Every Filipino millennial probably knows That Thing Called Tadhana. It's an indie-movie gone blockbuster accounting where broken hearts go. The movie was set in Baguio and Sagada. Instantly, Baguio (again) became a hit destination. And when we say Baguio, it includes the activities and restaurants the characters went to.

Cafe by the Ruins is just one of those luckily featured. A trip to the Summer Capital of the Philippines wouldn't be complete without enjoying one of the travails of the characters. 

This is it <3

Their Chuntug branch is like an artist's garden. Al fresco dining, the Filipino-themed and homey ambiance of Cafe by the Ruins is so relaxing. Ruminating all day with a cup of tea could be inviting, too. Except that, it's a waste only to try a portion of their well-loved menu.

Quiet

Local art here and there

Since it was lunch time, ordered their Beef Stroganoff at Php 240. It has beef sirloin strips in cream and mustard sauce over buttered noodles. 

Play of colors and flavor

The presentation is simple but it's nice to look at due to the play of colors. The visual appeal of the pasta carried over to the taste-buds. It's very rich. The garlic chips added a new dimension to the flavor. 

Paired it with a Watermelon Fresh Fruit Shake at Php 120. It was so refreshing! It wasn't hot as it's Baguio but the watermelon shake was just the best. No pesky seeds; just real watermelon goodness. 

I wish I have an unlimited supply of this

Overall, especially for their rice meals, it's a bit pricey but you get what you paid for. 

Must-visit, I daresay. 

Menu of Cafe by the Ruins here:

Cafe by the Ruins has a branch in:

25 Chuntug Rd,

Baguio,

2600 Benguet

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Saturday, January 23, 2016

In Ilonggo, Balay Dako means "big house." This is another Antonio Group's pride in Tagaytay--- after perfecting the craft of serving breakfasts.

Welcome, it greets

Balay Dako as depicted in the menu cover

Balay Dako is patterned from the traditional bahay na bato. As lush as the greeneries, the house is painted green. Upon entering, a Welcome Home signage greets. It's really like coming back home, only circa 1900 with matching baro't saya. 

Oh, there's home :)

Everywhere, they welcome

On the left side is the Balay Dako Deli. Straight ahead is the komedor. The feel is very classic Filipino. But what it probably has that the early Filipinos didn't--- the majestic view of Taal. It perfects the overall ambiance of Balay Dako.

Even fresh lettuces are sold

Awesome view!

Their second-floor landing is a different story to describe. Downstairs is very classic while upstairs has a bit of an old bar feeling: wines decked the walls, large chandeliers, stone walls, huge windows and wooden tables and chairs. 

I wonder how this will look like on a sunny day...

Sorry to be modeling instead of eating :p

What I love most is Balay Dako's terrace... the al fresco chairs amidst the hanging vines... the clover-shaped railings... it was dire cold to stay outside but the view and the setting just so relaxing. This time, Taal volcano is unobstructed. 

Love this part :)

Going back to the komedor (where the food awaits, of course), this table with the condiments greets.

Komedor condiments

On the tables, so-Filipino are condiments again-- with sliced pepper, garlic, onions etc. Seeing those enhance the appetite already! 

• Bulalo na Baka at Php 840. Clear broth of beef shanks, Chinese cabbage, string beans and blackened onions.

Always, says Tagaytay

Now I realized, I should've bought...

The bulalo itself was bland...but, there comes the aromatic blackened onion! I added a few teaspoon to suit my liking and it enhanced the flavor.  

• Laing na Gabi at Tokwa at Php 280. Taro leaves and braised coconut milk.

Healthy choice here

I love laing! I could've wanted it creamier with coconut milk. 

• Kare-kare Klasik at Php 570. Ox cheeks, tripe and meat stewed in peanut puree sauce with eggplant, Chinese cabbage and string beans.

More veggies, please

It doesn't look as appetizing but it is good. 

• Sizzling Bulalo na Baka at Php 920. Braised beef shank smothered in a mushroom sauce and served on a sizzling cast iron platter.

Favorite :)

Now this one's unique... and what topped the list. The sauce, with beef, with fried potatoes... it was all too powerful! I enjoyed every bite! 

• Inihaw na Liempo at Php 290.

It should be good anyway, it's expensive for a piece of meat

This one is good, too! No need for the sauce, actually.

• Inihaw na Pusit at Php 335. 

Never go wrong when it's fresh

Surprisingly, this one is cool, too. Just plain goodness.

With this, it calls for a celebration! I like the concept of adding blackened onion to suit one's taste though I just figured it out on my own. No one told us.

Overall, it was a good dining experience. Thumbs-up, Antonio's!

Planning your out-of-town food trip in Balay Dako? Here's their menu:

<a href="https://www.zomato.com/manila/balay-dako-tagaytay-city-tagaytay-city" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Balay Dako, Tagaytay City and other Restaurants in Metro Manila" target="_blank"><img alt="Balay Dako Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/6318213/minilogo" style="border:none;width:104px;height:15px;padding:0px;" /></a> 

Rating: 4

Balay Dako is located at:

Aguinaldo High-way,

Tagaytay City

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Saturday, January 16, 2016

You will be amazed at how Kuya J Restaurant poured over their marketing efforts: they have billboards, TVCs, and even have several branches in Metro Manila to choose from (and in Bacolod, where I had my first Kuya J's). Given that you're hungry, Kuya J's is an easy choice offering Filipino foods. 

