Mario's Kitchen, Katipunan

Along Katipunan Avenue, there is this quaint restaurant called Mario's Kitchen. It has several no nonsense Spanish dishes on the menu and an impressive line of liquors including Portuguese wines as its arsenal. Daytime could mean a quiet but nonetheless satisfying dining experience at Mario's Kitchen. Come night time, the place easily transforms into a full on festive mode with acoustic band playing on the background.

I have very little knowledge about Mario's Kitchen prior to my visit, to be honest. Its limited online presence does not help either. So as per usual, I had to go with my gut feel which thankfully rarely disappoints me.

It turns out, Mario's Kitchen is a sort of offshoot from one of my all-time favorite restaurants, Mario's Restaurant in Tomas Morato and Baguio of the Benitez's. "Sort of", being the operative words since Mario's Kitchen is an entirely separate concept.

Chelsea Kitchen, Eastwood Mall Libis

I was at Eastwood City Libis last week working on my writing assignment and part of the itinerary of my day was to check out Chelsea Kitchen in Eastwood Mall. It is the newest branch of Chelsea Kitchen, and just like its branch in SM Megamall, it allows an easy access for busy shoppers to a much needed respite.

It was technically a brunch, my dining experience at Chelsea Kitchen Eastwood. I was dead set on just getting my job done as I have four restaurants to visit that day.

But I am not really the type who could refuse a palatable feast that beckons. So with the strategy in mind relying on the proverbial food pacing, I allowed my self to indulge at Chelsea Kitchen. 

Giligan's Restaurant, Mille Luce The Village Center Antipolo: Unlimited Rice Meals, Cold Beer, and The Best Sisig

Giligan's Restaurant located at the new complex of Mille Luce's The Village Center in Antipolo City is one of the newest restaurants that popped in this year in town. Giligan's which has several branches in Manila is best known for their Sisig which makes them the best place for after work beer session aside from being just a dine-in restaurant.

I have been to Giligan's other branches in Manila before as most of my friends including myself are fan of their Sisig paired with ice cold beer. Since I am doing my Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series, I didn't mind a visit for a decent meal instead of just popping bottles of beer.

The visit happened this evening when my father suddenly made a right turn to The Village Center on our way home. We were expecting a nice dinner at home but no one complained when the suggestion to check out Giligan's first popped in.

Charlie's Grind and Grill, Makati

I cannot remember when was the last time I have dined at Charlie's Grind and Grill prior to my visit recently. Perhaps it has something to do with the numbers of different burger joints sprouting all over Manila that I must be visited for the blog. Or perhaps maybe because since I moved here in the East, Charlie's Grind and Grill branches are tad too far to me now.

Despite that, I know at the back of my mind that when asked for best place to get a good burger, Charlie's Grind and Grill is still one of the best recommendation I could give alongside some of my favorite burger joints.

Last time I wrote about Charlie's Grind and Grill here on the blog was year 2011 and it was all about my admiration for their Philly Cheese Steak. So when a chance presented itself one day, I dropped by at their Makati branch to once again enjoy the goodness of the grubs they offer at Charlie's.

Going Back to Outback Steakhouse Makati for a Satisfying Lunch

I recently had lunch at Outback Steakhouse in Makati and as expected, the experience was delightful. There are several branches of Outback Steakhouse here in Manila but the ones I frequent to is their branch in Glorietta. It was a simple and quick lunch but it brought so many good memories.

I have mentioned in my last Outback Steakhouse blog post that this restaurant has always been one of my favorite even way back those days when I wasn't blogging yet. 

To this day, that still holds true. Had I not moved to Antipolo, I will still probably frequent to this branch. But then again, a trip to Outback whenever I am in Makati isn't a bad idea, right? 

Food Trip at Robinsons Place Las Piñas

Last weekend I was invited to a Food Tour at Robinsons Place Las Piñas. There are numbers of local restaurants at the Southern part of Manila that opened a branch at Robinsons Place Las Piñas so going there can be a good chance to explore these food places all in one roof.

