Bon Banhmi is truly a hidden gem. First time I went there with friends was an epic fail. Even when guided by a map, we were debating where to pass and ended up getting lost. When we arrived at around 9pm, they were closed already because of bread sold out. 

Two days after, just to be sure, we had lunch in Bon Banhmi. Surprisingly, under the scorching heat of the sun, they were already entertaining throng of lunch-goers. Good thing, in the little store, we still had place to sit.

The roasted pork in front caught my attention so I tried Roast Pork Banhmi, medium-sized at Php 79. This size wasn't so small at all. The bread was so crunchy. Inside it were Vietnamese style roasted pork with vegetables and fresh mayonnaise. Every bite was so flavorful. And healthy! From the first until last, there was a generous heap of fillings. The sauce was oozing on one-side and though messy, I enjoyed it. I can also make out the crispiness of the roast pork.

For me, it was like eating my favorite shawarma only on a thicker and crunchier bun.I asked my friends if they liked their Traditional Banhmi and said they did. We even concluded that we can ask them to deliver in our apartment some other time.

Though it doesn't sound yummy, I tried their Artichoke Tea at Php 59 due to lack of choice (apart from that, they serve only coffee), too. I did not expect to enjoy it but it's yummy. It tasted like one fine gulaman it quenched my thirst. Again, it's a healthy version too. My only comment on the tea was the ice-- lots of them.

It was worth the hassle going there. Something new to try plus it's cheap! 


 
Rating: 4.0 


Bon Banhmi is located at:


8390 Mayapis Street, 
San Antonio, Makati City

Store hours: 6:30 AM to 11 PM 

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Saturday, May 09, 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

CaliBurger is located in, not in California but in Century City Mall PH. What I love about it is its beach setting with pops of orange everywhere.

The menu :)

For the first timer, tried first their basic burger A at Php 245. The burger was relatively big. The patty was tasty, too. I love the serving of lettuce and tomato. For the sides, instead of fries, chose onion rings and I enjoyed! It was thin and crisp. 

Basic CaliBurger Meal

Their selection of drinks, I give a thumbs up, too. They have variety of juices to choose from. And, it's refillable! All for the tag price. Sulit!

KINECT!

Again, love the beach side setting and the kinect set-up!


<a href="https://www.zomato.com/manila/caliburger-poblacion-makati-city" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about CaliBurger, Poblacion and other Restaurants in Metro Manila" target="_blank"><img alt="CaliBurger Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/6313573/minilogo" style="border:none;width:104px;height:15px;padding:0px;" /></a>  Rating: 3.5


CaliBurger is located at:


4/F, Century City Mall, 
Kalayaan Avenue, 
Poblacion, Makati City

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Friday, January 30, 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

Chicken with generous serving of gravy...

BBQ dripping with catsup-concoction sauce...

Pastas with heaping sauces...

Inihaw na isda or liempo with toyo at suka with matching kamatis at sibuyas...

I don't know if it's just me and my siblings but we, Filipinos, seem to love foods na masarsa- or those not just flavorful in itself but also with matching dipping and sauces. 

Sarsa Kitchen + Bar is a perfect combination of those two (and of what I adore in our cuisine). Specifically, they serve Ilonggo hearty foods (both my parents are!).

And just how yummy they were? Just read starting with the appetizers:

Pritchon Pancake at Php 270. Was it pancake or lumpia? I wasn't able to scrutinize well already. I was already taken by how good it was. Because even if it took me forever to eat it, it still tasted like heaven. Imagine, pritong lechon still awesomely crispy inside? Wow.

It came with Hoisin chili sauce. Didn't try it with it. Didn't think it was that necessary.

How are you there piggy lechon inside?

Lechon Manok Lumpia at Php 180. Now this one was the lesser evil appetizer- that I allowed myself to eat three, four? Well, I cannot remember. All I know was I enjoyed every flavorful bite. And the spices that came along inside made it bursting with so much goodness. Aprub!

It was served with Pinakurat but it's flavorful enough just by itself.

See the filling?

They also serve grilled sticks such as Isaw here at Php 165. Crispy and much hygienic, too. Haha.

Isaw love <3

Lechon Manok Pancit Canton at Php 195. Their serving was hefty. Their pancit canton was full of veggies and meat. It tastes good, prolly because of the flavor of lechon manok? It's also served with chili garlic oil.

Pancit for long life. 

Inasal Sisig at Php 335. Their sisig was a tad expensive compared to others but, hello? It's healthier, it's inasal. This was one of those yummy sisigs I've tried it took me two helpings until full to stop. Hope mayo came with it because then I might had adored it. Only that it won't be that healthy anymore.

Healthy way to sisig

Kansi at Php 380. Open and close parenthesis, Bulalo. I only took a sip for this one. I'm not used to Bulalo being sour. But then again maybe that's how Ilonggos would like it.

