Balkan Express

Way back in college, a Yugoslavian friend talked me into watching a film entitled “Balkan Express”.  It was a madcap funny film, a clever satire that is why I enjoyed it.  Fast forward to 2010, when one of my favorite writers and a fellow food aficionado, Manila Boy Spanky Enriquez raved about a restaurant called Balkan Express, I know it’s gotta be good. The fact that it is located near my place in San Juan City, only made it all the more enticing to me.  I can add it to my list of San Juan Restaurants I can go to if I’m not in the mood for long drives, such as Everything At Steak, House of Lasagna, Yuu Jin Japanese Resto, Bread and Bean, Chicken Charlie, Sandy's Pizza, and more.

Although first impression is important, If it is possible, I make it a point to pay a couple of visits, if not more than that, before I write about restaurants just to check the consistency of the service and quality.  Also, it gives me a chance to try variety of dishes which tickles my interest on their menu.  Balkan Express is one of those few who manage to deliver when it comes to consistent good quality of food and excellent service.

Tucked in Little Baguio, San Juan City, Balkan Express serves no nonsense meaty dishes.  Tagged as Home of Home Cooked Eastern European Cuisine, Balkan Express which is owned by brothers Marco and Martin Batricevic is one restaurant I always look forward to visiting whenever I want to do mean carnivorous food tripping.

Stuffed Pljeskavica 320php

Grilled Minced Beef Stuffed With Melted Mozzarella and Chili Flakes

Stuffed Pljeskavica

Grilled beef meat stuffed with mozzarella cheese and chili flakes.  It is usually served with French Fries but you can opt for Jasmine Rice which I did because I am hardcore that way.  The degree of difficulty in pronouncing the name does not discount the fact that this dish is very easy to love.  The beefy goodness of the meat stuffed with the creamy melted mozzarella cheese is heaven in all its glory, while the kick of spiciness which comes from the chili flakes gives it a naughty spunk that leaves you craving for more.

Chicken Batak 290php

Chicken Batak

Chicken Batak on a bed of hot Jasmine Rice

This dish gives me a different high, regardless of its name.  Perfectly grilled chicken meat stuffed and smothered with mozzarella cheese, sprinkled with secret Serbian spices on a bed of hot Jasmine rice.  I think the cheese pull this dish off because it would be just the same ordinary grilled chicken otherwise.  Good thing that I am a cheese lover, so I gave this dish thumbs up.

Cevapcici 180php

Cevapcici

I want my Cevapcici with extra cheese!

Cevapcici served with fries, homemade tartar sauce, catsup, and veggies

Beef sausage links on a bun is described on the menu as an all-time-favorite Balkan dish.  These flavorful mean sausages can do without the homemade sauce that comes with it because it was already tasty on its own. 

Pljeskavica 180php

Pljeskavica, Grilled Serbian Burger

Pljeskavica, served with fries, homemade tartar sauce, catsup, and veggies

This grilled Serbian Hamburger was the meatiest burger I have ever tasted.  The patty was gigantic and very flavorful.  Though it looked like your ordinary big burgers, the taste will speak for itself.  I love how juicy the meat was, and every bite was bursting with flavors.

If you want to know Serbian Cuisine, Balkan Express is a good start.  Although their menu offers limited choices, the authenticity in taste is highly recommended.  The place is small and the parking is a bit of a challenge.  The food attendants were very accommodating and I appreciate that they are knowledgeable about the food that they are serving.

On my next visit I’ll probably try their Musaka, which needs to be ordered one day n advance.  Also, their Goulash and Balkanski Kebab are on top of my list of food to try on their menu.  So far, what I have tasted on their menu were all delicious and satisfying, enough reason for me to go back there and introduced it to my friends.

Balkan Express is located at 87 Jose Abad Santos cor Mons Street, Little Baguio, San Juan City. Call them at 33-00-945.

Manos Greek Taverna

Unplanned trips, don’t you just love them?  I love receiving a phone call from some friends at an unlikely time of the day telling me to be ready as they will be at my doorsteps in ten minutes because everyone is up for a long drive somewhere.  The adrenalin rush beats the crap out of drinking a gallon of energy drink.  Yes, I am a sucker for spontaneity.

Having been stressed by work and some personal matters, it was one of those days when I couldn’t even think of a single thing to help me lighten up.  Then my phone rang, it was my cousin Anjo inviting me to go out for a coffee.  Hours after, I found myself taking photos of sunset while my cousin was manning the wheels.  The back seat was already full of different kinds of food we purchased from some random restaurants and stores we happen to passed by, so we just thought of having coffee in Tagaytay.  When we passed by Manos Greek Taverna, it’s a different story. “Light dinner?” we both agreed.

As my fork sinks into the dense layer of eggplant, potatoes, meats, and béchamel sauce, in a split second, my palate was blissfully covered by the meaty creaminess of Mousaka.  Although eggplant is the main ingredient for this wonderful dish, its taste was very subtle.  The serving was very generous; I could only finish half of it.

