as we didn't considered pork anymore. Talk about lechon-hiatus.

Puso was Php 4.00 a piece.

Overall, my pocket and and my tastebuds had fun in Larsian!

<a href="https://www.zomato.com/cebu/larsian-barbeque-capitol-site" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Larsian Barbeque, Capitol Site and other Restaurants in Cebu" target="_blank"><img alt="Larsian Barbeque Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17815778/minilogo" style="border:none;width:104px;height:15px;padding:0px;" /></a> Rating: 3.5

Larsian BBQ is located at:

Don Pedro Rodriguez

Don Mariano Cui St.

Cebu City, Cebu

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Thursday, February 05, 2015

In Manila, a staple during 'handaan' is lechon manok. It's everywhere competition is left and right.

In Cebu chicken is just 'chicken'. The local food scene is screaming lechon (roasted pig)!

And when you say lechon Cebu, one of those names that will pop-up is the famous Zubuchon.

During my recent trip in the Queen City of the South, I learned why all the fuss.

A backgrounder: in General Santos, lechon is also ordinary. My relatives would ship after birthdays, weddings or fiestas for our fair share of this yumminess. Frequency: at least twice a year. But I'm not quite a fan of Lechon, per se. I find it too salty. I prefer it as cooked with lechon sauce, laurel leaves and onions for a perfect lechon paksiw.

I agree with Anthony Bourdain :)

To my surprise, Zubuchon's lechon is not at all salty. It's amusingly flavorful. I can even see some seasoned spices whenever I bite. Munching it is such a delight!

The skin or 'balat' part is crunchy, too. They also demonstrated how to concoct irresistible dipping using local vinegar plus onions and tomatoes. 

Speaking of sourness, as a drink it's good to try Kamias Shake at Php 95. It will somehow balance the oozing fatness of the lechon.

One (1) kilo at Php 570 can feed 5-8 hungry stomachs.

Fatness overload!

Their Lechon Sinigang at Php 280 is also yummy. Serving of veggies is generous. Soup is frothy. Much thicker than the usual. And, there's something strongly distinct in their Sinigang. Thanks to the lechon for the meat? Wow.

Sinigang Lechon

Did I fly the pig to Manila as per their place mat? No, let's leave the lingering taste and memory in Cebu.

<a href="https://www.zomato.com/cebu/zubuchon-jones" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Zubuchon, Jones and other Restaurants in Cebu" target="_blank"><img alt="Zubuchon Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17809471/minilogo" style="border:none;width:104px;height:15px;padding:0px;" /></a> Rating: 4.5

Zubuchon has a branch in:

One Mango Mall,

Gen. Maxilom Ave.,

Cebu City, Cebu

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Sunday, February 01, 2015

Bagnet is an Ilokano version of Lechon Kawali: deep fried pork belly goodness.

But my goodness! Even if 8065 Bagnet is just a few blocks from my office, that I can have it for lunch whenever, I've only been there once every year.

Right. Because too much of goodness can be bad cholesterol.

Who would've thought that this hole-in-the-wall along Estrella, a house really, with eccentric paintings on its walls, inside and out, serves bagnet expertly.

Paintings on the wall

At Php 120, they offer several viands with bagnet as its star.

Their bagnet itself is perfect. Never was a time it was sloppy (only the service most of the time). Always, it's too crispy I think my neck would crack first (or burst, as in putok batok haha).

What's more, for someone like me who can't face bagnet squarely, there's bagnet with Kare-kare, Sinigang, curry, sisig, pakbet and etc.

Complete pricelist

During my last encounter in 8065 Bagnet, tried their Kare-kare Bagnet. When I looked at it, I thought I got it wrong because the sauce looks like gravy. The color and consistency, yes but the taste was rich. It's like Kare-kare gravy. The veggies, though, can just be counted. I would've preferred more to somehow offset the sinfulness.

Looks like gravy the Kare-kare

Overall, for the price and food quality it's a worthy meal.


 
Rating: 3


8065 Bagnet is located at:


8065 Estrella St.,
San Antonio Village,
Makati City

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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen is one unique but not so cheap restaurant that's a gem here down South. Whenever I pass by this place straight for a food trip in Aguirre Ave., a famous street inside BF Homes because of the many good restos, I always tell myself that I'll find an occasion to celebrate here with my family.

