People have been gaga about ABS-CBN's Forevermore. In the now defunct teleserye, the yummy (sorry that it's not exclusive for food) Enrique Gil played the role of Xander.

Don't know if it was just the association of the hunk actor but been hearing raves about Xander's Diner along Alabang-Zapote Rd in Las Piñas. One famished night, tried what the black-white-red-violet restaurant has to offer.

The colors <3

Xander's menu was a bit overwhelming. There were various foods--- even just the burger section--- to choose from. After quite a time considering, chose Derek's Favorite at Php 145. It's a 1/4 lb burger with lettuce, tomato, potato chips, bacon and Xander's cheese sauce. 

All those burgers! Look for the best-seller!

Personally, chose it because of the potato chips. Haha. Chose one that comes with fries. It was a hearty, if not sinful, meal. It was, just like Enrique, yummy. thing is, having tasted numerous burgers in a lifetime, there's no defining factor. Good yes, but not something to die for. 

This is Derek :P

My sibling tried Firehouse Burger at Php 135. It's a 1/4 lb burger with lettuce, tomato and onions, hot sriracha sauce, jalapenos and black pepper. I asked how it was but he seems to be looking for something spicier. Like, really? After all those peppers? 

Some more fire, pls

My other sibling tried Xander's Deluxe at Php 145. It's a 1/4 lbs burger with lettuce, tomato, sliced mushrooms, onions, bacon & Xander's cheese sauce. She enjoyed it. 

Looks appetizing!

Topped all the greasiness and fat with Chocolate Overload Ice Cream Boat at Php 145. Opted for Peach Melba but wasn't available that time. How can you get wrong with chocolate, though? Just wish that the ice cream a bit chubbier? 

Choco on choco :)

Xander's was a bit pricey for a burger craving. Additional fee for fries and drinks. Overall though, enjoyed their burgers.

Other menu:

Other than burger

Big Scoop as their IC

<a href="https://www.zomato.com/manila/xanders-diner-pamplona-las-piñas-city" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Xander's Diner, Pamplona and other Restaurants in Metro Manila" target="_blank"><img alt="Xander&#039;s Diner Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/6317460/minilogo" style="border:none;width:104px;height:15px;padding:0px;" /></a> 

Rating: 3.5 

Xander's Diner is located at:

Block 14, Lot 17 Alabang-Zapote Road, 

(Across Starmall Las Pinas) 

Pamplona Tres, Pamplona, 

Las Piñas City

burger Derek's Favorite Firehouse Burger food blog manila food reviews good burgers Las Piñas City Xander's Deluxe Xander's Diner Xander's menu

Wednesday, December 02, 2015

When you’re hungry and all you want to do is devour at once, looking elsewhere is out of the question. That’s where the good ol’ trusted comes in. And in the small Robinson’s Place, Gerry’s Grill is one of those.

Hungry, right? So here's the review:

1. Garlic Adobo Shreds at Php 225

Looks nice but it’s weird. It’s like eating charred meat. Even when dipped with its sauce it didn’t get any better.  

2. Sizzling Sisig at Php 198

Who can get wrong with sisig? Though theirs is not something I’d die for, it was good enough.

3. Beef Kare-Kare at Php 335

At this point, my heart is still all out for Little Quiapo’s  kare-kare that I notched down a bit my standard. Happily, Gerry’s passed it. Just not so many beef and tripe, though.

4. Nilagang Bulalo at Php 315

Cheap compared to those in Tagaytay but with a reason. Too little serving and it was served ‘lukewarm’. But it’s not bad either.

It’s just like eating at the comforts of home.

 

Rating: 3

Gerry's Grill has a branch in:

2F, Robinson's Place Las Piñas,

Alabang-Zapote Road,

Talon Uno, Las Piñas City

bulalo food blog food rerview garlic adobo shreds gerry's grill good old trusted restaurant Kare-Kare Las Piñas City Robinsons place las pinas sisig

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Chinese cuisine is so comforting. We’re so used to it that some are household dish already. Around the metro, there are so many of this to choose from. One of my favorites is Hap Chan. 