So aside from the impressive line of stores that are housed within the mall, we could say that Robinsons Place Las Piñas is also a good dining destination when visiting the South.

That was what our tour was all about - to visit these restaurants and familiarize ourselves with the food that they do offer. Equipped with passion in finding good food and an enthusiasm to explore new place, I joined several Manila bloggers together with the Marketing staff of Robinsons Place Las Piñas in this food tour.

Marufuku Japanese Restaurant in Ortigas

I have always wanted to try Marufuku Japanese Restaurant in Ortigas which is said to be one of the Best Japanese Restaurants in Manila by some food enthusiasts I know. Despite the itch to take the road less traveled - at least by me - I was not able to do so until a friend invited me for a quick lunch and a little catching up. 

Aptly tagged as a "hidden gem" or a "secret" Japanese restaurant, Marufuku is tucked in a nondescript place that can be easily missed if you are not familiar with the area. Yet if you know that it is located at The Crescent Building facing San Miguel Ave. and the entrance is located in Amethyst St. at the back side of the building, it shouldn't be hard to locate. It's near UA&P.

Parking area is decent enough to hold several cars but during busy days, finding a spot can be quite a challenge. Nonetheless, the challenge will be worth it if you get to try the amazing Japanese that Marufuku serve.

Deal Grocer Experience

Let me say this from the get-go, before trying out Deal Grocer, I am skeptical when it comes to group buying sites. Case in point, during the time when majority of the food bloggers I know were writing about their dining experiences made possible through the vouchers they bought at some group buying site sprouting those days, I got nothing to contribute. Simply because I do not patronize such.

Those horrifying group buying sites experiences documented on blog posts you can find all over the internet also didn't help. So, call me a less than smart consumer if you must, but I will still stand firm on my belief that if I want good quality food and service, I must pay it with fair price.

I have been blogging about restaurants for nearly eight years now, that cliche that says "You get what you pay for" holds truth in it. So, I would rather work hard and save money for those experiences which will guarantee a good quality food and service instead of pushing my luck that my vouchers will not disappoint me. It's food that nourishes the body we are talking about, I hate being disappointed when it comes to that, so I don't mind spending.

Nostalgic Dining at Lydia's Lechon Restaurant

There is this certain happy feeling I have when writing about food that my parents enjoy even before they had a child who grew up to write about food. It can be a good excuse to peek through the yesteryears with some hint of the root cause why I, as their child ended up liking so much food. 

Lydia's Lechon is one of those which has become part of my parents past which love for it they carry to this day.

So this recent visit to Lydia's Lechon Restaurant along Marcos Highway in Antipolo courtesy of the people behind the brand led to some nostalgic stupor when my mother started telling stories about how she, as a child enjoyed some porcini bliss that only Lydia's Lechon could provide. 

The Halal Guys PH Manila Experience: The Food & The Food Enthusiasts Who Love Them @TheHalalGuysPH

The Halal Guys PH is set to open in Manila on October 13, 2015 at the Food Hall of Mega Fashion Hall SM Megamall. Media and some Manila bloggers were given a sneak preview yesterday of what to expect once The Halal Guys open its door to the anticipating public. 

I was one of those who kept an eye on them since the rumor started spreading that this iconic America-Halal street food franchise will hit Manila shore. And based on my experience, it's worth the wait. 

I haven't met anyone who have tried the Halal Guy's offerings and doesn't love them. Its stature that started from its humble beginnings in New York to what it is now is a pretty clear indication how this brand has earned the love of many food enthusiasts. 

Breakfast Buffet at Fab Restaurant, Holiday Inn Galleria Manila

I stayed at Holiday Inn Hotel Galleria Manila with my family weeks ago to celebrate my sister's birthday. Part of our accommodation was complimentary breakfast buffet at Fab Restaurant. It was not my first encounter with Fab Restaurant since my parent's default hotel choice for family bonding has always been Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza Hotel because of some Priority Club membership they are part of. 

