Elbow Room Lounge

Elbow Room Lounge - Metrowalk Pasig city

We had our team milestone at Elbow Room Lounge in Metrowalk, Pasig City. I was really looking forward to coming here because I enjoy videoke and plus they have a lot of good stuff on their menu. They also have billiards in the VIP room that we rented at Elbow Room, which is a plus because most of the places I’ve been have either videoke machines or billiards table only.

Manang's Chicken

Manang's Chicken at AIG Tower

Manang’s Chicken tagged as the “Bagong Fried Chicken ng Pinoy”, has the same crispiness as that of Bon Chon Chicken, but of course with a pinoy sweet and spicy sauce.

It is said that Manang’s Chicken originated from a lawyer’s house helper fried chicken recipe, thus the name of the restaurant Manang’s Chicken.

Luk Yuen Noodle House

Luk Yuen at Megamall

I have always been fascinated by the number of people eating at Luk Yuen. I am a big fan of Chinese food and I could say that Luk Yuen is one of those Chinese restaurants which are on top of my list for sure.  Their menu consists of classic Chinese dishes, dimsum, wanton, noodles, siomai and of course Yang Chow rice.

Coco Fresco

Coco Fresco

Recently I was diagnose with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), mainly because I drink to much carbonated drinks, energy drinks and lots of sodas. 60% of the time I don’t drink water which led me to dehydration and later UTI.

So now, I’m going more natural and organic, also it was the doctor’s advised that I should drink more fluid and water.  I read that coconut (buko) juice could really replenish your lost fluids and is also a good cure for UTI, luckily there was new stall in SM Marikina which is Coco Fresco.

Secret Recipe

Secret Recipe

A friend and I went to Secret Recipe in SM Megamall Atrium, and sadly I was disappointed. I was expecting a bit more from this restaurant since a lot of my friends have recommended this place, especially the cakes.

So there we were one night, waiting at our table inside Secret Recipe. The place was really nice and the display case where the cake is located really makes you hungry. They have a variety of menu from pasta’s to other classic Asian Cuisines.

Loumar Pies and Tarts

Loumars pies and tarts

Tagaytay have been my second home, been visiting this place since I was a kid. So, I would like to feature one of the best place you could buy Paslubong  if ever you’re in Tagaytay.

Located along Aguinaldo Highway just a few meters away from the rotunda, is a place called Loumars Pies and Tarts.  There is a wide array of sweet you could buy displayed on the shelf. There are pineapple candies, lengua, piyaya, tamarind candies, some banana chips and of course lots of pies and tarts.

Happy Lemon

Happy Lemon

A friend of mine started posting this Happy Lemon thread all over my Facebook wall, I quickly googled it and search what that Happy Lemon is. Good thing there was one near our place, which is at Eastwood mall.

So there I was one lazy after-the-dentist afternoon, with teeth still aching, headed towards Eastwood. The place was very welcoming and the ambiance makes you feel really happy, I thought it was another Japan milk tea like Bubble tea because the mascot of Happy Lemon is a cute cartoon with a Lemon as it head , but it is actually a Chinese tea franchise.

Bubble Tea

Bubble Tea

Bubble Tea is the expensive version of Infinitea, price are from 65 to 199php for tea drinks. Bubble tea is also known as “Tokyo Milk Tea Drink”, located on the ground floor of what used to be the biggest mall in the Philippines until SM Mall of Asia was built. My sister was the first to tell me to try out Bubble Tea, I thought that it was just a tea house, but upon entering the place I found out that it is also a Japanese restaurant serving Japan’s favorite meal like Ramen, Gyudon and Katsudon.

Infinitea

Infinitea

I am originally a coffee lover, but due to health issues and a constant persuasion from my dad,sister and friends that I should drink tea because of the benefits it could do to my health. I am now a convert from coffee to tea lover, But I haven't closed my taste buds for coffee of course. So I have tried 3 tea houses first one is Infinitea, then Bubble Tea and the latest was Happy Lemon. Since a friend ask me to write a review about this franchises, here I am in front of my laptop trying hard to remember the taste of each tea I drank, which is actually make me feel a bit of thirsty for tea. 

The CAF Express

Caf Express | photo courtesy of CAF express Facebook Group

Heard about this eat all you can for only 99php located at Sta.Lucia, East Grand Mall. Luckily, Sta.Lucia is just a few blocks away from our place. It’s located on the ground floor
of the mall; it was previously Expression store for those who have been going to this place for the past 10 years.

Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant

Singpore Zam Zam Restaurant (Taken with a phone camera)

I am a big fan of briyani rice and curry and while I was at Singapore I wanted to look for a place where I could really tastes the real briyani and curry. A friend of my told me to visit zam zam which is a famous Indian restaurant in Singapore. They said that Zam Zam is even older than Singapore itself, around 100 plus years old.

Hill Street Hawkers

I actually never planned to go here while I was on my two weeks’ vacation at Singapore.  But as they say getting lost is the highlight of every journey. So there I was, originally looking for Changi road, when I suddenly made an unknown stop.  So I was walking , then I felt hungry I looked at the signs on the road and it says Bedok South. I was thinking where the hell am I, my stomach started churning and I could not ignore the fact that I was hungry.

Thank goodness for Hill Street Fried Kway Teow . I have tried Kway Teow in the Philippines but I wanted to know the difference between the tastes. I ordered their Hill Street Fried Kway Teow , it was a sinful craving that I couldn’t deny.

Sabeena's Indian Rojak

I meet up with a friend at Bugis station while I was at Singapore, before our meet up time I was looking for a place to go somewhere near Bugis. So, I researched about a great place to eat near Bugis and the search results said Sabeena's Indian Rojak. Immediately, I google map the location and after a few minutes made my way to Sabeena.

Tong Kang Hawkers

Tong Kang station near Sengkang Ave, SG

Since Hawkers are very famous in Singapore I tried almost 4 different locations of hawkers. Tong Kang LRT station near Sengkang has its own hawker. There were about 9 stalls all in all, which showcase different types of cuisine from Indian, Korean, Singaporean and Malaysian foods.

Goldilocks at Universal Studio Singapore

During my tour at Singapore, I went to their famous amusement park "Universal Studios Singapore (USS)" which is located at Resort World.

I took my lunch at a place called Goldilocks located on the "far far away" section of the park, I ordered one bucket composed of 6 fried chicken with 2 buns and 3 regular drinks. The servings were plenty and I loved the criss-cut fries.

Fat Friar at Universal Studios Singapore

Friar Tuck

In this very quaint little chapel that actually serves as a restaurant is a place called Fat Friar. This restaurant is located at Universal Studios Singapore (USS).  There is a giant Fat Friar statue located in front of the store so there’s no way that you could miss that.

Makansutra - Gluttons Bay at Singapore

Makansutra - Gluttons Bay

I went to Singapore last September 17. It was actually my first time flying internationally. I was both nervous because I was travelling alone, excited at the same time mainly because i get to experience authentic dishes made in that country,see beautiful places and mingle with different cultures.

When I arrived at Singapore, I went straight (i was still carrying my luggage) to their famous Marina Bay sands, took a few photos and stayed for a bit on the viewing area to savor the view of the famous 3 sticks. Then as I was looking around I found this amazing place which they call as "The Gluttons Bay - Makansutra", it was a sure call for my hungry self. There where about 7-10 stalls of food, ranging from

Gumbo

A Taste of New Orleans

Gumbo - A taste of New Orlean

Looking for a fixed on my seafood craving, I decided to visit one of the seafood shops in SM Megamall Atrium, I was not really considering Gumbo, but during that time they were offering a promo which is buy one take one. With a quick look on the pricey menu, it took me awhile to decide whether I should eat here or not, but since the promo is buy 1 take 1, I told myself at least I could have a taste of 2 of their menu for the price of 1.

Hai Chinese Restaurant and Bar

Hai Chinese Restaurant 

Since Marikina is very close to my heart, I promised her that I would try my best to try out different places and foods found in this area. So there we were, on one, yet another relaxed Saturday looking for a place to satisfy our craving for Chinese food.

The Hai Chinese Restaurant and Bar located at the ground floor of SM Marikina. I could not make out the letterings on their logo, initially I thought it was the same restaurant found in megamall which is HK choi. Then while reading the menu, I found out that it was Hai Chinese.

Bon Chon Chicken

Chicken Bon Chon

As i was walking around SM Megamall, I stummbled upon this new restaurant called Chicken BON CHON. The place is a bit small, but mind you there about 15-20 people outside waiting to be seated. That's when I started to wonder what's the fuzz about this chicken bon chon,so me and my friend also asked the waiter to list our name on his reservation, then waited anxiously outside till our names were called out.

