Mister Kabab

Known as one of the best after-gimik place aside of course from the usual gotohan, Mister Kabab has been operating for ages now. Usually jam-packed during the ungodly hours, this resto which was originally located at Quezon Avenue, still carries and even doubled the number of satisfied customers when they moved to West Ave.

What I like most about this resto is that it is open-air so, you should not worry about the smell of spices in your food sticking to your clothes because of its good ventilation. They have a good number of their server so, despite having many customers, you can expect a fast service from their friendly staff.

I remember the first time I visited the place, we just came from a beer session in a nearby Kowloon West, and It was my friends who talked me into trying out this legendary Mister Kabab.

Persian Food as we all know is an acquired taste, but personally, I've no problem with it. I enjoyed the food so much; I would love to go back there with no questions asked.

During that first trip, it was my friend Mike who ordered for Me and another friend, Alex. We had their Beef Biryani, Sizzling Keema, Sizzling Lamb, Ox Brain, and the Grilled Onion and Tomato with Garlic Sauce. And then of course, the Yogurt Shake.
Beef Biryani is beef mixed with special curry sauce and various spices. This dish is not for faint hearted because it is so spicy, you need to gulp on something before you finished the meal, well at least for me. Mike was so kind he asked me trade in with his Sizzling Keema in the event that I didn't like it, but I finished the dish for al its worth. Well, I get to taste their food anyway. (such sweet friends I have).

Sizzling Keema is basically sizzling ground pork mixed with various Persian spices, gravy, and tomatoes. Its simple look can be deceiving because it tastes so good.

Sizzling Lamb is an all time favorite at Mister Kabab. The tenderness of the Lamb plus, the marinate itself is so good, a cup of rice is not enough.

Oxbrain. "The Oxbrain". My friends probably wouldn't allow me to go home without tasting this one. Hello Cholesterol, but, whatever, because it taste really good. But then, I tried not to think of Hannibal Lecter while gorging on it.

The Grilled Onion and Tomato with Garlic Sauce is equally new to my taste and surprisingly, I liked it. I tried making my own version of it in our home, only, the garlic sauce is not that good.

Eating these scrumptious meals is good especially when paired with yogurt shake as it takes away the after-taste of each dish, so, it is recommended to have a glass of this when eating at Mister Kabab.

The price, well, it is surprisingly cheap considering the big servings of food they give to their customer. Each Meal ranges from 100php to 150php, not bad.

With the experience I had with Mister Kabab, I must say that just the food itself is enough reason why is it called Legendary by some.

Mister Kabab95A West Ave. Quezon City,
Metro Manila.
Contact N0. (02) 373-5941

Rancho Ranchero Burger and then some, at Tropical Hut

Long before Jollibee and McDonalds came into the local scene, we have our very own Tropical Hut Hamburger. Growing up, I remember that their branch that my family and I would frequent to was the one in front of Sta. Lucia East, I don't know if its still there though, I have not been to the place for ages. Good thing they still have their Greenhills Branch near where I reside.

Although, I must say that not everyone have the liking for this fast food chain, some of my friends would give me nasty look whenever I suggest dining there, I love the fact that their food is made specifically for pinoy's palates. Some of my Tropical Hut's Favorite are their Rancho Ranchero Burger, their very pinoy Spaghetti, and Palabok Espesyal.



Rancho Ranchero's no Wagyu Burger but it is delicious in its own right. The big burger is layered with iceberg lettuce, tomato, cucumber, mayo, and a fried sunny side up egg (this what seperate it from the other burger), sandwiched in an equally big and soft sesame bun. For 112php, you can have a set meal of Rancho Ranchero plus a regular fries and drinks.

Their Spaghetti is the classic pinoy-birthday-party style spaghetti with a generous serving of sweet spaghetti sauce, juicy hotdog bites, and sweet ham, topped with melted cheese. I usually order their very satisfying Spaghetti and 1pc Chicken meal with drinks for 110php.

Another favorite is their Palabok Espesyal, the classic rice noodles with tasty orange crab sauce, garnished with fresh shrimp, sliced egg, tinapa shreds, and of course, crushed chicharon. For only 68php, you can have it with your choice of soft drinks or juice.