Mousaka

Souvlaki was also a filling meal which comprise of tatziki (greek sauce made of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, salt, and mint), cabbage salad, potato fries, and 2 sticks of pork.  Manos made their own yogurt which makes their tatziki fits to my liking as it doesn’t taste commercialized.  My cousin clearly had a great time feasting on this dish because of tatziki which perfectly goes well with the pork.

Souvlaki

The subtle crunchy sound of the phyllo pastry was music to my ear, as I was greeted with the beautiful shade of green brought about by the spinach.  The almost melting state of the feta cheese was not just a beautiful sight but a lovely creamy treat to the palate.  I was a little apprehensive about ordering Spanakopita thinking that my cousin wouldn’t like it, but he finished the dish in no time, raving how delicious it was.  You couldn’t go wrong with spinach and feta cheese after all. 

Spanakopita

I was about to order for their baklava but then I realized that we have tons of food waiting for us in the car so I just decided to skip it.  It was a light, and simple, yet lovely dinner.  The ambiance of the restaurant was downright simple but very clean.  The food attendants were very friendly and approachable, service was fast and accurate.

Manos Greek Taverna Interior

I’ve been planning to dine at Manos Greek Taverna for a while now, to no avail.  But this unplanned trip to Tagaytay brought me one of the loveliest dinners at that simply lovely restaurant.  Not to mention that I was in a company of my cousin who’s always been a brother I never had. 

My cousin Anjo, enjoying his share of Mousaka

After that we head straight to a coffee shop where the rest of the night was spent with thousand untold stories and catching up. 

Manos Greek Taverna

Calamba Road

Brgy. San Jose (Olevares)

Tagaytay City

Tel. No. (mobile) 0916 429 8358

Fax (046) 860 2559

Kashi Maki by My Pink Wasabi

They say it’s cute, for me that adjective is an understatement.  The intricate details that were carefully crafted by Chef Anna Marin Chua echoes a labor of love; therefore, it’s not just cute in my opinion.  Pink Wasabi’s Kashi Maki creations are aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and palates, yes, they are beautiful.

Kashi Maki are sweet hand rolled dessert cakes formed to resemble sushi.  This unique creation that Pink Wasabi is proud of was slowly but surely creating patrons who would constantly rave how unique and delectably satisfying these bite size heavens are.  First time I tasted it, I was smitten.

I was able to try four flavors; Midnight Mint, Choco Locco, White Matcha, and Cookie Kiss.  While the other flavors I have yet to try are Lemony P, Coconut Dream,  Momo Crunch, and Oolong Berry.  Although I enjoyed all the four variants, my palate favors the Midnight Mint.

Midnight Mint

Midnight Mint

The chocolate goodness of this tiny hand rolled cake dusted with cocoa powder was very comforting, almost homey. While the dark mint truffle inside only intensifies the luxurious taste of the chocolate as the gelatin on top tickled my palate.

White Matcha

White Matcha

The taste of infused green tea in creamy white Belgian chocolate was very apparent, giving the cake an invigorating kick. The white chocolate tablet on top was an added treat.

Cookie Kiss

Cookie Kiss

This dark chocolate cake with cherries Chantilly crème and rolled in crushed cookies reminds me of sweet memories during my childhood.  It was good and unforgettable.

Choco Locco

Choco Locco

Hand rolled cakes covered with nuts was just an outside appearance, wait until you get to the center.  The homemade cashew nut paste mixed with pure Belgian milk chocolate inside complete this little bite of awesome delight.

My Pink Wasabi at Mercato Centrale

One thing that you have to take note though is that these Kashi Maki are not as sweet as your usual desserts but it doesn’t mean that it’s not delicious.  Some of these hand rolled cakes were infused with tea so it can be a healthy alternative desserts.

Chef Anna Marin Chua of My Pink Wasabi

Available in Sampler (4pcs.), Bento Box (12pcs. and 16pcs.), and Sampler Tray (25pcs. and 50pcs.) these Kashi Maki can be purchased at Mercato Centrale Weekend Market and they also do delivery and pick up. My Pink Wasabi Kashi Maki are perfect as a gift, give aways, and party food.  This unique creation will surely be loved not just by people who loves sushi but by everyone who appreciates good food. 

Also, they are currently having a contest, “Kashi Maki Photo Contest” wherein participants can send in their most creative and wackiest photo while enjoying Kashi Maki with a caption indicating why they love Kashi Maki.  This contest will run until July 19, 2011, so hurry and visit their facebook page for more details.

My Pink Wasabi   

Website: http://www.mypinkwasabi.com/

Mobile No. 09062102966

Email:  mypinkwasabi@gmail.com       

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/mypinkwasabi

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/mypinkwasabi.pastries