Bulalong maasim 

Thin-cut Liempo at Php 240. Served with native coffee and burong vinegar. Again, sorry I didn't try the sauces, or at least verify if it's really coffee because the liempo tasted just right.

Coffee ba talaga?

Lechon Kawali at Php 270. Served with Batwan Tsokolate and Pinakurat. Interesting, right? Twice the happiness for the already extreme lechon kawali.

Sinfully good!

Tortang Talong with Crispy Sardines and Kesong Puti at Php 210. I love talong and this one had a spicy twist and kick in it. Gourmet?

Pinakurat and Chili Banana Ketchup also came with it.

Talooong = Eggplaaaaant

Along with its comfy interiors and dedicated staff, it was a joy to dine in Sarsa Kitchen + Bar. Foods made sarsarap, three thumbs up.

For those looking for their menu, here:

Namit kaayo! 

('Super sarap' in Ilonggo)

  
Rating: 4.5

Sarsa Kitchen + Bar has a branch in:

2/F Entertainment Mall, 

SM Mall of Asia Complex,

Pasay City

Some photo credits to azyl. Happy, happy birthday :)

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Wednesday, January 21, 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

When a survey is asked, "Where best to eat in Tagaytay?", among the many names I can bet that Josephine Restuarant will come up in the list. It's been loved for almost 40 years. And it's been comforting weekend warriors delicious treats in the cold weather.

Christmas at Josephine

So as not to make the food cold, let the feast begin!

For appetizers, Crispy Kangkong (Php 220) will never fail. Served crisp, of course, with special mayo. The dip was good!

Perfect combo

Then comes Seafood Paella (Php 520) of which I was excited about primarily because I love Valenciana (they don't have this on the menu) and I always eat that than Paella. After devouring though, I still love our homemade Valenciana. To start off, our malagkit is sticky awesome. And the flavor of meat, chorizo, prunes all complement perfectly together. Not what I tasted with this Paella. Although in terms of seafood variety, there's a lot from shrimp, squid to crabs. And it can feed many, too.

This Paella can feed many!

Tagaytay is famous for this.  Josephine's Bulalo (Php 540) is surely a nice kick fit for the weather. It's flavorful and comforting. But not necessarily the best in town, though.

Are those 'utak' that I see? :)

Now then, Baked Talaba (Php 260)! Not a fan of this slimy treat but then in an instant, it's gone! It's talaba without so much fuss in seasonings. Just an exhibit of its delicate freshness.

Sorry for the not so nice photos but here are: Baked Talaba (lower portion) and Kare-Kare on the upper.

Kare-Kare (Php 395) is one of my favorites. But nothing beats Little Quiapo's. It's nice to note though that it's served heftily and the meat's tender!

Bangus to love!

I also enjoyed their Boneless Bangus (Php 340). It's crispy and tasty. Good even without soy sauce or dips!

Now this is fun, their Fresh Fruit Salad (Php 90)! With mangoes, melon, watermelon in a coconut husk plus whip! Too cute to eat.

Fruits in a fruit

They also have a very yummy Blueberry Cheesecake (Php 95). The cheesecake's so pure added with just the right amount of blueberry. It must have been baked fresh everyday!

Blueberry yum!

Also tried their Kahlua Sans Rival (Php 95) (not in the photo). Layer after layer of Sans rival goodness made special with Kahlua wine. I love their desserts!

The food is okay but love their ambiance more and attentive servers. And did I just forget that the cold weather was the icing on the cake?

  
Rating: 3


Josehphine Restaurant is located at:


Km. 58, Gen. Aguinaldo Hi-way,
Maharlika West, 
Tagaytay City

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Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Magnum!

One of those ice cream craves of several years ago making a come back with Magnum Cafe Manila! Oh, I said "the hassle of." Why? First, SM Aura's parking for first-timers is hard to decipher. Second, the line is just too long to bear!

But then "the power"! Who would ever say 'no' to a magnum made more royal and personal for thyself? So then succumb for one hundred pesos.

The famous logo

The line's pretty simple.

Step 1: Pay the bucks.

Step 2: Choose three flavors among the vast choices. Picked chopped pistachios, white choco crunch balls and crushed brownie.

What would you choose?

Step 3: Choose ice cream flavor: vanilla or chocolate. What doesn't go well with Vanilla?

Step 4: Choose a dip. At that time dark chocolate, chocolate and white chocolate were available. Chose the middle.

It gets harder, right? :)

Step 5: After dipping the ice cream bar and putting it with my choice of toppings, choice of drizzle followed! Chose white chocolate.

Step 6: And for the finale, a chocolate magnum emblem!

Certified!

So here's my very own Magnum:

Hello, there!

Although this pop-up store is only on a 12-month run, hope to find the time to eat the the cafe-real soon!


 
Rating: 4


Magnum Cafe Manila is located at:


5/F SM Aura Premiere,
Sky Park, McKinley H-way
McKinley Hill, Taguig

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Saturday, November 15, 2014