Another promising meal at Tropical Hut is their Classic meal, which resembles that of Jollibee's Champ Burger, and then their Clubhouse and Spring Chicken Meal.

Tropical Hut hamburger has always been there for decades. And personally, it is comforting to know that amidst the new restos and fast food chains that has been mushrooming in the metro, we can always go back to those whom we grew up with.

Tropical Hut Hamburger Delivery number is 755-8000

Choc-O-Nut Cake by Red Ribbon

I was on my way home and thinking of the food review I have to make for the Rancho Ranchero Burger as promised on yedylicious' twitter account when I heard Red Ribbon's Radio Advertisement for their new cake roll. Although I have recently reviewed their S'mores Chocolate Cake, I know, I would have to start another review on their new product.

Red Ribbon has yet again introduced another cake inspired by everyone's favorite childhood's treat, this time, its ChocNut. Another addition to the varieties of their cake, Choc-O-Nut cake roll just like the others is available in Whole roll for 315php and half roll for 195php.


Made out of the classic soft chiffon cake, smothered with rich and creamy icing, then sprinkled with chocolate bits and crushed nuts.

No they didn't put ChocNut bar on it, therefore you wouldn't be overwhelmed with the flavor itself, but every bite will give you the lavish indulgence of the cream and the chocolate bits, then a subtle taste of the nuts will kick in which gives you the hint that it is indeed ChocNut flavored cake.

Another delectable cake for the children, and the children at heart, from Red Ribbon.

Red Ribbon Delivery hotline is 8-7777

Feel Good, Comfort Food at Grams Diner

“Feel Good Comfort Food” that is the tagline of Grams Diner, located at the ground floor of ELJ Building at ABS-CBN compound, this diner is true in every word of that tagline.

Popular among the ABS-CBN diners because of its proximity to the network, Grams Diner indeed serves uncomplicated meals on an upbeat atmosphere that resembles that of American diners in the 50's. It actually reminds me of BIGGS Diner in Naga which has the same theme, only, Grams is downright simpler.

The prices are very affordable considering they offer set meals which I should say are delectably satisfying. The food servers are very accommodating, and the place is cool, you should see their wall mirror turned graffiti board.

They do serve breakfast anytime of the day, and my favorite is their Breakfast Sampler which consists of two eggs, bacon, silver dollar pancakes, sausage, and hash brown for only 195php.

Their set lunch consist of main dish, a choice between soup or salad, a choice of mashed potatoes, fries, steamed rice or garlic rice, iced tea, a choice between bottomless coffee and tea.

We did try their Grilled Pork chop and Fried Chicken set lunch for 125php. The meal looks uncomplicated, but it is surely satisfying and tasty you'll get your money's worth.

I heard that they serve great desserts and burgers as well, but I guess I would have to save that for another review as there's no more room left on our tummy.

Grams Diner
ELJ Building Gfloor
Sgt. Esguerra cor. Mother Ignacia
Quezon City
Philippines

S’mores Chocolate Cake by Red Ribbon

Who doesn't love s'mores? I know most of us grew up with it, because, what would our childhood camping and picnics be without it? A combination of roasted marshmallow and a slab of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker, definitely a memory of happy childhood.
When Red Ribbon introduced their version of s’mores turned into cake, I was a little apprehensive about it. A glorified version of my childhood's favorite camping snack? It should be eaten with a Tom-Sawyer-may-care kind of attitude, with the chocolate dripping on your fingers as you bite on the soft mallows and crispy graham, how could they possibly turn it into something that requires fork? But then again, for the sake of it, I give in to the rave that is. And I never regretted it.


Made up of layers of delightfully moist chocolate chiffon cake with layers of soft marshmallows and graham, made more delectable with whipped chocolate, chocolate cookie crumbs, and topped with cream kisses, chocolate squares and luscious caramel syrup.

It is sweet and definitely delicious for all its worth, kids would love it but adults should just have a moderate serving for it can kick you way to the avoided sugar land.

The regular size is 520php while the junior is 320php.

Red Ribbon bakeshop delivery hotline is 8-7777

Caffe Ago-Go

Before I plunge into a wondrous world of writing, I belonged to call center industry first. And having said that, it means that I have my own share of morning beer session with workmates to wherever our feet may drag us.

