We all know that Chili's is a good Tex-Mex restaurant around, and I second the motion! Here are some from their menu I've tried that's worth a thumbs up:

1.) Big Mouth Burger Bites- Php 445. Perfect for a group of four. Mini burgers with crispy bacon, aged cheddar cheese, sauteed onions and a ranch dressing. The best thing about it: onion rings and fries are served with it!

The burgers are tasty and I love the beef itself.

Go, help yourself

2.) Cilantro Pesto Pasta-Chicken- Php 440.00. Not spicy! Penne pasta, as seen, with yummy sauce, pico de gallo and chicken. Good for two!

Penne's usually need a super tasty sauce as it's thicker and bigger. In Chili's, they made a perfection!

Penne goodness

What's nice about Chili's too is their proactive staff. A good place to just enjoy and chill :)

P.S. Hope to make this list longer :)

  
Rating: 4.5


Chili's has a branch in:
Greenbelt

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Sunday, November 30, 2014

I love burgers! It's one of those foods that I really find comforting. Not to say that it's everywhere it's comforting to find, too.

Sometimes, it pops up everywhere that when hunger strikes thinking twice is not an option.

I don't know how long has Big City been in SM Mall of Asia that when I saw it, "let's eat there!" Inside is just a small but comfy place to eat. Maybe it was called "Big City" because it has a penchant for the tallest buildings in big cities as its decor on the wals. Also King Kong, conquering the Empire State Building, on the other side.

Yes, that's King Kong on top of Empire State Building

Sausages, Burgers and Wings

Among the choices Big City offers, I chose the middle: Burger! And here's what I had: Cheeseburger at Php 165 served with fries and drinks.

My Cheeseburger!

The burger is relatively bigger and it's flame-grilled. Not bad at all! (Although I don't like tasting burnt meat) And not too expensive as well. Worth a try! ;)

 
Rating: 3


Big City is located at:


G/F Entertainment Mall
SM Mall of Asia, Bay Boulevard
Pasay City

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Saturday, November 29, 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

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

Purple Oven is just around the corner that every time there's a sweettooth craving or someone's celebrating birthday, it's the place to be.

The cakes and pastries are quite expensive than the commercialized ones but you get your money's worth here.

Some of my recommended are:

Cakes:

Chocolate Campfire- Php 600- Looks interesting, tastes delectably good. Had this as a birthday present last year and was so happy!

Toot cute to eat :)

Pistachio Stardust- Php 720- pistachio lovers' haven. This is just layer after layer of chiffon goodness. Covered with thin icing and sprinkled with pounded pistachio. The portion that I most love is the crust made of pistachios pounded to stardust.

Stardust of pistachio!

Pastries:

Lemon Bars- Php 450/ 32 pcs- Love the sweet and lemony combination. It's so soft it melts in my mouth. Not too sweet, too.

Breads:

Sausage roll- Php 95- I love the herb topped with every roll. Better than Starbucks'.

Their turn-overs such as Chili con Carne and Tuna's mouthwatering, too!

No wonder why so many people like the sweets here. Really worth every bucks!

  
Rating: 4


Purple Oven is located at:


MCA Bldg., 7 Sacred Heart St.,
San Antonio Village,
Makati City

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Saturday, October 25, 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

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Monday, October 20, 2014

One starry night, as the craving and hunger after work kicked-in, we found ourselves in Mesa Filipino Moderne.

WARNING: That it was just to satisfy, therefore not planned, we only ordered few dishes. 

From the name itself, we know that they serve our very own, but adding moderne in the title makes it exciting! Mesa’s interiors are modern; not the usual wooden tables and oriental decors that it was impressive yet the ambience, relaxing.

Not only in the interiors was it modern but also in the way food were served. There goes our craving for the night: Chicken and Pork Pochero Php 385! It was a hearty meal. But nothing too special. We were just two but almost nothing was left. It was comforting to our tummies. 

The waiter mixed the Pochero before serving

We also had Tinapa Roll wrapped with Lettuce Php 155. First off, I commend the presentation. When I tasted it, I could have offered a clap. It was crispy and the tinapa was so flavorful. Since we were two, I got to eat several. It's not good though. A helping or two was just enough or else, mauumay ka na. 

Tinapa inside :)

We had Filipino dessert as well, Talong Salad Php 80, served in a glass. Perfect to end the busy workday.

Candle plus talooooong!

I salute restaurants who go for Filipino goodness. Be proud of our heritage (and comfort food :D )

On the other time that we went in their SM Southmall Branch, had the ff:

• Grilled Liempo (Php 195)

Liempo was ordinary. La Mesa Grill's version is still better because it's quite sweet.