Happily enough, Lido Cocina Tsina is not far down the list.

Their serving isn't big even when tagged as ‘for sharing’. But not so much of an issue if their dishes are pleasant, which is a yes for me.

Lido Pugon Asado at Php 285 (1/4) tastes like Chinese Ham. It reminds me of Christmas. Pork quality is good, just the right amount of fatty portion. I’m not sure, but I think the sauce is made of honey.

Tastes like Chinese Ham

Sizzling Squid in Seafood Sauce at Php 285 is surprisingly yummy, too. I love its little spicy kick.

But the serving is just small

Their Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet at Php 245 is fine, too. A close match of Hap Chan’s. But the latter’s still better.

Sweet and sour is a favorite!

The Stir-fried Seasonal Vegetable at Php 185 has a very light flavor. I can even go as to say the veggies are fresh. Interestingly, it has mongo sprouts.

Eating healthy :)

Service is below average. The place can get too cramped at times, too.

Menu:

 

  
Rating: 3.5

Lido Cocina Tsina has a branch in:

South Park High Commercial Complex,

262 Alabang Zapote Rd.,

Talon Uno,

Las Piñas City

Chinese cuisine food blog food review food trip Las Piñas City Lido Cocina Tsina Lido menu and price Pugon Asado Sweet and Sour

Saturday, March 14, 2015

I've already tried what sizzled in the Sizzling Pepper Steak before. Though the concept was fun and new to me that time, taste-wise, it didn't really kicked in. Just the same though, I was giddy to try out their competitor: Pepper Lunch.

Express at SM Southmall

Without any further ado, I chose Beef Pepper Rice at Php 158. Here are the good points that, okay, I can applaud to:

• It will be hot longer than usual because yes, it was served in a sizzling plate.
• True enough, I can taste the pepper.
• I'm a die-hard fan of corn kernels. Haha.

Unfortunately, I did not find the meal tasty. The serving of the beef and rice were small. It felt like eating just hot and peppery rice. Good thing it's nighttime and I wasn't that hungry. But for lunch, gah. 

Easy to see the serving size

Here's their menu. Notice the Beef Pepper Rice in the picture. If it was that hefty, I might not complain at all.

Maybe yet, it needs to be tried inside a resto itself. What's the express for, then? 

Menu and counter

Pepper Lunch again? Yeah in a million years. 



Rating: 2.5


Pepper Lunch Express has a branch in:


Food Court, SM Southmall,
Las Piñas City

Beef Pepper Rice food blog food review Las Piñas City menu Pepper Lunch sizzling SM Southmall

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Down South, there's a homey restaurant really worth trying. I mean, there are so many things to try right inside the comfort of the South. But this one, just inside BF Resort Village, is once again making abuzz: the brand new old Skillets and Grill. They serve Filipino comfort foods with a twist!

Let me start with rice, my guess of the restaurant's name: rice served in a skillet. That's a total of six (6) cups of rice, by the way.

Rice straight from the skillet! How can that be!

Its menu, according to its chef-owner Ed, was from years before and used it again when they 'reopened'. Thus the picture below. He said they haven't changed even the price. Whoa!

The old menu used in the new

For starters, their Onion Rings (Php 108), good for sharing, tastes just crispy right. It's served with everyone's favorite, ketchup-mayo sauce. I enjoyed eating this crunchy circles!

The favorite pica food

Their Boneless Chicken's (Php 208) a good try, too. Two 1/4 chicken served in their yummy white sauce. Even after the chicken's gone, it's still enjoyable 'licking' off the remnants. If they have bread, I could have sworn to wipe it off with that, too.

The first time I ate here, serving of chicken was three. Two's good, alright.

Then comes their Squid Alajillo (Php 168) recommended by their in-house chef. I don't particularly enjoy squid if it's not calamari. So I rely on my family's approval of these squishy squid. It's good, they say.

Want squid at less than Php 200?

When I'm with family too, always there should be Pork Sisig with Egg (Php 158). Who wouldn't love sinful sisig, right? I love it, too. Albeit, I find much tasty those served in food courts.