2nd chance

So they have one in SM Southmall and it's always packed. I don't even know if it's because of the celebrity, Jericho Rosales. 

Choosing the never-tried ;p

And here's our take on their food offerings:

Kare-kare at Php 399. Description reads: 'Kuya's take on traditional kare-kare. Reinvented peanut sauce, perfect sa panlasa ng bawat Pinoy!' 

So small of you!!!!

It's not what you'd expect. You imagine this to be in a big bowl with lavish 'reinvented' peanut sauce, but it's not. Bet the peanut sauce was in scarcity. It tastes good, though nothing has beaten Little Quiapo's Kare-kare yet. But serving is just disappointingly small. 

Humba at Php 220: "Traditional pork humba in a sweet savory sauce. May kasama pang boiled egg."

Around 3 strips kuya

Same story. Very small. And nothing really special except with the egg, rather?

Sizzling Sisig with Egg at Php 190: "The all-time Filipino favorite sizzling crispy and crumbly chopped pork belly na hot na hot sa sarap."

Watch it sizzle

Now this one was a redeeming choice. Really crunchy, tasty and sticky. The pan they used was bigger than in other restos. 

Palabok at Php 165: "Traditional palabok with Kuya J's original rich shrimp sauce. Sinamahan pa ng boiled egg at crunchy chicharon bits."

Presentation: good, taste: ehh

Didn't enjoyed this, too. It was a bit bland.

In general, serving's small and it's overrated. Same sentiment I thought would turn-around from my Bacolod experience. They could've spent their money on improving their menu and serving. Word-of-moth could be the best marketing. Just sayin'.

<a href="https://www.zomato.com/manila/kuya-almanza-las-piñas-city" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Kuya J, Almanza and other Restaurants in Metro Manila" target="_blank"><img alt="Kuya J Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/6318518/minilogo" style="border:none;width:104px;height:15px;padding:0px;" /></a> 

Rating: 3

Kuya J Restaurant has a branch in:
SM Southmall

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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

So it's a new kid in town--- down South. Really happy that my hometown in the South has a lot to offer. After having lunch, hopped to Southern Dairy for some real desserts. 

Home-made is the keyword

Counter

The interior of Southern Dairy is simple with an industrial vibe but attractive enough. Especially this phrase written on the wall: 

Agree

Charming the small space

That's a lot of flavors

Was about to opt for their basic gelato, but decided for Brownie ala Mode at Php 135. Besides, it has an icre cream on top and chose Vanilla Cookie Dough as a contrast to the brownie.

And tadah.... presentation is cute with the over-sized plate, right?

I can feel the drama, haha

The ice cream itself is not so sweet (though I did not grasp much the flavor). Good combination with the sweet brownie. Although at some point, the brownie is hard. 

But I want to try their pure-goodness-pure-gelato next time around. It could be better. 

Menu here, btw:

<a href="https://www.zomato.com/manila/southern-dairy-bf-homes-parañaque-city" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Southern Dairy, BF Homes and other Restaurants in Metro Manila" target="_blank"><img alt="Southern Dairy Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/18201541/minilogo" style="border:none;width:104px;height:15px;padding:0px;" /></a> 

Rating: 3.5

Southern Dairy is located at:

44-C Aguirre Ave.,

BF Homes, 

Parañaque City

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Wednesday, December 09, 2015

I'm a sucker for burgers. Who's not, anyway? It's a go-to food for my hungry tummy. And speaking of hunger, I always am.

One not so ordinary day when I found myself hungry (again) and saw Burger Avenue, I instantly went inside to try. 

C'mon let's try it!

The walls says it all!

As a first-timer, tried their classic burger, Classic Avenue Burger, regular at Php 85. Their pride is that their burgers are 100% pure-beef (what Jollibee was saying, too), grilled fresh on an oat brioche bun. 

Choose up or...

Or on the wall. Aids in choosing :)

Had to add Php 50 for 16 oz drink and fries which I converted to their thick onion rings.

My palm is bigger

Thick onion rings!

My verdict? Well, the burger bun is relatively small. It's filled with a big slice of lettuce which is a plus for me. The brioche bun is something unique. The taste of the patty itself is okay but nothing spectacular. It's good, don't get me wrong but it's not like between the trusted chains, I'll purposely go here even if not convenient.

It's a nice try, though.

<a href="https://www.zomato.com/manila/burger-avenue-malate-manila" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Burger Avenue, Malate and other Restaurants in Metro Manila" target="_blank"><img alt="Burger Avenue Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/18153753/minilogo" style="border:none;width:104px;height:15px;padding:0px;" /></a> 

Rating: 3.5 

Burger Avenue is located at:

G/F, 810 

Castro St. Cor Fidel Reyes St,

Malate, Manila

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Saturday, December 05, 2015