Good thing it came sooner! So we all hopped to BF's famous Italian Kitchen: Mama Lou's! It is really a two-storey house transformed into a full-time restaurant. It's like being invited in a friend's house to feast on their homemade specialty. Talk about hospitality!

(But beware, though. The place can really be jam-packed at many times. So as not to be disappointed, it's better to call for reservations.)

While waiting for the orders to be served, they offer free bread in salsa and pesto dippings. They used to serve crostini-type but I like this better. It can be refilled!

Our third refill :)

For the starters, Chef Salad (Php 275) is perfect with fresh iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, mushrooms, garlic sausage drizzled with Italian vinaigrette dressing. Serving is good for my family of five.

Starting the meal right with a salad

Off course, an Italian meal wouldn't be so without pizza. Opted for a Pizza Bianca, with mozzarella, bacon and mushroom. A large one costs Php 800+. Price for this big I think's not on their menu. I'm a big fan of pizza, really! But maybe this isn't the flavor for me. Better try some other next time.

Or bad me. Should have I tried it with Arugula and Alfalfa sprouts?

What's better than the Bianca?

Served with Alfalfa and Arugula

Good thing, when it comes to pasta I enjoyed. For the red sauce, Italian Sausage Pomodoro (Php 295). It has spicy Italian sausage, tomatoes, garlic and herbs. I love the generous helping of sausage slices!

Can make out the sausages from here ;) 

Carbonara (Php 295) with creamy Parmesan and bacon pancetta. It's really creamy. Just the right amount that it bordered on too good. Two-thumbs up!

The king of the night!

It's really good to come back to Mama Lou's after several years (and after some 'no available seat' trips in between). What's more is that this haven is just few miles from home. Great!

 
Rating: 4.0


Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen is located at:


Blk 1 Lot 36 Tropical Ave., cor Palace St.,
BF International,
Las Piñas City

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Monday, December 15, 2014

Right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Central Business District, an experience to eat in a banana leaf is possible! Where else but in Banana Leaf, along foodies' haven: Greenbelt 3.

Not only does the name elicit a native fee, but also the interiors of Banana Leaf. Not Filipino, but yes Asian. The interiors mostly made of wood with an interesting play of the lights. Though it's quite a bit dark inside, so forgive my underexposed shots.

Since 2001 :)

Charming!

Tried the following in Banana Leaf, but before anything else, let me prove the name:

They serve rice in banana leaf ;)

1. Thai Vermicelli Salad- Php 168- I honestly don't know how to make of this. I tastes weird to me, plus the vermicelli. Although I like tomatoes, too, I got afraid to mix it with the other ingredients in fear that it'll worsen. So I don't personally recommend this one. 

Not for me, friends

2. Stir Fried Chinese Kangkong with Sambal Sauce- Php 198- I don't know what Sambal sauce was. All I know is that I enjoyed eating this dish. Though I really am a fan of vegetables. My boss though, thinks it's too salty. 

Kangkong lover here

We also tried two kinds of curry here: Malayan Chicken Curry with Potatoes (Php 238), not in the picture. But I like better this:

3. Malayan Beef Curry with Potatoes- Php 288- I like the milky and light flavor of this one. A twist to the regular curry I'm used to. 

Right there

4. Barbecue Roasted Baby Back Ribs- Php 388- This was what I enjoyed most. Baby Back Ribs! It's has a sweet taste and I love it. It's saucy too and tender.

Hi baby!

My Banana Leaf experience was average, so was the service.

  
Rating: 3

Banana Leaf has a branch in:

2/F Greenbelt 3, 
Ayala Center,

Makati City

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Monday, November 10, 2014

Sorry for taking that line from a famous fast-food chain. It's really how I'd describe this new and quite little restaurant just after the gate of BF Resort Village.

From outside, it looks like another milkshake mushroom, but the name should never disappoint! It's a kitchen so there must be some foods there!

And there are from pizzas, pasta, burgers n' wraps, rice meals, sides n' salads, desserts n' coolers.

I tried Graciano's Kitchen's Hawaiian Beef Burger in a Budget Saver meal, meaning it's served with fries and iced tea (Php 109).

It's served with a big bun with a satisfying grilled patty, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, onions with a slice of pineapple.