Photos I took whenever we're dinning at Fab Restaurant were all tad too personal to be posted here on the blog, hence it is only now that I get to write about my dining experience at Fab.

Fab is the in-house restaurant of Holiday Inn Galleria Manila that offers breakfast buffet and all-day dining menu. Although Seven Corners Restaurant located at the connecting hotel Crowne Plaza is more famous, Fab Restaurant also offers impressive International food choices.

P125 Eat-All-You-Can Buffet at Mom's Pot Restaurant [Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series]

Mom's Pot Restaurant is one of those that offers really affordable eat-all-you-can buffet in Antipolo City. Yes, we have quite a few buffet restaurants here that offers Php100+ buffet rate. Mom's Pot Restaurant located along M.L. Quezon extension was my first brush with these affordable eats. It was formerly known as My Pot Restaurant but with their recent relocation comes with a changed in name.

At first, I was a bit hesitant to try it out because really, what can you expect from a Php125 buffet restaurant?

But then I was always curious. Every time I passed by Mom's Pot, the place was always full and parking area was never empty either. So I figured I should give this one a shot. After all, I am still working on my Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series. 

Dolcelatte, Quezon Ave: The Cheese Stories Experience #DolcelatteCheeseStories

I recently visited Dolcelatte along Quezon Ave. in Quezon City to check out their new lines of dishes tagged as #DolcelatteCheeseStories collectively. Dolcelatte believes in that the art of cheese pairing never gets old - a belief I also believes in. Hence, these new dishes added to their menu essentially have cheese as the main star.

To say no to an opportunity to feast on cheese-laden food is a capital sin in my book, much like winging a breakfast devoid of bacon. So I find my merry way to Dolcelatte one day and let myself be swayed by the awesomeness of the dining experience they offer.

It was my first time at Dolcelatte and by the time that I am finished with my meal, I almost punch myself in the face for letting years pass without even checking them out. Needless to say, they blew me way.

NIU by Vikings Buffet, SM Aura

A lot has been said about NIU by Vikings Luxury Buffet located in SM Aura. A simple Google search yields numbers of food blogs and media write ups about what is tagged to be the fine dining version of Vikings Buffet. And it can't be helped since being recognized as The Best Buffet Restaurant in Manila, one cannot really expect nothing less when it comes to the Vikings Buffet Group.

I have written about several Vikings Buffet branches here on the blog including another on of its sister restaurant, Four Seasons Hot Pot. Dining experiences at these buffets always bring delight to my heart. Now the spotlight is at NIU.

During the early days of its opening a hefty price tag of over Php1,000 will secure you a spot to this fine dining luxurious buffet. During my visit however, the price has been slashed to Php888 for lunch and Php1,388+ for dinner. Now the question still lingers, why is NIU more expensive than other Vikings Buffet?

Seoul Barbecue Korean Restaurant, Libis: Gettin' Jiggy with Budae Jjigae

I was not aware of the existence of Seoul Barbecue Korean Restaurant along Libis in Quezon City until recently when my cousin suggested to have a dinner there one night. Being managed by Korean, it is said that Seoul Barbecue offers authentic Korean dishes. I can't really say no to Korean food these days so I thought why not.

It was a cold rainy Friday night and we were starving - a hot and hearty stew needed to happen.

Located just right in front of Eastwood, an area where restaurants are aplenty, Seoul Barbecue wasn't really something I usually notice when visiting Libis for some dining engagements. But that night, we were a bunch of hungry kids with a delicious mission - Korean food.

Kuya Tom's Boneless Cebu Lechon & Spicy Lechon Ribs

Kuya Tom’s Boneless Cebu Lechon is a business that spawned from the success of two of the best sellers at Qubiertos Grill and Restaurant; the Boneless Cebu Lechon and the Spicy Lechon Ribs. I already blogged about Qubiertos on my previous post but I believe that Kuya Tom’s merits its own space here because truth be told; they made a fan out of me.