Adobo To’

Adobo to'

My first taste of Adobo To’ was 2009, I was new at this Japanese IT company when I heard about this Adobo to’ during one of our over times.  It was new to me, having to eat adobo with salsa and cheese.

The Racks

The Racks

My second steak for this month. It was a regular lunch time at the office when my colleagues decided to call in lunch at The Racks. At first I was hesitant looking at the prices on the

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse, Libis

It’s been awhile since I have been to Outback, good thing one of my closest friend will be celebrating his 24th birthday there. We didn’t get to choose the order because it was pre-ordered by our friend. But still, his choice of meal was excellent. 

Café by the Ruins

Cafe by the ruins

Looking for an old delicacy, unknown to most people who grew up in Manila (like me), my stomach brought me to the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City. This delicacy as my friend have bragged about have been his favorite during his college days there.


I’m talking about, Pinikipikang Manok. It took us a few searches on the internet before we could find this forgotten dish. Finally, the searches returned Café by the Ruins. With just an address we asked the taxi driver if he knows the restaurant and we were in luck, he knew the way.

Pizza Volante

Pizza Volante

Looking for a pizza fix after a morning of trying ukay-ukay at Baguio city, we managed to find a place famous for its pizza and other Italian cuisine.

Pizza Volante is a place not very hard to find just across 7/11 at session road. Look for a green sign that say Pizza Volante and viola eat your heart out.

Cafe Lidia

Cafe Lidia

Cafe Lidia, is just 2 streets away from our house can you imagine that. A great place to eat which is walking distance away. I have often passed by this place which is jam packed with people, car parked at both side lined up, covering almost 3 blocks.

It took me actually a couple of months to visit this place, a bit of sales talk and an offer to pay half of the bill, with my hungry mom, dad and ate we tried out this place.

Mr. Kurosawa

Mr. Kurosawa Euro-Japanese food, eastwood city

After long walks and shopping around Eastwood, my friend and I got hungry. We were deciding whether to eat at Flying pig or Mr. Kurosawa, but Japanese food that time sounds yummy so we decided to take our lunch at Mr. Kurosawa.

The place during that time was really jam packed, they have really big menu. Not just the size of the menu itself but also the number of choices available.  The menu is a combination of old Japanese food mixed with modern Hollywood - named and style of cooking.

Ambos Mundos

Ambos Mundo

They say this is one of the oldest restaurants in the Philippines and I also have read this on Carlos Celdran’s blog, he describes the menus as “definitely Rizalian” and the interior design as “Nick Joaquin chic.” Patrons will be amused to see a black pig lounging near the entryway of the establishment. The staff says the pig is there for luck.

Ambos Mundo restaurant is located at the Sta.Cruz, Manila across another restaurant Wah Sun which I wrote about last Feb 2011 on this blog. As the name suggest, it serves both worlds Filipino and Spanish cuisine.

Sizzlin Pepper Steak

Sizzlin Pepper Steak

For my boss’ farewell dinner we decided to eat at a place called sizzlin Pepper Steak. It’s part of the Teriyaki Boy food chain.  We ate at SM Megamall Atrium; the place is very clean and has cozy interiors. What I loved about this place is the paper mat that tells you how to eat your pepper rice and steaks.

Tokyo Café

Tokyo Cafe

After a long line on the salon, a new haircut, a hungry self, a demanding friend and plus our favorite restaurant was jam packed with people, leaving us with no choice but to eat at a restaurant foreign to us. Tokyo Café, have actually been a good stomach saver.

The place looks nice and the food smelled great so we went for the Tokyo Café experience. It was small in front but actually stretches out in the back area.

Orchard Road

Orchard road Logo

We decided to have a little treat for ourselves (promotion!), to a little sumptuous and off the budget meals. We choose Orchard Road for our reward, also as a pre taste for me, since I plan to take a 2 weeks’ vacation in Singapore on September.

We ordered a feast, it surprised us that each meal only costs around 100 – 160php, looking at the place we thought it's worth at least 300php a meal. The place was beautifully ornamented, the tables were arranged spaciously and the chairs are comfortable.

We did not know how to order at first so I’m going to teach you how. First, get the paper

Wah Sun

Wah Sun Cantonese Restaurant

Before starting our Manila walk tour inspired by Carlos Celdran, we decided to eat Wah Sun, a cantonese restaurant famous for its wild boar pet located at the opening of the restaurant. The Black Boar is actually considered lucky , they also have a mini zoo located at the ground floor.