• Beef Kare-kare (Php 305)

Serving is good for 3. I have a high benchmark for Kare-kare. Blame it on Little Quiapo's.

• Stuffed Giant Squid (Php 325)

The head with the 'tentacles' was fried with breading. While the body stuffed with meat has its own sauce in soy base, I think. It was okay. Stuffed not generously but not too bad, either. I still like the grilled one tomatoes and onions inside.

  
Rating: 3.5

Mesa Filipino Moderne has a branch in:

G/F Greenbelt 5, 
Ayala Center

Makati City

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Monday, October 13, 2014

A week after eating Buffalo wings in another restaurant, with my office pals, I tried Wingman. Although it’s situated in a non-descript area in Makati, I find the interiors relaxing: menus on chalkboard, scribbles and frames everywhere, aero plane drawings and literal wings and a TV set playing sports! It’s like a place one would go to catch up with friends and eat!

Hello, Mr. Wingman!

As my pack was divisible by two, I went for Dozen Wings with a friend at Php 350. Good thing that two flavors can be chosen so ticked in Garlic Parmesan for the first half and Honey Garlic for the second.

Garlic Parmesan, according to the menu, has fresh minced garlic grated with authentic Italian parmesan to perfection. Wow, that’s description enough! I mean, you can never go wrong with anything cheese, right?

Honey Garlic is sweet, of course, and garlicky with a touch of honey. Noticed that both were up in garlic, but never mind.

When the dozen was served, it has a complimentary raw carrot sticks and mayonnaise with sprinkle of herbs. I’m not a carrot fan so I went ahead for my first choice: Garlic Parmesan.

Well, their garlic parmesan was a tad garlicky for me; wasn’t able to trace that parmesan, too. Overall, it was just fine, nothing spectacular plus the wings weren’t that juicy. Not as juicy as Buffalo Wings n' Things. Honey Garlic, meantime was much okay, though not exponentially, for me than the first one.

Garlic Parmesan vs. Honey Garlic

What I enjoyed best was my unlimited blue lemonade! While waiting for our food, it was a perfect companion.

Captain Cola, you're the best!

When I get back, I hope that their food will improve, though their service is good. Servers were attentive to refill my favorite Captain Cola :)

  
Rating: 2.5

Wingman is located at:

The Collective, 
Malugay St.,
Makati City

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Monday, October 06, 2014

Lately, my office pals and I had been scouring streets for the best Buffalo wings in town. Not so far away, one of us suggested good wings to satisfy the crave. From the not so spicy to ultimate wingsanity, all of us were ultimately satisfied.

Hello sporty people!

Buffalo Wings N' Things in Glorietta 5 was packed with patronizers that there was a need to line for queue before finally, the sought for wings will be served. Inside the restaurant, there's this comfortable and western feel. And seemingly, all around people were enjoying.

As mentioned, the Ultimate Winsganity is their hottest of all Buffaloes. Followed by:

• Total Wingsanity
• Gangnam Style
• Armageddon
• Nuclear
• Firehouse Classic
• New York’s Finest (Just like a pizza flavor, good thing yours truly wasn’t fooled)
• The Rookie
• Jalapeño Cheddar
• Whiskey Glaze
• K-Pop
• Honey BBQ
• Garlic Parmesan

From burgers to pizzas, I have this penchant for BBQ flavors so I tried their Honey BBQ at ½ Pound for Php 149. It’s the second flavor from the mildest but whoah! It caused sweat to drip from my forehead. It has a kick after all. Still, I enjoyed the playful combination of Honey, BBQ and a little spice. The wings were juicy, too. And to my delight, it was served in little puddle of sauce which my wings can dip in anytime. I need to wear plastic gloves too as though messy, was really fun!

Saucy!

Putting the hotness to its limit, I tried my wings in a Dirty Rice Php 39. It was a hilarious combination because the rice is smoky in itself already! What balanced it though was the additional Bleu Cheese Php 29. I loved how the Bleu Cheese appeased the hotness.

To cap the night, we shared two cups of NY Cheesecake Ice Cream Php 84. It was pretty in its whip topped with blueberry sauce. Below it, the ice cream itself was even better. Thanks to the crushed cookie that added texture and flavor.

I though the whip was the ice cream!!

Three thumbs up!

  
Rating: 4

Buffalo Wings n’ Things has a branch in:

Glorietta 5

Makati City

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Wednesday, October 01, 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