Surprisingly, the patty is savory and I get to taste hints of barbecue sauce. Love it!

Their fries are in wedges too served with a mayo dip.

My humongous eater siblings, afraid to starve, tried Buster Burger Budget Saver meal (Php 139).

I don't have a close-up view of this topper burger but here's its anatomy: grilled beef patty PLUS crunchy chicken fillet AND bacon strips with tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and onions.

Perfect for my sibbies with big appetite.

My sister even said that she could have ordered rice with it. :)

Tried also their Tacos Solo (Php 49):

But the serving is just small and the tacos, or should I daresay corn chips, is not that good. It's really better to just concentrate on their pizzas and burger menu. I'll try their pizzas on my next! Heard that they serve it yummy here.

Their service is not that fast too. But I believe it's worth the wait. Plus the staff are friendly too.

 
Rating: 3


Graciano's Kitchen is located at:


28 Gemma Cruz,
BF Resort Village,
Las  Piñas City

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Monday, September 08, 2014

Affordable yet delicious! That's what I love most about Flaming Wings: New York Style Buffalo Wings. I can just drop by whenever the craving is strong.

Let me push further my point:

Flaming Wings's ambiance have this comfortable feeling. Thanks to them staying true to their New Yorkie peg. I love the pictures hung around too.

In terms of food selection, they offer not just yummy buffalo wings but also variety of pastas, sandwiches and even desserts.

Their buffalo wings is sold based on no. of pieces:

3pcs- Php 150

5pcs- Php 248

15pcs- Php 753

24pcs- Php 1,152

Then, and this is an interesting part: you get to choose a special flavor from their Signature Sauces:

• Original
• Mild n' Sweet
• Wild (way too hot!)
• Smokey BBQ
• Caribbean Jerk
• Oriental Zing

Try it in Wings or Tenders (but Wing's wholatta better!)

Original is perfect and appealing to all dips but I love Smokey BBQ as it is, followed by Mild n' Sweet. Aside from the not  too obvious chicken oil,  I enjoyed each unique flavor tickling my taste buds.

Original with Bleu Cheese

I just didn't try Wild sauce because yes, it's way too hot for me.

All are available in Tenders meal, something like  Chicken fillet.

Tenders with Honey Mustard

There's also dips to mix and match:

• Bleu Cheese
• Balsamic Mayo
• Ranch
• Wasabi Mayo
• Honey Mustard
• Aioil

I've tried Bleu Cheese, Balsamic Mayo and Honey Mustard dips. Though Bleu Cheese seems to be a favorite, I had an instant love affair with Honey Mustard. But not until Balsamic Mayo came along... :-)

For their pasta, I tried their Spaghetti Carbonara (Php 130, regular) and for a restaurant specializing in chicken, I'm surprised that it's pretty good!

Flaming Wings's Carbonara

For sweet endings, Wicked Oreos (Php 80) is really wicked! It's composed of three oreos fried in a batter. It really wouldn't have that yummy effect if not for the ice cream on top!

Wicked!!!

There's still a lot in their menu to go back to, so this wouldn't be the last.

Zomato Rating: 3.5

Flaming Wings is located along:
Alabang-Zapote Rd, Talon Uno
Las Piñas City
(in front of University of Perpetual Help)

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Sunday, July 27, 2014

Well Kaya Korean Restaurant on our Korean Part 1 is quite a bit an expensive K-raving. If K-raving is unstoppable yet the budget is, why not try Kim n' Chi in Glorietta 4?

I always order their set meals, and for just Php 119, solb!

This is their Beef Stew Set Meal:

The bento Korean

UPCLOSE: Beef stew

UPCLOSE: Other sidings

UPCLOSE: Chapchae

Aside from the tender and sweet beef stew, it has Chapchae with bean sprouts, skewered crabsticks with meatloaf strips in between leeks, and something like a tamago sushi with crabstick in the middle plus dilis. Their Chapchae of course cannot compete with Kaya's but it's tasty enough for me. What I like among the side dishes is the skewered goodies and the tamago (sound like Japanese, though). And oh, their beef stew is not that far from Kaya's.

I've also tried their Vienna Sausage Set Meal, one sweet meal.

Kim n Chi is located at


Glorietta 4 Food Court
Near the movie houses :)

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Friday, September 13, 2013