Rustica

Rustica

Awesome! That’s the best word to describe Rustica. By first looking at the place you’d think that the prices are expensive, but mind you once you see the menu you might fall off your chair because it has one of the cheapest menu I have ever seen. The food prices range from 120-170php servings are good for 2-3 person, believe me its worth the 4 hours trip going from Manila to Tarlac.

Jatujak

Jatujak at SM Megamall

Haven’t tried anything Thai, so I was looking for a restaurant serving Thai food. Luckily, my work place is near a restaurant which serves Thai food. Jatujak, is located at the ground floor of SM megamall bldg A.

The first time I tried this place the experience was great. Everything was good, the food, the service, the atmosphere and the amount of servings they have. 

Stackers Burger

Stackers Burger @ Eastwood City

Craving for a burger fix, my family and I went to this Aussie restaurant in Eastwood. It’s called Stacker’s burger.

They brag about having real Australian beef burger, and since we are a fan of burgers and have tried Carl’s jr, Brother’s burger and wham this is something we couldn’t miss.

Stackers Cheese Burger

Stackers Iced Tea

The 4 us ordered their Stacker’s cheese burger, garlic fries and iced tea. The price range is very affordable, ranging from 95-250php per burger. And 45php for the iced tea.

I really liked their cheese burger, the patty really was beefy although there’s really no telling if its real Australian beef. But it was very tasty and tender. The beef patties' oil comes out every time you bite and it is really delicious. Their servings are big and the iced tea is a well treat for this meal.

I also liked the garlic fries that we ordered, especially the garlic bits that is included in the serving.

Since we really liked it, we have visited the place 3 times since we first went there.

Old Vine Grille

Old Vine Grille, Eastwood City

Nothing to do on a Saturday, with my constant foodie companions aka my family. We decided to visit one of our favorite hang-outs which is Eastwood, which caters to a lot of restaurant.

We ate at Old Vine Grille which is somewhat a European restaurant. Very cosy and offers a French feel ambiance. It is located at the ground floor of Eastwood City. Like most restaurant in eastwood the interior is narrow but stretches far back.

I really enjoyed the services in this restaurant because they are easy to approach and efficient in taking your orders. They also know when to walk up to you and when not to.

The food taste great and is always served hot, plus they offer you gourmet crushed peppers so no need to asked. The servings are generous and is served fast.

Seafood Paella

My mom ordered Seafood Paella,  the servings were big I even asked her to give some of her paella. It was not to salty and tasted just right.

Baked Salmon

For my Dad, who is at a constant cholesterol watch he ordered Baked Salmon. According to the waiter no oil was used in cooking this salmon. Recommended for those health and weight watchers glutton.

Lasagna

My sister ordered Lasagna, the tomato sauce in this lasagna was very distinct. Taste like real Italian lasagna.

Tiger Prawn in cognac sauce

For me, I order a seafood plate, Tiger Prawn in Cognac Sauce. It was tasty and the sauce really complements the tiger prawn. One thing I was not really happy about is the size of the prawn, I thought it would be bigger. But all in all, the experience was fulfilling.


For more info :

Address

G/F Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City, Libis Quezon City

Contact 

706-5573 / 706-5574 

Masfere

Masfere, Sagada

During our visit to Sagada, we had no idea where to eat, what to do and where to go. So we ask the owner of the inn where the best place to eat at sagada, and she told us to visit Masfere.

The place was spacious, the tables are arranged orderly and spaced properly. There were also pictures that lined up the walls of the restaurant. The pictures were taken by the Philippines Father of Photography, Eduardo Masfere. Looking at the menu it was a bit pricey for a restaurant located in Sagada, and plus there was really no difference in the menu of the food you could order here in Manila. They were serving adobo, tapa, longanisa and the like, I was really expecting something out of the ordinary something I could only eat in Sagada.

Leaving us with no choice we ordered pork chop, adobo and lemon grass chicken. The lemon grass chicken was delicious and the batirol chocolate drink was also tasty.  It was just like an ordinary meal, but on the plus side the decors made the place really interesting and the history of the place is what keeps the tourist seeking Masfere.

PS.

There's actually no inn at Masfere.

For more info:

Masfere

Open monday to sunday 

from 8am to 8pm