Colorful sisig

Lastly, Beef Salpicao (Php 199) served with native vinegar. I didn't pay too much attention with the beef itself but coupled with vinegar, it's a surprisingly good combination.

Served right with a native vinegar. 

Every Sunday and even on weeknights, when I go home, I see so many families and friends feasting here. And it's good to see that Skillet and Grill's once again up and about. Kudos!

 
Rating: 4


Skillets and Grill Restaurant us located at:

No. 47, BF Resort Drive,
BF Resort, 
Las Piñas City

BF Resort Village cheap finds food blog food review Las Piñas City menu restaurant Skillets and Grill South

Monday, December 01, 2014

How often do you encounter a restaurant name so straightforward? It’s screaming, “Big Better Burgers are served here!” Not all are but anyhow, did enjoy munching my BBB when I visited with my family.

Hello, BBB!

The Menu!!

BBB in Star Mall was just small but only in place. To my delight, aside from serving burgers, they also have rice meals, pastas and etc. They also give you choice for the size of your patty which depends on the kind.

My mom had A La Pobre Rice (1/4 lbs at Php 99).

It was filling, according to her.

For the kiddos, burgers are expected. My brother, being a voracious and expensive eater tried their Double Dare with Cheese (1/4 lb at Php 188).

He had to dissect it ;)

My sissy had Bacon Mushroom Melt (2/4 lb at Php 175).

Hope you see the bacon and mushroom

As for mine, Bacon BBQ (1/4 lb at Php 151) and it did not disappoint! I love BBQ burgers, actually. It would be much great if it has veggies and tomatoes. And much better if a tad bigger, haha. For a value meal, it is quite expensive at an additional Php 45 so we just added Wedges for all at Php 65.

Plain but yummy!

Wedges:)

Admittedly, BBB isn’t really that cheap. But for not your usual burgers, it’s good to try. But you might enjoy Graciano's BF. It's much affordable and yummier- if there is such a word- for me. 

  
Rating: 2.5

Big Better Burgers has a branch in:

G/F Star Mall

Pamplona, 
Las Piñas City

A La Pobre Rice Bacon BBQ Bacon Mushroom Melt Big Better Burgers big burger burgers Double Dare with Cheese food blog Las Piñas City menu

Monday, October 20, 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

BF Resort Buster Burger cheap finds food review Graciano's Kitchen Hawaiian Beef Burger Las Piñas City menu restaurants

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)

buffalo wings dips and sauces Flaming Wings food blog food review Las Piñas City price restaurants

Sunday, July 27, 2014

I've always wanted to eat in Hap Chan especially when its new branch opened along Alabang-Zapote Rd. Blame it on the “credit cards accepted here” tag hung on its glass walls, I thought it was that expensive.

Where will you take us?

But since we have a very special brother to treat on his 19^th birthday, we tried our luck in this inviting Chinese restaurant and feasted. 

A plate of Yang Chow (Php 230) is enough for a family of 5 but since we had equally special guests with us, we had two. I didn't appreciate their Yang Chow but my siblings did.

You can never go wrong with Sweet and Sour Pork (Php 250). Its yumminess lingered even after eating a spoonful of rice. The balance of its sweet and tangy flavor is perfect! I miss it everytime I eat sweet and sour.

Sautéed Beef with Broccoli Flower (Php 240) tastes just fine although for me, it was overpowered with my love for their sweet and sour pork.

Sliced Chicken with Two-Kind Mushroom (Php 250). Went healthy with this but in a goody-goody way.

Our pahabol order Braised Chicken with Sesame Seeds in Honey Sauce (Php 300). It doesn't look that inviting. I was surprised that it’s sweet (it's the honey!) and the chicken’s tender. 

Their serving is good for two to three people. Service is quite fast. I’m excited to eat again in Hap Chan and try other dishes. Even during eating our desserts in McDo, we still kept on raving about how we loved their food. *winks*'

  
Rating: 4


Hap Chan is located along:


Alabang-Zapote Rd.
In front of Jollibee 

Chinese cuisine food blog food review Hap Chan Las Piñas City price restaurant reviews Sweet and Sour verdict Yang Chow

Saturday, June 08, 2013