One place my friends and I would frequent to is Caffe Ago-Go in Ortigas Center. And although I'm no longer in the CC Industry, I still visit this place and meet up with some friends and do some catching up over buckets of beer and satisfying food.

The place is relatively small but the service is good as well as the food. The crowd mostly comprise of call center people which contributes to its happy atmosphere. The prices are reasonable as they offer bucket sets which includes 6 bottles of san Miguel Beer (Light/Dry/Pale) and then your choice of finger food. The price for this sets ranges from 345php to 385php.

Although they offer wide variety of food, my personal choices are their Fish and Chips, Onion Rings, Nachos, and Quesadilla. I would have to say that their garlic sauce which can be paired with anything is so good I always ask for more.

Caffe A-Go-Go
(Ortigas Branch) G/F, Emerald Mansion
Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center
Pasig City
Contact Number: 638-7664

Sushi on a budget

If Sushi cravings hit you when you are on a tight budget, it is not yet the end of the world. There is Sushi-Boi Delihaus and SM Supermarkets to save you.

You see, my love for Japanese food started with a love affair with sushi. In a perfect world, I'll have plenty of dough to spend on Sushi, or I'll even go to Japan and drown myself with sushi just to get over this perpetual craving I have. But then this is not a perfect world, and I have a budget to work on.

Good thing, food stalls selling mixed sushi are now proliferating in some supermarkets in the metro. My mother frequently buys Mixed Sushi at SM Megamall Supermarket, while my sister and I would settle for Sushi-Boi Delihaus because they have one franchise in Puregold San Juan, just a stone throw away where we live.

In comparison, the one that they are selling at SM is a bit pricey as compare to Sushi-Boi, but the taste and the quality of the food speak for itself.

The mixed sushi at SM supermarket is on a black styrofoam which I believe adds to its aesthetic sense while the one in Sushi-Boi Delihaus is in a white styro. As for the taste, Sushi-Boi’s California Maki is better, but the rest, well, my vote goes to the one at SM supermarket.

Mixed Sushi which consist of 3 california maki, 3 futo maki, 4 kani maki, 3 kani sushi, and 2 tamago is 130php. While Sushi-Boi's 10 pcs California Maki is 70php.

Sushi-Boi Delihaus

Available in every Puregold Market

For Deliveries/Franchise call:

0915-4034123

740-7643

Fish & Co.

One thing I like about Fish & Co. is the way they prepare and served their food in a simple and straight-forward manner.

Order Fish and Chips and you will be served a generous portion of both fish and fries in a hot pan on a fish-shaped wood, then you can feast your hearts out. Though simple, one should not be deceived, as the freshness of the fish served accompanied by the equally tasty and crispy fries is definitely to-die-for.

And since they have introduced their new varieties of fish and chips the first quarter of this year, there is no reason for us to pass on having to experience the new choices.

The varieties of flavor available are India, Japan, Malaysia and US-Philadelphia. And since I'm a cheese lover, I ordered for the US-Philadelphia variety.

It may look like the usual fish on a pan that they served but once you take a bit on it, you would be happy to know that it is oozing with right amount cream cheese that des not over power the taste of the fish. It was such a Fish-tacular experience.


Also, we tried their Seafood Pizza and we were not disappointed as well. There is generous seafood topping which are very tasty and the crust of the pizza is made of pastry-like dough, meaning it is not thick, so you'll get to enjoy the taste of the toppings rather than just the dough itself (i'm not a fan of thick crust pizza).

The Fish and Fries will cost you 200+php, but it can be for sharing because the serving is big.

We also must not discount the fact that their food servers are very accommodating while the ambiance is very homey and comfortable (air conditioned smoking area, and yes, there is a wi-fi) It is really worth the price you are paying.

FISH & CO.

SHANGRI-LA MALL
Fri-Sun: 11:00am-12:00mn
GD 115 Streetscape
Shangri-la Mall Edsa corner
Shaw Blvd Mandaluyong City
Tel/Fax: 63 2 9102140 to 42
Opened since 27 October 2005
Operating hours: Mon-Thu: 11:00am-11:00pm

Other branches are in Trinoma, SM Mall of Asia, and Greenbelt 3
log in to Fish & Co.’s website at
http://www.fish-co.com/main.htm