It is said that Kuya Tom’s is a mini version of Qubiertos  - bearing a smaller store space and number of items on the menu. That however did not make it less desirable since all the best selling dishes at Qubiertos, you can also find at Kuya Tom’s. 

Within five months of opening, Kuya Tom’s Boneless Cebu Lechon already has five branches located mostly in Quezon City area and one in Balangga Bataan. They recently opened a Qubiertos branch in Kapitolyo Pasig, so I am guessing there will be a Kuya Tom’s stall there as well. They are open for franchising hence; it is expected to see more Kuya Tom’s branches soon.

Qubiertos Grill and Restaurant

Qubiertos Grill and Restaurant with branches at Kapitolyo Pasig, D. Tuazon Quezon City, and Kalayaan Quezon City is a foodie place specializing in Filipino Cuisine. From its success spawned a spin off which is the Kuya Tom’s Boneless Cebu Lechon by Qubiertos. Now, let me say it from the get-go, this is one of the Best Filipino Restaurants in Manila that I have ever been to.

Although they are known for their Boneless Cebu Lechon and Spicy Lechon Ribs, Qubiertos also offers other impressive Filipino dishes.

 

It may be easy to consider Qubiertos as a watering hole where people can gather for an after work beer session considering its line of dishes that goes well with beer. I for one was under that impression for a while. Yet, recent visit at Qubiertos opened my eyes that it could also be a great restaurant to go to when dining with family.

Karen's Kitchen, Kapitolyo Pasig City

Karen's Kitchen located in Kapitolyo Pasig City is a restaurant you would go for when great tasting dishes, impeccable line of desserts, and charming ambiance are what you are looking for. There are plenty of restaurants in Kapitolyo, but Karen's Kitchen with its eye-catching yellow and red colors is not something you should miss for oh so may reasons.

One of them is if you have a penchant for a very charming lady for a chef whose pleasant aura mirrors in every food she prepares. Take my word for it, Karen's Kitchen is your place.

First time I have met Karen Young was during Dessert Comes Firsts 6th year Anniversary. Months after that we have become fellow attendees of Power of Pen Writing Workshop. We exchanged emails in the past when she invited me to Karen's Kitchen branch at Petron Dasma. Unfortunately, I have to reply with regrets since that was the time when I was busy packing a decade of my life in Manila to move back to my hometown.

Go-En Japanese Ramen, Quezon City: Ramen, Kendama, and Manga

Go-En Japanese Ramen Shoppe Plus is a little ramen shop in Sgt. Esguerra Ave. Quezon City that offers its diner more than just traditionally made ramen. Go-En also offers the fun of playing Kendama toys and the pleasure of reading Japanese comics, Manga. 

Tucked within Jardin de Zenaida compound, Go-En Ramen shouldn't be hard to locate, all you have to remember is that they are located in the same area as the famous Livestock Restaurant.

Owned by lovely couple John and Marilyn who are both staying in Japanese for 20 years now, Go-En was named after Japanese five yen coin which is known to bring good luck. There is also another phonetically similar word Goen which means good luck in relationship often exchange by friends. With this, Go-En Ramen aims to establish a lucky relationship between them and their diners.

The Little House of Cheesecakes and More [Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series]

I chanced upon Little House of Cheesecakes and More in Antipolo City while I was working on a write up for one of the food magazines I am writing for. Situated at the new commercial complex that boasts of new restaurants and food stores near Ynares Center in Antipolo, The Little House of Cheesecakes is not really hard to locate.

The name may imply that the store sells different kinds of cheesecakes you could ever imagine. I myself, was under that impression. Yet, my visit opened my eyes to this wonderful little world of well yes, cheesecakes - and then some. That includes one of my most favorite things in the world - books.

I notice that there is a sudden wave of new restaurants opening in Antipolo City and as a blogger, it really makes me happy. So, in continuing with my Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series for YedyLicious, let us talk about The Little House of Cheesecakes and More (LHCM).