Lola Cafe + Bar in Quezon City

Lola Cafe + Bar which opened early this year is a welcome addition to the long lists of restaurants in Quezon City specifically that of Tomas Morato area. I have been to Lola Cafe and Bar for number of times already and I must say that every visit is always an enjoyable one in terms of service and quality of food.

Just like some of the restaurants in Tomas Morato area, Lola Cafe + Bar located at Scout Lozano near Cafe Romulo, is a residential space converted into a dining nook. The ambiance is as comfortable as a home, the service is thoughtful and friendly, and the food is always heartwarming.

Its impressive space boasts of two storey dining areas and al fresco space which is very apt since the place can be jam packed especially on weekends. A touch of white with some gray highlights dominates the space. Quirky trinkets also adds charm to the contemporary and modern vibe of the interior.

Cowrie Grill by Manila Hotel at Promenade Greenhills

Cowrie Grill is the signature restaurant of the famous Manila Hotel which opened way back 1977 and closed down to make way for Café Ilang-Ilang last 2011. Fast forward to 2013, Cowrie Grill by Manila Hotel once again re-opened its door but this time, at Promenade in Greenhills San Juan. 

Now a satellite restaurant of Manila Hotel, Cowrie Grill has the flamboyance and the elegance of the well-known hotel it is representing. The magic in the kitchen is spearheaded by Cowrie Grill’s Executive Chef Michael G. So Chan. Thoughtful service and food of high quality are just some of the things that one may look forward to dining at Cowrie Grill.

Some of the original cowrie shells that decorated the restaurant when it was still on its original location were still preserved and presented as décor at the newly opened branch. The ambiance is sophisticated without being snobbish. Five start hotel restaurant dining experience is always expected.

Stockton Place in Makati City: Steak, Pork, and Foie Gras

When I learned that Stockton Place, a fairly new restaurant in Makati City serves mean and manly steak of good quality, I promised myself to visit. Schedule of available reservation was always against my free time. Yet, as luck would have it, fate smiled at me and gave me the illusive chance to finally visit Stockton Place. As an added bonus, I was in the company of dome of my favorite food bloggers in Manila. Thank you, Universe.

Stockton Place is located at Salcedo St. in Makati, just next door to its sibling, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar, the Blind Pig. Since it opened this year, foodies from all over Manila have been raving about the goodness of food at Stockton Place. 

The place although small exudes a contemporary ambiance made classy with its prominent color of black and white. It can house roughly 30 person, and is open from Monday to Saturday, dinner time only. Hence, reservation is highly encouraged. We came just right in time for our reservation and the place wasn't full yet. But couple of minutes later, it was a full house.